The Royal News, December 2021

DECEMBER 2021

THE R O YA L NEWS FOR STUDENTS, BY STUDENTS

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

5 6-7 8-9 10-11 12 13 14 15 16 18-19 20 21 22-23 24 25 26 27 28-29 30 31 32-33

EDITOR’S COMMENTS NEGATIVE SOCIAL MEDIA IMPACTS THE NEW TEEN ADDICTIONS MS. J TAKES OVER THE CHOIR PROGRAM TOO MUCH TECH? "SWEET" NRHS EVENT NRHS LENDS A HAND HOLIDAYS TRADITIONS FILM REVIEW HEADED FOR THE BIG LEAGUES STUDENT INSPIRES OUTDOOR SPORT THE RETURN OF THE MUSIC OPINION: GUARDIANS' OWNER DISAPPOINTS

OPINION: TRIAL REVEALS PROBLEMS IN USA OPINION: RITTENHOUSE REACTION OPINION: THE NEED TO STUDY IN STUDY HALL OPINION: POLITICS ARE DIVIDING US OPINION: LESS SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE OPINION: GIVE US A BREAK! OPINION: STUDENT EXPRESSION THROUGH INK OPINION: EUROPEAN BORDER ISSUES COVER PHOTO: JACK HALEY INSIDE COVER PHOTO: MOLLY PETRINA

THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS PUBLICATION ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHORS. THEY DO NOT REFLECT THE OPINIONS OR VIEWS OF THE ROYAL NEWS, ITS ADVISOR OR NORTH ROYALTON HIGH SCHOOL.

S TA F F

Writers

MICHAEL BODZENTA ISABELLA CARLUCCI CHARLEY CARMICHAEL SYDNEY FRYDRYK ANGIE GRUNERT JACK HALEY ANASTASIYA HAYDASH ARIEL HICKS CAMERON HOOVER BRENDAN KOVACH KAYLIN PAULOZZI MOLLY PETRINA JACK ROBINSON

Staff Advisor MR. HEMERY

PHOTO BY SYDNEY FRYDRYK

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NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

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here is a certain joy in watching student journalists become more comfortable in their own skins. The first interviews are always nerve wracking, as the writers try to figure out the pacing of the discussions–what to ask, when to follow up. But as the year progresses, the students quickly master this skill and have no problem sitting down with students, teachers, or administrators to obtain the story. To hear someone’s perspective.

That idea of perspective is always at the forefront of this second issue, as the student journalists are not only presenting feature articles that allow us to pause and linger on some more “evergreen” subjects, but they also write their first columns and begin to hone their own voices and opinions. We’ve spent the better part of the semester ridding their articles of bias, but in these special stories, they clear their throats to let the readers know exactly how they feel.

Some readers may disagree with their viewpoints.

I may disagree with their viewpoints. But that doesn’t matter because these students are learning the importance of making their voices heard, which is the beginning of dialogue, something we all know the

world often lacks. Their generation has been accused of being complacent, of sitting idly by on their phones and watching from a distance. But every group of young people has had to face this criticism, and these students remind us that they care about the world and want to help shape it into something amazing.

To see our newsroom is to witness pure joy. These students are abuzz as they craft and research their stories. There is a life to it that is impossible to replicate anywhere else. I will share one story that particularly struck me in this writing cycle. I had a student who had an idea for a column, but after they began to research and ponder their topic, they completely changed their stand because they had a chance to really evaluate the idea. Can you imagine if we all spent some time to linger? To think. To evaluate our world perspectives. I have so much to learn from these students. And because of that, I am proud to share their voices with you, again, in this issue.

And thank you, as always, for taking the time to read.

-Mr. Hemery, Staff Advisor December 2021

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MEDIA GONE BAD BY: KAYLIN PAULOZZI

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ne morning a student opens their phone to a famous individual's page. Scrolling through and endlessly viewing the celeb’s life in pictures, the student wonders why life can’t be great like that for them. A tiny screen holds so many realities, real and fake, that adds stress in students' lives.

Social media has become a filler in students' lives. “I have nothing else to really occupy myself in my free time,” said Madison Geregach. Aside from being something to distract students, they also use it to keep in touch. Madison said, “I have it to fit in the norm of communication nowadays.”

Despite the few advantages, Madison said that social media is more harmful than beneficial because many people are held up to such a social standard. She said seeing people like the Kardashian’s or famous youtubers constantly displaying their life for the camera is disappointing. “People would be a lot happier if social media standards did not exist.” She said that “the idea of how a girl should look gets me and others insecure.” Social media portrays an image that can be harmful according to 6

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many students.

Senior Anthony Mondi said, “Seeing people better looking than me causes some insecurities.”

Social media affects students differently, but the most popular opinion is negative. Yet, students at North Royalton concluded that they would not delete social media.

Another senior, Rylie Smith, said that she also has social media to stay in touch with others. Although social media is beneficial for staying in contact, she said, “Seeing all the Photoshopped things makes me feel really bad about myself.” Social media promotes more than staying in touch with others. It promotes images that are unrealistic most of the time. Influencers like Addison Rae show how she is not in school and is on vacation all of the time. Also, Rylie said that social media to her is more harmful than beneficial because there is more bullying, shaming, popularity contests, and more. Even though she believes it is more harmful, she still wouldn’t delete social media either.

Rylie said that she keeps using social media even though it harms her because it “is like a drug.” It is addicting to her even though it’s damaging. She said that it always draws her in and there are times where the likes and comments she gets gives her a “high” to see all of the

attention, but then it goes away quickly after.

Aside from promoting false images, false news and media is also a downside affecting students. Senior David Hicks said he has social media because “a lot of information goes out no matter true or false; like sports news goes to Twitter first.” Twitter is his top social media he uses because he gets a lot of information about current news. He likes to be involved with sports updates at North Royalton about his football team, the basketball team, and more. David said, “If I see news that I don't know is true or not, and I relay it falsely to other people, I feel awkward.” He is worried that social media is giving false information and it is one downside to social media.

In a recent poll of North Royalton students, 100% of them said that social media has negatively affected them at some point in their lives. Social media is a staple in many students' lives, but it can be portrayed in positive or negative ways.

Junior Alex Manson said that social media has affected the way he views himself. He said, “Social media is just a harmful thing in general because it promotes harmful ideas and pictures that cause insecurities.”

Senior Elena Hornik said that social media also affects the way she views herself. She said that she compares herself to all of the influencers that are popular. “It really messes with my head. I see pictures and I want to look like them.” Emma Chamberlain is one good example of someone she wants her life to be like. She said she is extremely successful at such a young age, and Elena wants to be like that but being in high school and in a small town it seems impossible. She said that social media is an extremely toxic environment to be involved in.

Senior Angie Grunert said that Instagram is the worst

form of social media there is because of the unrealistic photos. She said they are what society thinks is okay and acceptable. If someone does not look like the people on Instagram, they are not acceptable. She said, “Instagram makes young teens think that they need to look or act a certain way in order to be considered attractive. But really that’s not true and yet there are many teens every day that are affected in a mental way and it’s so toxic.” Angie believes this is detrimental to mental health because it can convince students and teens that “I need to look like that” to be worthy of anything.

Social media is a very important part of students' lives. Stressors of social media today can immensely distract students daily. A man-made source of lies and fake realities can be extremely harmful to anyone, especially students today.

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BY JACK HALEY

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WHY ARE TEENS SO ADDICTED TO PLEASURE?

icture this: it is a Friday, school just let out, and thousands of high schoolers await a weekend full of excitement. However, one of these teens has work Sunday, an important test Monday, and a project deadline creeping up.

The student is aware of these responsibilities, but the anticipation of fun is just too overwhelming. Hours of relaxation, time with friends, partying, or any leisure activity are available, and the demanding tasks do not seem so demanding. But, by the time Sunday rolls around, only a few free hours remain. The teen plans to use that time to study before heading to work, but a brief scroll through social media before homework quickly turns into hours spent on their phone. At this 8

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time, the student has to go to work and comes home later that night exhausted and unmotivated, with no tasks accomplished.

While this scenario is specific to the hypothetical student, the pleasure-seeking cycle is extremely common among teenagers. They are dominated with a motivation to partake in pleasurable experiences, and while enjoyment is necessary for happiness, it can pose conflicts with less appealing responsibilities. North Royalton senior Kevin Bottomley explained how his motivation to be proactive is affected by such events.

“Sometimes when I have responsibilities conflicting with pleasurable activities, I choose the activities,” he said. “Even when I know that I have something that I

need to do.”

For high schoolers especially, the most opportunities for fun are in the beloved weekend. In a poll centered around North Royalton High School students, 91% of the respondents said they spend each week looking forward to the weekend. The results make sense, as five days full of school, extracurricular activities, and even work build great anticipation for freedom. In reference to the opportunities available, another senior, Ben Pacholski, supported making appealing decisions. “I believe happiness and enjoyment are the fuel to a good life,” he said. “I’m willing to put off work until later because if something is more appealing, I’ll do it.”

This need to fulfill gratification can actually be explained by neuroscience, even in rather simple terms.

When a person partakes in something that makes them feel good, a neurotransmitter called dopamine is released, described by WebMD. Rather than causing the pleasure itself, dopamine’s role is to create memories linked to the blissful sensations and develop a desire to recreate such experiences. These experiences can range anywhere from partying at a music festival to receiving a notification on social media, but the common factor between all of these is the activation of the brain’s reward center. A person’s decision to indulge rewards their brain with positive stimulation, drawing a desire to repeat.

As a matter of fact, psychologist Eveline Crone used a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner to look into the brain’s decision-making, according to an article by Science News for Students. She uncovered that the reward center in adolescents is much more active than those of children and adults, explaining why teenagers are so drawn to risks and pleasure-seeking.

Not to mention, the research found that dopamine levels are at their peak during this stage of life.

What does this information mean for teenagers?

One concern is that with the high dopamine levels and active reward centers, teens are more susceptible to being influenced by their peers and environments and forming addictions. In another poll, 65% of the respondents said they personally knew a teen with a substance addiction. This evidence is worrisome since teenagers’ brains are still well under development and substance abuse can lead to severe long-term effects on the mind and body.

Addiction is not limited to substance, however. Cell phones, rather what is accessible within cell phones, are some of the easiest addictions for teens to form. End-

Each Snapchat notification received activates the reward center, forging a competition between the motivations of studying and checking social media. less entertainment, games, and communication are available with a few taps, and each action stimulates the reward center. Furthermore, an additional poll recorded that 92% of respondents said that their phone distracts them from getting work done.

In sum, the effect of dopamine on teenagers can be dangerous if not managed but is also a major factor in their enjoyment of life. Adolescence is a time of epic thrills and adventures, and as long as there is an understood balance between responsibility and fun, the joy of being young should be cherished.

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TAKING COMMAND OF THE CHOIR PROGRAM

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By: Molly Petrina

fter spending months us- then was able to use in her interviews. ing the cold and cavernous Ms. Jahnigen has been working with North Royalton performing arts center as a High School since 2017, when she completed her student classroom, Ms. Jahnigen and teaching here. She was then hired as the assistant director her students excitedly set up their new- and choreographer for Royal Harmony in 2018 before being ly-modified choir room for class. When promoted to her current teaching position in 2020. Previousthe students began their warm ups this ly, Ms. Jahnigen has also worked in another school district past Monday, there was a sense of excitement in the air as and remarks that coming to North Royalton has also been the new music was passed out for the winter concert. “It’s easier in terms of classroom management. This is because just giving us a place to call kids in North Royalton are home right now,” said Ms. participating in choir from Jahnigen when referencing the time they are in sixth the new arts wing. grade. This district-wide As the new choir direcstrategy is effective in teachtor, Ms. Jahnigen is responing children how to behave sible for the entirety of the in a choral type of classchoir program including room at a younger age. AdRoyal Harmony, Concert ditionally, by the time they Choir, and Freshman Choir are in high school, students as well as a portion of the have chosen to be in choir, middle school choir prowhich gives them a higher gram. She manages her time incentive to learn. to keep up with the respon One of the major changes sibilities that come with implemented during Ms. running each choir, which Jahnigen’s career at North include skill-building, the Royalton was the decision teaching of music theory, to involve the eighth grade and choosing the repertoire choirs in the annual fall Newly-hired choir director, Ms. Jahnigen, poses in for performances. As a teach- front of her solfege posters after a successful class. Ms. concert. The goal was to give er of vocal arts, Ms. Jahnigen Jahnigen often uses these posters in her lessons about the eighth graders an addiprefers to never have a silent tional opportunity to sing, as music theory. classroom. “It’s very nice to well as to use the event as anhave someone who is patient and capable of working with other recruitment tool for the high school choir program. It us on our choreography and vocal abilities on a daily basis,” extended the concert as a whole and expanded the audience said Braden Goloja, one of Ms. Jahnigen’s current students. with middle school parents so that the auditorium would be Ms. Jahnigen submitted her application for the choir packed for the first concert of the year. It also gave all of the director position near the end of the last school year. She choirs the opportunity to interact with each other, and gave feels that she had an advantage over other candidates be- high school students a chance to reach out and encourage cause of her past experiences at North Royalton as well as both high schoolers and middle schoolers to audition for her time working with Mr. Mikolajczyk, the former choir choir or one of the school’s a cappella groups. director. Because of her previous position with North Roy- Ms. Jahnigen previously devoted a substantial amount alton’s show choir, Royal Harmony, Ms. Jahnigen had a solid of time to Royal Harmony, the competition show choir, as understanding of the choir department as a whole that she choreographer and assistant director. Ms. Jahnigen, who is 10

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originally from Kentucky, had not heard of show choir until career. Ms. Jahnigen would then attend Baldwin Wallace, she came to show choir summer camp during her student which gave her many opportunities to perform in different teaching and learned the competition show. “She’s brought a styles and genres. Ms. Jahnigen credits her college experiwhole new perspective to the show choir world,” said Mad- ence for giving her an appreciation for all different types of elyn Geschke, one of the current performers. She left North music and teaching her how to give her own students more Royalton at the end of her student teaching in December, unique experiences. but still insisted on returning to watch the group perform at Outside of school, Ms. Jahnigen still performs regularcompetitions. Eventually, Ms. Jahnigen took over as chore- ly, occasionally singing at weddings and funerals during the ographer and continued to establish herself as a figure in the weekends. Over the summer, Ms. Jahnigen performs and North Royalton community as an educator of performing music directs in local community theaters such as Near West, arts.

Blank Canvas, and Port Even now, Ms. JahniHouse. Summers are also gen still puts in a lot of a time for getting away and time and effort into Royal traveling or kayaking. Ms. Harmony and their comJahnigen also loves cookpetition show. She insists ing and baking, and always that it is all worth it for the looks forward to this part students and for the love of of her day. However, the the craft. This applies even most important thing for when competition season Ms. Jahnigen is her cats. and winter concert conflict, Ms. Jahnigen often says, “I forcing members to perfect work hard to give my cats a multiple pieces of music better life.” and choreography at the

Both current stusame time. Ms Jahnigen dents and alumni agree Ms. Jahnigen teaches her students the new music that has said, “Even when we are that Ms. Jahnigen is the struggling, we always pick been handed out for the annual Christmas concert. Students perfect person to take ourselves back up and do from each choir will present up to three pieces of music as over the choir program. it again.” Ultimately, Ms. well as sing collectively with the other choirs and the band. “My expectations were Jahnigen believes in her students and their ability to do their high, yet they were still exceeded,” said Zachary Schill, a work and get better as a group, and insists that the students are member of Royal Harmony. Show choir performers have althe ones who make or break the program. ready had the opportunity to get to know Ms. Jahnigen and Throughout her life, Ms. Jahnigen has had many expe- some of her many obsessions, such as her cats and the Titanriences that contributed to her decision to pursue a career in ic. Students from the other choirs are now in the process of music education. Despite having a family who is “not musical getting to know their new teacher. As the year continues, the in the slightest,” Ms. Jahnigen always knew she wanted to be choir program will continue to evolve with its new director. in music and often sang in choirs and performed in shows Ms. Jahnigen said, “I kind of had a picture of it (the choir from a very young age. Although not musical, her family was program) so I could morph the few things I wanted to into extremely appreciative of the arts and her older sister became the program I wanted to lead.” a professional dancer. As a child, Ms. Jahnigen had a babysitter who told her that she could be an artist, which would push her to get involved in a school for the creative arts from fourth to eighth grade. She would go on to join the performing arts program in her high school as well, which would enroll her in classes like choir and music theory.

A major reason that Ms. Jahnigen entered into music education was because of her high school choir director, who was finishing a doctorate during her senior year. He asked her to help him with administrative work and conducting, acting as her mentor for the rest of her high school THE ROYA L NEWS

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A TECHNOLOGICAL TAKEOVER

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B Y M I C HA E L B O D Z E N TA

s the bell rings, students rush to open could go out and do much more.¨ Snapchat and slowly walk with their

As cell phones continue to take over the heads down, intrigued to see who texworld and produce more and more content, so ted them. Instead of speaking to each will the internet as companies and schools have other, they are dead silent, faces into their phones. started to shift much more to online formats.

Overall, technology has taken over the world in With the global pandemic in 2020 and schools a way that was unimaginable 50 years ago. It is transferring to all online learning, Google Classnow a part of everyday life including its ups and room and other websites have become normal downs. throughout schools within recent years. Yet, 64% of students ¨I feel like we are too connected,” said North Royalton ju- state that they prefer a hard copy of a textbook to an onnior Georgia Arsic. ¨When I’m doing stuff, I’m always check- line book. Senior Matthew Grigger said, “I don’t normally ing my phone. And I wish I wasn’t.” Cell phones are the face read, but when I do, it’s easier to actually have it in front of of technology in the 21st century and there are no signs of this me instead of on a screen.” Along with this, 71% of students slowing down. A survey claimed that learning in conducted on North Royperson was easier than all alton students showed that online. ¨If you are a school 57 students said that they going towards online, spend four to six hours you already missed the a day on their phones, boat,¨ said Mr. Boch. ¨A while 35 students said they lot of the private schools spend more than six hours are going back to paper on their phones per day. textbooks because they While connected to can see that online is not their cell phones, stugood. I can explain things dents spend many of these online, but that does not hours using social media. mean you’re going to get Sixty-one students votthe same questions sitting ed that their favorite soacross from someone.¨ cial media platform was

Although much of North Royalton students use technology, such as their Snapchat, followed by Tik the light is shed on the negaschool issued chromebooks, on a daily basis.

Tok with 41 votes. Although tive aspects of technology, it most of the screen time used goes to social media, 59% of has great benefits which are taken advantage of every day. students said that they felt social media has more of a neg- Jaden Duke said, ¨My phone and social media help me stay ative impact than a positive impact. ¨I think social media is connected with everything around me. It is also my biggest the biggest thing that is dividing our country and causing news source.” With every pro, a con exists, and this especialkids anxiety,¨ said Mr. Boch, a science teacher at North Roy- ly applies to technology. Cell phones provide so many tools alton High School. ¨I just don't think social media is as good and features that are carried around everywhere, such as a for people as people would like to believe it is.¨ flashlight, camera, instant communication, and much more.

Along with the emergence of social media, technology The internet is one of the most useful but dangerous tools has created a barrier and prevented many people from so- that will ever exist. ¨Technology since the dawn of human cializing as much as they used to. Generation Z has endured civilization is largely good,¨ said Mr. Boch. ¨It is only recentmuch of the change in society, growing up with this innova- ly that it has become a problem.¨ tive technology as an everyday part of life. Many things have Overall, technology has taken over lives in an unimagbecome much easier than previous generations had it, but inable way. It has become a part of the culture, especially once again, a positive always brings a con. Technology has in the United States. The positive aspects of technology are caused a blockage in certain experiences, especially face-to- what make it so special. In the long run, humans are the face interactions. ¨We sit around the fire on our phones in- smartest creatures on Earth, and the negative aspects will be stead of talking to each other,” said senior Jaden Duke. ¨We addressed and corrected as technology advances.

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"SWEET TREAT" EVENT TRANSFORMS NRHS

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B Y S Y D N E Y F RY D RY K

miley kids walk into the high school filled with adrenaline and excitement. After walking through a dark hallway, they find themselves in a spooky, magical area filled with fun. With dimmed lights, colorful balloons and streamers floating in the air, the children are eager to start their fun.

This year, NRHS continued the tradition of hosting a Community Night Trick or Treat. Although the event has a newly-renovated site, it is still hosted by the high school students.

The high school's student council takes a lead role in the production of this event. After school, club members spent several hours setting up the event, and the vision finally came to life.

Student Council greeters show off their halloween spirit by dressing up for the event. From balloons, to lights, to games for the kids, they made sure the night was special. After the extensive setup, the members came back to distribute candy to the kids.

As parents and kids entered the high school, they were greeted by multiple high school students. One of the students, Jayden White, said, “I loved seeing all the students come in with their families. They all looked so excited.”

Community members walked down the hall through ribbons and balloons. As they walked into the “party,” kids were handed candy right away. “Their eyes lit up,” said Natalie Held, one of the many greeters. Walking from classroom to classroom, they were handed candy by many NRHS clubs, including Spanish Club, German Club, French Club, Honor Society, Key Club, and so many more.

“This event has been going on for decades here at the high school,” said Mr. Dietrich. Dietrich has been a teacher as well as the school activities director for many years. “It brings the community together at the high school without it being academic or

athletic related.”

North Royalton’s goal every year is to reach more and more people to come. The information about the event is shared through elementary and middle school. From the turnout, it was quite obvious that the students couldn't wait to go!

What the high school students like most about the event is being able to bring the community together. “This gives students in the community the opportunity to have a fun time before Halloween,” said Brandon Jenkins, sophomore at North Royalton. This fun and exciting atmosphere draws more volunteers back each year.

The construction of the new school was at first looked at as a challenge, as many worried about the size, but it ended up being perfect, especially for this event. The new science wing, where the main event was held, allowed for lots of dancing room and fun games to be set up. Face painting was done by many artistic students, including ones involved in the Art Club.

As the eerie lights flickered over the kids' heads, they looked up in awe. “This event allows students and myself to share the Halloween spirit. We love seeing the kids so happy,” said Natalie Held, a sophomore at North Royalton.

The parents also love how safe the space is. Year after year families bring their children to enjoy this event. North Royalton teachers and staff also bring their children from other districts to have the experience.

Due to all the hard work from the staff and students the event continues on for another year. “The North Royalton Community trick or treat was a great success and continues to excite all the children,” said Dietrich. “We c ou l d n ' t have done Balloons, streamers, and music set the it without scene for the trick or treat. everyone.”

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N R H S L E N D S A HA N D B Y A NA S TA S I YA HAY DA S H

ith the holiday season coming up, not evvarious subjects are members of the Naeryone will be able to put food on the table, tional Honors Society (NHS). An NHS especially this year due to the loss of jobs member, Alyssa Grugle, said, “I like to during the COVID-19 pandemic. Families help others because it makes me feel good will struggle to put gifts under the tree for their children and about the work that I have done.” Alyssa food on the table for Thankstutors in giving. This is why the North subjects Royalton High School does such as Spanish and math. annual food drives where Another way students parthey collect canned goods for ticipate in the North Royalthe people in need. The colton community is by volunlected food is then given to teering at community events. less fortunate people, to help Senior Katarina Djordjevic them have some food during came to school on multiple the holidays.

Saturdays to help decorate The North Royalton the school for homecoming, community is excellent in a Halloween event for high helping others. North Royschool, a middle school tailalton High School has varigate and many other events. ous clubs in which students Katarina said, “My favorite participate and volunteer to part of my volunteer work is help out in their community.. meeting all the people who Many students help out their also help out and seeing how community by collecting excited the people I’m helping food and supplies, tutoring get.” Katarina's favorite story North Royalton students volunteering at the NR in the library after school, and square by decorating the Christmas tree and string- is helping at the Halloween volunteering at different comcostume party. “I worked at a ing lights around the square. munity events, such as decoface painting booth and all the rating the square with Christmas decorations, organizing a little kids would get super excited when they got painted on, kids Halloween party, or decorating the school for a Home- and they were always so happy with how it turned out. Their coming dance. faces as they showed their parents were just awesome.” Kata There are many other organizations which let students rina loves to work with kids and see their big smile at the end. connect and help other people as well. Junior Sofia Kvasnyt- In addition, she is highly involved with the National Honors sya is involved in the Ukrainian American Youth Association Society and tutors students in many different subjects during (UAYA). She does a lot of fundraisers for orphans in Ukraine. her free periods.

“At UAYA before Christmas we have a fundraising event There are many different ways that students at North where we sell cookies and baked goods, then we split up into Royalton High School can get involved. They can join differgroups and go to a store to buy toys and supplies for kids. Af- ent clubs such as Key Club, Student Council, National Honors ter that we send everything to the people in need in Ukraine,” Society, and Stand. These clubs do lots of different volunteer said Sofia. She believes that joining organizations outside of work and help a lot of people. These are just a few clubs that school is also a good way to get involved because then people are available to join. Numerous students go out and do othget to make some lifelong friends and even interact with peo- er activities outside of school, such as UAYA or help at their ple from different countries. churches. North Royalton High School gives students many Other students love to help out a lot with tutoring. The different opportunities, and not many people will ever have as students providing tutoring classes in the media center on many opportunities as the students here do.

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NRHS PREPARES FOR THE HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

BY BELLA CARLUCCI

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he temperatures are starting to decline, and the Some students at North Royalton beautiful white and fluffy snow is beginning to have a few different traditions from touch down. People are cranking up their heaters others that they partake in. A student and beginning to work on their gift lists, as they said, “Since I'm Serbian, I actually celprepare for the most wonderful time of the year: Christmas! ebrate Christmas twice. I celebrate the Christmas started on December 25, 336 AD, first cele- Serbian Christmas and the American brated by the Roman Empire. However, the prominent hol- one.” In Serbia, the main church they iday was not established as a federal holiday until June 26, have is the Orthodox Church, which 1870. still uses the “Julian” calendar. So, Serbi Since then people around the world an Christmas falls on January 7. Famihave put a lot of time, effort and money lies gather together to eat and celebrate. into the holiday as they decorate their In Serbia, they believe that the first perhouses to show their Christmas spirit, son to enter a family’s house on Christbring their family and friends thoughtful mas day will bring them good luck. This gifts, practise fun family traditions, and person is called a “polozajnik.” If the put together delicious Christmas feasts family has a bad year, they don't invite for their loved ones. that individual back.

Traditions are a part of the holi Regardless of the tradition, people day experience that many people look are united in the music at this time of forward to the most. Some students of the year. As people enter their cars and North Royalton were asked about their turn on the radio, their ears are filled Christmas traditions. Lee Edminson with the sounds of cheerful and festive said, “I love visiting my family for the tunes. Some grumble in annoyance, but holiday season, and helping them make some belt out the familiar lyrics. different types of food.”

Lee Edminson said, “My favorite Connie Dean, another student, song is ‘All I Want for Christmas is Sara Mitchell looks forward to her agreed with the love of food tradition You.’” Ceterra Cozymyk said, ‘It’s family's traditional red velvet cake for and said, “On Christmas me and my Cold December.’ And lastly, Sara the holidays. family usually have dinner, and I always Mitchell said, “My favorite is ‘O bake something.”

Come All Ye Faithful.’”

Sara Mitchell looks forward to the baking as well. She So, as the most wonderful time of the year is approaching, said, “On Christmas I go to my grandma’s house, and we al- the residents of North Royalton are getting in the spirit and ways make a red velvet cake.” are hoping to have Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Not only is the food part of people’s traditions, but families also make sure to keep the magic alive for the kids in the family. Molly Conroy said, “On Christmas, we always have somebody dress up as Santa for the kids; it’s fun.”

Aside from the food, there is always the tradition of gift giving. Ceterra Cozmyk said, “I also go to West Virginia to see my family during the holidays. We always do a Secret Santa.”

Secret Santa is a Christmas activity that began in December of 1979. It is an exciting game in which the participants are assigned a person, and they must get that individual a gift.

Of course, nobody can tell who they purchased the gift for because, well...it’s a secret.

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M A RV E L FA N S " E T E R NA L LY " G R AT E F U L FOR A NEW FILM

BY PETER CARAM

A

fter being one of the many postponed films I really enjoyed the film. It brings to come out in 2021, Eternals is finally out the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in theaters and to a whole has taken Marother level, vel to a whole new level. The as the film promised. The stoplot of the film starts off at ry and plot held my attention the beginning of time with and the cinematography was a Celestial named Arishem fantastic. My one hangup the Judge creating a group of would be that the runtime beings with different unique of two hours and thirty-sevpowers called Eternals, who en-minutes felt a bit too long were sent to Earth to protect just to introduce a new story the people and the planet and characters in the MCU. from evil forces called DeHowever, what makes this viants. The Eternals protectfilm unique are those characed us from the Deviants for ters. The chemistry between centuries while also helping them is good, but, more imthe people of Earth evolve portantly, the conflict beover time as well. Now in the tween them was amazing present day, after the events they are like a big family with of the 2019 film Avengers different perspectives about Endgame, we are introthe world and humanity. My duced to our main characoverall rating of this film is ter, Sersi (played by Gemma 9.5/10 - really good, but not Chan), who is now living a perfect. It successfully intronormal life in London workduces a new branch of charing at a museum. But she is acters to a huge superhero not alone; she is accompauniverse we all know and nied by her fellow Eternal love. Eternals is only out in friend, Sprite (played by Lia theaters now and definitely a McHugh), and her mortal boyfriend, Dan (played by Kit film to see this Thanksgiving season. And stay for the Harington). All of a sudden they get attacked by a Devi- post credit scenes - you're in for two surprises! ant, Ikaris (played by Richard Madden), before another one of the Eternals come in and saves the day, chasing the Deviant away, but not before he warns Sersi and Sprite that more Deviants are coming and they need to find the other Eternals before more they arrive. The question is can they find the others before more danger is spread?

Eternals is killing it at the box office with a $281 million gross worldwide, but it does have a low score of 47% at Rotten Tomatoes, making it the lowest-rated Marvel film thus far. I disagree with the score and still recommend this film.

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PHOTO BY: MICHAEL BODZENTA

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BY CAMERON HOOVER

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RIDING THE CRIMSON TIDE

s number 3 walks up to the pitcher’s mound, fans and teammates cheer. The fifth-ranked baseball player in Ohio was ready to face off against his team’s rivals, the Brecksville Bees, for the district championship. Off of two days of rest, Gavin Jones was starting as the Bear’s pitcher. In the first inning, one run was given up. In the second, it was all business, double-play, and strikeout. This trend continued defensively, and Jones ended the game with a win, and the North Royalton Bears advanced.

Last season, the North Royalton Bears Varsity Baseball Team improved to a 21-9 record, and a good chunk of that success is thanks to the senior pitcher, Gavin Jones.

While having an opponent batting average of just 0.146 and a 0.83 WHIP, it’s safe to assume that many runs can’t be scored while he’s on the mound. An average great

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WHIP score is 1.1, so that puts in perspective what type of damage Jones does. With a 90-93 mph fastball and a 78-81 mph slider, Jones is a certified slinger. His curveball averages out to 69 mph, which is deadly while in motion. He averages less than one run per start, and less than one hit and one walk per inning. Jones ended the season pitching 73 innings, for 120 strikeouts, and an impressive record of 6-1. Gavin Jones is currently committed to Alabama and is looking to further prove his worth.

Jones has had many highlights throughout his growing career, but that doesn’t mean the lows don’t happen.

It’s just about how they can affect an individual. One of his first games really was a challenge. “It was 15u. I struck out all three batters in the first and then gave up eight runs in the second with one out. That was also my first

game with my brand new team. It was tough,” said Jones.

Bouncing back is difficult to do, especially after giving up such a tremendous amount of runs. He said, “That game really made things awkward. Trying to get to know a team is hard enough, and it’s even harder when your teammates can’t trust me after blowing my first game with them.”

Despite a rough start, Jones didn’t let that get to him.

“After that game, I went on to have one of the best summers of my life. I led the team in strikeouts and opponent batting average. I think that game and those moments of failure taught me a ton. Sports are a game primarily focused on mental toughness and preparation. That game was my first real challenge to that point and taught me how to deal with the mental aspects of being a real athlete.”

Jones is consistent. A strict schedule followed by positive results is a sign that an individual is on track for success, and he is no exception. “I wake up, eat breakfast, go to school, eat another meal, drive to my workout, stretch, workout, eat another meal, relax, do homework, mini-workout, and then go to bed. I usually plan my days on my chalkboard in my room.” This kind of mindset is what separates Jones from other students. Normal student life consists of homework, friends, parties, and other events or activities. Yet for Jones, he is usually on the clock working to become the best ballplayer he can be.

Gavin Jones isn’t just a baseball player. He enjoys doing what most senior students enjoy doing as well. One of those things is spending time with his family. “I love spending time with my family. They’ve always been supportive of me and are honestly the best parents I could ever ask for.” While liking to stay close with the family, he also likes to hang out with friends and do any sort of physical activity. Whether it’s backyard baseball, driveway basketball, or some in-the-street football, he’ll play them all. Unlike many teenagers, Gavin doesn’t really play any video games. “It’s kind of funny, the only video game I really play is MLB: The Show 21 and sometimes Madden, but usually I just stick with baseball.”

When you have colleges knocking, teams calling, and constant workouts and practices, it may be difficult to focus and maintain a healthy mindset. But Jones is currently maintaining a solid GPA while taking above-average courses, and has a positive attitude when in the classroom.

He stays humble and continues to make the right decisions.

As Gavin Jones begins his senior campaign, he is looking to win a state championship. After a great junior year and an amazing season with the Warhawks, it’s safe to assume that Jones will do great things this season.

Gavin Jones posing with a metal bat that he snapped off a fastball.

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ROYALTON STUDENT INSPIRES PASSION FOR FISHING

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B Y JA C K R O B I N S O N

tanding on the pier of Kelleys Island Ohio, Larry states. He and a few other kids from Betlejewski casts his line into Lake Erie. As he his class were chosen to represent starts to reel it in he feels the bait get bit. He sets the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center, the hook and starts to reel it in. When he got it which is quite the accomplishment. up onto the pier he realized he had just caught a five They will be down there for a weekpound smallmouth bass. end, competing in differ North Royalton High ent challenges pertaining School senior Larry Betleto their certain trade. jewski is like many stu Larry also appreciated dents, planning his future, his parents and his siswhich, for him, involves ter, Ella, who is in seventh moving to South Caroligrade at North Royalton na to pursue a plumbing Middle School. He moved career. But Larry also has to North Royalton in third a passion to balance the grade from Garfield and grind of work; he’s a big has been here ever since. outdoorsman who likes to Since then he has gotten fish, hunt, ride, and do just himself a pretty close group about anything outside. of friends who he hopes to Larry has been fishing keep for a long time. for pretty much all of his Although fishing is his life. He actually convinced favorite sport, Larry used his friends to join him on to play for the North Roythe water. “Fishing is one alton Bears varsity football of my favorite things to team as well. In his junior do, so I thought it would year he was a left tackle be fun to turn my friends on the team. He got in in into fishermen as well,” a few different packages Larry said. throughout the season and All summer long he played a good amount, but and his friends drive was called on to get the around Northeast Ohio start in the Bears playoff trying to find new fishing game. He played very well spots. Some days they’re and the Bears won the successful and some days game in triple overtime Larry holding a five pound smallmouth they’re not, but they alin order to advance to the bass that he pulled out of Lake Erie during ways have fun. “No matter what next round of the state playoffs. a trip to Kelleys Island. we're doing, whether we're catchLarry started that game and that ing fish or not, we always have a was another win. great time hanging out with each other,” said Nordonia Larry has a lot of things going on in his life cursenior Dominic Perrine. rently, and has much bigger plans for the future. He’s Even though fishing is Larry’s true joy, he still gives got a great relationship with his friends, and really enhis attention to his academics. He’s at the top of the joys teaching them to do things he has fun doing. Peoclass at CVCC and serves as the class president. Be- ple who know Larry say he is one of North Royalton’s cause of this, he will be going to Columbus soon for finest.

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THE MUSIC PLAYS ON

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BY ARIEL HICKS

uddenly, the music emitted from the speakers stops, America has the most recorded the lights go off in the stadium and everyone starts COVID cases of any other country clapping. Sitting in the cramped rows, thousands of in the world. With a population of people sit in anticipation waiting for something to 331 million people, according to happen. Finally, after a long, two hour wait, the singer steps census.gov, over 45 million have out and the cheering grows even louder. contracted the virus.

This was the reality for decades, but last year every- Measures taken at concerts, like the Harry Styles one on thing stopped. The world was put on hold, COVID num- October 18, have implemented measures to attempt to bers had been increasing drastically and countries closed prevent cases from rising. up thousands of shops. While many businesses are still “I feel like the measures helped because almost everytrying to figure out how to safely open, concerts are back. one attending the concert was vaccinated, which helped Thousands of concerts are being held now that COVID reduce the possible risks, and I didn't really see anyone that cases have declined and more people are wasn’t wearing a mask,” said citizen Casey vaccinated. After 18 long months, people White. can finally go and gather in a stadium and To prevent the spread of COVID during watch their favorite artists perform. these events, the Rocket Mortgage Field “Postponing concerts was important house stadium had measures put in place. because all the people in one arena would Many people, such as Hicks, argued that spread the virus so fast. Especially since at even if there wasn't enforced social distancthe beginning of COVID no one cared very ing or mandatory masks, the management much,” said freshman Jill Storer. did the best they could.

When COVID arrived, millions of “Wearing a mask is extremely important. people's concerts were cancelled or postThey repeatedly said to wear a mask and poned, leaving excited fans upset. Some arthe security guards would remind you if gued that the cancellation of many concerts they noticed you or someone else wasn’t. I was unnecessary, while others argued it was saw very few people not wearing one, while needed to ensure America's safety. the majority of people were,” said Hicks.

“The world was in an extremely vul- Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse For America, this means that people might nerable state,” alumni Robert Hicks said. employees recommend wearing a be returning to normal, everyday activities.

Measurements have been taken to try mask regardless of the state man- There is an average of 14,000 cases a day and limit the spread of the virus in concert date. Jill Storer wears a mask to according to worldometers.info, compared arenas and stadiums. A vaccination card or protect herself from the virus and to the 30,000 cases a day in June of 2020, negative COVID test are required to enaccording to npr.org. have a fun, safe, time. ter the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse and The mask mandate has been criticized by masks are encouraged. many, but also praised by others. According to the CDC, Before people could enter the Rocket Mortgage Field- they recommend that even if someone is fully vaccinated, house, though, the staff needed to do some things to pre- they should wear a mask in indoor settings. Meanwhile, vent the spread of COVID in the stadium. people generally do not have to wear them in outdoor set “It was really strict. Everybody was instructed before tings, excluding some exceptions. the Harry Styles concert to wear a mask, and Harry him- “I think masks were very helpful in reducing the risks self came over the loudspeaker and requested everyone of COVID, especially because of the vulnerable state that keep their mask on during the concert,” said Hicks. “There the world was in, and that we simply didn’t know what was were signs posted while you were on your way to the stadi- to come,” said Hicks. um. It was just a very COVID-safe environment.”

Trying to limit COVID during public events is some COVID is the most recent pandemic the world has thing that concert staff and organizers have been working faced, also being the deadliest America has faced in terms on for the past two years, and their efforts have allowed for of the amount of people that have died. the show to go on.

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OPINION: DOLAN'S DISASTER: HOW TO UPSET YOUR FANBASE

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By: Michael Bodzenta

ottom of the eighth, run- One season after winning 102 games, the team let go ner on second, two outs, 2-2 of starting first baseman Carlos Santana, workhorse relief count, down 6-4 in game sev- pitcher Bryan Shaw, and newly-acquired Jay Bruce. The en of the 2016 World Series. only new acquisitions the team made were first baseman Less than five seconds later, the whole Yonder Alonso and 37-year-old Rajai Davis. The team incity erupted as Rajai Davis hit a line creased their payroll by $15 million, something that is very drive missile that barely got over the rare in Cleveland.

19-foot wall for a game-tying two-run home run. Indians The 2018 season was the last of the good for the Clevefans were on top of the world. But a little rain followed by a land core. In mid-July, the tribe traded top catching prospect bad decision ultimately cost Cleveland the game, and they Francisco Mejia for relievers Brad Hand and Adam Cimber. were defeated 8-7 in ten innings. Ever since it has all been Along with this trade, they acquired Josh Donaldson for downhill for the Cleveland reliever Julian Merryweathfaithful and most of that can er. Come playoffs, the team be blamed on the owner, folded as they were swept by Paul Dolan. the Houston Astros in three The fans of the newgames. ly-named Guardians have The 2019 offseason is endured many seasons of where the team saw many pain and failure over the familiar faces leave the team. years, especially the past five.

2016 American League After losing the World Series, Championship Series Most the front office knew this was Valuable Player, Andrew the time to build a championMiller, left the team to sign ship-caliber roster. So what a two-year, $25 million condid they do? The front office tract with the St. Louis Carwent out and made one madinals. Josh Donalson signed The new sign outside of Progressive Field now reads Guardjor move, signing designated with the Braves on a one-year hitter Edwin Encarnacion to ians as the team and city begin to embrace the name change. $23 million contract. The alla three-year $60 million contime saves leader in Clevetract, the biggest contract in franchise history. In a league land history signed a one-year deal with the Angels. The today that sees players receive $300 million on a yearly basis, one move that still haunts the franchise to this day is letting the entire team payroll was only $115 million, eighteenth in go of now five-time all-star, Michael Brantley. The team has the league overall. not been able to find consistent outfield hitting since letting 2017 was a season that Cleveland fans will never for- him walk in free agency. Although the team lost many key get. From August 24 to September 14, the team recorded players in free agency, Dolan was ready to cut more payroll. a 22 game winning streak, the longest consecutive win- The team traded first baseman Yonder Alonso to the in-dining streak in MLB history. Along with a magical winning vision rivals Chicago White Sox and catcher Yan Gomes to streak, the team ultimately recorded 102 wins, which are the Washington Nationals. None of the players the Indians the second-most in franchise history. All was for naught as received in return are still with the team. the team lost to the New York Yankees in five games in the Going into the 2019 season, the team was expected to reAmerican League Division Series. After two straight dis- gress. The only notable new additions to the team were DH appointing exits, Paul Dolan and the Indians had to make Hanley Ramirez, reliever Nick Wittgren, and backup catcher some more moves.

Kevin Plawecki. A slow start to the season made fans ready 22

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to accept the team’s championship window was closed, but pects Isiah Greene and Josh Wolf. The heart and soul of the once the calendar turned to June, the tribe kicked it into gear. team was traded away all because Paul Dolan wouldn’t pay Even with the team in playoff contention, the all-too-familiar the man his deserved money.

‘Breaking News’ came on July 30. The team traded star pitch- By trading Lindor and Carrasco, and letting go of Carer Trevor Bauer to the Cincinnati Reds in a three-team trade los Santana, Tyler Naquin, Delino DeShields, the Dolans with the San Diego Padres. In return, the Indians received got what they wanted. The team was now at the bottom of designated hitter Franmil Reyes, left-handed pitchers Scott the league in payroll at $52 million dollars. The 2021 season Moss and Logan Allen, and outfielder Yasiel Puig. went as expected with the payroll so low. They finished 80 After a collapse in the final week of the 2019 season, 82 and missed the playoffs. After this season, much change Cleveland failed to reach the postseason for the first time in is coming. four years. The team knew Going into the 2022 seait needed to make some son, the team will now be moves in order to continue known as the Cleveland to compete. The first move Guardians. As the offseathe team made was declinson begins and contracts ing the club option for longare handed out, all is quiet time second baseman Jason in Cleveland, as usual. Fans Kipnis. To much of the disare unhappy and Dolan may of the fans, the team needs to step up. Players traded two-time Cy Young such as Nick Castellanos, award winner Corey KluMichael Conforto, and ber to the Texas Rangers.

Jorge Soler would be great In return, the team received additions to the team. Aloutfielder Delino Deshields though the needs are obviJr. and reliever Emmanous to the average baseuel Clase. Besides those Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis bats facing the Min- ball fan, they may not be moves, the only other noas obvious to the cheap, nesota Twins lefty on a summer evening in Cleveland. table addition was second incompetent owner of baseman, Cesar Hernandez, to a one-year deal. the Cleveland Guardians that is Paul Dolan.

After cutting the team payroll $15 million, Indians fans One thing that Dolan does not seem to understand is did not know what to expect going into 2020. Star shortstop that trading away the key and valuable players year in and Francisco Lindor’s future with the team was blurry, and los- year out will upset your fans tremendously. Although the ing longtime ace in Kluber was going to be a huge loss. In trades have turned out to be good for the most part, giving a huge turn of events, on March 13, 2020, MLB shut down up players like Kluber, Clevinger, and Lindor hurts the fans spring training due to COVID-19. of this team. Along with the trades, not spending any money Once the players union and MLB came to an agreement is another frustrating thing that happens every single year. on a 60-game season, the team played pretty well out of the Note to Paul Dolan: Winning a World Series costs money. gate. Although they were winning, it was obvious the team Good players cost money. Go sign someone and prove to needed a big bat. So to address the team’s needs, they trad- this fanbase you care about winning. ed starting pitcher Mike Clevinger to the San Diego Padres in exchange for outfielder Josh Naylor, starting pitcher Cal Quantrill, second baseman Owen Miller, and prospect Gabriel Arias. The team did not acquire a big bat and was swept in the first round of the playoffs by the New York Yankees.

The offseason after the 2020 season is one of the most heartbreaking that one fanbase can imagine. On January 7, 2021, the news broke that superstar shortstop Francisco Lindor had been traded along with the longtime starter and fan-favorite Carlos Carrasco. In return, the team received shortstops Amed Rosario and Andres Gimenez, and prosTHE ROYA L NEWS

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OPINION: TRIAL REVEALS ISSUES IN AMERICA B Y B E L L A C A R LU C C I

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hmaud Arbery was a 25-year-old black man who resided in Georgia.

On Sunday February, 23, 2020, Ahmaud went for a run in his neighborhood and, unfortunately, never returned home.

On the run Ahmaud was chased by three white men (Travis McMichael, Gregory McMichael and William “Roddie” Bryan) in a truck and was then fatally shot. The men’s defense? They told the police that they thought Ahmaud was responsible for burglaries happening around the neighborhood and were trying to make a citizen's arrest.

The trial recently came to an end, and thankfully, all three of Ahmaud Arbery’s killers were found guilty. It is amazing to see Ahmaud and his family have finally received the justice they deserve. I feel as if the trial outcome is a step in the right direction, but we as a country have much more to accomplish. It is amazing that Ahmaud has received justice, but it is a shame that he was killed for simply being a black man in the first place.

This case has been sparking many concerns. One being the role of race in criminal justice. For years, minorities have been targeted and failed by the justice system. We have seen it with George Flloyd, Breonna Taylor, Tamir Rice, The Central Park Five, Trayvon Martin, and several others.

Frankly, it is really sickening. When will it be learned that the color of somebody’s skin does not make them automatically guilty, or make it alright for them to endure abuse and injustice in their own country that is supposed to protect them.

During Arbery’s trial, much of the problems with the world today came to the surface. Gregory McMichael, Travis McMichael, and William Bryan were being charged with felony murder, and malicemurder, both of which could result in life in prison. The defense in the case sought out a plea deal, but were declined. The lead prosecutor on the case was Linda Dunikoski. She said, “They made their decision to attack Ahmaud Arbery in their driveways because he was a black man running down the street.” She also said that the men on trial could not claim self-defense because, “They were the initial, unjustified aggressors--You can’t create the situation and then go ‘Oh, I was defending myself.’”

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Reverting back to the defense, they argued that the men were simply trying to detain Ahmaud after assuming he was committing burglary. They also claimed self defense and said they never intended to hurt Arbury. Like the prosecutor said, how are they going to claim “self defense” when they were the ones who started the whole thing? Ahmaud Arbery was minding his own business trying to go on a run, and then those three came and attacked him after he literally did nothing. Why did they have to defend themselves from a running man?

Also, why would they go after him with a gun, if they never intended to hurt him?

As if the defense wasn’t already on thin ice, a closing statement was made that left people rightfully outraged.

Laura Hogue, one of the defense lawyers on the case said, “Turning Ahmaud Arbery into a victim after the choices that he made does not reflect the reality of what brought Ahmaud Arbery to Satilla Shores in his khaki shorts with no socks to cover his long, dirty toenails.”

HUH? Ma'am, what do his toenails have to do with it? Literally, how was that even relevant or necessary? It seems as if Laura Hogue ran out of proper arguments on why the defendants aren’t guily. So, she resorted to trying to demonize the victim, which happens too often in these types of cases. Socks or not, Ahmaud was the victim of a muder.

The Ahmaud Arbery trial outcome was very pleasing and refreshing to see, but the question is, how many more times is something like this going to happen? How many more times will we have to turn on the TV and see another adolescent life gone too soon? Imagine watching that on the news and wondering if you, or one of your family members, will be next.

Minorities are having to live in fear because of idiots that, for some reason, can’t deal with people having darker skin complexions than them. It’s not right that somebody’s skin color has the ability to dictate their fate, nor is it right that there are numerous innocent lives taken due to ignorance and hate, and many of said lives have not received justice. We have to come together as a community and never stop loudly and sincerely preaching, “No Justice, No Peace!”

Rest in Peace to Ahmaud Arbery and all the others taken too soon.

OPINION: GETTING AWAY WITH MURDER

BY ARIEL HICKS

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hite men seem to be able to get away with so much in our world: From when settlers came to America to the surge of police brutality against black Americans this past century.

An example of such an event is Kyle Rittenhouse, who drove across state lines to go to a peaceful protest over the shooting of Jacob Blake. Mr. Rittenhouse shot Joseph Rosenbaum, Anthony Hubert, and Gaige Grosskreurtz, actions he later claimed in court were self defense.

Mr. Rittenhouse, a big source of debate since August 2020, was found not guilty on all charges. This shows just how much the American judicial system caters towards white men and how white privilege is still present in our society today.

Richie McGinniss, a videographer, and the closest witness to Mr. Rittenhouse, videoed a conversation he had with him fifteen minutes before the first shooting.

During the conversation, Mr. Rittenhouse said, “Our job is to protect this business and part of my job is to also help people. If there’s somebody hurt, I'm running into harm's way. That's why I have my rifle because I can protect myself with it, obviously.”

Mr. McGinniss attempted to help Mr. Rosenbaum, the first person Mr. Rittenhouse shot, turning him over and using his own shirt to try and stem the bleeding. Mr. McGinniss said he quickly checked himself to see if he was shot.

“I was just telling him that we’re going to have a beer together afterwards, and it was all going to be OK,” Mr. McGinniss said.

According to The Washington Post, Mr. Rosenbaum was recorded throwing something at Mr. Rittenhouse, which was later identified as a plastic bag that held papers, socks, deodorant, a toothbrush, and toothpaste.

“He wasn’t down there as a rioter or a looter,” Mr. Rosenbaum's fiancée said. “Why was he there? I have no idea. I ask myself that question everyday.”

Many people have shared their opinion by saying that Mr. Rittenhouse was killing out of self-defense and that the people he shot at had criminal charges in the past and were convicted felons. Joseph Rosenbaum in the past had been charged with a sexual offense against a minor, Gaige Grosskreurtz was charged with property damage, theft, trespassing, and more, according to the state of Wisconsin depart-

ment of justice, and Anthony Huber was charged with domestic abuse repeatedly, according to the Wisconsin circuit court access.

John Pierce, Mr. Rittenhouse’s attorney, said that Mr. Rittenhouse was being targeted for his conservative beliefs, and he was being chased by a ‘mob’ of rioters when he opened fire. It’s also worth noting that Mr. Pierce stepped down as Mr. Rittenhouse's attorney after it was alleged that Pierce’s reported financial problems raised ethical concerns, according to ABC News. Mark Richards then acted as Mr. Rittenhouse’s attorney for the rest of the case.

This shows that you can break the law and put others in danger, but as long as you’re a white man, get away with it.

Kyle Rittenhouse brought a rifle to a protest and got away with it, but Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old black child carrying a fake, toy replica gun, was shot in Cleveland Ohio during 2014. What's the difference? Tamir was black, Kyle wasn’t.

Another example of this is the case of Philando Castile.

Mr. Castile was driving in his car with his girlfriend on July 6 when he was pulled over by a police officer during a routine check. He told the police that he was licensed to carry a weapon and had one with him. He was shot four times as he was reaching for his license, according to this girlfriend. The officer involved was cleared of all murder charges according to BBC News.

What is white privilege and how does it apply to the Kyle Rittenhouse case? According to Oxford Languages, white privilege is “inherent advantages possessed by a white person on the basis of their race in a society characterized by racial inequality and injustice.” Basically, white people will have advantages from birth simply for their race. Many people have agreed that Mr. Rittenhouse got away with shooting three people because he is a white man living in America.

“Kyle is not a racist or a white supremacist. He is a brave, patriotic, compassionate law-abiding American who loves his country and his community. He did nothing wrong,” Mr. Pierce said.

If Mr. Rittenhouse was a black teenager going to a protest with a rifle, he would have been gunned down by police immediately, but because he's white, he got away with it. At the end of all of this, the Kenosha shooting case was one that will have a lasting impact on America and how its judicial system goes about similar cases.

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OPINION: A NEW APPROACH NEEDED FOR GETTING SCHOOL WORK DONE

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B Y S Y D N E Y F RY D RY K

ver the past year North Royalton High School homework at home makes it more effihas gone through a tremendous amount of cient.” change. Before COVID-19, North Royalton Other students feel the complete opboard members already had a set plan for a ren- posite. Mallory Vish said, “Because of my ovation of the building to benefit students and expand the after-school circulars, I don’t have a lot of school in a positive way. time at home to study and do my home It has now been over a year since the school has finished, work. I would be more efficient during school if study hall and the updates are nearwas more organized.” ing the end. With this being Individual rooms would said, the new features at the give students the best of both school are amazing, but there worlds. For those who want are restrictions that prevent to focus and study, these students from using them to rooms should be available. their fullest potential.

On the opposite side, those Starting with the comwho socialize are able to do mon areas, part of the design so in the regular study hall. plan was to increase space.

These rooms are great to Before COVID, students use when allowed, but they were crammed in the halls never are. In many classes we with difficulty moving from use these rooms to work in class to class. This new congroups on projects or study struction was supposed to guides. It allows for quiet and ease traffic throughout the allows conversations to be common areas and make it had one on one. This is only Students could be more productive with easier for students to go from during class, though. better study hall options. each of their classes and study

If students were able to utihalls. lize these rooms and the multiple spaces around the school, Another part of the plan was to include rooms, study this could lead to a higher number of homework assigncorners, and areas for students to do their school work. ments accomplished. Many students at North Royalton Looking forward it all looked like a great idea, but now even work after school, are athletes, and have other responsibilafter COVID the new construction hasn't been ideal. ities outside of school. If they are unable to get their work When coming back to school from COVID-19, stu- done in a chaotic setting, also known as a study hall, they are dents were thrilled to see the new changes in the building. unable to do their homework at all.

As a fresh school year started, students looked throughout Having the choice to use these rooms would benefit so the building for these extra opportunities, such as utilizing many North Royalton students not only academically but new study rooms, but students were quickly told the rules socially. A system should be put in place in order to rent needed to be followed. these rooms out or even allow use of them throughout the The rules of these rooms include specific use for a class day. As said before, in order to gain this privilege, students or one-on-one tutoring with a teacher. That's it. Study halls would need to be more respectful to the NORO staff and are more chaotic than ever with students roaming the halls, their peers. yelling in the hallways, and food being thrown. Basically, The ability to have this privilege would be a huge asthere is no real space to study. set for many students and improve the actions of students Some students love the freedom they have been given as well. These rooms would organize the chaos going on during study halls. Michael Franko said, “I like being able to throughout study halls during the school day and make stutalk to my friends during my study halls. For me, doing my dents happier and more productive.

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OPINION: ARE POLITICS DIVIDING US?

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BY CAMERON HO OVER

iving in the United States might make it harder to believe in a place that has few rights, a dysfunctional government, and poor living conditions.

Our country for decades has been considered the “place to be,” with multiple vacation spots, developments and communities, an organized government, and steady living conditions.

Yet, the United States is not perfect.

Throughout the years, the United States has had its ups and downs but has been consistent in one thing, the right to vote. Being in a democracy is more of a privilege than a right compared to other countries and their policies. So if democracy is supposed to make the United States fair, why do family members argue for hours about it? Why do lifetime friendships and relationships end because of this topic? There may be a few common leading factors.

While growing up, people usually get certain things from their parents, whether that would be a family recipe, a family secret, or even the way certain words are said. Family can have a huge impact on an individual and how they live their life, with one of those impacts being their political views. “From what I saw and heard, I thought Obama was the best president, which looking back isn’t the case,” said senior Jack Robinson. He has always been in a family where everything was said and nothing was hidden, including their political views. “My parents don’t really pick sides. They just agree with certain things, and I’m the same way. So I guess I sort of took after my parents.”

During an early age, it’s easy to develop opinions based off of what the older population have told us, but sometimes they’re misleading or untrue.

As humans, we are always developing, but one of the most developing times for an individual is their teenage years. A lot of people get their opinions, ideas, careers, and different tastes from a multitude of sources, and it has informed and shaped people into who they are. So with the information we have, why don’t we discuss it?

Well we do, and that might just be the problem.

When the topic of conversation comes up, it’s less of a constructive conversation and more of an argument. Family dinners and outings get ruined over this topic. Even online, opinions are posted and criticized

instantly. Death threats and mean messages swarm those who simply have an opinion.

What makes us so serious about politics?

Politics is opinion-based, which leads to controversy between individuals and groups. In this, most believe that your side on politics will also have something to say about who you are as a person. That is why politics usually causes a divide between people. Not because of one single opinion, but the fact that one opinion may say something about your character or personality to some.

The conversation for politics is strong. News outlets rack in millions of views for reporting live events, streamers and podcasts get more streams out of it, and most of all, it gets people talking. Politics, something that should be discussed for the betterment of our one society, has been slowly tearing us apart, until there’s nothing left.

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OPINION: PUBLIC SCHOOLS HIDE BELIEFS FROM LEARNING

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By: JACK HALEY

chools are a place for learning, yet public schools are so afraid of controversy that an entire influence of study is transparent.

The United States is known for

schools being a leading subject.

By the Religious Expressions in Public Schools guidelines of 2003, “Public schools may not provide religious instruction, but they may teach about religion, including the Bible or other scripture: the his tory of religion, comparative religion, the Bible (or other scripture) as litbeing a hub of diverse erature and the role of cultures, and a mareligion in the history jor piece of creating of the United States a distinct culture is and other countries all religion. The average are permissible public person could probaschool subjects.” bly rattle off at least

As of now, most five different religions public schools comoff of the top of their pletely avoid teaching head, and having a about religion if it is specific background possible. Sometimes can serve as a key schools are forced to trait to an individdo a brief overlook, ual. So why is it that as history is paved by religions, even learnthe followings of difing about them, are ferent religions and so avoided in public the direct influence senses? towards events cannot The simple rebe worked around. sponse can be summa Considering the rized into a common term “overlook,” pubphrase describing the lic schools provide foundations of Amerminimal sophisticaican Government: tion to even underseparation of church standing a religion. and state. The EstabYes, they cannot adSenior Ryan Kachmarik is seen wearing a Christian lishment Clause of the cross on his chain, an example of students express- vise for any direction, but First Amendment reads, the fear of controversy is ing religious beliefs within the classroom.

“Congress shall make so prevalent that schools no law respecting an eswithhold students from tablishment of religion.” In its original context, the being able to grasp the deeper meaning of a belief, founding fathers believed that a tax towards a state although it is just in an academic sense. church is a violation of natural rights, as not every- If I reminisce on all the topics I have been taught one may support such a church. However, as time about in high school, I can only recall a handful of passed, a multitude of court cases left the clause to times the study of religion was incorporated. For be interpreted to just about anything public, with clearance, I am not including mythology, because 28

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though it was a belief at one point, public schools tisements for a club that read “Students 4 Christ.” have no risk of controversy in its inclusion.

There was no other information on the sheets be Of the few instances that I learned about reli- sides a meeting announcement with a room numgion in class, much of the study was basic and only ber. Curious about this mysteriously vague club, I necessary to understand a greater piece tied to such used what information I had to uncover an advia belief. Specific holidays, development in colonial sor, leader, or any members. I found no luck. The America, eras of literature, and worldwide monar- teacher whose room was posted in the advertisechies are all public school-taught subjects that share ments even said there was no affiliation to the club. a defining aspect to their existence: the basis of No student in the school seemed to know a thing faith. Yet, while such about “Students 4 a piece is vital, its inChrist,” which made clusion is minimal, me begin to wonder leaving students puzif it was a legitimate zled in an incomplete group. In the midst comprehension. of my research, all of By no means the advertisements in should public educathe school abruptly tion attempt to sway disappeared. a student towards or At this point, away from a certain I concluded that the denomination.

As idea was either a joke explained, it is a clear made by some stuviolation of both dent or an attemptthe Establishment ed club that just had Clause and the Public such limited interest Schools guidelines, that it could not last. and to break those Either way, it sparked would also be in termy attention towards rible interest to the religion in school. By respective learners. law, a public school However, just as eascould be used as a ily as one can teach place to hold relireligion, they can A few varying school clubs are advertised in the same hall gious meetings as teach about it. long as they are outas “Students 4 Christ.” At this point, the religious Looking at the side of school hours. advertisements were taken down. topic on a grand But still, something scale, it can really be categorized into many differ- about seeing the religious promotion while walking ent areas. The presence of theology is a social study the halls felt taboo. of its own: civilizations, wars, and divisions of pow- With all aspects in view, the reason for the taboo er were all centered around faith, or differences in feeling is the avoidance of religious topics within the faith, since the beginning of humanity. Not to men- classroom. If one were to learn a basis of different tion, an understanding of the spiritual teachings beliefs for the understanding of historical, artistic, and morals that structure various religions are lit- and psychological influence, maybe such a poster erally philosophy, just as the teachings of Sigmund would be more in place. Maybe the student ChrisFreud or Carl Jung are. tian organization would last, and other denomina Another point of interest is the allowance and tions would make their own clubs to expand diveradvertisement of religious clubs in contrast to aca- sity. Maybe a public school would serve as a hub for demics when regarding public schools. For example, all sorts of beliefs, rather than acting like none exist.

North Royalton High School exhibits this contrast. As of now, these are all just ideas. But without ideas, Over the past couple of weeks, I walked past adver- there is no influence.

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OPINION: GIVE US A BREAK! B Y K AY L I N PAU L O Z Z I

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eturning to the same building, day after amounts of lesson plans, grading, and preparing. day, week after week, for months on end Teachers are working so many hours of the day and with little-to-no break can drive students they need a break too. Being unmotivated can create crazy. Schools should have longer breaks a terrible work environment. Giving longer breaks that consist of absolutely no school work. Having can also allow teachers to relax and not think about longer or more frequent breaks can have so many the work they need to do. Having an unmotivated benefits on students and even teachers. People teacher can lead to having unmotivated students. need the relief of just taking a pause in the crazy life every- When students do not get the rest they need during the one lives in. week, they lose their motivation. With this lacking it can Students typically feel overwhelmed and exhausted with show in a student's work and daily life. The days are repetschool. With this exhaustion, mental health in students can itive and exhausting. There is not enough time in the week decline. Teachers pile work onto students every night, which to get caught up if a student has fallen behind or if they are then leads to an extreme amount each struggling with motivation. Having a week. As the work piles up, the stress break that is longer can give students piles up. Days consisting of four to more time to get caught up on assignsix different classes, which each have ments they may have missed. Also, with their own material, and trying to get it no assigned work over these breaks, all done in one night is draining. Trystudents can actually take their time to ing to complete assignments by their reorganize because they don’t have othdeadlines can cause mental and physer work hanging over their head. Motiical exhaustion. Having longer breaks vation is something that can be restored that don’t consist of any work at all can after getting the time to relax and take make stress and anxiety levels in stua pause from school work. Longer time dents decrease by not having to worry off or more frequent time off can help about meeting deadlines or doing exremotivate students that are worn out cessive amounts of work. By having no from the never ending cycle of school. work, the thoughts and anxieties of as- Madison Geregach catching a quick nap Along with the never ending cysignments and due dates disappear for cle, students also participate in clubs, before physics. a slight amount of time, which can be sports, jobs, and numerous after school necessary for long-term sanity. activities. These can all become a big time consumer. From During these short breaks, some teachers give assign- sunrise to sunset, students have their schedules filled. These ments for students to complete during their time away from breaks can allow students along with staff to spend time school. They are expected to have it ready by the time they with family, go to the gym, or even enjoy the outdoors. Givreturn. Doing school work while having set time away from ing a longer break can help students reconnect with things school completely defeats the purpose of going on a break. they love to do outside of school. Students don’t usually get They should not consist of any work. It should be a mental time to reflect on their day or do something they love due to and physical refresh. how busy and stressed they are because of school.

Giving a complete break, free of work, can also benefit Typically, school takes up about 12 or more years of a teachers. By giving students work to do over these breaks, student's life before college. Having more frequent or longer teachers are giving themselves more work for when they breaks will reduce the negative effects on the students, along return. What happens to all of those assignments given with teachers' mental health and lives outside of school. during break? They are being graded by those teachers who School is a necessity in almost everyone's life and having a assigned them. Teachers getting a break would give them break can easily benefit everyone, from students, to teachmore opportunities to spend time with their kids, pets, fam- ers, to principals, and even to parents. School is something ilies, etc. They also can do things they love outside of school. that is difficult for many students, but if breaks were longer Not having a sufficient amount of breaks can lead to or more often, students just may be able to bear the thought teachers becoming unmotivated due to the numerous of going to school everyday.

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O P I N I O N : L E T YO U N G A D U LT S MAKE DECISIONS B Y JA C K R O B I N S O N

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ccording to the University of Michigan, nearly Hoover, said, “I want a few tattoos.

25% of teenagers across America have asked I’m 18 and my mom would let me get their parents at one some of the point or another about ones I want.” getting a tattoo. Only 8% of high He continued school students actually have a tatwith, “I don't understand why too on their body right now, but parents would not let their kids many wish they had one. So, why get them if they can be hidden do so many parents say no to their and they mean something.”

16-18 year kids when asked if they I get that I am not the one to can get a tattoo? By that age most make these decisions for parents kids can make their own decisions whether their kids get a tattoo or and are done growing. Kids that age not. All I am saying is have a good should be able to make their own reason, whether you don't agree decisions about their bodies. with it or you think they are too Some parents say it's almost a young. Don’t just say no. Maysin to get a tattoo. They feel a body be even consider it for a little bit should not be touched and left as My tattoo that my parents let me get last summer and look at both sides. There is it is. This point is completely unnothing worse than when a perwhen I was 17 years old. derstandable, however if your kid son of authority tells you no and wants to get one when he is 17-18 years old, what is so doesn't say why. I can handle getting told no, but can there bad about that? If this kid has been talking about that be an explanation as to why? tattoo for a long time and has had the same idea, then Larry Betlejewski said, “My parents let me get one at it is obvious they really care about it and don’t just want 17, and they are letting me add onto it for my 18th birthsome random art on their body. day. I got a family tattoo, which I understand is a little I personally have a tattoo on different, but not really, honestly. It my right arm. It is a cross with is still ink going into the skin that wings surrounding it, wrapping will be there forever. I think they around the bottom of the cross, are getting a lot more popular in with the biblical verse Philippians today’s generation and most par4:13 on the right side of the wings. ents just aren't used to it.”

This tattoo is for my grandpar Overall, I think teens should ents, who have all passed to this have more freedom when it point, and everybody else in my comes to their own body and life that I have lost. I am hoping what they want to do with it. Esto get another one on my birthday pecially when it comes to tattoos. in December. I want the CleveI have one so that sways my opinland skyline on the inside of my ion a little bit, but it would be the left arm with the word Cleveland same if I didn’t. Parents should across the bottom of it because I just take the idea into consideram from Cleveland and always ation and not shut it down when will be.

My friend Larry’s tattoo that his parents also let their kid approaches them with North Royalton senior, Cam the idea. him get last summer, also when he was 17.

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OPINION: EUROPE REFUSES IMMIGRANTS AT FREEZING BORDER By: MOLLY PETRINA

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olitical tensions continue to mount as the European Union struggles to intervene on behalf of the migrants stuck in a humanitarian crisis at the border of Belarus and Poland. They must currently shut down the demands of a new authoritarian regime while also preventing a full-scale massacre between approaching immigrants and border patrols desperate to hold their place. The impending humanitarian emergency is just beginning, with eight deaths, including that of a nineteen-year-old boy, resulting from the freezing conditions of the makeshift migrant camps. According to the Lukashenko regime of Belarus, there are currently an estimated 7,000 migrants crossing through Belarus to get to the border.

The Belarusian dictator Lukashenko is to blame for the conditions at the border, with both the European Union and Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki accusing Lukashenko of orchestrating the disaster by encouraging immigrants from the Middle East to enter Europe through Belarus. This seems likely as the leader continues to ignore the suffering of the migrants in favor of petitioning Germany to take in the refugees while also kicking out opposition politicians who speak out against a rigged election.

After luring the Middle Easterns from their own countries with the promise of a New Europe, most prominently citizens from Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, the victims endure abuse from both sides of the border with no one to save them. After paying exorbitant fees to traffickers in the hopes of entering the country, the people are left to starve and freeze on the Belarusian side of the border. As the weather gets colder, fights begin to break out between border guards and migrants alike. The Polish side of the border banned journalists from recording the situation, leaving the Belarusian side to control the narrative. The makeshift shelters were left in the snow as the Belarus border guards moved to house the refugees in warehouses on the border. Despite the supposed Belarusian support of the migrants, most refugees successful in crossing the border to Poland have alleged multiple types of abuse at the hands of the Belarusian border guards.

However, the Polish side of the border holds no mercy for the asylum seekers, with Polish guards shooting anything that moves. The most recent reports detail how Polish soldiers used water cannons and teargas on migrants who entered with weapons such as smoke grenades in what resembled a full out battle. Upon finding that many migrants had somehow found weapons on their way through Belarus, Poland began to suspect that Belarusian forces were arming the illegal immigrants in an attempt to spark violence at the border. These claims were later substantiated by reports that there had been a Belarusian drone present at the border watching the fights break out from 32

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afar. It is possible that Lukashenko has allowed the arming of these immigrants in an attempt to start conflict with Poland that could not be traced back to Belarus.

The crises at the border mean many things for both Belarus and Poland, with the violence serving to push forth political agendas in government on both sides. Ultimately, this leaves the expatriate refugees as the victims without anyone to aid them in their suffering. President Lukashenko has been accused of manufacturing the whole situation to push back against sanctions placed on his administration after an election that was viewed globally as unfair. Although Lukashenko has been in power since the 1990s, his recent reelection has not been formally recognized by the U.S. or any Western powers since the shady election and the subsequent ousting of the opposition from the country. Tsikhanouskaya was the opposition’s choice in the latest election and is now fighting the Lukashenko regime from outside the country and criticising anyone who chooses to interview the dictator for giving him a platform.

In response to the accusations made by many European countries, Lukashenko alleges that it is possible that Belarusian soldiers were “helping” the migrants specifically by arming them on their way to the border. However, he is clear that they were not told to do such a thing by the government. In an interview with the BBC, Lukashenko makes it clear that confrontation with Poland is not the goal but may be a necessary result of recent developments. This supports the theory that Lukashenko instigated the situation in an effort to spark conflict with Poland. So far the European Union has refused to even hold official discourse with Lukashenko regarding the border situation, with many calling him a tyrant that should not be listened to on the world stage. Germany, who had been called upon by Lukashenko personally to take in a majority of the migrants, responded with a resounding no and a message for Lukashenko and his methods of communication. Poland has also threatened to sever an important train route with Belarus, one that would negatively affect the country’s exports and weaken Belarus financially. However, Lukashenko has not taken this threat seriously because he knows that the new train route would travel through a conflict zone in eastern Ukraine, therefore putting citizens in greater danger. Ultimately, Lukashenko knows that he currently has the upper hand in world politics with Russia as an ally and many essential train lines and resources in his grasp.

The Lukashenko regime also has great disdain for the financial interference of Western countries such as the United States.

This comes as a result of an admirable decision on the part of the States to follow the influence of the European Union and its countries in imposing sanctions on Belarus. America can use these sanctions and statements from the government to express their antipathy in the current Belarusian government without entering into direct discourse with Belarus or Poland. The Unit-

ed States is right to take this step as human rights have declined during the Lukashenko regime, with the border as well as with a rapid incline in Belarusian political prisoners. An avid critic of the United States and its ways, Lukashenko has efficiently cut off many American-based businesses in Belarus, taking American financial prospects out of the country. In an interview with the BBC, Lukashenko said, “We’ll massacre all the scum you have been financing. Oh you’re upset we’ve destroyed your structures!

Your NGO’s, whatever they are, that you’ve been paying for.” Russia has fully supported Lukashenko and Belarus throughout the border crisis, hinting at a larger conflict that may occur if Belarus ever decides to call on their Russian allies.

Although this has not been on the minds of many in America, some highly respected American politicians and officials have begun to take notice of the strong friendship between Russia and its former Soviet territory. Many believe that it may signal the beginning of a new Soviet empire, with Russia currently antagonizing Ukraine with its forces and forming strong relationships with the tyrants of former Soviet Union countries. Specifically, former national security adviser to the Trump administration John Bolton has suggested that the U.S. remove Lukashenko from power before it is too late. In an interview with CNBC, Bolton recommends the U.S. put up Lukashenko in a “nice villa on the Riviera.” He warns that this may be Belarus’ last chance for free government if opposition is continuously silenced. Even so, the only action taken by the U.S. State Department has been calling on Belarus from afar to hold free and fair elections under international observation and a refusal to acknowledge the most recent election results. Although it is not the responsibility of the U.S. to remove European tyrants, a post-Cold War America still finds itself nervous at the prospect of another Russian empire. America needs to decide if it wants to be involved in faraway politics for its own political gain, or stay out of it. On one hand, America is right to be cautious of Russian advances and Belarusian administrations in the wake of a decades-long Cold War. However, it is not the responsibility of America to engage in European conflicts as an authority. In particular, we should stay out of the situation for the present mostly because no other European country has engaged with the issue.

Currently, Poland had gained the solidarity of the European Union and issued a state of emergency that had Polish citizens turning to their conservative party for answers on the border crisis. Nationalism is at an all-time high and Polish and world citizens alike seem to have forgotten about previous issues that have plagued the Polish government. The Law and Justice Party, or the radical right wing politicians of Poland, have been gradually losing control of the upper house and Parliament overall in recent years with controversial stances on LGBT rights and abortion. These views were not popular inside or outside of Poland and protests occurred over various incidents, including that of the death of a pregnant woman, until the Party was taken out of power in 2019.

However, both the Law and Justice Party and the Polish

government serve to benefit from the emergency. Thousands of people recently attended a march on Independence Day in Warsaw that was almost shut down because of the numerous anti-semitic and anti-LGBT rhetoric that is often used in these events. The crowds had a new purpose this year with the far right’s newest cause becoming the strengthening of Polish borders and the blocking of rising inflation that is currently affecting the Polish population. According to Judy Dempsey of the Strategic Europe think tank blog, “Law and Justice is now seen as a champion of protecting Polish sovereignty and, of course, protecting Europe.” The Polish government has taken advantage of this trend by touting their new European Union support and having politicians walk the same protest trails as far right demonstrators in an attempt at solidarity with the people. The same Polish public that disagreed with the right’s recent policies have conveniently forgotten their resistance in the wake of hard times. Although, as this occurs, Poland still blocks journalists from the border in an attempt to control the narrative and keep the situation out of the public eye.

Overall, the Poland Belarus border crisis has a lot of different meanings for all parties involved. America has shown no interest in the conflict, only watching as the world struggles to send humanitarian aid to those who are struggling. Lukashenko has continued to make threats, with the most recent being that Belarus will withhold Russian natural gas supplies that travel through a pipeline located in Belarus. Ultimately, the true victims are the migrants lured to the Polish border with the promise of a new start in Europe, a promise made by the dictator whose border they will cross. The United Nations has officially persecuted Belarus for their part in the “instrumentalization of migrants.” On behalf of the seven Western nations, the ambassador from Estonia, Sven Jurgenson, said, “We condemn the orchestrated instrumentalization of human beings whose lives and well-being have been put in danger for political purposes by Belarus.” There is no sign of a loosening of the sanctions placed on Belarus as humanitarian aid hurries to find a way into the refugee camps on the border to prevent more casualties. Although his actions have already been condemned, little has been done by any country to prevent the actions of President Lukashenko. This is more likely to be a result of Belarus’ strong alliance with Russia than the social standing of Belarus is world politics. However, it is the people at the border that will continue to suffer until a solution is found. The Lukashenko regime needs to be dealt with by the European Union in a direct and aggressive manner in order to prevent more deaths at the border. Sanctions on Belarus have not done enough to manage the country and its leader, so the European Union must engage in the Belarus administration and government in order to prevent the abuses of basic human rights and ensure free and fair elections. The suffering at the border has come as a direct effect of the engineered Belarusian presidential election and its winner. Action can be taken, because in Lukashenko’s case, an unelected president is not a president at all.

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PHOTO BY: KAYLIN PAULOZZI