editors:
Mikaela Emphasis
Riley Richardson
reporters:
Olivia Perry
Chloe Sanders
Abigail Boehmke
Rawya Hazin
Madison Herbert
Madeline Smallwood
photographers:
Chloe Sanders
Hayden Barthel
Madeline Smallwood
business manager:
Olivia Perry
adviser:
Charla Harris
principal:
Kristen Giles
editorial policy:
Abigail Thrash
Caurie Beck
Brooklyn Tirone
Katlyn Phan
Ayesha Aslam Addison Kinney
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
Junior Owen Braza stepped into the gym nervously.
A panel of judges sitting in a row turned to look at him as he walked through the door.
He was the last one trying out for drum major.
The three people before him walked out of the gym confidently, but the same thing couldn’t be said for Owen.
As he stood in front of the judges and conducted an excerpt of music, all he could think was, “Oh gosh, I messed up.”
But he didn’t.
Now, he and junior Deanna Dyer direct the Pride in Motion Band as drum majors during practice, at pep rallies, and on the field on Friday nights.
“I was really excited because I didn’t think I did all too well in the audition,” Owen said. “Everybody else was so pumped about their auditions, like it was the best time they had ever run through it, and I was like, oh, I didn’t do all too hot.”
Deanna and Owen both had different reasons for trying out. For Deanna, director Jay Sutton personally asked.
“Mr. Sutton called me into his office one day and he was like, ‘Have you ever thought about doing this?’ And I was like no, but now I do,” Deanna said.
Owen thought it would be interesting just to try.
“The position opened up and I figured, hey, if a bunch of people in my grade are also auditioning for it, and if I do wait for my senior year, then they’ll already have experience.” Owen said, “So I figured I might as well try.”
After earning the position, they
Addison Kinney reporterattended a two-day leadership camp during the summer in Queen City where they participated in group activities and took notes. For Deanna, it helped her with her problem solving skills and how to deal with tough situations.
“The teacher said that if you’re not gonna take initiative, then no one else will,” Deanna said.
Drum majors not only conduct, but they also boost morale. They set the tone for everyone else in the band. For them, it means keeping people involved and interested.
“I feel like the way we carry ourselves definitely affects the entire band,” Deanna said.
Balancing school and time-consuming electives like band and theater can be a difficult thing, something that Owen has to deal with.
“It’s a lot to just be at the school for so long,” Owen said, “It’s some days waking up at 5:30, getting here at 6:30, and then staying here till nine o’clock while also doing AP classes,”
Even though Owen sometimes has to drag himself to the early and late rehearsals, he still has fun.
“The people make it a lot more bearable to just be here for so long.” Owen said. “I feel like if people weren’t as nice and just the way they are, it’d be dreadful to be here.”
Both plan to continue to play their instruments after college, with Deanna planning to become a band director in the future.
“Mr. Sutton’s been a big inspiration for me,” she said. “I Just want to be that for someone else.”
3rd
The yearbook staff will take group pictures today. Listen for your group when it’s announced on the intercom and come down to the foyer. Wear your club shirts!
7th
The band takes their halftime show to the 4-States Band Competition on Oct. 7 at Grimm Stadium. Show up and cheer — admission is free.
9th/10th
It’s the end of the first nine weeks, so that Monday and Tuesday, students have the day off — teachers, however, have a workday.
19th
Missed school picture day? Fall picture retakes are Oct. 19. See Mrs. Cook in the front office to sign up for retakes.
Owen Braza and Deanna Dyer’ take different paths to the drum major standWIth the increasing number of students in the athletic program, the construction project includes four new facilities
According to principal Kristen Giles, "the main reason was space for our athletes." The fieldhouse will have new locker rooms for all sports, along with health science classrooms and sports medicine training rooms. The interactive part of the game, getting the community involved, is going to be an extra feature for fans because of the jumbo-tron/ scoreboard that will be a part of this facility. This will be finished in December 2023.
New classrooms. New facilities. New equipment. $40 million.
In May 2022, voters approved a multi-million dollar bond to build new facilities, remodel existing buildings, and buy new equipment.
A new Career Technology Education (CTE) wing was added to the high school, finished just in time for the new school year — teachers moved in the day before school started. These rooms give students more space for robotics, engineering, and health science courses. One of the teachers who got relocated was robotics teacher Colton Mullins.
“For the last four years, PGTV and robotics have had to share the same space,” he said. “We no longer have to do that which helps tremendously.”
This area has new tools for cutting metal, a garage door that leads to a patio for power tools, and other tools that will help the robotics team improve. These additions, along with furniture and health science equipment, are perks of the bond.
“This area will have 500 seats, making lunches less crowded and allowing for two lunches rather than three,” said Head of Operations Matt Fry. This could help with the long lines for food, the overcrowded tables, and it might encourage students to eat there — instead of eating in classrooms.
“The new cafeteria will be ready for the beginning of the 2024 school year, roughly a year from now,” Mr. Fry said. The serving line area will be designed similar to a food court, with lines available for different meal options and grab-and-go options.
One of our core values is growth. And we talk about growing kids and our culture, growing them academically, and outside of school, but that also includes growing facilities.
- Coach Josh Gibson
Health science teacher Stephanie Fincher also moved into a new classroom.
“I love that we have a ‘hospital bay’ for students to enact real-life scenarios,” Mrs. Fincher said. “I especially love that I have windows now.” While these teachers love their new space, there are even more upgrades in store.
During summer and the first week of school, construction started for the new cafeteria. The first phase was filling in the pit to make the floor level for the renovation.
In addition to more space and more food options, there will be a brand new face to the cafeteria.
“The outside facade will feature tall windows to bring in natural light and a more open feel,” Mr. Fry said.
As for the current cafeteria, this will be turned into smaller rooms to accommodate student groups, like student council and other clubs, as well as new counselor offices, and a resource center for parents and students. There are still a lot of projects to be finished and started in the next few years.
“The scope and final look of smaller upgrades are in the planning stages now,” Mr. Fry said. Here are some things to look out for at the high school: gates at all of the entrances in the parking lots, new flooring and furniture in some parts of campus, upgraded LED lighting, four new athletic facilities, and a state-of-the-art jumbo-tron for Hawks Stadium.
"I’m excited about all of it to be honest," head football coach Josh Gibson said. "All $40 million of it."
The complex for these sports is being built behind the new field house. It will feature turf baseball and softball fields as well as a new turf practice football/soccer field with a track.
The new field will be used by all athletes as well as the band, cheer and drill team giving these groups more practice space.
Since the current track, baseball and softball complexes are at the middle school and ninth grade students can’t drive over, the new facilities will eliminate transportation issues, according to Coach Gibson, Work on the new complex will begin later this semester.
Other Athletics
About 39%—close to $15.6 million dollars—of the $40 million bond is going towards athletic facilities [source: Head of Operations Matt Fry]
Marylyn4pd47382 wants to follow you.
You look at the request and the message following it.
You delete both thinking you'd never be stupid enough to fall for something so simple. You laugh when your mom tells you that grandma gave her credit card information to an obvious scam and tell yourself that you are too smart to do that.
But 10 minutes later you go online to buy a shirt that you saw on an Instagram ad, and when it arrives, it's way too small and even worse quality than you thought possible.
Make sure you're ordering from the actual site instead of TikTok because it's not worth it.”
- Sarah Richardson (12)
You fell for it. You fell for one of the many scams overrunning the internet. Instagram, TikTok, Facebook — all can be breeding grounds for scams and hacks.
Sophomore Emma Sharp experienced this firsthand, with a random message from a seemingly safe friend of a friend.
“About a year after I had Instagram, [the friend] had messaged me and said click on the link,” Emma said. “Whoever it was hacked my
Instagram account, and I wasn't able to make another Instagram account for almost a year.”
Teenagers and young adults often think that they are immune to scams and other cons, but in reality, they are 86% more likely to fall for online shopping scams according to the Federal Trade Commission.
Freshman Treyden Greene experienced this when someone stole his mother's credit card information.
“My mom got her Cashapp and had to go to the bank and dispute the charges,” Treyden said. “She was trying to send someone money and they took her information.”
A similar thing happened to senior Sarah Richardson.
“I got an ad on TikTok for Brandy Melville. I've been kind of wanting one of the sweatpants, so I bought them,” Sarah said “A few months later, my mom had to call the bank and we had to shut down my card. I did get the pants and they're terrible."
The majority of the students at PGHS have dealt with hacks or scams in one way or another. Students like junior Carson Caler have gone through this kind of thing more than once.
“My Instagram account has been hacked multiple times but I always managed to get it back because the people who hacked are not that smart,” he said.
Unlike students, faculty have been
trained to spot these kinds of scams, especially fake websites and scam emails.
“Students lack the experience and training to identify safe tovisit websites," district network technician Brandon Henson said, “Lots of these fake websites look so real that students have a hard time determining if they are safe or not.”
• Do not open emails from people you don’t know
• Be careful with links and addresses
• Secure your personal information
• Stay informed on the latest cyber threats
• Use strong passwords
• Keep your software up to date
• Block unwanted calls and text messages
• Update the operating systems on your electronic devices
Plastic water bottles can lead to dire consequences for the Earth
Getting up from his seat, freshman Browning Harvey walks to the cafeteria trash can, plastic water bottle in hand.
Crunch. Aim. Toss.
The water bottle joins the others in the trash can, one of 98 plastic water bottles thrown away in one day during
It takes 450 years for plastic water bottles to decompose There are 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic in the ocean
Only about 5% of plastic water bottles are recycled each year worldwide
Students prefer metal or plastic bottles:
BPA which is very harmful. Micro plastics from the BPA can leech into the water and then be ingested.
the three lunch periods. One of almost 500 water bottles in one school in one week.
Although there are water fill up stations throughout the school, many students prefer the quick and easy plastic water bottles.
“It’s just easier for me to grab water out of the fridge than to carry around a large water bottle all around school,” Browning said. "I don't recycle because I don't think it really affects me."
He's not alone. Plastic waste
"I think here in America, we definitely waste way too much. I think since materials are very accessible don't take into account that they are limited so we don't recycle like we should. Food, paper products, plastics, and everything. I hate plastic water bottles. I use the same one for as long as I can, and I wash it until I need to dispose of it. I hate seeing half filled water bottles everywhere after a game. I just think we waste too much."
science teacher Katie TeerHow many students recycle:
Students share their favorite water bottles:
pollution is an environmental issue because when it gets into ecosystems, it can have detrimental effects on wildlife. According to a study done by Earth.org, at least 100,000 marine wildlife die from plastic waste every year. But it's not just wildlife being affected. On average, over 9,600 micro plastics are found in human blood samples. This is because on average humans eat at least 5 grams of micro plastic a week.
"Like any other person I don't like it (plastic water bottle waste) especially when it gets into our wildlife and messes with the organisms around it. But I do think we are creating new ways to reuse single use plastics."
Eden Veneble (10)
"Anytime I see an empty box or something I recycle it. I don't feel a certain way when people don't recycle but I think everyone should try."
"It hurts my heart when people don't recycle. I think to get more people to recycle, there needs to be more recycling stations in town."
Dani Stout (11) Roland Richie (10)
Top Five biggest
bottle producers in the world
4. At the homecoming dance, junior Madalee Garner dances with her friends. "I love getting to dance with everyone," Madalee said. "I also like the group songs like Wobble or the Cupid Shuffle," she said. "I like it when everyone participates— it makes it more fun."
5. Laying down on the floor, juniors Madeline Smallwood, Mallori Guillot and Ava Harvey cool off in their onesies for cartoon dress-up day. "It was burning hot in the onesie," Ava said. "I had to lay on the floor to cool off, but I loved it anyway. I wish we could wear them every day."
1. Riding with her escort Hayden Hall, senior Maddie Davis smiles at the crowd lining McKnight Road at the Homecoming Parade. "I felt like a celebrity," Maddie said. "It was so cool seeing everyone wave and yell my name." 2. After being named homecoming king at the dance, senior Noah Sexson adjusts his crown. "Honestly, I didn't care who won," Noah said. "I'm just glad that the money went to a good cause." 3. Pinning the lights, junior Madison Herbert puts finishing touches on dance decorations. "STUCO spent all day working in the gym," Madison said. "Our theme was 'under the stars' and it ended up looking so good."
6. Embracing her dad, senior Jace Ramos celebrates being named homecoming qeen. "I was shocked when I heard my name get called," Jace said. "I loved sharing that moment with my dad because he was so excited for me."
7. Waving to the crowd, junior Kaylynn Sharp rides with the "Oklahoma!" cast in their muledrawn carriage. "We were having the time of our lives in the parade. It was our first time dressing in character and interacting as our characters in public," Kaylynn said. "It was a great experience to share with my best friends, and we couldn't stop laughing at our interactions with the crowd."
From dress-up days to football games, we know how to celebrate homecoming2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 8. co-editor Mikaela Emphasis co-editor Riley Richardson [CSanders] [CSanders] [CSanders] [MSmallwood] [CSanders] [JSolomon] 6. 5. 1. [CSanders]
"I've been writing a book since middle school. It's about a dragon and a dragon slayer named Levi. I created the characters and I really enjoy thinking about them, so I decided to put their story into words."
"I was born and lived in New York for four years. In NY, we're used to getting stuck in our house because of 6 ft. of snow. Compared to being here, you walk outside in the winter and for me, it only feels like 70 degrees. People also look at me weird when I wear shorts during the winter."
"I ride dirt bikes and I do motorcross. I was five and I got a dirt bike and I got into it. There are a lot of competitions around here, so I do that. It's so fun and I always feel the adrenaline, especially when I fly on it."
"I play the piano. My dad plays string instruments and the organ, so whenever I'm bored I would just go and play with it."
"I play golf. A lot of people don't know that I play golf because I don't mention it very often, but when I do they are surprised since I don't really fit the stereotype of being rich and talking about golf all the time."
One question. 10 answers.
"I like to play different instruments. I can play the ukulele. I saw a girl on America's Got Talent, and I wanted to play it. If I find a song that I like that sounds cute I try to learn it."
something people don't know about you?
"I used to show cows. My mom suggested that I do it, so I did. I quit since I am not a very outdoorsy person. I hate the heat, and I didn't want to be outside all of
"I used to play lacrosse when I was little. I lived in Louisiana and they had lacrosse there. I liked it a lot, and I wish
"A lot of people don't know that I am a man of God. I am mostly funny and goofy, but when it comes to serious things I actually take things seriously."
Students test their knowledge of volleyball and football rules and regulations
Jonah Stevens (9)
HOW MANY PLAYERS DOES EACH TEAM PUT ON THE COURT AT ONCE?
Jonah: 6
correct answer: 6
HOW MANY SETS ARE PLAYED IN A DISTRICT GAME?
Jonah: 3 out of 5
correct answer: 3 out of 5
HOW MANY POINTS ARE NEEDED TO WIN A SET?
Jonah: 2
answer: 25
WHAT IS AN ACE?
Jonah: when a player jumps up and hits the ball as hard as they can correct answer: when a player serves the ball and the opposing team is unable to pass it
WHAT IS A PANCAKE IN VOLLEYBALL?
Jonah: when you got the ball up with a flat hand on the floor
correct answer: a dig made my a defender with a single palm flat on the ground
HOW MANY SUBS DOES EACH TEAM GET PER SET?
Jonah: 2
correct answer: 12
WHAT IS A LIBERO?
Jonah: the person in the middle of the front row that blocks
correct answer: specialized in back row defense and can't play past the 10 foot line
Abigail Boehmke
reporterJasper Roach (11)
HOW MANY PLAYERS DOES EACH TEAM PUT OUR ON THE FIELD AT ONCE?
Jasper: 11
correct answer: 11
HOW LONG IS A FOOTBALL GAME?
Jasper: 4-12 minutes per quarters
correct answer: 4-15 minutes per quarter
WHAT IS A FIRST DOWN?
Jasper: When you cross a certain point on the field to keep possession of the ball. I think it takes 25 yards to get a first down correct answer: The offensive team must advance the ball 10 yards to keep the possession of the ball
HOW MANY POINTS IS A TOUCHDOWN WORTH?
Jasper: 7 correct answer: 6
HOW MANY POINTS IS A FIELD GOAL WORTH?
Jasper: 1 correct answer: 3
WHAT IS A FUMBLE?
3. Checking with the referee to make sure he's onside, senior wide receiver Justin Casteel gets ready for the play call. [JSolomon]
4. Scanning the field, senior Ahkhari Johnson looks for a receiver in the Byrd game at home. [JSoloman]
HOW BIG IS A FOOTBALL FIELD?
Jasper: 150 yards by 53 yards correct answer: 120 yards by 53.3 yards
WHAT IS A PICK SIX?
Jasper: When the ball is dropped and the other team recover it and gains possession correct answer: Team loses possession FROM THE
Jasper: When you get an interception and take it to the end zone correct answer: The defense intercepts the ball and the ball is returned for a touchdown
Which sport do you comprehend more?
5. Knocking the ball over the net, senior Madison Carpenter gets a kill against Detroit on Sept. 15. [HBarthel]
Which game would you rather watch?
1. Performing at the first home game, junior Jayla Tank twirls the ribbon through the air at the start of the show[Csanders]
2. Marching to her spot, freshman Anna Kesterson plays in the band's show— Ascension. [HBarthel]
Everything you need to know about Title IX
• This Civil Rights Law: Was enacted as part of the Education Amendments of 1972.
• Title IX protects: People from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance
At 6:10, senior Loriann Hensel is ready to head out the door.
By the time she gets to the high school, the sun is barely visible.
When warm-ups start, the light has just broken through the horizon.
After the 30 minute work out, she’s ready to play.
Play the clarinet that is.
“We’re outside in the heat as much as other sports, if not longer,” Loriann said. “We’re not just standing out there. We do running drills, do a dance and stretch block, and rehearse our music. ”
Cheer, football, golf — all considered sports by some people, but students in band, drill team, and color guard argue that their activities involve just as much physical exertion, sweat, and hard work.
“For the most part, color guard is a sport,” sophomore Aubryn Franklin said. “We run, jump, dance, and toss. We also get hurt a lot.”
The Women's Sports Foundation defines sport as "a physical activity that involves propelling a mass through space or overcoming the resistance of a mass, or the primary purpose of the competition is a comparison of the relative skills of the participants."
Sophomore band member Kaydyn Roper agrees with that definition. She considers band a type of performing art.
“I think a sport is something that you can compete in,” Kaydyn said. “And even though we compete in band, I don’t consider it a sport because we don't score points or anything. We get ratings instead.”
But band isn’t the only subject of debate. Dance often blurs the line between sport and visual art. Even most dancers, like senior Showstopper Jordan Conley, don’t consider drill team to fit in a specific category.
“It depends on the year because if we go to nationals and have two competitions, it’s like competition dance, so it’s a sport,” Jordan said.
“But regular old drill team on the sidelines though is not really a sport.”
The controversy isw, what makes a sport, a sport? How much physical fitness and coordination is required? Do competitions have to be structured in a particular way?
According to the Women's Sports Foundation, an activity involving competition doesn't always mean it’s a sport.
"Drill team, baton twirling, and marching band may periodically act like sports teams when they engage in state or regional competitions," Women's Foundation said.
"The existence of a competitive opportunity though does not qualify the extracurricular activity as an athletic team or sport."
Even cheer has been a subject of this debate for some time. Because there are different kinds of cheer, such as sideline cheer and
competition cheer, it can be hard to categorize it in a universal way.
People like junior Halston Baca who view cheer from the stands, don’t see cheer as a sport because for them it’s more of a form of entertainment.
“In cheer you're competing sometimes, but you’re not competing against your opponent at the exact same time as you like you are with basketball or football,” Halston said. “You also don’t use tools or equipment in cheer like you do in other sports. There’s no helmets, clubs, pads, or anything like that.”
“If you’ve never done the activity, then who are you to talk about it being a sport or not? You wouldn’t know all the stuff they’ve done or been through to get where they are."
• Title IX states: No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
• Title IX requires: An assessment of the quality of competitive opportunities offered to men and women with regard to competitive level and numbers of competitions.
- Deanna Dyer (11)Although deciding if an activity is a sport or not is a controversial topic, Aubryn feels that no matter what you do, the value of the extracurricular(s) does not change.
“As long as you put time and effort into what you do, I don't think it matters if you decide it’s a sport or an extracurricular,” Aubryn said. “The people who experience it, should be the ones who have a say in it.”
• Compared to boys: Girls still enjoy 1.3 million fewer opportunities to participate in high school and college sports
It’s no secret where the Hawk football team wants to be on December 15th. It’s posted in their locker room, and repeated constantly by Coach Josh Gibson.
Halfway through the season, the Hawks are 5-0 and halfway to their goal of playing on the biggest stage in Texas high school football— the UIL State Championship.
"We talk about state almost every day, as well as how we have to work harder and stay focused all season," senior Justin Casteel said.
The Hawks are currently ranked third place in the 4A-2 division out of over 90 teams
across the state. This season alone, the team has already accumulated a total of 864 rushing yards and 822 passing yards, as well as a total of 190 scored points.
10/6 at Gilmer
10/13 at Pittsburgh
10/20 against LE at HOME
10/27 at North Lamar
11/3 against Spring Hill at HOME
The lady Hawks volleyball team lost two starters even before the season really started, but it hasn't seemed to matter.
After dominating the pre-district schedule, the Lady Hawks enter district play with a 25-2 record — and ready to reclaim their spot in the playoffs after losing in third round of the playoffs last year.
“Our chemistry is a lot better than it was last year,” said Lauren Stewart, one of two varsity senior co-captains."We've all been
The junior varsity and varsity tennis teams are beyond ready for this upcoming season. The team's first district meet took place Sep. 12, played at Liberty Eylau, dominating 13-0 with 16 players in both single and double matches.
"I hope that since playoffs are coming up, we can make it to regionals and state. I believe we can if we lock in and be full tilt heart and soul," Said Lauren Walker, a third year varsity player.
around each other for so long — playing club volleyball since sixth grade — and that definitely helps us in terms of school volleyball."
The biggest challenge facing the Lady Hawks in district is North Lamar, but junior Ellis Miller said the team is confident they can handle the challenge.
"We're the best team they'll play, too," she said."They always turn it on when they play us, especially on their home court."
1. Favorite part of being on the team?
"The trips we take. We all get to hang out together and its a great team dynamic."
2. Why did you decide to join the team?
"I went to Red-lick for elementary and middle school, and cross country was the only sport you could do in the fall. Turns out I was good at it, so I kept doing it once I came here."
3. How do you stay motivated when you don't want to run?
"You just have to make yourself do it. Once you start running it gets easier to keep going."
4. What do you think about while running during meets?
"I think about focusing on my breathing and trying to stabilize it."
TAMU-Invitational meet :
The boys finished first in the 4A division and second overall, and the girls finished second.
5. How early are your morning practices?
"Practice starts at six, so we usually end up getting there about 5:30."
6. How does the team work together?
"We all kind of suffer together. The workouts are hard, but all of us put in the effort and bond over that."
7. Have you always enjoyed running?
"I always say that I don't like running, because races are so physically demanding. But long runs with the team are always really fun."
the season so far:
Gilmer meet: The boys finished first in the 4A division and first overall.
Coming up: Both teams will travel to Fayetteville for the Chili Pepper Invitational on Oct. 30.
"My detailing business is called 'Exotic Mobile Detailing Service' and I've owned it for seven months with plans of continuing to growing and building my clientelle. I offer a few different packages including exterior and interior details."
Trent Walker’s first car was $500 worth of scrap metal — stumbled upon by his dad in a random yard.
Fast forward a few years later, and that $500 car has turned into a detailing business with hundreds of local customers.
"I got my car when I was 13, and my dad and I built it from the ground up. It was all broken down and we got it up and running again." Trent said. "After that I realized I had a really good eye for detail on things like that, and I thought that would be a good way to make some money."
Votes for coolest car in the parking lot are in. Here's what you said
"I always keep my car pretty clean, and all my friends asked me about it so I started detailing for them. I don't have an official name for my business. A lot of my friends and family just hit me up and ask to get their car detailed."
Trent originally started the business in December of 2020 to help pay for a trip to visit a family member in New York.
"I realized I could make significantly more detailing than having a regular job, and I've worked on or around cars for most of my life so I really enjoy that aspect of it."
Everyone starts somewhere, and Trent had a unique way of learning the ropes.
"I picked up how to do it from YouTube tutorials with some old stuff my dad had and I kept improving and building my skills from there."
He started out with just family cars and then moved on to his neighbors.
"I figured out there's a pretty good business for it in town," he said. "After I made my Facebook page, and a bunch of people shared it, it got pretty big."
Trent's Facebook page TWDS (Trent Walker Design Services) highlights the services he offers, such as hand washing and drying, tire shines, as well as a complete interior clean and wax for an extra fee.
"I give it a basic wash to get the bugs off and everything," he said, "and then on the inside, I vacuum, wipe down the plastics and everything, and use a custom conditioner for the leather seats to give it that nice shiny look."
Pricing rates depend on the size of the car, the package, and where you're located, as it's a mobile business that comes to the customer. The average time per car is typically around two hours, and availability is limited during this time of year due to the busyness football season.
Trent has an unparalleled love for cars and an eye for the tiny details, even though he isn't continuing his business after he graduates in the spring.
"I love doing it. I love seeing all of the different designs and aspects of every manufacturer on every car, which is a pretty cool part of the job," He said.
However, Trent can struggle with keeping his car as clean as his customers.
"I'm pretty busy," Trent said. "I mean it stays somewhat clean, but I always have stuff in the backseat. It'll get dirty and I take care of it when I have time."
"To earn my car I had to make all As, and my dad bought the car halfway through my sophomore year and said if I didn't keep up my grades he would start driving it. It's a 2023 Heritage Bronco named 'Barbie Smurf.'"
"My parents told me that I could get any car I want as long as a pay a portion of the payments, so I chose a 2023 Toyota 8 GR 86. My favorite thing about it is the color and I even took my senior pictures with it."
reporter
Students reminisce their favorite childhood moments
“I used to play soccer when I was young. And even though it wasn’t my favorite, I still played because wanted a trophy.”
10 years ago, children went outside and played dress-up for fun; now they scroll on Instagram
Maggie Clark just got home from cheer practice.
She walks to her bedroom and notices her brother’s door is closed, but she can hear faint noises coming from his iPad.
Then a loud scream echoes down the hallway.
“He probably won another Victory Royale in Fortnite again,” she thinks. She should know.
She hears her brother on his iPad everyday.
Ten years ago, this wouldn’t have happened.
If this was 10 years ago, kids his age would be playing outside and using their imaginations.
“I always feel so horrible for him [my brother] because he’s always in his room, playing video games,” said Maggie, a senior.
As technology becomes a bigger and bigger part of children’s everyday lives, they’ve become more dependent on it, using it as their main source of entertainment. The result — no more imagination. No more creativity. No more childhood.
Social media impacts my daily life, fuels my insecurities, and all that, so would hate to be their generation growing up in that. They could see things on social media that could age them five years and lose their childhood.
co-editor Riley Richardson
co-editor Mikaela Emphasis
Walters said. “I’d always win and my brother Drew would lose — he wasn’t very good.”
A decade from then, teens and young adults can look back to their childhood and remember. Silly Bands. Play-Doh. Legos. But what do kids today have to look back on?
The iPhone they’ve had since intermediate school? The social media platforms TikTok and Snapchat? What do they have that made them a child?
“I feel like the advancement of technology is affecting their maturity,” sophomore Sophee Wyatt said. “When parents don’t monitor their kids’ phones, they can be exposed to trends and ideas that can almost push them to grow up mentally.”
Children’s access to social media can expose them to events and people that are not age appropriate. Their easy-access to violent language, politics, and sexual contents (and adults’ easy-access to kids) can rob them of their innocence with the one single click.
“Every year, our family had a beach trip, and our favorite memory is going crab hunting right after sunset with our papa.”
“My mom would always take me to the park all the time. would go on the swings and be pushed high enough to try and touch the tree leaves with my feet.”
“Art has always been a part of my life. Even as a kid, always occupied myself with painting pictures of the world around me.”
“It was my first day of school in the first grade, and I remember being sad when found out my favorite teacher isn’t teaching me anymore.”
Which of these toys did you grow up with?
• silly bands
• legos
• barbies
• littlest pet shop
• hot wheels
• nerf guns
• monster high dolls
• american girl dolls
• razor scooters
• pillow pets
• furby
• wii
• play-doh
• mighty beanz
• polly pockets
• bratz dolls
Do you think kids now are growing up to fast?
- Maggie Clark (12)
“When I was little, I barely had an iPad. I did the occasional YouTube and played some games, but I wasn’t on it constantly unlike some kids today,” Maggie said. “I went outside in the sun and played.”
Late 2000s was the transition era as more and more adults and kids adopted the technological way of life. But even then, kids were still playing dress up in princess dresses and heels from Walmart and battling with Nerf guns.
“My favorite childhood toy was playing with Nerf guns with my brother,” senior Jack
“It’s all internet these days,” junior Ella Crouch said. “These parents buy their 10-year-old kids’ phones, and they get into politics and all this other stuff. They need to just be a kid — they are growing up too fast.”
No matter the technology, whether it’s chromebooks for school or a phone for communication, it’s important not to become addicted. Addiction can lead to a lack of social skills, isolation and or short attention span.
“Luckily, when school started my mom started taking away his [my brother’s] iPad during the week, and we could see how much of a different person he is when using it less,” Maggie said. “Because you don’t know the people influencing him on the internet and stuff like that. It just helps to start ‘unplugging.’”
“I loved putting the clothes on Barbies and putting them into different outfits. would always imagine them in different little scenarios and give them pets. They helped me learn to love fashion.”
freshman rosie jordan
“I played with American Girl Dolls when was little because it was a way my sister and I could connect. My favorte doll was Kit because she went on so many adventures so my favorite accesory was most definitely the camper. ”
senior zach harris
“My pillow pet was a monkey that had when I was seven. It always fell off my bed, but it was something I always had whenever slept.”
freshman aubrey sexson
“I grew up playing video games like Mario Kart, Wii Sports, and Lego Star Wars the Complete Saga on our Wii with my siblings. was the youngest out of four, but always won.”
sophomore chloe jackson
“I loved to play with Play-Doh. My grannie would buy me all the colors and cookie cutter things to shape it. I would create foods, animals, bugs, and all kinds of things.”
freshman kiley herbert junior ciara miley
“I used to chase butterflies when was little and tried to make them my pet. I even had a pink butterfly net to try and trap them with, and even though I never caught one, I kept trying. ”
90.1% yes
9.9% no
“I played Legos a lot when was a kid since didn’t have a lot of toys to play with. like to put things together and see the finished product.”
Do you think the quality of toys, shows, and movies is declining?
78.3% yes
21.7% no
[122 students surveyed]
Ever wondered what teachers' lives are like beyond the whiteboard?
And what their lives were before the whiteboard?
Meet social studies teacher Tim Baldwin, an avid fisherman, hunter, and gospel music enthusiast.
But while he now stands in front of room 300 as a social studies teacher today, he once was a tank driver and a land surveyor.
“All the jobs I’ve had were interesting,” Mr. Baldwin said. “I was on a tank, and I was good at it. We got to kill and destroy things. That was awesome. I could take out aggression.”
From tanks to teaching, Mr. Baldwin has used his pre-teaching experiences in the classroom.
“I was a land surveyor, that was interesting,” Mr. Baldwin said. “I got to be out in the woods and see things that some people haven’t seen in a hundred years. And I use a lot of my experience in surveying in geography.”
Land surveying has not only been a useful tool in Mr. Baldwin’s teaching career, but it also inspired his “I like to fish and hunt, but mostly in the fall
or in the spring, of course. Summertime is too hot,” Mr. Baldwin said.
He added laughing, “I kill things so I don’t do that to students.”
However, compared to trudging through the woods, teaching feels much different.
Being a teacher has its stereotypes — like how teachers supposedly enjoy assigning a lot of challenging homework or that they’re too stern.
While Mr. Baldwin does address the misconceptions about his profession, he also finds humor in them.
“Oh no, they're all true. After school, we go home and hang upside down in our closets.”
Whether it’s after school or at the end of the year, teachers leave a lasting mark on students. Mr. Baldwin recalls the notes he’s received at the end of the year from students and recalls the visits from former students.
“Those notes, I mean, it’s always nice to get those," Mr. Baldwin said. "Or if a student ever comes back years later and comes in here and you see how much they’ve changed,” Mr. Baldwin said.
“You kind of had concerns about them when they left, then they come back and you see how well they’ve done. And they talk about how they remember some things that you said. That’s always pretty cool.”
Like his other careers, Mr. Baldwin has enjoyed his 25 years at Pleasant Grove.
"My journey here, it's been fun. The kids are hilarious. That's what keeps me coming to school every day."
From her roots in a family of educators to The University of Arkansas, CTE teacher Kirklan Capps' path to the classroom was paved with unique stepping stones.
“I grew up in a family of educators and the idea was always in the back of my mind. I went to high school here, and I took interior and fashion design from Mrs. Horton, and I fell in love with those classes.” Ms. Capps said. “Once I learned that I could teach classes like that, it made me want to become a teacher more.”
Ms. Capps admits that she doesn’t think she “really had a moment” that made her realize she wanted to pursue teaching, Her ties to education led to a different path, one that led her to student-athletes at The
On a strange day in room 301, when the desks were arranged in a diagonal fashion by former government teacher Tony Kirk, 17-year-old future math teacher Cameron Quinn decided to teach the class. And then he woke up.
“I had this really bizarre dream. It was like an introduction-to-the-class sort of lesson thing. And I was teaching the class for some reason,” Mr. Quinn said. “I was like, ‘That was weird,’ and then I went to school that day, and kind of forgot about it.
Eight or nine years later, Mr. Quinn realized that this odd dream was his epiphany moment. Teaching was his genuine passion instead of the expectations others had laid out for him.
“I didn’t think anything of it. And sure enough, it came back. That was me trying to tell myself that I wasn’t happy with some of the choices that were made because they were choices that weren’t for me,” Mr. Quinn said. “They would say, ‘You’re smart, you should do this, that, or another thing.’ I would think that’s great, but has anybody talked to me about what I want to do?”
Today Mr. Quinn teaches a handful of math classes, including calculus, statistics, trigonometry, and college algebra. In a typical high school math class, there is one right answer; there is a specific process to solve a problem. Sometimes this process is rigid. Repetitive. Rigorous.
But venturing out of a high school math class into more advanced mathematics leads to mathematical proofs, which are also Mr. Quinn’s favorite form of artistic expression.
“I think those [proofs] are one of the things that get stifled from high school math because they want to teach you
University of Arkansas.
“Before teaching, I worked in athletics at The University of Arkansas. Working there with student-athletes made me realize even more that I wanted to work with kids more than I wanted to work with adults,” Mrs. Capps said.
Beyond the classroom's embrace, Mrs. Capps' life unfolds in vibrant shades. Her musical preference for Fall Out Boy, a choice that defies expectations, serves as a window into her colorful personality.
"They are the complete opposite of what I normally listen to, so it's surprising to people that I listen to them," Ms. Capps said.
Challenging the stereotypes that often shroud educators, Mrs. Capps offers a candid
how to do this type of problem and then this type of problem,” Mr Quinn said, “but they never talk about how much creative thought that goes into proving some of the things that are provable.”
However, regarding math outside of school, proofs are not Mr. Quinn’s only mathematical interest. Outside of teaching, Mr. Quinn likes to pursue math as a hobby.
“So what I like to do is teach myself different branches of mathematics that I’m familiar with, for obvious reasons, but maybe I don’t know it that well,” Mr. Quinn said.
For Mr. Quinn, communicating those concepts is a hobby as well.
“I run a YouTube channel, partially for in class reasons,” Mr. Quinn said. “But for the other part of that, there’s like a whole playlist on there, which is just stuff that I like, and it’s not high school math.”
Inside and outside of his career, Mr. Quinn is passionate about studying mathematics. His dedication to studying math also contributes to his overall well-being.
Mr. Quinn proves that true fulfillment comes from the pursuit of one’s passions.
“If you don’t do something you like, why are you doing it? If you’re not having fun, why the heck are you doing it?"
perspective.
“Teachers are actually cool,” Ms. Capps said. “We all do this because we have a passion for students and educating them. I think that if you take the time to get to know your teacher and their interest you might actually be shocked about what you have in common with them.”
For Ms. Capps, the heart of teaching lies in her connections with students.
“We spend so much time together that you eventually get to know all about their [students’] lives outside of school,” Ms. Capps said. “When they come in excited to share something with you or want to give you an update on something in their life, that is what makes me happy.”
Parker is having a staring contest. His opponent isn’t backing down. He's losing, and it’s not good.
He and his biology notes have been at it for the past 30 minutes.
Imagine studying being so much trouble that you start having a staring contest with an inanimate object?
Parker has a problem studying his notes, but he's not the only one.
About 71% out of the 65 students that were surveyed have a hard time focusing when they’re studying.
“I often have a hard time staying focused when studying,” senior Parker Phelan said. “My mind tends to wander off after mere moments, and it can be difficult to make progress.”
Junior Ali Cheatham has the same issue.
co-editor Mikaela Emphasis
and remember information easily.
“I’m open to using different methods for studying,” freshman Jasmine Kahler said. “Everyone will have different methods they would want to do, and not all methods work for people.”
“For me, what I usually do when I’m having a hard time retaining information, I go through the notes for 10 minutes and then rewrite all the things that I got from reading through it.”
Study methods help stimulate my mind as I can't focus well. Depending on the topic, I usually use the Feynman technique.
- Taylor Hostutler (10)“Especially when the lesson is foreign, it makes me not want to study at all,” she said.
Students are always looking for strategies to maximize their learning potential. And study methods have come a long way.
From highlighting keywords on notes to using active recall* and/or the Feynman Technique* — students have found ways to focus and study effectively using study methods that work for them.
But the main goal? To understand
Taking a topic you wish to learn, creating questions based on that topic, and then repeatedly testing yourself on those questions.
A time management method based on 25-minute stretches of focused work broken by fiveminute breaks.
The strategy of recalling facts, concepts, or events from memory in order to enhance learning.
Study methods have always been there, but users on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram are posting about it more which gives students options to study effectively.
“There are a lot of study methods you can find, but I usually do active recall and use Quizlet,” senior Julia Hackleman said. “It’s been working for me. Otherwise, I’ll just get bored or try to go on my phone if I don’t try to focus and use my methods.”
Methods such as Pomodoro* and Feynman Technique are commonly used by students, but people have come up with newer ones like the SQ3R Technique* and Retrieval Method*
“As I’ve gotten older, it’s helpful to find different ways to study,” Ali said. “It’s nice to have options and see what will work well for us [students]."
A four-step process for understanding any topic. This technique rejects automated recall in favor of true comprehension gained through selection, research, writing, explaining, and refining.
A reading comprehension method named for its five steps: survey, question, read, recite, and review.
• VISUAL
Every school year, during the first week of school I make my students do notes on how to study. I've been doing it for probably the past 5-6 years. I found a recurring problem in all of my classes, not only my freshman, but my juniors and seniors — students just don't know how to study. Students think they know what studying really is, but end up what they're doing isn't effective. How to study is just something that we don't teach — we don't start teaching how to study when they're little. So, I just felt like giving them tips on how to study was a need. It's been an eye opener for a lot of them.
- science teacher Katie Teer
No one ever taught me how to study. When I went to TC, my history teacher there had a way of making us do notes. As we went through it, he told us to make an outline of the lesson. In other words, I would take big concepts and then break them down into smaller pieces. It's an easy way to organize material to where you can understand it. I taught my students how to organize their notes that way. Some of them kind of tweak it a little bit to fit them so they understand it better.
- social studies teacher Tim Baldwin
• VERBAL
Visual learners prefer learning by using visual aids such as pictures, diagrams, and whiteboards which help them understand information better.
• AUDITORY
Sound and music appeal to these learners who typically have a good sense of rhythm. Aural learners are good listeners who normally learn best through lectures and speeches.
• SOCIAL
These students know how to communicate effectively and enjoy collaborating with others, brainstorming, and discussing ideas and concepts.
These learners prefer to learn verbally by reading or listening. They can easily retain information through hearing
• SOLITARY
These students prefer to use self-study and work alone. They are independent, very self-aware, and in tune with their thoughts and feelings.
• LOGICAL
65 students surveyed [source
These students function and solve complex problems by employing strategies and a scientific way of thinking.
Actors prepare to become their characters in 'Oklahoma!' co-editor
Kaylynn Sharp is heartbroken. She's in love. She's not afraid to do whatever it takes to get what she wants.
Or at least, her character is. Walking on stage, acting in front of hundreds of people, singing 14 numbers isn’t all there is to performing. From behind the scenes, there are hours of preparation behind each line spoken.
“A lot of people think you can just kind of walk on stage and know the emotion behind your line, but you have to know the backstory and why your character does everything,” junior Kaylynn Sharp said. “Every relationship or every thought you have, just everything you do, is fueled by something, so you have to know that back story and what makes your character who they are.”
To get into the mindset of their character, Curtain Call Productions have to know their character— its personality, aspirations, goals— and they have to live them.
“Everything seems fake if you don’t know who your character is, and even sometimes when you know just the baseline of your characters it can still be hard to get into that mindset of them,” Kaylynn said. “My character Laurie [the female lead] is a completely real, genuine person, so if I’m not playing genuine genuinely, it’s all going to fall apart.”
To make acting seem authentic and real to the audience, Kaylynn, and the entire company, finds ways to relate to their role. Each actor finds a connection, a common
Riley Richardson
within the play,” senior Tate Bass said. “It’s an ongoing process looking into your character and figuring out all these relationships because there really is a whole world the playwrights wrote, and you’re only getting a small glimpse, like a month's time of it.”
"Oklahoma!"
Nov. 9, 10, 11 7 p.m.
Performing Arts Center
Get to know Curtain Call Productions' leads for their upcoming performance, "Oklahoma"
attribute or goal, with their character to make their performance believable.
“My character, Curly [the male lead] likes to roam around and be free,” senior Noah Sexson said. “He does what he wants since he’s a cowboy, and that’s something I admire. It makes it easier for me to play him.”
But depending on the role, an actor can struggle to find common ground with their character. But there are ways to compensate for it.
“For the past three shows, I’ve been the villain,” senior Caleb Price said. “It’s hard to bring that [villain persona] out of myself, so everything I do on stage has to be something I create. To help, if I need to be angry at the beginning of a show, I’ll listen to intense music that has an angry tone to it to get me in that mindset.”
Besides listening to music, the cast studies their characters’ historical context, relationships with others, and geographical dialect to better understand their role. This type of study is called Dramaturgy.
“Dramaturgy is like figuratively putting on a pair of glasses that you look at the script through to help you decipher character traits, relationships, and the world
The world of "Oklahoma!," this year’s fall musical, is filled with cowboys and farmers so an important part the cast has to learn is dialect. And in their case, an old, southern accent.
“Right now we’re all doing weird country voices, but there is a process to find out what your character’s voice is going to be like,” Tate said. “Your accent comes from finding out the specific part of the state that they’re from, who they grew up with, their ancestry, environment they were raised in. It’s just like how we all talk differently because of how we were raised.”
An exercise the company does to practice their personality and accent before taking it to the stage is called “Character Movement.” It’s where they walk around and interact with each other in character.
“It helps me a ton,” Tate said. “After spending so much time messing around in character, you can start to feel a personal connection and understand them better. It makes it feel as though they’re your friend.”
Curly McLain
senior Noah Sexson
"He's a cowboy who's in love with Laurey, and he's willing to do anything to get with her. He's funny and friends with everyone... except Jud."
Laurey Williams
junior Kaylynn Sharp
"She's honest and tough but a dreamer who often leads with her heart. She's a hopeless romantic but knows her own worth."
Will Parker
senior Tate Bass
"He's a professional roper who grew up in Oklahoma. He's super flirty and wild, but then he meets Ado Annie and falls in love."
Ado Annie
senior Ruby Rehkopf
X
"She's a young girl who struggles with turning men down. She's a little ditzy but loving and always enjoys a good time."
Because each role performed takes so much practice and preparation, the actors can sometimes be left with a lasting impression from their characters.
Aunt Eller
"She is Laurey's mother figure, and she's very wise. She is welcoming to everyone in the territory and isn't afraid to speak her mind."
junior Kaylee Hunt Jud Fry
senior Caleb Price
"He's a victim of circumstance. He falls in love with a girl who doesn't love him back and then takes things too far when they don't go his way."
“My character is very bold — she’s not afraid to plow people over just a little bit if she needs to,” Kaylynn said. “ Her realness comes from a place of knowing her own self-worth and moving on through life. I can relate to her, but I also think I have some things to learn from her too.” X X X X X X X X X X X
[CSanders] [CSanders]Roswell, New Mexico 1947. A time and place – the origin of a popular conspiracy theory, Area remainsSupposedly,51. from a fallen flying saucer were brought to the Nevada Training Range (Area 51) for reverse experimentsengineering to create extraterrestrial spacecrafts. Since then, the theories surrounding the training grounds have continued to spin. The facility is used by the US Air Force as an open training range; however, most theorists believe that it’s the grounds where the US Government hides alien bodies and their spacecrafts.
“There is some weird stuff going on there,” said senior Lyric Bradshaw, who spends a lot of time
researching conspiracies. “Some people who’ve tried to break in go missing, so I think they [the government] might be doing illegal testing and experiments.”
Located over 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas, the complex is heavily fortified with armed guards patrolling the perimeter at all times and no overhead aircraft without permission from traffic control. This secrecy led to a well-known Facebook Event “Storm Area 51, They Can’t Stop All of us.” Originally over 1.5 million people pledged to raid Area 51 in a mission to see aliens on Sept. 20, 2019 at 3:00am. But when the time came, only around 200 people attempted to storm the grounds with no success and a handful of arrests.
“I knew no one would find anything big,” senior Loriann Hensel said. “It’s a heavily guarded base; they aren't just going to let people in. It honestly just felt like a joke to me – I didn't even think they would go through with it until they did.”
You never know who’s pulling the strings... and Loriann Hensel believes that someone is the Illuminati.
The Illuminati is a rumored organization or secret society of political officials, celebrities, and influencers. Their goal: create a 'new world order.'
“I believe in it because there are so many other insane organizations and people that exist,” said senior Loriann Hensel, another conspiracy researcher.
“Like if they exist then why wouldn't the Illuminati? The KKK for example and then there's all the serial killers that have been and will be. If things that terrible can exist then so can the Illuminati.”
Their goal of “new world order” is one that favors a world of freedom and happiness with no moral or religious constraints.
“They are rich and have the power to do whatever they want and get
What do you do for fun?
a. Hiking
b. Video games
c. Swimming
d. Read
e. Working out
What is your favorite food?
a. Blueberries
b. Cosmic Brownies
c. Sushi
d. Pizza
e. Beef
What do you look for in a partner?
a. Animal lover
b. Spontaneous outings
c. Cuddles
d. Fashion-lover
e. Good cook
What is your favorite animal?
a. Dog
b. Lizards
c. Cat
d. Tiger
e. Goats
What is your dream job?
a. Freelancer
b. Astronaut
c. Shrimp Boater
d. Politician
e. Boxer
What is your favorite movie?
a. Wizard of Oz
b. Alien
c. Titanic
d. The Godfather
e. Silence of the Lambs
away with it,” senior Lyric Bradshaw said. “ I feel like they do some really evil stuff behind closed doors simply because they can.”
Due to the secrecy of the group, the members of the Illuminati can only be speculated, but some popular theories are Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Katy Perry, and Justin Bieber.
“There’s no telling who’s in it,” Loriann said. “No one knows until they reveal themselves or accidentally reveal themselves. I wouldn't be surprised if the government had a mutual agreement to stay out of each others businesses in some circumstances.”
What is your favorite drink?
a. Hot Chocolate
b. Slushie
c. Water
d. Green Tea
e. Cherry Coke
What is your favorite color?
a. Dusty Orange
b. Neon Green
c. Navy Blue
d. Deep Purple
e. Blood Red
If your most common answer was...
A B C D E
You're Bigfoot! You’re hard to come by!
You’re shy and don’t like big crowds. And though you're an introvert, you’re secretly adventurous and love the outdoors.
You're an Alien! You're out of this world! You know what you want and will stop at nothing to get it. You're ambitious and a little unhinged.
You're the Loch Ness Monster! Out of all the fish in the sea, you’re the best! You’re loyal, chill and know how to relax.
You're in the Illuminati! You’re going to rule the world someday! Elegant and proud, you have a luxurious lifestyle with a top-notch brain.
You're the Chupacabra! You always have the midnight munchies. Food is your love language and you often find yourself hangry.
With all the “Barbenheimer” memes circulating, I didn't know what to expect when I decided to see "Barbie" opening weekend. Walking into the theaters on July 20th (dressed in pink from head to toe of course) I was expecting a light-hearted comedy about the titular Mattel toy with Margot Robbie playing the stereotypical “dumb blonde” character. What I wasn't expecting was to leave the theaters reflecting on society, feminism, the patriarchy, and my own existentialism.
Robbie plays the iconic Mattel toy perfectly, embodying the “stereotypical barbie”persona. But Margot and Greta elevate this blonde-bimbo plastic toy into a complex character with flaws and motivations.
Ryan Gosling plays Barbie’s accessory, Ken. Gosling makes the character the star of the show with his hilarious one-liners and dance moves. Ken is the “boyfriend” character, not the male equivalent to barbie. He equates his worth to the attention Barbie gives him and Ryan Gosling expresses this insecurity in a hilarious way — making his character the best one in the film.
Barbie also does an amazing
job at commenting on modern feminism and the patriarchy. Barbie takes place in a land where women run everything. And while it’s blissful for the Barbies, the Kens have no identity. Gerwig comments on how either gender ruling the world has negative consequences. We see Ken suffer under the matriarchy, and the Barbies suffer under the patriarchy. In the end, “Barbieland” reflects the women’s rights movement, with the Barbies compromising and giving the Kens lower-ranking jobs and positions. The story ends with Ken recognizing he is “kenough” and finding identity in himself instead of in Barbie.
Barbie is a beautiful film with
a wonderful cast, set design, and soundtrack. I still can’t get the masterpiece “I’m Just Ken” out of my head 2 weeks later. And It’s comedic gold — almost every joke hit perfectly. Although the film faced criticism for being rated PG-13, it was never meant to be a kids movie. It’s rating allowed it more freedom in its comedy and message while still being appropriate for younger audiences. Barbie was not made for kids, it was made for adults who grew up playing with her. “Barbie” will definitely be remembered in years to come. Whether you are a male, female, Barbie, Ken, Allen, or Midge, Barbie is for everyone and has imprinted itself into Hollywood as a soon-to-be classic.
Historical documentary becomes Hollywood masterpiece
Christaphor Nolan hits it out of the park once again with this breathtaking biographical tale of the World War Two physicist. He uses non-linear story telling, breathtaking scores, and A-list actors to create an environment where you can feel the gears turning and the tension rising.
Although “Oppenheimer” is a technically great film, I can’t say I had fun watching it. It’s not a movie you decide to see with your friends on a random Friday night. It is a dialogue-driven movie, meaning there it virtually no visual storytelling minus a few scenes and color-grading. It was a very boring movie, but that doesn't mean it was bad. Cillian Murphy portrays the title character in a realistic and groundbreaking way. Through Murphy’s dialogue and delivery we can see the type of person Oppenheimer was and why many people disliked him. He was an arrogant womanizer with communist friends — all things the “villain” of the story tries to use against him.
Although the film shows the events of the Manhattan project, it also shows his security hearing, and the US Senate hearing of Lewis Strauss.
The movie goes between these three different points in time using visual cues to tell the audience where they are. For one point, Nolan switches
to black and white, a very creative move that was perfectly displayed the character of Strauss. For the others, they age and de-age Murphy to emphasize the changes in time. They switch between these three points very rapidly throughout the film — creating a sense of urgency throughout its run time. They never let the audience settle before switching to the next scene.
“Oppenheimer” thrived the best in the scenes showing his guilt and realization of his actions. No one else around him cared and reassured him, but he blamed the deaths in Hiroshima and Nagasaki on himself. I wish we got to see more of this. It brought him from being an arrogant character to one with flaws and repentance.
“Oppenheimer” is not for the faint of heart, and I don’t think I'll be rewatching it anytime soon. I feel like I lacked the prior knowledge and understanding of US politics to fully understand the masterpiece, but it is still a movie I will remember seeing (along with the Barbienheimer memes). This film will certainly win awards and It deserves every one of them. If you plan to see “Oppenheimer”, prepare for a three-hour press conference about politics, bombs, spies, communists, and World War II.
reporter Chloe Sanders
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19 hour battery life face ID
super fast 5G cellular water resistant
“I love that Apple has FaceTime. I am able to FaceTime anyone and not have to worry about the app glitching out. The only downside of an iPhone is that they seem to not work well after a few years, and you have to replace it.
$249.00 sweat and water resistant
6 hour battery life noise canceling compatible with Apple
Comparing the two most dominant softwares, students find the pros and cons of both
$999.99
14 hour battery life great speakers
1920x1280 pixels touch screen
Beats Powerbeats Pro
"I love beats because they make it a lot easier for me to work out in with their extra features. The hook that goes around your ear makes it extra secure. Also, they are really good at canceling out noise. For example, when I go on a plane I can't hear the ringing and talking of other people."
$199.95 sweat and water resistance 9 hour battery life
noise canceling 24 hour charging case compatible with apple and android
“The noise canceling feature of the AirPods is a game changer for me. It allows me to focus better on what I'm doing. The new tips to fit your ears also makes it a lot easier to
“Window computers are much more durable with the material it is made out of and the computer will last a lot longer. Also, window computers are much more simple and user friendly to all, unlike a MacBook.”
“I love working on a MacBook, because being able to type in my apple ID and be connected to all my, devices at once makes it a lot more convenient. Also, I love the feature airdrop. It allows me to share whatever I want between all my devices.”
You've heard of all the best movies, but what about the worst ones?
20% Rotten Tomatoes Rating:
50 Budget: million
Genre: adventure/fantasy
Description:
Bullied by classmates, young Max escapes into a fantasy, conjuring up the action-packed lives of Lavagirl and Sharkboy. But one day, Lavagirl and Sharkboy suddenly come to life —and their world, Planet Drool, needs a hero named Max.
“It's terrible 3-D. I think the story is terrible as well. The characters were annoying and I didn’t get the meaning of the movie,” sophomore Tia Wright said.
15% Rotten Tomatoes Rating:
75 Budget: million
Genre: action/fantasy
Dangerously ill with a rare blood disorder and determined to save others from the same fate, Dr. Morbius attempts a desperate gamble. While at first it seems to be a success, a darkness inside of him is soon unleashed.
"Morbius is the worst Marvel movie ever in my opinion; it's horrible. The storyline was garbage," freshman Treyden Greene said.
“It was really awkward and uncomfortable. It was badly made, so I just didn't like it,” sophomore Trinity Chase said.
Description: 19% Rotten Tomatoes Rating:
95 Budget: million
Genre: musical/comedy
Description:
A tribe of cats compete during the annual Jellicle Ball, where one lucky feline will be chosen to ascend to the Heaviside Layer and be granted a new life.
“I heard a lot of negative responses about CATS, it was just not what many were expecting," senior Lucian David said.
38% Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 13.6 Budget: million
Genre: romance/comedy
Description:
When the tallest girl in high school falls for a handsome foreign exchange student, she becomes embroiled in a love triangle and realizes she's far more than her insecurities about her height have led her to believe. [reviews]
“Tall Girl was not necessarily a flop but it wasn't the best either. The whole movie was very predictable, so it kind of made the movie stale for me. But the acting was good, so I would rate it a 5/10,” junior Lauren Walker said
Go
Do
I've always hated clothes shopping.
Trying to find jeans that fit my waist AND thighs was a nightmare. Dress shopping made me want to vomit. And I won’t even start with trying to find a good bra. Nothing fit. Everything about my body was unproportional.
Topping out at 5”1’ on a good day, but having the curves of an adult has been the bane of my existence since I was 12. I’d pretend to be sick when I was younger, so I wouldn’t have to go shopping.
Imagine the thing you hate most, your mom, your sticky little brother, or pickles, and you just might can sympathize with my genuine loathing of clothes.
Every disregarded piece of clothing that didn’t fit was like a slap to my face.
I hated it.
And I wish I could tell 12-year-old me things got better, that one day, we would magically wake up and look like Rachel Green from Friends, but that would be like me saying I bleed black and gold.
So I just opted for sweatshirts, joggers, and jacketsanything that could hide my awkward figure and the mountain
of insecurities. But the thing about hiding something is that it gives you a sense of false security; that is right up until the thing shoves it in your face again.
Homecoming dresses. Dance costumes. Bathing suits. Wearing those was like having on a neon, yellow shirt saying “Look at me. Laugh,” in bright glitter.
But here’s some wisdom: the thing about having a problem, a world-consuming, gut-wrenching, I-want-to-vomit type problem, is that one will always, always replace it.
Junior year came and I was too busy fighting other fires (problems for a different column) to be insecure about my body, and… well…to eat.
By the spring of 2023, I had some gray hairs and lost a few pounds. I didn’t even realize the change in my body until I went to the doctor. I remember my mom’s concerned face (the birth of her new obsession with making sure I eat). I remember my doctor pulling me aside asking if I was depressed, if I was trying to starve myself. I remember going home and trying on all the clothes I hid in my closet, the wadded up, forgotten jeans on the floor, the wrinkled dress I stashed at the top of my closet.
Trying them on I felt like a new person. Looking in the mirror I finally realized.
My clothes were too big.
You know that one event you just can’t get out of your mind?
It probably happened in middle school or freshman year, and it happens to basically everyone.
Your most embarrassing moment.
In February of my seventh-grade year, I was crushing on this tall, dark-haired, big-eared boy.
For the sake of his identity, we’ll call him Michael.
Michael was sarcastic, funny, and didn’t talk to me in the hallways or during class- you know, everything a 13-year-old girl wants in a boy.
In December, he caught wind of the fact that I liked him, and I got the text that got my heart racing, my hands sweating, and my mind all fuzzy.
“sum1 told me u like me.”
My Bitmoji sat there with the thought bubble above its head for what felt like an eternity, but was probably only two minutes, as I thought about what to say.
I chose the simplest version of the truth.
“yeah ur cute and nice ig,” I responded, hoping he wouldn’t notice my nervousness through the text.
I guess I played it pretty cool because before I knew it, we were texting constantly, having FaceTime calls with our cameras facing the ceiling (if you know, you know), and walking each other to our classes.
People always told me I was more mature than my age which is why, about a month into my and Michael’s ‘relationship,’ I worked up the courage to talk to him in front of his friends.
It started with me going up to the table of rowdy boys during the first lunch. The sound of my pounding heart drowned out the cafeteria sounds, as I tapped Michael on the shoulder.
Before I could get the word “Hey” fully out of my mouth,
I was engulfed in the dirty “ooh”s and sarcastic “aww”s of the tween boys at that table.
Michael, his elephant ears fire engine red as he shushed his friends, said, “Oh hey Madison.”
Then he just turned back around, as if I was only worth his attention for a few seconds, my estrogen inferior to the amount of testosterone at that table.
Slightly disappointed, I walked back to my table of friends with my head down and sat silently for the rest of lunch.
A few weeks later, after begging, convincing, and bribing, I taught Michael that if I was going to be his girlfriend, he had to acknowledge my existence when he was with his friends.
He agreed — very reluctantly — to let me sit at his lunch table. When 11:50 came I was so excited I was going to explode. I sat my bag and lunch box down at my usual table because God forbid I would eat in front of a boy.
I walked to Michael’s table with my head held high, feeling every pair of eyes on me, and passive-aggressively said, “Excuse me please.” I squished myself in between Michael and his best friend, Austin.
It was easy at first; I just sat and listened to everyone’s conversations and pretended to be interested. But then the conversation turned to me.
“Have you two kissed before?” Austin asked with a sly, nasty, grin on his face. I told him it wasn't his business.
“You guys should,” he said. “Right here.”
I wanted to die at that moment, especially when I saw Michael’s face.
That look made me want to die right there.
He didn’t think it was a bad idea. He wanted it.
And I knew myself well enough that even if I said no, the second those rowdy boys pleaded “Come on just do it,” I would give in.
Too big?!? I’ve never had that problem in my life!
Immediately I was so proud of myself, though my method of weight loss was unconventional, I was so happy. And before I completely basked in my new body, I realized how heartcrushingly stupid I was and have been for the past four years.
I still have the same body- the same curves, the same imperfections.
Sure, I might fit into smaller, more consistent sizes, but I’m still the same girl with the same insecurities; my weight won’t change that.
I’ll still suck in my stomach in pictures. I’ll always worry too much about how low-cut a shirt is or tug down my shirt to cover my butt. Those habits will never go away. But my happiness, my clarity, and the forgiveness I now give my body, that won’t ever change.
I was wonderfully and beautifully created, even if I forget. And though I am happy with my slightly more proportional, less resemblance of an uncooked potato figure, there is still a slight issue - I have to get all new clothes.
Madison Herbert reporterI mean it’s kind of hard to say no to someone when they get three other tables to to start chanting “KISS KISS KISS.”
So I did what my 13-year-old brain knew best. I ran.
I got up from that crowded table and ran right to the bathroom, and I didn’t come out until I knew that lunch was over and everyone went back to class.
Safe to say, my and Michael’s relationship didn’t last very long after that because that was the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to me.
I was weary of people’s whispers for a while after that day.
Now, I’m much more cautious when getting to know a boy now, always asking, “What’s your opinion on PDA?” Always weeding out the ones that are too touchy, too risky, too… MUCH.
Years later, Michael and I rekindled and I asked him if he remembered that day.
He didn't.
I realized that if even Michael didn’t remember the tragic day, it wasn’t so big.
I’ve learned that, with time, everyone will forget your embarrassing moments that felt so terrible.
You’ll grow and only cringe about it late at night when you can’t sleep.
Do you know how many times I had to rewrite this column??? Too many. I wanted to write about my 57 Spotify playlists and how they help me cope daily.
I wanted to write about my favorite movie, “The Book of Life (2014).” (Which I definitely will).
I wanted to write about… I just wanted to write about something. Something personal but not depressing. Just something that my hopeless romantic self would feel satisfied with.
I was halfway writing my column about how love was portrayed in “The Book of Life (2014)” when I realized… I don’t know anything about LOVE. What is love?
Is love cooking your kids breakfast and dinner? (Shoutout to my Papa). Is love passing down your luxury items to your daughter? Is love buying your brother things you think he’d like when you’re out? (#1 reason I’m broke). Is love giving up the last piece of your milk chocolate caramel Ghirardelli to your friend? (You’re welcome, Riley). Is love sending memes to your friends at 1 a.m.?
What do I — a 17-year-old high school senior — know about love?
I’ve seen love.
My parents’ googly eyes when they look at each other as if they’re the only people in the room (and the nonsensical banters).
I’ve read about love.
Percy Jackson jumped with Annabeth Chase into the pit of Tartarus just to be together.
I’ve shown love (I think?).
Hugging and annoying my friends.
I know love has been a subject to many — the backdrop to countless daydreams, the source of excitement and confusion, and especially the topic of late-night conversations with friends.
Love, as a 17-year-old, is a kaleidoscope of emotions and experiences.
It’s thrilling. It’s sad. It’s profound.
But I would also say it’s the smile I try (so hard) to hide when I see my crush in the hallway. It’s the constant daydreams of romantic scenarios playing out in my mind (I need help). It’s the thrill of holding hands with someone I like (insert my palm sweating because I’m nervous).
But I know that love isn't just limited to romantic notions alone.
It’s the inside jokes and laughter I share with my Book Nerds. It’s the childhood friends I grew up with whom I left in the Philippines but still keep that bond we forged in first grade. The deep bond I share with Anna that transcends physical proximity (and through her I discovered writer Miss Sue Zhao).
Love is about growth and change.
It's understanding that people change, including me, and that the relationships I’ve formed can evolve or end for various reasons. It's the recognition that love can be transformative, pushing me to become a better person, and sometimes, it means letting go.
Love isn’t just a spontaneous feeling — love is a choice.
Traveling between houses.
Sleeping in a different bed every couple days. Missing the parent you aren’t with.
Forgetting your things at another house.
Packing every Thursday to prepare for the weekend. Different requirements and rules with each parent. These are the realities of having divorced parents.
Sometimes it feels like I’m living a double life. I seem to have two of everything. Two houses, two closets, two Christmases, and two churches. My parents have been divorced since I was five, so I don’t have a lot of memories from when they were together. This type of life is all I’m used to. Having divorced parents has been my life for so long that sometimes I forget it isn’t ‘normal.’
Even though I have been living with divorced parents for 11 years now, it can still hit pretty hard at times. When I’m at my dad’s and I have an event at my mom’s that I don't want to miss. Or when I’m at away games I have to choose which parent I want to sit by, but I don’t want to hurt any feelings.
As hard as it can be having divorced parents, believe it or not, I wouldn’t trade my experiences for anything. It’s my life, and I have learned how to live to the fullest despite my circumstances.
From a young age we’re always reminded of how precious time is. We’re reminded not to spend all evening watching TV,
and to spend more time playing with toys or going outside. As we get older, the reality that summer only lasts two months looms over us. Time is limited for everyone, and when you have divorced parents, how you spend your time becomes that much more important. When I only get to see my mom on certain days of the week, suddenly spending my days with her doing things we enjoy is much more fulfilling than being in different rooms on our phones.
When you realize how precious your time is, that’s when your eyes are opened to what’s most important.
I still vividly remember the day that my parents told my brother and I the news. I was five years old, and I was sitting at our kitchen table eating dinner. It was just my brother and I sitting there, our parents were in another room discussing how they would go about telling us. When they walked in, we could immediately tell something was wrong. The room got tense, and you could feel the somberness. I processed what my mom was telling me as I ate peaches off of my pink plate. I was confused, and didn't realize at the time how drastically my life would change.
But in a unique way, it felt like starting over.
We moved out of our house; a house filled with so many memories of childhood, yet so much pain, anger, and sadness. Moving day was filled with so many mixed emotions. Excitement for a fresh start, but sadness at the same time,
A choice to stay with the people I choose to love even when it gets tough — a choice my parents make just so my brother and I can have that “perfect” life — a choice to be selfless by putting the needs and happiness of others above your own.
You can’t just automatically love someone — I don’t think so because I choose to love my brother even though he’s the most annoying kid in the world. I choose to love Chloe despite her incurable obsession with Taylor Swift. I choose to love Brooklyn even though she makes me play country songs (which I absolutely hate). I choose to love Olivia and her weird quirks and messy car.
I choose to love love.
Love is also loving myself.
Understanding who I am, what I value, and what I want. It's about learning to be kind to myself, setting boundaries, and making choices that align with my principles.
It’s being my authentic self unapologetically.
With everything I blabbered about… did those make sense to me? No.
It probably didn’t make sense to you, either.
The concept of love is complex. It’s not just the things I’ve listed. It’s something more than that: it’s enchanting.
No matter how many love songs I’ll listen to. No matter how much I’ll read about love. No matter how much love is around me. I’ll never truly understand what love is.
And I think that’s how it’s going to be for everybody.
Because love evolves, and it’s a puzzle that everyone will always try to figure out.
But it’s a puzzle we’re all willing to solve.
Because in the end, we know it’ll be beautiful.
knowing why we had to move and leave our ‘forever’ home.
We moved closer to our mom’s parents with our mom, and closer to our dad’s parents with our dad. It was honestly one of the best things to come from the divorce. Because our parents were now single parents and needed help from time to time, our grandparents were always there to lend a hand. Our grandparents were there to support us no matter whose house we were staying at for the weekend. Even though I don’t get to experience love between my parents, in some ways the divorce still grew the love of our family. We’re close with our grandparents and our parents still love us immensely. Our Dad will wait to watch a movie until we come to him, so we can watch it together. Or our mom will book her vacation with her best friend, specifically on a weekend we aren’t with her, so that she doesn’t have to miss any time with us.
I feel so blessed to have the life I do, despite divorce being a small part of it. In the grand scheme of things, the hurt it has caused, feels so tiny compared to the joy that I have in life.
Family divorce teaches staffer that life is what you make it reporter Abigail Thrash
reporter Rawya Hazin
Junior Chloe Hebert pulls into the parking lot at 7:45 a.m. She drives around, searching for a decent parking spot. Without warning, she hears a startling clunk as her car shudders as the passenger side dips into a large pothole. Immediately, she feels dread as she continues driving away from the crater.
Then, she spots an empty parking spot. But as she approaches, reality began to sink in — the space was unevenly sized. It was a skinny space wedged between two larger ones.
It was a cruel trick played by the school's poor parking lot maintenance.
Potholes.
Uneven parking spaces.
And cars jam-packed into every row.
When the bell rings at 3:45, the cluster of cars comes back to life. However, as these cars seem to come alive, the parking lot deteriorates as time passes.
It's time to address the matter of our parking lot's poor maintenance and the daily vehicular chaos resulting from it.
First off, the notorious potholes— the bane of a student driver's existence and the obstacle course of their arrivals and departures. These potholes are not just a nuisance; they serve as evidence of the lack of attention to the parking lot. The damage they inflict on our vehicles is a dent in our wallets, and it's a dent in our trust in the school's ability to foster a safe environment.
Second, the faded lines and uneven parking spaces. Not only are they unevenly sized, they could be better aligned. They currently resemble a game of Tetris gone wrong. The consequence? Daily frustration and wasted time. Students circle for what feels like forever, engaging in a twisted lottery where they find a spot too small or crooked. Parking could be quicker. Easier. Less of a terrifying experience, considering the number of minor accidents that have piled up over time. Students deserve a parking spot, not a puzzle requiring a Ph.D. in geometry.
Picture a potential student or a parent arriving at our school for the first time. Their first encounter is navigating a battleground of potholes and attempting to fit into the chaotic arrangement of what we refer to as "parking spaces."
What kind of impression does this leave? An institution that prides itself on education and development should also prioritize the maintenance and appearance of its campus.
The solution to the predicament in our parking lot
is not rocket science, but it does require commitment. First, to wage war on the potholes, a dedicated team should inspect the parking lot regularly and repair any potholes that dare to surface. Secondly, the faded lines of the parking spaces need a makeover with a fresh coat of paint. Clear and neat lines with proper spacing will make parking a breeze. Also, implementing a one-way arrangement for each row will foster a clear flow of traffic and further maximize safety.
A pristine parking lot is an ongoing project, not a one-time fix. Our school should commit to regular maintenance and quick responses to emerging issues.
While the proposed parking lot solutions are presented as safety-focused, some people might view them as solutions for aesthetics only. The repair of potholes, fresh paint, and organized parking rows may improve the look of the lot, but these are simply positive side effects.
Addressing this issue isn't just a superficial matter of patching up holes or repainting lines; it's a statement of pride and commitment to the safety and well-being of our school community.
It's frustrating that, with all the new construction and improvements happening around the school, the parking lot has been overlooked. As we strive to make our school the best it can be, let's ensure that every detail, no matter how seemingly insignificant, echoes our commitment to excellence.
"I usually don't leave school until 4 p.m. because I know how the parking lot is packed. So I just hang out and wait for it to die down."
Tate Bass (12)
"On a normal day, probably like two minutes. After a pep rally or a game, probably like 10 minutes."
Buma Fomuso (12)
"The second two rows are the best area to park. I have athletics, so it's close there and it's also close to the school."
Iyahnna Carter (12)
"The middle of the parking lot. It's the closest place to the school so you don't have to walk that far."
Jill Blair (11)
HAVE YOU EVER HAD AN ACCIDENT?
The state of the student parking lot reflects poorly on our school