EDGE 2023-2024 Issue 4

editors:

Mikaela Emphasis

Riley Richardson

reporters:

Olivia Perry

Chloe Sanders

Abigail Boehmke

Rawya Hazin

Madison Herbert

Madeline Smallwood

Abigail Thrash

photographers:

Chloe Sanders

Hayden Barthel

Madeline Smallwood

business manager:

Olivia Perry

adviser:

Charla Harris

principal:

Kristen Giles

editorial policy:

Caurie Beck

Brooklyn Tirone

Katlyn Phan

Ayesha Aslam

Addison Kinney

Katherine Ayers

Staten Crossland

James Solomon Bennett Solomon

Edge is produced by the newspaper students in the publications department of Pleasant Grove High School who are responsible for its production and content. The newspaper serves as an open forum for student expression and the discussion of issues of concern to students.

Unsigned editorials represent the opinions of the student staffers and do not necessarily reflect those of the administration. Signed columns and reviews reflect the opinion of the author only.

Edge encourages and accepts letters to the editors. Letters must be signed and will be edited to eliminate obscenity and inappropriate content. Letters may be submitted to the editors in room 603.

Edge is a member of the Interscholastic League Press Conference, National Scholastic Press Association and Columbia Scholastic Press Association.

other places to look for PGHS:

Keep up with Pleasant Grove news by following @pgstudentmedia on Instagram

Stay up to date with dress up days, student section themes, updates, and more by following @stucopghs on Instagram

Follow the theater department Instagram @pleasantgrovetheatre for information about upcoming shows

edge the staff coming

up

May

4th

Dust off your suits and grab those high heels because May 4 is Jr./ Sr. prom! Doors open at 6:30. Don’t forget your poker chips for casino night starting at 10 p.m.

Birds’ Eye View

A look at activities and events around the Grove

Caurie Beck

reporter

Publications win state and national awards

Yearbook and newspaper students added new awards to their shelves, bringing home top state and national honors from conventions in April.

The Edge was one of five newspapers in the state to win a Gold Star from the Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC), having won its first one in 2009 and has won 15 in the years since. Editors Mika Emphasis and Riley Richardson picked up the award at the ILPC convention in Austin April 19-20.

“I wasn’t surprised when we won because our paper is so well done,” junior Brooklyn Tirone said. “When we go down to Austin everyone knows who we are because of how recognized our paper is.”

The Hawk yearbook received its 12th straight Gold Crown from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association in March.

And earlier this month, the National Scholastic Press Association recognized the 2023 edition with the Pacemaker award at the national convention in Kansas City.

Editors Brooklyn Gibson, Lauren Hornsby, Norah Jordan and Jace Ramos attended the convention.

“We were nervous to break the streak,” Lauren said. “We were all holding hands because we never knew if we were going to be called next or if we weren’t going to be called at all.”

The Hawk was also one of nine yearbooks in the state to receive the Gold Star, the top honor in Texas.

Since 1990, The Hawk has won 19 Gold Stars and over 60 total awards.

With over 120 combined awards, The Hawk and The Edge are a staple of PGHS.

Life skills coffee cart gets a revamp

The Friday morning coffee cart is a familiar sight to see at the end of every week.

Unfortunately, students running the cart were having trouble distributing change, and after they started on a new system, prepaid punch cards, there were even more problems.

“The punch cards get lost, the lamination falls apart, our kids spill coffee on them, and our kids have trouble punching them,” life skills teacher Jeffery Parker said.

Mr. Parker decided the best way to get a new system was to work with the engineering class and come up with a new solution.

“I opened up the idea to my engineering students and two of them, Joe White and Seth Johansen, said they’d take it on,” robotics teacher Caleb Watson said.

The two students came up with a cylinder with five “coins” or 3D printed disks that

teachers can buy for $5 and use instead of real money.

“They needed something that could open and close, but wouldn’t be too complex,” junior Seth Johanson said. “One of our group members had the idea of a screw top and a tube, so I began modeling the design.”

With a design planned, the group started 3D printing. After a couple months and many failed attempts, they got it to work.

With a new system, the students have a much easier time distributing coffee and breakfast. And teachers get the added perk of a free coffee or snack after their five chips are used.

“We had failed ideas, good ideas, and ideas that didn’t work at all,” Mr. Watson said. “But we finally came up with this and it works really well.”

16th

Make sure you check out the front office for your yearbook! Yearbook staff has worked hard all year to bring you their best yet — It’s not that simple.

23rd

“It’s the final show.” -Harry Styles. Or in our case, the last day of the 2023-2024 school year! Time to grab the sunscreen and floaties because after today it’s officially summer!

24th

It’s time for well wishes and final goodbyes. Graduation ceremonies begin at 8 p.m. at Hawk Stadium. It’s time to send off the class of 2024!

new staff

With faculty and administrators leaving, positions are opening up at the end of the school year.

"The need for teachers fluctuates year to year," counselor Jennifer Ford said.

"There is especially going to be a need for special education teachers because we have a lot leaving."

Principal Kristen Giles is moving to central office as an assistant superintendent, and teachers in the biology and math departments are resigning as well.

Positions such as the drill team director and high school principal will be filled before the year is over, with the remaining positions following throughout the summer. See pgisd.

It's been an ongoing question — are the gates ever going to work? According to Matt Fry, Director of Maintenance, they will be soon.

Before the gates could work, they had to be connected to power, but cafeteria construction prevented that.

construction

Construction on the new cafeteria will be completed July 31, and furniture will be moved in the next day, just in time for school to start.

"We have a hard deadline of Aug. 1," Maintenance Director Matt Fry said. "We have to have everything up and running before students and staff come back to school. It's non-negotiable."

With the new cafeteria almost complete, demo on the old cafeteria and the band hall will begin May 24, the day after school gets out.

The band hall will add more storage space,

"Our school board is really student focused. If it is in the best interest of the students, then they are all for it."

-counselor Aimee Mullins

new offices, and new carpet. A section of the old cafeteria area will expand the band hall, and the rest will be reconfigured for counseling offices and meeting space.

When those areas are complete, construction workers will renovate the bathrooms and update the flooring throughout the building.

"We will be getting 360 student desks, as well as more teacher desks that will be delivered in July," Mr. Fry said, "but construction inside the building will be ongoing throughout the year."

co-editor Riley Richardson

what's NEW?

Take a look at the changes for the upcoming school year

courses

"When workers from the gate company showed up to connect the power, we realized the power ran under the cafeteria construction," Mr. Fry said.

When cafeteria construction is complete, workers will continue what they started.

However, the main complaints remain: the gates aren't wide enough. Noticeably, two of the fences have been knocked over this year.

But Mr. Fry explained that the tightest lane is eight feet wide, the width of a regular driving lane.

"The other gate lanes are two feet wider than the tightest one," Mr. Fry said. "It's just an optical illusion."

Thanks to a grant from the Education Foundation, the engineering program and program leader Caleb Watson received a new addition this spring — a professional grade laser cutter. Mr. Watson is currently going through a nationally recognized program called 'Project Lead the Way' and has big plans for the new equipment.

"It can be used for anything as long as the kids know how to use it and use it properly," Mr. Watson said. "It will really help enhance the manufacturing side of our engineering program."

The laser cutter takes images and can engrave them into various materials such as wood, acrylic, and metal.

The program will continue to post updates regarding their new

With a new year comes course selections and new opportunities for students. A few of these new classes include re-vamped health science classes such as kinesiology and pathophysiology, and the addition of an dual credit theater. However, classes such as Chick-fil-a Leadership were removed from the course catalog. "I think the addition of classes such as dual credit theater is going to open up a lot of opportunities for kids to graduate core complete as they go into college," counselor Aimee Mullins said. With the realignment of CTE classes, students will now be able to easily have an opportunity to complete a CTE pathway to graduation — whether it's health science or engineering.

[JSolomon]

[Submitted]

reporter Rawya Hazin

filling the gap

WHAT TO DO AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

Sometimes the world never seems to slow down. You’re juggling school assignments. And extracurriculars. And your social life. And for upperclassmen, as the year comes to a close, there’s one more ball to juggle — planning for the future. However, have you ever felt the urge to hit pause?

Recently, more high school graduates are opting for a gap year before diving into their next academic or career steps.

But what exactly is a gap year? And why do people opt to take one?

WHAT IS IT?

A gap year is simply a break from formal education or work. And for former high school graduate Sydney Williams, that meant diving straight into her full-time photography career.

“I’ve always loved learning different forms of art and building things,” Sydney said. “So when it started getting to my senior year of high school and I was deciding what path to take, I decided to go with what makes me excited to wake up every day.”

Gap years are typically taken after high school or before starting college or a career. It can involve traveling, volunteering, interning, or just taking time to explore personal interests.

“College is a transitional period in life,” Sydney said. “It’s a way to dip your toes into adulthood without diving in headfirst, and when you skip that, you kinda leave it up to yourself to figure it out.”

Far from being a year wasted, a gap year can be an investment. It isn’t always about just taking a break — it’s about taking the chance to pursue goals.

“I did some research on what is needed for what I want to do," Sydney said, "and although art school is an amazing place to learn and grow, I decided that since I didn’t need a degree to pursue my dreams. I would forgo it and learn it on my own.”

Counselor Aimee Mullins said she sees the value of a gap year, especially for students who don't know exactly

Road after graduation could mean exploring different options before heading off to college • www.gooverseas.com • theinterngroup.com

• www.goabroad.com

what they want to do.

"But I also recommend taking a class or two in a college setting — a general education course or intro class in any subject. Take a class that any major would require," she said. "I think you keep yourself in a learning, or school, routine. It's hard to go back once you get out of that routine."

And for counselor Jennifer Ford, a gap year can give students an opportunity to make sure about any decision they make about their future.

"As much money as you invest in college, it's sometimes good to be sure," Mrs. Ford said. "You don't want to waste money and rack up debt."

However, she said the issue with a gap year is that sometimes it ends up being far longer than a year.

"I"m not for kids going directly into the work force either," she said. "I would suggest that instead of taking a gap year or pouring money into a university, think about a junior college and take a couple of courses there or go to a trade school and see what you can learn."

Taking a new path can require courage. As teenagers navigate the dive from high school to pursuing their passions, they can encounter obstacles and moments of self-discovery.

One of those challenges involves figuring out how to pursue their dreams while navigating adulthood.

“There are a lot of bumps that you come across when you first get out of high school,” Sydney said. “There is a lot you don’t know yet and a lot you have to learn. You go through a lot of trial and error, and for me, there was a lot of it in trying to figure out how to become a concert photographer and get into venues while learning the business side of being a photographer.”

And anyone taking a gap year has to understand that there will be setbacks.

“I think the most important thing to learn in anything you do is that growth isn’t linear,” Sydney said. “Sometimes you take 10 steps back and two steps

forward. Growth is more like a spiral than anything. Sometimes you look back and think you’ve gotten nowhere, but really, you’ve made like six leaps up.

Through her experiences in concert photography, Sydney not only expanded her skill set but also learned a lot about herself and the world around her.

“Regardless if you’re in college or not, it takes time to get where you want to in life,” Sydney said. “It’s hard but so very worth it. I’ve met so many people through concerts and photography that I wouldn’t have met otherwise. I have learned a lot about adulting, and myself through my experiences.”

College may not align with a person's aspirations, and it may not be the sole route to success. And college may not always dictate one’s future career.

“Not everything is black and white,” Sydney said. “And just because most people go to college doesn’t mean you have to. I think it’s important to know that college isn’t for everyone, and it doesn’t always guarantee you a job.”

From programs, courses, or even self-learning, many opportunities are available for those diving headfirst into their ambitions.

“I think if there is a job that you want andit doesn't require a degree, I’d say consider looking into alternative options,” Sydney said. “Whether it's apprenticeships, classes, certificates, or even learning from your own experiences and YouTube.”

Personal growth and fulfillment can be reached beyond traditional academic pathways.

“I think the most valuable aspect [of my experience] was just simply learning, getting out there, and doing what I love,” Sydney said.

Regardless of a chosen path, resilience and hard work are essential.

“I won’t lie and say it’s easy, it’s far from easy,” Sydney said. “But I believe that anything worth having you have to work for.”

co-editor Mikaela Emphasis

DUMMIESvoting for

A stepby-step voting guide for newly 18-year-olds

You thought dealing with the pesky underclassmen, college applications, and final exams were the only things you had to worry about to get through high school?

Sorry — let’s add something to that list. Voting.

Now that some of you have turned or will turn 18, registering to vote should be on your mind. But why? What’s so important about voting?

1. Not only is voting the cornerstone of democracy, it gives citizens — especially the younger generation a voice in shaping the future. It also empowers marginalized communities and ensures their interests are represented.

2. Voting holds leaders accountable and drives progress on critical issues. When we vote, we choose the people who make decisions for our government, and this makes leaders pay attention to what matters to us — what matters to you.

3. Everyone pays taxes. We should all have a say in how the money is spent. By voting for local and national leaders, we choose where our tax dollars go and who runs our communities.

Social studies teacher Stephanie Knowles stresses the importance of voting to her students.

"It's really important for people to vote so that we get people in office to reflect who we are," Mrs. Knowles said. "The kids of America don't want to vote because they don't know who to vote for. They [students] need to get out there — vote for someone who can truly represent and understand you."

01Register to vote

You can register online, by mail, or in person at your local voter registrar’s office

To register in Texas you must:

+ be a citizen of the United States

+ be a resident of the county in which the application for registration is made

+ be at least 17 years and 10 months old (you must be 18 to vote)

+ not be finally convicted of a felony, or if a convicted felon, you must have fully discharged your punishment, including any incarceration, parole, supervision, period of probation or be pardoned

+ have not been declared mentally incompetent by final judgment of a court of law

What to bring for in-person registration:

+ You will be asked to show photo ID to vote in Texas.

+ Acceptable forms include:

+ Texas driver's license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)

+ Texas election ID certificate

+ Texas personal ID card

+ Texas handgun license

+ US military ID with photo

+ US citizenship certificate with photograph (doesn't need to be current)

+ US passport

After you register, make sure to check your voter registration status. For more information, visit www.votetexas.gov. The last deadline to register is 30 days before every Election Day.

0

2 Research

Educate yourself on the candidates and the issues

Research the candidates

Visit their official campaign websites and read their statements. Look for interviews, debates, and news articles about them to understand their positions — and if it aligns to your beliefs.

Media bias

“I've always been excited about voting. Weird, I know. That's what I did a couple of weeks after I turned 18. I felt very adult — I am now, but like being there made it more real.”

Norah Jordan 12th

“I was nervous, but excited to vote for the first time. I wasn't really confused thanks to Mrs. Knowles teaching me all I needed to know. I did feel like I was growing up a little.”

Fallon Anthony 12th

did you Primaries are the "prevoting" event. We are selecting who we want to run for office and will actually vote for them in Nov. 5, 2024. Texas is an "open-primary" state – voters can decide every two years whether to pick Republican or Democratic nominees. Whichever primary you decide to vote in (Democrat or Republican), you can only vote within that party.

- DC/AP Government teacher Stephanie Knowles

You’re biased. Your mom’s biased. Everyone is biased. And that’s okay — however, media outlets are also biased, and hidden media bias leads to misinformation and creates division among us. So, it’s important to recognize media bias.

03 Cast your vote

Vote in-person or by mail

Find your polling place or request a mail-in ballot

To vote online: + visit this link: www.votetexas.gov

To vote by mail:

+ call your local or county office holding the election and request that an application to vote by mail be sent to you.

+ you can also download the application PDF here and send it

Explore nonpartisan resources

Utilize websites such as vote411. org, votesmart.org, or the League of Women Voters, which provide unbiased information about candidates and their stances on various issues.

Check your local polling place is or request a mail-in ballot if you cannot or prefer not to go in person. The method of voting can be different, so know what options are available to you. Vote

Stay informed

After voting, pay attention to the results and any next steps you might need to take, especially if you're voting in a primary election or there are runoff elections.

If you're voting in person, go to your polling on Election Day, bring any required identification, and follow instructions to cast your vote. If you're voting by mail, read the instructions carefully, complete your ballot, and return it by the deadline.

Sydney Kirkland (12)

“Life moves pretty fast and if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you might miss it."

"Ferris Bueler is one of my favorite movies. I kind of relate to him because when I have days off, I like to make the most of them."

Elliot White (12)

“You can't change the world, but you can make a dent.”

"Sometimes the best thing you can do is make a dent in a problem, but you can't change it."

Iyahnna Carter (12)

“When there's a will, there's a way, where there’s a Quizlet, there’s an A.”

"I used Quizlet and Khan Academy all throughout high school. They both really helped me pass all my classes."

Ashlynn Dawson (12)

“Don't live in someone else's dream, find your own.”

"People seem to just copy others and not be who they truly are."

TALK HAWK

Catherine Joyce (12)

“Don't take any days for granted, even the days you hate being here.”

"High school goes by so much faster than you think. I know everyone says it, but it's true."

One question. 10 answers. If you could give a senior quote, what would it be and why?

Tate Bass (12)

Addison Spencer (12)

"My quote would be '13 years later' like in Spongebob."

"I've been going to PG since Kindergarten, so that would kind of be my way to wrap it up."

Loriann Hensel (12)

"Try to plan out your future asap. Do not wait until Senior year."

"It's some very nice advice I wish had been drilled into my brain before now."

Either, “Be careful around saws, because saws are sharp,” or “Ball so hard, you keep bouncing back.”

"The first just because I almost sawed my finger off, and the second because that's what got me thorough that experience."

Alisha Luna (12)

“Life is what you make it, so let’s make it rock.”

- Hannah Montana

"I'd make this my quote because these are wise words to live by from a wise woman."

Mark Bultemeier (12)

“Discipline and passion will take you further than anything in life."

"Even if you don't want to do it, doing it is the only way you’ll get good."

reporter

Caurie Beck

"So my sophomore year, my friend helped me choose 'Solo' by Future as my walk up song. It kept me level headed and calm."

"I showed an interest in baseball when I was about three or four, and then I started playing T-ball when I was five. I've been playing baseball ever since."

From high school to college players prepare for next level

The crack of a bat echoes through the air sending the ball soaring through the sky.

There's a clap of the mitt as the ball hits, and there's a whoosh as a player slides into base.

For seniors Brenton Clark and Cade Martin, those sounds are part of their experience on the baseball diamond. And if all goes as planned, the two players will be doing what they love after high school, once again on the same field, but on opposing teams.

Brenton and Cade plan to play at the collegiate level next year, Brenton at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and Cade at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) .

“After my freshman year, that summer I had a good game, and I got to talk to Arkansas, and then a month or two later, they offered me after I went to their camp,” Brenton said. Brenton received offers from Oklahoma State, Ole Miss and Texas A&M.

"I finally decided on Arkansas because it's close to home, but still far enough," Brenton said. "And it just felt like family."

Cade's experience was a little different. He first committed to a juco [junior college], but decommitted after receiving an offer from UALR.

"Early in the year I went to a camp and worked my butt off and got some phone numbers and then I texted a coach," he

Batting Average: .472

Home Runs: 2

Hits: 40

Runs Batted In: 32

On Base Percentage: 692 STATS

GOING, GOING, GONE

Mikaela Emphasis reporter

co-editor

said. "After that, I accepted the UALR offer."

Head coach Riley Fincher wasn't surprised that Brenton and Cade received offers to play college ball.

"Brenton has been such a phenomenal athlete, since an early age," he said. "He's different, he's special as far as what he brings to the table as an offensive player. He can play any position on the field."

Coach Fincher said that Cade is also talented athetically. "Cade doesn't get the credit he deserves as an athlete," he said. "He's 6'2" and 220 pounds and he plays defensive line. People say he's just a big kid, but he's a great athlete and he has turned himself into a catcher, an all-state player."

However, playing in college will be different regardless of a player's athleticism.

"The intensity, the speed of the game, that's just somethingyou have to take in," Cade said. "Once you get to that level, you have to maintain yourself and just slow the game down."

Coach Fincher said he expects both players to get on the field quickly.

"Brenton is going to Arkansas, and I feel certain he'll find a way to play," he said. "What he can do offensively, they'll find a place for him. It's crazy the stuff he can do."

The training and practice schedules that go along with

Batting Average: .365

Home Runs: 2

Runs Batted In: 25

On Base Percentage: 500

hours every school day with additional hitting practices on Saturdays and Sundays on his own.

“I’m probably doing something baseball related six days a week, if not seven," Brenton said.

Brenton and Cade's commitment to the game extends beyond the high school field. Both boys are members of club travel teams. Brenton plays for a team under the Sticks organization and Cade plays for the Dallas Patriots.

"I like meeting new people. And playing with guys that I don't get to play with and see everyday." Cade said.

Many athletes gravitate towards club organizations and teams play with other top-ranked players. Recruiters frequent club teams to scout out talent to take to the collegiate level.

As the season comes to an end, Brenton and Cade reflect on the impact that the Hawk baseball team as left on them.

“The [Hawk] team has really become my brothers,” Brenton said. “We’ve been playing baseball since we were little kids, but now we get to play together for a purpose which is aiming to win a state title.”

"I've been playing since the age of three. I started playing T-ball and just continued to get better and better."

"I choose 'Shook Ones, Part II' by Mobb Deep as my walk up song because it gets me in a good little groove."

BRENTON CLARK

Madeline Smallwood

1. From the dugout, sophomore Ava Neal watches the Lady Hawks bat in the LE game. "I just like to hop up on my team and make sure that the energy is getting into them," Ava said. "We won — it was a pretty good game. That's the good thing — it was a good season for us girls." [CSanders]

2.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. A recap of a Lady Hawk game in photos

3.

SWINGING

FOR

SUCCESS

I mean we can't blame ourselves because we deserved it after everything — how hard we fought to come back."

Warming up before the LE game, freshman Blakely Garret tosses the ball to her teammate. "I was excited to play against our school rival and happy that we beat them," Blakely said. [CSanders]

At the plate, junior Abby Runion swings her bat during an at-bat in the LE game. "Our pitching was really good and so was our defense. We kept them from scoring a lot." [CSanders]

4. At second base, sophomore Rebekah Eaves throws the ball to first for the out. "Playing against LE felt good — I had a good feeling that we were gonna win." [CSanders]

5. Sophomore Kassidy Ingram raises her bat, waiting for the pitch. "We don't really like LE that much, so it was really competitive. I'm glad we made it. We celebrated our win — everyone was so happy." [CSanders]

6. Pulling on her batting gloves, freshman Raian Brewer walks up to the plate to take her at-bat. "We performed well, and even though we struggled at the start of the game, we pushed through. We were all hyped up, celebrating our win…

[CSanders]

7. In the afternoon heat, sophomore Jacklynn Smith catches the pitch during an LE at-bat."LE is like a school rivalry. Our energy was very good throughout the entire game, and we kept encouraging each other to build our confidence." [CSanders]

Katlyn Phan reporter Ayesha Aslam

working out the kinks

Local gym closes leaving students looking for a new place to workout

Abigail Boehmke

co-editor Riley Richardson reporter

Friday February 23rd, 2024.

This date might not have any significance for most students, but for senior Cole Burton the day was the end of an era.

The place where he spent all his afternoons.

The place that changed his lifestyle.

The date was the day the Sportsplex gym closed.

“I have been going to this gym for the past two years 5-6 times a week for multiple hours at a time,” Cole said. “It is really just bittersweet. It is hard to let that go because that is where gaining muscle and working out consistently started for me.”

For athletes who have worked out at Sportsplex, With the closing of the “Plex” as regulars would call it, a lot of people have had to find a new place to workout.

One of those places was Gym Box, another local gym.

“The crowd is definitely the biggest difference. Anytime I went to the Plex there was no competition and just not many people there,” Cole said. “For the first time maybe ever, I saw someone bench press more than me, and I thought, oh okay, there are some dudes here.”

Senior Jack Walters said he and some of his friends thought it would be a good idea to create a Snapchat group chat dedicated to the gym.

“We created ‘RIP Plex’ because the whole group went to the gym together already, so we thought it would be a good idea to just have everyone in one chat and on the same page,” Jack said. “There are currently 28 guys in the group chat ranging from sophomores to seniors. If you start to show up consistently, we will add you to the group.”

This group chat has also helped its members meet new people.

“I've been able to create relationships with people from different schools and also have been able to make the current friendships I have a lot stronger,” Jack said. “Being able to spend more time with them outside of school has allowed me to talk and learn more about them.”

Despite changing gyms, Cole has maintained the same discipline and consistency in his workouts.

Changing diets, habits, and mentalities have allowed him to live a much more healthier lifestyle.

“Eating cleaner and watching the amount of protein and carbs I consume has been really important to me,” Cole said. “Also being able to switch your mentality is important. You have to flip a switch once you enter the gym. When you are at the gym you can’t expect yourself to lift a heavy set with a calm mindset. It just won’t work.”

(personal coach) Jack Walters

JACK'S WEEKLY WORKOUT SCHEDULE

Day 1 Day 2

Shoulders and Triceps

Day 3

Back Biceps

(dietitian) Cole Burton

COLE'S DIET PLAN

"Since going to the gym I have had to increase my calories, protein, and carb intake. So to gain the muscle I wanted, I had to start eating more."

"The way to bulk is to eat past your calorie intake, so depending on your weight and height is the amount you'd have to eat over."

To calculate carb intake to maintain your weight, visit Carbohydrate Calculator at calculator.net

[BSolomon]

[BSolomon]

Earning Learning and

When sophomore Denisse Cruz started preschool at age three, she didn’t speak English. Her family speaks only Spanish at home, so her first few years of school weren’t easy since she couldn’t easily communicate with others.

“When I was little and people would talk to me in English, I would not understand what they were saying,” Denisse said. “They would get mad and yell.”

With several years of practice and help from her dad, she became fluent in English. But even now, speaking two languages can get complicated.

“I sometimes get tongue twisted and get my English and my Spanish mixed up, so I couldn’t imagine learning a third language,” Denisse said.

Students in Spanish I and II can relate. Even after taking two years of Spanish in high school, most people have trouble conversing in that language.

“I'm not really confident speaking Spanish or feel like I know that much,” freshman Audrey Boehmke said. “It's just hard to pick it up fast when we're only studying it for 45 minutes a day.”

With apps such as Duolingo or Babbel though, learning another language can be easier and more convenient.

“The difference between doing Duolingo and trying to learn Spanish in the classroom is you’re getting spoken practice,” Spanish teacher Isabel Anaya said. “A lot of the time, the kids are too afraid to speak up in class because they’re afraid they’ll say it wrong.”

Duolingo is a classroom resource for Mrs. Anaya but is just as helpful for students who are looking to learn outside of school in a fun and rewarding way.

“I used to go to a school where they started teaching Spanish in preschool. After I stopped going to school there,

League Badge

As you progress through the app, you move up in leagues. Every time you move up a level, you earn a badge.

Students

and

faculty use app to grow language skills

reporter Abigail Thrash

I lost my skills a little bit just because I wasn’t practicing everyday,” sophomore Sophee Wyatt said. “I’ve always liked learning new languages, and Spanish is one of my favorites, so Duolingo helps me strengthen my skills.”

For Sophee, traveling to Spanish speaking countries has always interested her, so practicing with Duolingo also allows her to hold herself accountable.

“Now that I have the opportunity to go on mission trips, I want to learn as much as I can,” Sophee said.

Duolingo isn’t just helping students prepare for travel — it’s providing ways to connect with family.

“My mom used to speak Korean, but she stopped using it and forgot most of it. Most of my family still speaks it though, so I think it would be fun if I was able to converse with them in Korean,” freshman Jassy Kahler said. “I also thought that if I was able to reconnect with my family members, it might help my mom remember a little bit of her childhood.”

Unlike most language learning apps, Duolingo is free, so it is an achievable method of studying for anyone.

“I have seen it be successful,” Mrs. Anaya said. “My son in law has actually done over 350 days, and he was able to hold a conversation with my mother when she came to visit.”

Whether Duolingo is used to help students in or out of school, it’s diversity and game-like features keep people engaged and interested in what they are learning.

“I think the interest alone in a language is a big deal,” Mrs. Anaya said. “I’m fascinated by linguistics, so I like that I can use it personally or to help push kids in the classroom to accomplish so much.”

Streak Freeze

Streak freeze allows you to keep your streak if you miss a lesson. You're streak won't be lost with this powerup.

Streak Tracker

This streak tracker is your biggest motivation to keep up the work!

Weak Points

This function allows you to 'workout' the areas you are struggling in.

How knowledgeable are students in a secondary Language?

24% can speak a few sentences 42% can speak a few words 9% consider themselves fluent

24% could have a small conversation

[33 students polled]

Translate these Spanish phrases: Answers: 1. Please and thank you 2. Where is the restroom? 3. Good morning! 4. See you tomorrow 5. How are you? 6. I love you 7. I need water 8. Have a good day 9. I like French fries 10. Speak English?

1. Por favor y gracias

2. ¿Dónde está el baño?

3. ¡Buen día!

4. Nos vemos mañana

5. ¿Cómo estás?

6. Te amo

7. Necesito agua

8. Que tenga un buen día

9. Me gustan las papas fritas

10. ¿Hablas inglés?

Riley Richardson

co-editor

TOP MOST COMMONDREAMS

DREAMS WHAT AREMADEOF

Thesciencebehinddreams andtheirinterpretations

It’s like any other day. You roll out of bed, brush your teeth, put on some makeup or run a comb through your hair if you’re feeling fancy. Your mom yells that you’re going to be late to school, so you rush out your bedroom, hopping on one leg, desperately tugging your other shoe on over your heel. It’s not until you get to school and everyone is staring at you when you realize you forgot something. Your clothes.

Screaming, you wake up in a panic at one of the most embarrassing dreams you’ve ever had.

According to Winston Medical Center, the average person dreams roughly four dreams per night, totaling to about 1,460 dreams per year. However, that doesn’t mean we remember all of them.

“We usually don’t remember our dreams unless we’re awoken from them, and then it’ll [our recall will] fade away,” behavioral sleep medicine expert Michelle Drerup, PsyD, DBSM said. “And then you think back, ‘I know I had a weird dream, but I don’t remember it.’ So, if you want to have more awareness, jot details down as soon as you wake up — what was the dream, identify if there’s patterns.”

There are different types of dreams too — all theorized to occur for different reasons. For example, a common theory is that the more

anxious and stressed a person is in reality, the more likely they are to have nightmares.

“Our dreams might help us process and manage our emotions,” Dr. Drerup said. “The brain activity that occurs when we’re dreaming is similar to the memory processing brain activity we experience when we’re awake.”

And while the dreams may feel as if they serve a purpose or warning, there is little scientific evidence supporting any concrete meaning to any particular dream.

“There’s no real consistent, scientifically proven theory linking specific content back to what a dream means,” Dr. Drerup said. “Even if you’re having a sleep study, it’s not like we can look in your brain and see what’s happening during a dream. That’s part of the reason why they’re still kind of mysterious — they’re difficult to study.”

And because of dreams’ mysterious nature, the meaning behind them remains subjective — their interpretation most accurately coming from the people who dreamt it.

“That’s always what I tell people — the meaning that you ascribe to the dream is going to be much more meaningful than anything I ascribe to the dream,” Dr. Dreup said. “Because it’s probably something from your life that’s represented in that dream.”

QUICK FACTS 9 90% 2HRS COLD

a night you dream - Mental Health Center temperatures increase the likeliness of your dreams - Winston Medical Center

LIVING BY THE GOLDEN RULE

Coach Darby's career path has played a part in the man he is today

Abigail Boehmke

reporter

Senior Spencer Stokes stands at the back of the line at his first strength and conditioning workout. He’s a new freshman, standing alone, and around him everyone else is talking and laughing. But then coach Jonathan Darby comes over to welcome him.

“Coach Darby was the first relationship I made at Pleasant Grove. He really introduced me into the program and welcomed me with open arms,” Spencer said. “He also went out of his way to engage with me and help me meet new people. He made my transition so much easier.”

This kind of interaction is typical for Coach Darby. Since joining the staff in 2019, his constant presence in the halls and throughout the classrooms have made him a recognizable figure on campus.

For Darby, creating relationships is the best part of the job.

“I love working with high schoolers because I feel like they are at a crucial age. It is a perfect blend of everything because they’re mature but also don’t have everything figured out,” Darby said. “Working with high school students is super rewarding.”

Darby’s official job isn't wandering around the halls though; most people would know him as the football defensive coordinator. Both on and off the field Darby’s impact on his players has changed them.

Safety James Solomon has played under Darby for two years, and he has been able to create a strong relationship with him.

“I think he goes above and beyond in all things. He is intentional about creating relationships with a lot of people, even people outside of football, like just going around the hallways and interacting with everyone,” James said. “He is really good at making everyone feel special. He is a great role model and almost like a second dad to me. I strive to be like him.”

It is hard to believe that coaching and teaching wasn’t always his end goal. Growing up Darby always thought he would end up fighting fires, or engineering a new project, but thanks to a coach he had in college, his whole career path shifted.

“Becoming a coach was kind of a lot of luck for me. I got hurt my junior year and became a student coach at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU),” Darby said. “Once I wasn’t able to play anymore, I became a lot more involved in things like film, and I was always in and out of my coaches’ offices socializing and learning more about the game.”

Darby continued his student coaching career at SWOSU for a few years before accepting a job offer as a grad assistant at Texas Christian University (TCU). Although working at TCU was at a higher level, he realized he wanted more out of his career.

“Everyone thought I was crazy for leaving TCU. I knew I was doing the right thing though. I got in contact with Coach Josh Gibson through a mutual friend who was recruiting in East Texas. Gibson invited me to Texarkana for a weekend, and I was able to come and see the school and meet some of the players,” Darby said. “After that visit everything just felt right. I knew the football side was going to be awesome, but I never knew how great the relationships and connections would be for me.”

Since moving to PG in 2019, Darby got married, and he and his wife Paige had their first child, Harrison, last fall. Darby said that Harrison has made him reflect on many things. “Having Harrison has made me appreciate the value of time. I think he also changed my perspective on how to deal with kids, and how I look at kids more,” Darby said. “I now look at kids as though they were more of my own. Harrison has really just given me a different viewpoint.”

In reality Darby’s viewpoint is not much different than it’s always been — he’s always been aware of the impacts teachers can have on their students and has tried to make sure he has a positive impact.

“I would say the greatest advice I have," Darby said, "is to treat people the way you want to be treated and to just be a nice person.”

g low-up

“Cheer planned it together and majority voted for Rave. I was so excited about it [Rave] because I’ve been going to Sadie every single year, and it wasn’t as fun as Rave. The best part about it was that the DJ was really fun — he catered to what songs we wanted. I think the students liked it more than because it was more engaging — people had way more fun than they usually do at Sadie.”

y ou're never done

“I feel like it’s gonna be a big transition to be honest. Coming from a place where people know me and then going to a place where I have to introduce myself everyday will probably be pretty different. It scares me a little but also excites me because I’m curious to find out where God takes my future.”

- senior hayden hall

Our turn

Three years.

They’ve waited three years.

And now it’s their turn.

Senior night is a long awaited tradition for most seniors. It’s a day of recognition. A day of celebration. And mostly, it’s a day of saying goodbye.

“It was a lot of emotions. I’m out there playing with the people I love, that made it memorable. But it’s also just the end of an era — very bittersweet.”

- senior catherine joyce

S urviving the night

“We have longer [theatre] rehearsals, especially near show time, and that can get tedious and exhausting. I also have AP art, and all the work I have with that class adds to the exhaustion, as I have less time to work on it due to theatre. It’s definitely worth it though. I enjoy working and putting in the effort even if it gets tiring. I wouldn’t quit either of them.”

- senior erica zofcin

j ust a prank

b“It all took a turn when I told her I have a daughter older than her. Thus, I was deemed old. That is when the elderly sign appeared.

Another mature lady (I won’t mention any names) took offense and joined my shenanigans — then appeared the short people sign. It’s always good to laugh; it’s like medicine to the soul.”

- english teacher shelby strebeck

never forget

Banks Patton Wilson. Most high schoolers might not recognize this name, but the seniors do — it’s a name that comes up every graduation, every time they open a yearbook and not see his face. It’s a name that never seems to stray too far, especially during senior season.

Banks passed away July 26, 2017 — the summer of 5th grade when he was struck by a pick-up truck in his driveway.

“We were best friends ever since I moved to PG,” Tyler said. “Baseball reminds me of him and when I think back of my childhood days, I think of him.”

- senior tyler prinsen

aying pa visit

Before college applications, there’s college tours. It gives them a glimpse into their academic life and college culture and for senior Spencer Stokes, University of Central Arkansas has everything he wants.

a /b... what?

2024 were the last.

The senior grade was the last class to ever experience the A/B day schedule, and for some seniors, they still fantasize about

“It was a neat experience — it was amazing being somewhere I knew I’d be.

I’ll have everything I want there, and my roommate is a great dude that will make my experience in college better for sure.”

- senior spencer stokes

the old ways.

“I wish we still have A/B days. Especially now that we had more DC and AP classes which means more work — we would get so much more done with an adequate amount of time. We were definitely robbed.”

- senior elliot white

Li“I remember playing Among Us freshman year, and it was a blast. We were all in the corners of the classroom with the brightness down, scanning to find the impostor. We would yell across the room, so some teachers banned us from playing it. It was so much fun and brought the whole class together. We played once in senior year and the nostalgia made it just as great as freshman year.”

- senior william otero

baldwin for president

her majesty, giles’ birthday keeping spirits up — spirit couch

[CSanders]

[HBarthel]

- senior hailey allen

[CSanders]

[MSmallwood]

Lrmyeaching limit

“I’m mostly just tired of all these extra classes that won’t matter in college, but I still have to take here. I’m ready to move into more specific classes in a field I choose rather than all the forced classes that I know won’t matter when I graduate.”

senior ABC’S

Class of 2024 looks back to their freshman year of A/B days and Among Us to senior year of cap and gowns

co-editor

w elcome to adulthood

d os & don'ts

From dating to studying, Class of 2024 has had four years to master what not to do. And for some seniors, they might be nice enough to share their hard learned truths.

“Something I learned the hard way is to always be kind to others and give them time even if you don’t have much time yourself. I’ve learned many lessons in high school, and I try to pass them on as best I can because my freshman and sophomore year I had so many mentors to look up to since that was my older sister’s grade.”

Zero sleep

Every day, even during the weekends, seniors are working nonstop. There’s zero rest for them — zero sleep, especially for senior Lauren Hornsby.

“It’s hard to get all of these assignments done because there’s just so much going on not just in my academics, but also extracurriculars. I can’t fall asleep without having all of my assignments done — that’s like my thing. It stresses me out if I don’t get it done right away. I’ve had several times that I’ve had to stay up late until 1 in the morning doing a college class assignment. So, I always finish them before taking shower no matter what.”

xoxo, PG

“Over the past few years, I have made some really close relationships with people, and it’s going to be very surreal only being able to talk to them maybe once a week due to basic training — I will really miss my friends. I’ve made plenty of good memories just from simple coming to school everyday.”

- senior lucas jordan

“It’s weird to be moving out after living here my whole life. I’ll be on my own, so I have to make decisions on my own and being independent for the most part. I’ll get to vote this year which is pretty cool — I’ll get to participate in making a decision for my country.”

vDC Chem. Robotics. Part-time job at Target. Those are not even half of what got senior Julia Hackleman, the valedictorian, to where she is today.

“I owe everything — my success — to my parents,” Julia said. “But having a class I really like helped — my favorite is DC Chem with Mrs. Martindale. Because of her, I enjoyed the course.”

T“It has been my dream to be a drill team captain ever since I started going to PG. I’ve learned so much just from being in an environment with a lot of girls wanting to strive for the same thing. Some days it will either be a high or low day but for the most part it’s normally high. A lot of people keep me motivated which has shaped me to who I am as a leader for my team. We just had Spring Show a few weeks ago, so it doesn’t feel real that my time as a Showstopper is over.”

Mikaela Emphasis co-editor Riley Richardson - senior maggie clark - senior jack walters - senior jace ramos - senior julia hackleman - senior lauren hornsby

mika & riley, newspaper editors

Celia Weiss

Emma Sharp (10)

Q: What is the process like of becoming your character? How do you connect with your character?

A: "She is a harsh Jewish mother, so it was hard to step into her shoes. I did a bunch of research about what denomination her religion is and it helped me decipher what is important to her. I also looked into Houdini's childhood to try and channel the motherly attitude he would have grown up with. In terms of trying to learn her personality, I watched a bunch of movies with Jewish mothers in them. In order to reach a personal level, I researched her family and how she would have grown up."

Martin Beck

Caleb Price (12)

Q: In what ways did you prepare for competition? What details helped you dive into the show?

A: "The first thing I did was figure out my character stereotype. My general type is a showman, but I'm also Houdini's manager. I immediately started connecting my character with other characters similar to mine that I've seen in movies and shows, and I studied their mannerisms and historical context. I looked at a lot of attributes from The Greatest Showman and the Ringling Brothers."

Bess Rahner

Kaylee Hunt (11)

What was the hardest part of the show? What is your favorite part about OAP?

"The hardest part is the quick change of emotions that my character goes through in the span of 40 minuets. I have to go from being completely chill and fine to absolutely distraught that my husband is dying. My favorite part about One Act itself is how we grow as a company. We get super close; it's like a family." A:

Q&A withOne Act Play

OAP cast puts magic on stage, literally

As senior Noah Sexson descends into the locked water tank, his character, Harry Houdini begins to die. The audience holds their breath with him, eager to know Houdini’s fate.

"I've died in every One Act Play that I've ever been in," Noah said. "This show is different though because my death is implied, not actually shown."

The OAP "The Last Illusion," features three of Houdini’s most dangerous escapes, which the cast had to learn how to pull off perfectly for every show.

In the substitution-trunk, Houdini and his brother, Theo, played by senior Tate Bass, appear to impossibly switch places from a locked box.

"It's one of those tricks where you can't understand know how it works unless someone tells you," Tate said. "I like the suspense."

The show also includes the DeKolta Chair, a disappearance act performed by Houdini’s

Abigail Thrash

reporter

Madison Herbert

reporter

wife, Bess Rahner, played by junior Kaylee Hunt. The most dangerous escape trick is the Water Tank, Houdini’s closest encounter to death.

Getting these stunts ready for district competition took months of practice.

On top of learning these tricks, students like sophomore Emma Sharp had to learn to step into the shoes of an older character, Celia Weiss, a woman in her 50s.

"Celia is very different from any character I've ever played," Emma said. "She's also taught me about the process of becoming a character."

As Houdini fights to escape death, the audience sees flashbacks from Houdini’s life, including scenes showing his close relationship with his mother, Celia Wiess, how he met Bess, and how he gained his fame.

While “The Great Houdini” struggles with the chains of the Water Tank, he has two goals — to cheat his own death and to be able to talk to his mother again after her passing.

Assistant #2

Rhoda Clements (10)

Q: What can you learn from your character? How has your character helped you grow?

A: "My character has taught me to stay calm in stressful situations. When things don't go the way they are planned, I try to picture a better outcome rather than getting lost in the craziness. Focusing on the negative in stressful situations only makes things worse."

Standing on a platform, Rhoda

poses with her prop during the opening scene. [CSanders]

Harry Houdini

Noah Sexson (12)

How hard was it to learn the illusions? What's your favorite illusion and why? Q:

"My favorite illusion is the sub-trunk. The Illusions are not super difficult once you get the hang of them, but it requires a lot to make them perfect and make sure the magic stays real. The Illusion itself isn't hard to do, but it requires perfection." A:

Addressing the audience, Kaylee Hunt (11) introduces her disappearing act. [CSanders]

Clements (10)

Students find themselves grappling with more than just homework and assignments as winter settles in

reporter Rawya Hazin

Can seasonal depression affect anyone, or are certain people more at risk?

Those living in areas with less sunlight during winter months are more vulnerable, such as northern states with darker, colder seasons. Women are more likely to experience seasonal depression than men, and having a personal or family history can increase risk as well.

[www.psychiatry.org]

How is seasonal depression different from general depression?

Seasonal depression is defined as a "form of depression" where symptoms usually occur during the fall and winter months and subside during spring/ summer. General depression can occur at any time of the year.

SEASONAL-ish SLUMP ing the

[www.psychiatry.org]

FUN (ish) FACTS

• Seasonal depression is also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

• The further north you live, the more common SAD becomes

• In teenagers, symptoms tend to revolve around schoolrelated issues

[www.renown.org]

It was morning. It was cold.

And it was time for school.

Senior Loriann Hensel woke up and went outside. And then it hit her.

The frosty air stung her cheeks, and the dull gray sky mirrored the numbness she felt inside. As she made her way to her car, the gloominess of the season set in.

“My body just relaxed and my energy went down,” Loriann said. “I just didn’t feel like doing anything anymore. When it’s cold out, it’s like I don’t wanna do anything. It’s hard to think.”

In the biting cold, Loriann struggled with feelings of fatigue and sadness. Her experience was a stark reminder of the challenges many face during the colder months — seasonal depression.

“It’s different from your major depressive disorder,” counselor Karen Carpenter said. “You’re gonna see ups and downs and fluctuations throughout a certain amount of time.”

Navigating through the fog of seasonal depression can be tough on its own. And students like junior Chloe Hebert find themselves carrying the additional burden of anxiety.

“It really takes a toll, especially because I have anxiety,” Chloe said. “You either start overthinking or you don’t care as much as you should about certain things. Everyday is really hard if you don’t want to do it. You don’t have the motivation.”

Some students recognize how seasonal depression can affect their academic and extracurricular pursuits, dampening motivation and drive.

“I didn’t work as hard as I thought I could have in a lot of things, especially classes too, but mainly in band,” Loriann said. “Normally I’m on top of it. I want to practice. I want to do this stuff. I want to do it best. But during that time, I just let go.”

Counselors, aware of these struggles, can also recognize how

seasonal changes strain students’ academic and extracurricular involvements.

“It’s a busy season,” Mrs. Carpenter said. “At one point, you might even want to quit whatever you’re involved in just because it’s taking you away from the academic side.”

While seasonal depression can heighten temptations to quit activities, it can also amplify pressure and feelings of hopelessness for the future. Especially for seniors.

“Even without the seasonal depression I’m pretty bad at procrastinating,” Loriann said. “I feel kind of hopeless too, especially being a senior in high school. All the stress about going to college and eventually having college debt is just so much on your mind. It’s crazy.”

Students like Loriann can experience not only the mental toll of seasonal depression, but they can also face the physical toll.

“For me personally, I can kind of feel it on my chest. Like there’s a weight,” Loriann said. “Same thing with my mind. It’s just more foggy and cloudy.”

Biological mechanisms are evidently behind some struggles of seasonal depression. Mrs. Carpenter’s explanation about serotonin levels can help shed light on this concept.

“Your serotonin levels drop,” Mrs. Carpenter said. “That’s something that physically happens because the sunlight affects the levels of the molecules that help maintain normal serotonin levels. So if that’s going up and down and wacko, then you can’t regulate your mood.”

By recognizing symptoms and seeking support, high school students can better cope with academic and personal challenges during their slumps.

“Talk to someone that you feel like you can look up to or get help and communicate that,” Mrs. Carpenter said. “Counselors are here to talk and if you’re just feeling low, communicating that is cathartic. It helps.”

Carpenter ” ”

"It was a motivating book, and it broke down into simple steps."

-Karen

COUNSELOR TIPS

Try new activities to get out of normal routines

Look into getting a light therapy lamp

Identify areas for improvement in daily habits

Make desired habits easier to build

Make undesired habits harder to build

Ask for help when needed

scrapbook

Try a new hobby

Knitting, running, baking... the choices of a new hobby are practically endless. Check out various social media apps such as Pinterest for further inspo to fight summer boredom.

"I started crocheting with my boyfriend's mother," senior Ruby Rehkopf said. "It started out kind of hard, but once you figure out the basic stitches, it's pretty easy, and I've always wanted to try it."

Volunteering is the perfect solution to summer boredom while simultaneously benefiting your community. Local places like animal shelters and nursing homes are always searching for more volunteers. Not to mention, it looks great on future college applications!

"I do love to volunteer with my church," junior Jared Thrash said. "I volunteered at our 5k with them — it was about raising awareness for other countries who don't have water because that's how far they travel to get water."

With so much to do in so little time, start planning your summer bucket list

Brooklyn Tirone

reporter

With so many great vacation spots in the local area, a road trip with friends or family can be perfect for getting rid of summer boredom and a change in scenery.

Between Magic Springs Water Park in Hot Springs, Dixie Maze farms in Shreveport, and everything the big city of Dallas has to offer, there are countless fun spots and memories to make just hours away.

"I usually go to my lake house in Hot Springs over the summer," junior Rhoda Clements said. "I love all the changes in scenery — we don't get that in Texarkana."

Sleepover

There's no better way to spend summer nights than a sleepover with a few of your best friends. Whether it's hosting or going to someone else's house, sleepovers are a great way to beat boredom and connect with friends.

"Sometimes we go out to eat or go to the mall, or we might stay home and watch movies," senior Erica Zofcin said. "At school we have rules, but at home, we can do whatever we want."

Volunteer

Summer is the season of new movie releases, with films such as "Deadpool" and "Despicable Me 4" hitting theaters this summer. Not to mention, movie theaters are a great way to beat the summer heat while staying entertained.

"I liked all the other 'Deadpool' movies — they're very funny," sophomore Browning Harvey said. "I've been waiting a very long time for it to come out, since the other movies have dropped. And also Wolverine is very hot."

pictureperfect

"This is what I call a 'pure luck' shot. I always try to get head-shot photos but they never turn out because my timings off or they're too far away. So, I was amazed when I looked at my screen and realized I got one. The ISO and focus and definitely not up to par, but I think the sheer storytelling and facial expression makes up for it."

"I love shooting theatre because of how expressive they are. It's usually my job to find a story and tell it through photos, but the theatre students are able to tell a story just through pure emotion — even through a still image — it makes my job easier. However theatre is also one of the hardest when it comes to managing lighting. The theatre techs switched up their system this year to using more harsh yellow lights and it made me have to spend hours editing the tone and harsh shadows."

Chloe

was the first game that the boys wore their new gold helmets. Honestly, I didn't

with them at first, but the helmets are so unique and photograph very well. They're very much on brand for PG."

co-editor Mikaela Emphasis

A look into the photographers' eyes

the end of the PG vs. Carthage game, many players were slinging around their towels to hype up the crowd. It was nice to see the crowd getting hype and I thought it made a cool shot."

"A lot of staffers said they didn't like this photo because he didn't make the shot but I don't think that changes the emotion, composition, and action the shot portrays. Basketball is one of my favorite sports to shoot — getting mid-air shots like this is something I've perfected from having patience, good reflex, and honestly just having good eye as well."

had been playing the whole game — there was no timeout for him. I wanted to capture the moment where you can see how exhausted he is."

was a big fan of getting shots of warm ups and anything pre-game — I was able to get Zay hyping the team up with everyone else out of focus but him."

had made a home run — everyone was going crazy in the dugout. He did a little dance before home plate and they all run up to him celebrating the win."

senior Chloe Sanders photo editor

"I took this picture of Torion during his warm up before the Carthage game — I really liked how the picture turned out with the sky in the back with the stadium reflecting off his visor."

senior Bennett Solomon photographer

"Towards

junior Madeline Smallwood photographer

"Eli

junior Hayden Barthel photographer

senior

Sanders photo editor

"I

senior Bennett Solomon photographer

"This picture really captures what we have going on at Pleasant Grove. We're family — not just teammates."

sophomore James Solomon photographer

sophomore James Solomon photographer

"I really like this one because of the perfect angle had on the catch — I was glad I got to capture the athleticism that Roland showed to make the catch."

"Brenton

junior Hayden Barthel photographer

"I always liked to get shots of players when the play had the runner run at the sideline, so I was able to get Ahkhari facing the camera — full sprint and you can visibly see the ball."

senior Bennett Solomon photographer

senior Chloe Sanders photo editor

"This

vibe

junior Madeline Smallwood photographer

PODCAST review corner

reporter Katherine Ayers

The number one top fiction podcast, featuring an ongoing thriller story about a person who camps out in a tower for five months, is the Tower 4 podcast. The episodes include an ongoing story of different mysterious events that happen.

Crime Junkie, rated number two in top True Crime on Spotify, is a podcast based on true crimes hosted by Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat. The crimes range from missing people to murder mysteries. Crime Junkie was created in 2017, and continues to make episodes.

Recommended by freshman Ginger Wright, Suburb Talks is a podcast hosted by a group of young adults talking about their younger years. The podcast gives insight to the friends' childhood experiences and some advice on relationships.

"I like to listen to this podcast because I get to listen to their advice on life," Ginger said. "It is really helpful since I am able to learn from their mistakes while also being

From crime to lifestyle podcasts — a highlight of top podcasts in the nation

Oh Shoot! is a podcast hosted by Cassidy Lynne. In this podcast, the host shares her best tips and tricks on how to create a thriving photography business. Episodes also feature advice and stories of real photography experiences.

Anything goes by Emma Chamberlain, is a podcast about just about everything: philosophy, advice, random stories, and sometimes nothing of real importance.

The Magnus Archives is a horror fiction about mysteries in the archives of London. Episodes feature a group from the Magnus Institute devoted to examining and researching these strange things.

Serial is a podcast created to tell stories about different real life events. Season 4, Serial's most recent season, features a story about the military prison in Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. This season gives insight to the multiple illegal acts within this prison.

Rated number two on spotify under the Sports category, Mind the Game by LeBron James and JJ Redick is a podcast discussing the best basketball strategies.

Rotten Mango is a spooky crime podcast that is highly rated on Spotify for its spooky true crime stories. Hosted by Stephanie Soo, this podcast now features the option of a video to go along with the podcast.

Distractible, created by Mark Fischback, Wade Barnes, and Bob Muyskens, is a podcast full of random discussions that mostly consist of the interesting things about life as we know it.

Rated number one on Spotify for top podcast and number one comedy podcast, the Joe Rogan Experience entertains listeners about anything from sports to science while also adding a comedic twist.

Goin'outta Style

reporter Madison Herbert

Students express personality through their styles

Walking down the hallways, there's at least ten girls dressed in comfy Lululemon leggings and a basic tee while the boys you see all wear Nike shorts or sweats and a generic shirt, Racquet & Jog or their athletic hoodie or shirt.

Basically, the students wear basic everyday outfits. Comfort over cute.

But there are students who stands out among the Lululemon, Youngla, and Arie.

Like sophomore Sawyer Julian.

"I've been 'coquette' for two years," Sawyer said. "It has helped me get out my comfort zone

Western Alternative

Coquette never

Q: What defines your style?

"Denim jeans, big belt buckles, and cowboy boots."

Q: How/ where do you find your clothes/ accessories?

"I mostly shop at Diamond T Outfitters, Cavenders, and Boot Barn."

Q: What is your favorite piece?

"My cousin made it for me, so it's unique and one of a kind."

Student Styles

Q: What defines your style?

"Studded belts, chokers, oversized fit, chunky shoes, and silver jewelry."

Q: How/ where do you find your clothes/ accessories?

"I thrift most of my clothes, but some things, like graphic sweaters, are harder to find, so I usually use Amazon and other websites."

"I got them from the thrift store, but the brand is Guess which is a pretty high end brand."

by wearing things I wouldn't usually wear."

There is also junior Georgia Colvin — grunge, mysterious, emo.

"I've dressed like this since eighth grade," Georgia said. "I have felt better about self expression ever since."

Despite living in Texas, there is an ironic amount of country aesthetics in the halls, but that doesn't mean there isn't any.

"My life revolves around horses," junior Jasper Roach said. "So, I think my style reflects my personality perfectly."

Q: How/ where do you find your clothes/ accessories?

"I look on Pinterest to get an idea. Once I find a specific item, I'll try to find it online. Lately, I've been trying to find sustainable fashion rather than like Shein."

Q: What is your favorite piece?

"I have this cute pair of white socks with lace trim."

Q: What is your favorite piece?

"My black platforms that I wear everyday;

Q: What defines your style?

"Mostly white, lace, bows, ribbons, and pink."

"I got these from Amazon for pretty cheap, but they're super cute and good quality."

Jagger Roach (9)

Midnight Higuerey (9)

Lyla Breto (11)

food culture served with a side of Great loca luna

Now I'm an Amigo Juan's stan, but Loca Luna... I'm in love. I've eaten here in the past but never with the mindset of being a critic, so when I tell you comparatively this is one of the best Mexican restaurants in town, I mean it.

For starters, I want to clarify that out of the two locations, Richmond Road and 7th Street, the 7th street location is the best one. It's quieter and more private — trust me.

But beyond the seating arrangement, the food was excellent. I ordered a Ranchero Chicken with veggies for $13.49 with of course the complimentary chips and salsa. Now, while their salsa is arguably the best in town, their chips where the only complaint I had with my whole experience. They were slightly burned... that's it. Just toasty (hardly something to complain about).

My food came out in about seven minutes, and oh my gosh the

Riley Richardson

co-editor

Local restaurants provide a variety of culture

portions? I'm going to get three meals out of it. So while it's pricey, the portions are very "American sized."

After eating my fill, I was able to completely fill an entire to-go container with leftovers. And I'm going to be honest... I'm a picky eater and was worried about the veggies (I know, embarrassing) but it added so much flavor and made me feel healthier. They weren't stingy with the queso either, and I currently have the leftovers in my lunch for school today.

I have never eaten here, but I will now. For starters, it's a small business on State Line, and though it's a little bit of a drive, the atmosphere makes up for it.

I felt like I was eating at a family-dinner table because the server was that kind. She never once stopped smiling, and I'm just a huge fan of cozy restaurants — the vibes were just vibing. They served free shrimp chips with your drinks, and if I knew that's what they were called prior to eating them, I probably never would've tried them. But I ate them blindly (because free

Ok so I'm going to honest, I'm not an avid ramen consumer. But... I have to say, I'm going to be now. Hokkaido is one of the newer restaurants in town, and to my knowledge, the only ramen house. Because ramen isn't my go-to, I really don't have much to compare it to, but when it comes to noodles... I do know that. Their noodles are top tier; my only complaint was the broth it was served in. I ordered the Shoyu Ramen (because it was the cheapest), and it tasted great... just a little basic. In retrospect, I think that's because I ordered a basic bowl, so if you want more flavor, I would recommend the bowl I stole food from my bestie Mika Emphasis — Spicy Miso. I went with some of my friends to review their food, so I could try as many things as I could from their menu, and Mika had by far the best ramen. It had awesome flavor and of course awesome noodles, and needless to say, I stole more than a bite from her bowl. While I man not be an expert to all things ramen, I

food duh), and I'm so glad I did — they were awesome. After ordering, our food took no time at all to come out (definitively the quickest serving time out of all these places), and it was steaming hot, so a great sign.

I ordered a simple Chicken Chow Mein, and it was bomb. I'm not a huge fan of onions, but with this, I ate it up. My only complain with it was the lack of chicken. I don't normally eat Chow Mein, so I don't now the normal chicken to noodle ratio, but personally, I could do with a little more protein.

But my all time favorite part of our meal was the small pastry — a type of sugar bread — our server just put down in front of us for free. It was by far the best thing I ate all week, and I'll be dreaming and craving it for days to come.

am when it comes to sushi — more specifically the Shrimp Tempura Roll (aka the best roll in the universe). Hokkaido serves sushi along with their ramen, and while their sushi doesn't really compare to that of a sushi place (cough cough Fuji Kim's) it is still a great addition to your meal for about $7. Hokkaido was never really on my food radar, but it definitely is now when I'm craving something more filling than soup with a little more culture. But before I would eat here, I would have to check my bank account. It's about $15 per bowl so bring your appetite and a bunch of cash.

So this was a little different... the Italian restaurant is in the same building as Silver Star which is a little confusing. When we walked in they set us down and gave us a menu with the steak options on the front and pasta on the back which was fun. But that's when my review kinda starts going down, sadly. For starters they don't have complementary bread. Outrageous. What Italian restaurant doesn't have free bread to go with it? So begrudgingly, my family and I ordered some ravioli for an appetizer. It was ten dollars. Ten dollars. For six pieces of ravioli.

It tasted like an overpriced mozzarella stick — it was good, but if that's what I wanted, I would just go to Sonic. When our meal came, which was fast because the service was excellent, we had some steaming-hot spaghetti which was... ok. The meatball was good, but if I'm being honest, kinda dry. The sauce was awesome though (marinara sauce is the love of my life). But you know what makes or breaks pasta? Parmesan cheese. And you know what they didn't have? Parmesan cheese. This monumental mistake costed a star alone. (But dramatics aside, we simply just asked our waitress for some, and she got us some).

All in all, I was low-key a little disappointed and hungry the next day because I didn't eat all of it.

hokkaido

ranchero chicken

chicken tortilla soup

shoyu ramen

shrimp tempura roll

shumai

toasted ravioli

egg-drop soup

chicken chow mein

sugar pastry

The Games Page

Complete the summer theme puzzles — bring this page to room 603 to get a prize

Addison Kinney

reporter

WordMatch

Match the summer words with their Spanish and French translations!

co-editor Mikaela Emphasis

until then, take care

Growing comes with goodbyes — staffer slowly tries to accept the change around her and in her

I’ve always hated goodbyes — can’t I just slip out and leave?

But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to come to terms with goodbyes. We grow. We mature. We change. And goodbyes come with it.

But…

I thought I would have more time constantly clicking on the keyboard in the journalism room for five hours every day; cue Harris yelling at everyone to “get busy!”

I thought I would have more time walking in the halls of PG while silently cursing the slow walkers in front of me.

I thought I would have more time before strutting on the football field and turning my tassel.

Even now, I’m writing this column the day before it’s due, expecting to have all the time in the world to finish it (I am tweaking, you guys).

Senior year taught me a lot of things — from love (shoutout to my first column this year) to how effectively I can function with only three hours of sleep.

But most importantly, I learned about the inconsistencies of life.

I learned to find beauty in impermanence — that losing people is okay. It’s a normal part of life. Just like seasons change — everything in life goes through its own cycle.

Like leaving the Philippines when I was 12. Two months before our flight, I bawled my eyes out in my 6th-grade class.

That day, we were talking about changes in our lives, and I wrote in my paper about my leaving. No one knew about it yet, and my younger self thought it was cooler to break it out to them that I was leaving through tears.

In front of immature boys and the girls who cared enough to give me a napkin.

It was embarrassing, but I grew up with those people. I cried with them. I laughed with them. And suddenly I’m leaving them???

But it shaped me.

I found this quote on Tumblr, and it goes like this: “I am a mosaic of everyone I have ever known and loved and touched…. we may not know each other anymore, but we will stay connected like this.”

I’ve never been so moved.

Everyone I have loved is like pieces of glass that form who I am — they are bright and sharp and can't be replaced.

I am a mosaic of everyone I have ever poured my love into.

And how could I almost forget? Part of the cycle of losing people is anger. I was once… wronged? Used? Hurt?

I’m not going into details because I’m afraid the opp might read this (as if!).

But that rage in me bloomed.

I would have moments where I’m like, I hate you so much I wish you a very very bad day, and no, I don’t want to speak to you ever again, but yes, I think about you when I listen to Pyramids by Frank Ocean (war flashbacks).

But it’s normal to feel that way because letting your emotions consume you is okay.

i hate the color pink

Perspectives shift as

staffer

grows more mature

When I was younger I hated the color pink.

I hated that every girl declared it the “best color ever” and wore Barbie shirts and magenta Skechers to school every day. I hated that on Christmas day I would unwrap a gift from a relative just to see that it was the pink version of whatever my brother got.

I didn't hate it because it was ugly but because of what it represented.

Pink is a feminine color. It's delicate, romantic, sensitive, and nurturing — the color of rose petals and bubblegum.

Pink represents femininity — everything I disliked. To be feminine meant to be weak and girly and dumb, and if I presented like that, I would be treated that way.

So from then on, I liked blue. The color baby boomers associate with vigor and charm, like a young soldier clad in a blue uniform. Blue like the sky, the ocean, serenity, and bravery. Blue like my brother's toys and shining sapphires. For the next few years, everything I owned was blue.

The pastel pink of my bedroom walls was engulfed under a faint coat of aquamarine blue. My princess pink comforter was tossed to the side for a new one that matched my baby blue walls. Aqua blue nick-nacks replaced old antiques on my shelf. If it didn't come in blue, I would spray paint it or not buy it at all.

It could’ve been the admiration of my dad and brother and the desire to fit in with their “boyish” things.

The memories of my brother teasing me for playing with Barbies or doing “girly things” told me that being girly and childish was not cool.

Or the fact I couldn’t stand blending it with the crowd. I wanted to be unique and “not like other girls” so badly.

Whether it was admiration of masculine figures or internalized misogyny, I convinced myself that femininity and the color pink were things I would have had to avoid to be seen as strong and mature.

And the comments from adults about how “mature I am for my age” didn’t help my case.

I inevitably moved on from blue — switching to coral to mint to green and to navy, but never back to pink.

To much of my mom's dismay, the walls of my room were repainted each time my favorite color changed (I didn’t accept anything less). Those walls now hold several layers of paint — each color stuck at a different point of time.

But a certain maturity comes with growing up.

A different type of maturity that I pretended to have in childhood.

What was once a color I avoided is now a color I revel in. Everything I own, from my water bottle to my backpack to my phone, is now a shade of bubblegum blush.

If my nine-year-old self saw me now, she would be ashamed. She would tell me no one would take me seriously — that I would be seen as a “dumb blonde.”

Letting go doesn’t always mean it’s a loss — sometimes, it means it’s for the better.

I learned to accept my growth. When I was a kid, I always looked forward to turning 18. I had this vision in my head that it would be magical. I would grow wings and finally be a woman — venture into the world.

When I got closer to 18, I dreaded it. Thinking about it made me want to throw up. I was scared — I’m still scared. Why do people want to grow up??? This is insanity. I never signed up for this!

I still wanted to be the kid who would pretend to sleep in the car after a long road trip just so my dad would carry me inside the house, so I didn’t have to walk.

When I turned 18, I felt sick to my stomach. The fairytalelike vision from when I was a kid?

Gone.

All that was left was fear and dread of whatever was coming. Everybody kept asking how I felt now that I’m 18, but the thing is, I feel no difference — I think I’m still 17 (but with a high chance of going to prison).

I realized growing up isn't about losing all parts of my younger self — it's about bringing the best parts of my childhood with me as I grow older.

Time check: 1:27 a.m. I think I’ll end my yapping (for now) because if I don’t stop, this will end up as a feature page instead of a column.

I’ve only been 18 for 61 days — I’ll learn more, I’ll grow more, and I’ll have more goodbyes to accept.

But until then, take care.

And she’s probably right; the only difference is that she cares and I don’t.

I could sit here and monologue about how the patriarchy puts down women and that I’m “reclaiming my femininity,” but I don't know if it's that deep.

Seven-year-old me just wanted to be treated like an adult.

And now I’m 18.

I can’t say I feel any different than at 17, but I know my nine-year-old self is right where she wants to be.

I no longer have to put on an act of pseudo-maturity to avoid getting baby-talked.

Now, I get treated as an adult even when I don’t want to be.

And yes, I do get profiled as the “dumb blonde sorority type,” but why should that be seen as a negative thing?

I don’t equate feminine things with a lack of maturity, intelligence, or competence anymore.

I know that I am intelligent and mature, and my interests will not change that.

I will always like Taylor Swift, makeup, clothes, nails, jewelry, and of course — the color pink.

photo editor

Chloe Sanders

co-editor

I’m dumb, naive, and slow.

I don’t know how our country is run (a fact I found out in Knowles’ class).

I thought I was going to marry my high school sweetheart.

And I still spell the word “paper” with an extra “p.”

I’m 17 and by the time I graduate, I’ll still be 17, so who am I to write and give advice when I’m only one to three years older than the people I’m leaving? I can’t even put things in alphabetical order without singing the whole abc’s in my head. So instead of pouncing on my soapbox to hand out unwanted advice to the student body (half of which don’t even know my last name), I want to give thanks

Yep. Simply say goodbye.

I read somewhere that looking back we only remember the highs and lows of life and never the inbetween — the days where nothing particular happened, nothing extraordinary or detrimental. The days you simply woke up, went to school, practice, then home. But now that my whole world is shifting, it’s those days, the days I never gave a second thought to, that I’m desperately grasping at. My mother packing my lunch box and leaving notes not to forget to take home said lunch box, hearing Harris’ duck alarm go off, quacking until she takes attendance, simply going to school.

So here’s my goodbye to my everydays 10. The ten minute drive to school (that should technically be a 15 minute drive).

Nothing was as consistent in my life at the 8.7 mile drive I take five times a day to school. Well… the speeding I committed everyday doing that drive might be more

final countdown

consistent. For those who don’t know, I live in L.E., less than a mile away from the local prison — a fact I wouldn't share so casually, but considering I’m moving away in a few months, who cares? I had to drive ten minutes to the nearest Walmart, but still, when you’re saying goodbye to something, you find yourself missing the minuscule details and annoyances.

9. Nine class periods a day.

I never liked you. Like ever. You’ve been like a tick sucking the life and education out of me since my first dual credit class. You’ve made me anxious, constantly looking at the time, calculating every minute of my day. I say goodbye out of happiness.

8. The familiar (there’s eight letters, so it counts — ha). This is the category of my life that I know I don't give enough thought to. It’s simply familiar — things that I know I don’t appreciate like I should. But the thing about distancing yourself from something is that you're giving yourself room to miss it. Lunches at my grandparents house after church every Sunday. Getting a chicken biscuit and a large sweet tea with lite ice at Chick-fil-a once a week. Having a monthly fire drill in calculus (the one class you don’t want to miss any time for thanks to the nine-period schedule) — these are my familiars, my unappreciated luxuries.

7. Getting out of dance studio at 7 p.m. every Tuesday night. My relationship with Gayle’s studio has lasted longer than all my relationships (minus the two girls Blakely and Lauren I take from there with). Part of taking from a dance studio is complaining half the time about how you don’t want to go, but at the same time, the glitter covered floors and piles of leotards I’ve never bothered to wear has given my life structure and stability — a rarity these days.

6. My senior girls (or “6 pack”).

Dancing isn’t my passion. (I know several of you are shocked) But these girls — Jace, Lauren, Norah, Rachel, Sarah (and myself) — they are. Over the past six years, these girls

my lavender days

You listened to 82 genres.

You played 2,558 songs.

You listened for 37,526 minutes.

Too stupid to give advice, staffer says her goodbyes

Riley Richardson ad manager

Album promotion turns into staffer's favorite quote

and I have gone through everything. And I mean everything The senior year we imagined for ourselves didn’t come true, but with the reality we were given, I can say the six of us took it with grace, showing character that will create a life-long friendship. You have given me sisterhood, thank you.

5. <error, this content was taken down by it’s creator>

This number was a learning lesson for me — the thing I wanted to say goodbye to… well… it’s already gone. But as Frank Sinatra says, “that’s life.” Sometimes we don’t get the privilege of closure, or we get some messier version of it.

4. Book nerds.

This is sappy but… words can’t express how thankful I am to the three of you — Mika, Olivia, and Chloe. Yall have been my people since sophomore year. Not only did you accept my love for books, words, and Christian Bale’s voice with minimal teasing, you encouraged it. You let me act my age when my whole life all I’ve felt was 20 years older than I am. Thank you Y’all are my childhood, and I will love you always.

3. Three years of journalism.

This program is the greatest thing I got out of highschool. Simply imagining being five hours from the journalism room makes me feel like a child without their security blanket — panicked and lost. But let’s be honest, it’s not the physical room but the people and the queen ruling over them — Charla Harris. You’ve taught me not only do I have a voice, but one worth listening to. I owe my character to you, thank you.

2. Joy and Shane.

You both deserve so much thanks and praise (and not just because you raised an amazing daughter). Your sacrifices for my upbringing and education is a debt I won’t be able to pay back — all I can do is say thank you over and over until my voice goes. Thank you for bringing my drill team clothes when I forgot them. Thank you for packing my lunch everyday since preschool. Thank you for loving me fully.

1. Goodbye.

Olivia Perry

For those who don’t use the superior music app (Spotify) and use something weird (I’m looking at you, Apple music users), these numbers come from Spotify wrapped — one of the many features to make your music listening experience just a little more fun.

But I’m not here to talk about my top artist (sorry Laufey, I promise I love you <3) or my listening location (where the frick is Burlington anyway). I’m going to talk about Caamp (no, that is not a typo — yes, it is spelled with two A’s).

The best way I can describe Caamp’s music is chill, folksy music with a banjo. And even that doesn’t encapsulate their “vibe” — so, maybe just give “By and By” a listen (please, I’m begging you).

“Officer of Love” might be my absolute jam, but their music is not the only thing great about them.

For those of out there who are nosy and nerdy (and use Spotify), you might know a section in the artist profile at the very bottom that tells you about the band. This section can range from a few words to a 1500-word essay (if you know, you know). Luckily, Caamp’s is only a paragraph, and yet it’s one of the most profound paragraphs I have ever read.

It goes a little something like this:

“There will be times you look back on and smile about, and

times you look back on with tears still fresh. And there will be the times that give you both, and all shades between — your Lavender Days. Not the glory days, the golden days, or the worst days of your life — but the days where you waited, you were patient — you learned, and you grew. The days sewn in your heart, that make you who you are.”

Now, I’m not one to fawn over quotes or post bible verses all over Instagram, but this paragraph has the most relatable 4 sentences I have ever read. And, as a senior, looking back on my life, I think my Lavender Days are my favorite.

Don’t get me wrong, I love going out with my friends to Target pretending to be Discord mods on headsets, and I can’t forget the time I Kim-Kardashian-Cried because I thought I lost my favorite ring in the dish drain. But the quiet days, when I was by myself, admiring people and places around me, I'm going to cherish.

I think this is what a lot of high schoolers miss when they traverse their way through four years of awkward, timeconsuming, and (sometimes) tortuous schooling. Everyone wants to have bright, interesting days, and social media loves to remind us that if it’s not interesting enough to post, then it’s not interesting enough to do. But It’s okay to slow down. It’s okay to feel your deep blues or your awkward oranges. And it’s okay to have calm (maybe boring) lavender days. It’s what builds our character and allows us to reflect on the not-solavender days.

The first week of senior year, I feel, represents this perfectly. At the time, I would tell you it was a deep, dark blue week, but in hindsight, they were lavender. Lavender with the idea of my adolescence ending. Lavender with the knowledge of adulthood approaching. Lavender with the change I have gone through.

I wasn’t sad. I was understanding how I had learned — how I had grown. I was proud (and maybe a little scared of taxes becoming a reality). I might have been a cringey little middle schooler who thought Nightcore was cool and fingerless gloves were so edgy (not my proudest moment). But now, I’m this 18-year-old who’s still a little cringey (okay, maybe a lot), learned gloves are useless in Texas, and sped-up versions of songs are just… no.

So, as I sit here, writing this column (jamming to Caamp as background music), I can’t tell you what my future holds. I don’t know where I’ll live or where I’ll work. I don’t know if my days will be filled with more yellow or more blue. But I do know that I’ll be ready for those days where I'm patient, where I waited. Those days where I learned and I grew. Those days that make me who I am. My lavender days.

editorial the

between

ACulture of silence regarding sexual education in our school has real consequences

sheets

s far as we know, high school is (supposedly) a time for growth and learning.

It’s a time to prepare students for life.

For college.

For their careers.

But one important topic is swept under the… bed.

Sex education.

But what's the problem with this?

Teenagers are left vulnerable to misinformation, stigma, and risk —in other words, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), unwanted pregnancies, and an unhealthy attitude toward sex. They may rely on unreliable sources such as peers, the internet, or popular media.

But there's one place where reliable information could be available — and it's not. Our current high school curriculum lacks in-depth sex education.

And that lack continues a cycle of ignorance and vulnerability. It leaves students ill-prepared to deal with their developing sexuality and sexual health.

It fails them.

In fact, there is no curriculum to begin with.

Without access to accurate and inclusive information, students are left to grapple with crucial issues such as consent, contraception, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) on their own.

Schools have the power to inspire students to lead healthy lives and foster a culture of respect and consent.

Those consequences spread into our school too. Because in our school, there are harmful stereotypes about sex education. In our school, the mere mention of S-E-X in an educational context feels dirty or wrong.

In our school, there are barriers.

But it doesn't have to be this way.

We have the power to change the conversation. And it starts with education.

One way to do that is by integrating sex education into the Foundations of Personal Fitness class, which is required for all students, whether it's taken over the summer or during the school year. It's the perfect opportunity to provide comprehensive, ageappropriate sex-education to every student, regardless of their background or circumstances. And by incorporating it into a class that already focuses on personal health and wellness, we can finally shed some light on the importance of sexual health.

But that power is wasted.

Sex ed isn’t just about biology — it’s about giving teens the knowledge they need to make safe and informed choices about their bodies and relationships. It’s about understanding consent and preventing STDs. And it’s about pushing teens to advocate for their own sexual health and rights.

It is NOT about promoting promiscuity or undermining family values.

But despite its relevance to the lives of most teenagers, many high schools across the nation neglect this vital aspect of education.

And consequences of inadequate sex education extend beyond high school. When young people lack information about sexual health, the rates of unintended pregnancies and STDs can rise.

Critics may argue that sex ed should be the responsibility of parents or guardians. But the reality is not all teenagers have access to supportive adults or accurate information.

Schools can play a vital role in filling this gap by providing medically accurate education to all students, regardless of their family circumstances.

If schools can’t (or won’t) implement sex education, then the state of Texas should step in and direct comprehensive sex education across all public schools.

Unfortunately, not all schools may prioritize or have the resources to implement effective sex education programs. But Texas can make a difference by setting minimum standards for the sex education curriculum and providing the necessary support and resources.

By directing comprehensive sex education at the state level, Texas can bridge the gaps and inconsistencies in sex education across the state.

As students, we deserve access to sex education that gives us the knowledge and skills we need to make informed decisions. As students, we deserve inclusive sex education that empowers us to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. As students, we deserve to be prepared for all aspects of life.

Even if it's sexual.

WHAT PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS IN U.S. HIGH SCHOOLS HAVE LOST THEIR VIRGINITY?

Out of every 10 students, approximately four in U.S. high schools have lost their virginity

[www.seventeen.com]

DO YOU BELIEVE OUR SCHOOL SHOULD HAVE A SEX EDUCATION CURRICULUM?

[31 students surveyed]

WHY WOULD A SEX EDUCATION CURRICULUM BE BENEFICIAL?

"I think it would be useful information that everyone is going to know eventually, if not already. It’s better to learn the facts in school than whatever misinformation could be spread on the internet or among students."

Lyla Breto (11)

"Whether we like or not, nobody stays a teenager forever. Do you want children to go into the world of adults and have zero clue about sex? Sorry, but that's a breeding ground for diseases."

Taylor Hostutler (10)