PROSPECTIVE PAGE 2
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CRISIS IN VENEZUELA
#BOYS DANCE TOO
PAGE 6 SCHOOL AND MENTAL HEALTH
PAGE 8 COACH INMAN RECOVERY
newspaper
Bryant High School Vol. 28, Issue 1 801 N. Reynolds Road Oct. 23, 2019 Bryant, Ark. 72022 www.prospectiveonline.com
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JROTC POW/MIA
BANDTOBER
STRESSED OUT
With school back in session, students are returning to shorter sleep schedules and loads of homework. How do they cope?
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t is no mystery that today’s students are stressed. Between increasing loads of homework, time-consuming extracurriculars and part-time jobs, days seem to get shorter while workloads get heavier. Time management and prioritizing can only help so much before sacrifices have to be made. Do students complete various
chapters of notes, or do they go to bed in time to get a healthy eight to nine hours of sleep? Do they eat lunch, or do they spend their break working on an essay? In the academicallycompetitive environment of high school, the increased pressure on students to perform well and manage hectic schedules is inevitable. It can feel impossible to escape feeling stressed. For some, stress limits the
student’s motivation, causing them to procrastinate and only stress themselves out more. For others, their mental health takes the back seat, causing them to neglect self-care in fear of losing time to complete homework. According to MQ, a mental health research charity, "some of the emotional and behavioural symptoms of stress overlap with those of mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.”
As the American Institute of Stress reports, 83% of teens credit school as a main source of stress, with getting into a good college coming in at 69%. The overlap between school, stress and mental health is concerning. States such as Oregon have now made it law for students to be able to take mental health days, but many students may fear being left behind in class and having to make up more work than
they would if they went to school in the first place. And while teachers extending a hand to students by assigning less homework or being lenient with deadlines is a start to alleviating some of the stress, students still struggle to juggle pressures and responsibilities while preserving their mental health. more on page 6-7
2 | PROSPECTIVE | News | Oct. 23, 2019 MAXTON PREUNINGER | EDITOR
FAR FROM HOME
Venezuelans reflect on condition of home country amid economic crisis
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nce one of the richest, stable countries in Latin America, Venezuela’s oil-reliant economy was booming. The poor were benefiting from president Hugo Chávez’s socialist policies, and the country was pulled out of the inflation of the late 1980s. However, in 2015, oil prices dropped and so did the levels of oil production in Venezuela. Under new leadership of Nicolas Maduro, the country has been sent into economic and political turmoil. Streets are violent, supermarkets are barren and hyperinflation has made survival difficult for many Venezuelans. Hoping to find security in the United States, junior Paola Arana left Venezuela with her family when she was 11-years-old. “[My parents] wouldn’t let us out of the house, because it was dangerous,” Arana said. “The only distraction that my sisters and I had was a pool that my grandfather built for us.” With the help of a childhood friend of her parents, Arana and her family moved to Arkansas. Their friends provided them with accommodation while they were searching for a house of their own, but the transition into life in America was still difficult. “We didn’t know any English, and it was difficult to communicate with people,” Arana said. “But we also met people from other countries and teachers who helped us feel comfortable in school.” Though she now lives somewhere that her family can find food and gas, she still misses Venezuela, especially her grandparents. Her family lived with her grandparents there, but her grandparents did not immigrate to the United States. “When we came here, half of our hearts stayed with them,” Arana said. “Today, we keep in touch by video call, but it is very sad for them, because we were their light, and they tell us that ‘the house from our departure now feels empty.’ Someday I hope to be back with them without having to see them from a screen.” Besides her family, Arana most misses the culture of her home country. She appreciates the life her family has found in Arkansas, but still misses
Venezuelan traditions. “Here, I will never see the beautiful culture of Venezuela, like the tradition that at Christmas, your whole family would gather and prepare hacas [and] bollitos, or the carnival that lasts 40 days before Easter Sunday,” Arana said. The economic, social and political situations in Venezuela cause Arana distress. “The condition in which my country is now hurts me a lot, because most of my family is still there,” Arana said. “I’m afraid something will happen to them.” Current Spanish teacher Señor Bracho moved to the United States from Venezuela five years ago. As a former journalist, Bracho intended to break into the communications field in Little Rock, but found it to be a rather small world at the time. As he was searching for a job, a friend of his notified him of an opening for a Spanish teacher at a Little Rock elementary school. Even though he was already waiting tables at a Venezuelan restaurant in Little Rock, he went in for the interview and got the job. He was teaching Spanish part time, working with kindergarten to fifth grade students for 30 minutes a day, two days a week. Bracho found his passion one class at a time. “I had fallen in love with teaching, really,” Bracho said. “I said to myself and then said to my wife, ‘Man I can do this for a living.’I started to pursue it as a career and got my license and everything, and I got this wonderful job here at Bryant.” After previously being one of the world’s largest oil exporters, Venezuela’s oil production has dropped to the lowest it has ever been. Under Maduro, the production of oil has dropped so dramatically that it has sent the country into economic turmoil, creating a culture set on survival,
rather than prosperity. This atmosphere was not viable for Bracho and his family to continue living in. “[When Chávez was president,] we were living in a kind of a dream--a dreamland,” Bracho said. “We all knew that whenever the oil price went down, the country was going to suffer. That’s exactly what happened after Hugo Chávez died.” In 2013, the former president of Venezuela, Hugo Chávez,
addressed the nation before undergoing a surgery in Cuba. Chávez advised the nation to vote for Nicolas Maduro if he were to pass away. Chávez passed away March 3, 2013 after suffering respiratory failure when cancer spread into his lungs. The nation took Chávez’s advice and voted for Maduro, who won. Despite widespread disapproval of his administration, he was reelected for a second term in 2018, sparking outrage and criticism that the election was rigged. United Nation agencies say that more than four million people have migrated from Venezuela since the crisis began, as the humanitarian and economic crisis is causing Venezuelans to seek asylum in other countries. Bracho says he and his family were just a part of
the pack. When the economy crashed, the supermarkets were barren, protests became more common and journalists were disappearing. Bracho’s family had to go from supermarket to supermarket trying to find diapers for their two-yearold son. He knew it was going to be dangerous for his family to stay in Venezuela. “We were kind of in danger, ” Bracho said. “It was going to be, economically wise, super difficult to survive. And that is what the people living in Venezuela are trying to do every day.” With the help from some of his friends from Venezuela who were already living in Arkansas, Bracho and his family moved to Little Rock. “They were the only ones all over the world, because we knocked on several doors, and they were the only ones who said, ‘We can help you start over,’” Bracho said. While Bracho Photo | Hunter High still has friends and extended family living in Venezuela, he tries not to dwell on his home country, preferring to focus on the life he has here. He has high hopes for Venezuela but feels his hopes are not realistic. “The dream would be that these bad guys who are in the government at the moment would go away, and people that really love the country and that really know what to do take control and start over and help to rearrange everything,” Bracho said. “But the level of damage that has been done to the society, to Venezuelan society, is so deep. So deep that if they leave today and a new government takes place--and let’s suppose none of them is corrupted, and they all want to do their best, and all of them have the best preparation and education ever--it will take around 30 or more years
to get Venezuela to rise from where it is right now. Bracho believes that socialism has destroyed the mindsets of Venezuelans, convincing the people that they are unable to decide that they can do things for themselves. This is what he believes would take the most time to heal in society. “They want everything to be done for them, which is what Hugo Chávez did for more than ten years,” Bracho said. “So, as I’m telling you, my dream would be that Venezuela could be as good as I knew my country when I was a teenager. But I don’t think that’s going to happen soon.” Even though some Venezuelan supermarkets now have food on the shelves, hyperinflation has still left citizens struggling to survive. With the average monthly salary being just 6 dollars in a country with calculated living expenses of 200 dollars a month, survival seems impossible. To put things into perspective, a Big Mac in Venezuela costs approximately 15 dollars. Despite the conditions in Venezuela, Bracho does not overlook the great things that he has found in Arkansas. Bracho and his family have found a better economic standing in Arkansas, but they have found much more within the community. “God has provided us with so many good friends and has also opened doors for us to have jobs and opportunities,” Bracho said. “Being here in Bryant High School is a huge blessing. My son has the opportunity to get the education he is receiving. We have food on the table every day. We can think of a future here, which was not a possibility in my country.”
TIFFANY TO | EDITOR
BETTER LIFE Immigrant students overcome obstacles to pursue dreams A
fter the inauguration of President Donald Trump in 2017, his administration began enforcing the investigation of undocumented immigrants by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Between 2016 and 2017, there was a significant increase in the number of arrests, but the number has remained relatively stable since 2018. Although there were fewer removals in 2017 than in 2016, they increased consistently in 2018 and 2019. There are 4.5 million children in the U.S. with at least one parent who is undocumented; 1.6 million of those children are under the age of five, and almost all of them were born in the United States. Nearly 6 million U.S. children who are citizens live in mixed-status families. Families cross borders for the possibility of a new beginning in America. Many have filed through legal ports of entry to request asylum, but few families have been allowed entry. Those denied have two options left: illegally cross the border, or wait, sometimes for months or years, for entry. Families tend to choose crossing the border, despite the great risk. Sophomore *Gabriela Maxwell currently lives in Arkansas, while more than half of her family lives in Mexico.
“My family is still in Mexico, but I currently live with my sister, her friend and my nephew,” Maxwell said. “My sister is an American citizen because she was born in Oklahoma.” The U.S. provides free education to students through 12th grade; however, in Mexico, students receive free education through 6th grade. Families must then pay for textbooks and other educational resources. “I came here for education, because the education [in America] is better than in Mexico,” Maxwell said. “In Mexico, the schools are very tiny compared to here. There’s more classes [in America] and computers to use for the students.” Although Maxwell arrived in the U.S. safely, her mother struggled while journeying across the border. “When my mom was coming [to America], she was crossing deserts and going several days without water,” Maxwell said. Although she lived in U.S. and sought the American Dream, Maxwell’s mother had conflicts with employment because of her citizenship status. Many undocumented immigrants are subject to abuse in the workplace because employers are often not held accountable for their mistreatment. “When she arrived, my mom was struggling to get jobs because she was an immigrant,” Maxwell said. “Even when she
did get a job, she would work all day, every day, non-stop.” Over 4 million foreign citizens are currently waiting for a green card, which would allow them the opportunity to permanently enter the United States. U.S. immigration policy limits the amount of green cards granted to citizens; thus, immigrants from highly populated countries like India, China, Philippines and Mexico wait the longest. Many immigrants have waited months, or even years, for a visa. “When my mother tried to come here again, the wait was going to be longer because of the regulations they had [on the visas],” Maxwell said. According to the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development for Latin America, seven of every ten Mexicans live in high levels of poverty, while the wealthiest 20% of the population of Mexico earns ten times as much as the poorest. Other central American countries face similar economic inequality. Junior *Leo Valdez resided in one of the povertystricken towns of Guatemala. “Where I’m from, there is a lot of poverty,” Valdez said. “It wasn’t a good place to live in, because it was so dangerous and poor. My father had a job in Guatemala, but it didn’t pay enough to support the family. [In America], there is a better future for us.”
Photo | Luis Garcia
Residing in America with his father, Valdez is separated from his mother and siblings, who are currently in Guatemala. “My mother still lives in Guatemala, and for now, my mother does not want to come to America,” Valdez said. “My three other brothers are with my mother, and if my mother leaves, they have to stay in Guatemala. She doesn’t want to leave them behind.” Although most of his family is in Guatemala, Valdez and his father have created a brighter future for themselves in America. “I live in a stable life now,” Valdez said. “My father is sick,
but we are living in a stable life compared to before." To keep students safe and comfortable, many teachers prohibit discussing politics and topics that may reveal the citizenship status of any students. Spanish teacher Chandra Willix keeps her students safe from conversations that could cause any student to worry. “We don’t discuss politics together,” Willix said. “We don’t discuss their legal status. We love all of our students here at Bryant, and we treat them with respect and consideration.” *Student Names Changed
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3 | PROSPECTIVE | News | Oct. 23, 2019 BELLA HERRING | STAFF WRITER
REACHING OUT Suicide Prevention Month sparks discussion of mental health W
ith September being National Suicide Prevention Month, social media was booming with people sharing their stories and experiences dealing with mental health. Mental Health conditions can affect anyone, but have been found to have a staggering impact on children and teenagers. According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, “approximately 20 percent of adolescents have a diagnosable mental health disorder,” and suicide is the third leading cause of death in adolescents. With full schedules and copious amounts of homework, school-related stress is a major factor in adolescent mental health. Participating in challenging
courses and extracurricular activities result in high levels of stress and little free time for students. Sophomore Olivia Graham is one of the many students who have taken on more challenging courses and is also involved in a school sport. “[Due to the harder classes], I don’t get to hang out with my friends,” Graham said. “I am also on the dance team, so [harder classes] make it difficult to focus on practices.” According to the New York Times, topics such as politics, climate change, family issues, school-related stress and social media are among the many factors that affect mental health in teenagers. Many students struggle to find a balance between their schoolwork, extracurricular activities and social lives. Failing to create this balance adds unwanted stress and can
affect student’s personal relationships. “[Heavy work loads in school] leaves me with little free time,” Graham said. “It makes it harder to focus on school when there are other things that I want to do.” When feeling overwhelmed, some students prefer to speak to a professional. Sophomore Tristan Taylor sees a counselor outside of school every two weeks. “Kids with stress related issues or maybe mental health issues should have a place to cool down and just talk,” Taylor said. Suicide is a leading cause of death in teenagers, and most teens are unaware of the resources they have at their fingertips. All schools are required to have at least one counselor students can turn to when they are in need of guidance.
School counselor Ryan Jones is one of the five counselors that Bryant High School provides. Many students refer to their assigned counselor for help involving mental health, school schedules and college applications. “I have some [students] who are in a regular check-in schedule,” Jones said. “But I have an open door policy for anyone to come in.” Some states, such as Oregon and Utah, have begun giving students the option of having an excused mental health day from school. According to New York Times writer Derrick Bryson Taylor, “lawmakers in two states have recently recognized the importance of the mental health of their students by allowing them to take sick days just for that.” Most stress is a result of students taking on more workload than
their schedules allow as well as problems outside of school. “Typically, academics are not the only issue that students are having trouble with,” Jones said. “The most important thing that I can do is help them prioritize.” Aside from counseling, students struggling with mental health often turn to their church, sports, or other outside activities for support. Senior Lula Catherine Anderson found that attending church gave her a place to feel welcomed and cared for. “[Going to church] gave me someone to depend on,” Anderson said. “Knowing that someone is always there is the biggest thing that has helped [my depression].’’
NATASHA ARENDT | STAFF WRITER
NEW CAFETERIA OPENS Students pleased with facility, service, options G
leaming tile, convenient charging stations, hundreds of seats and several food stations awaited students in the new cafeteria that opened in August after five years in the making. While there were setbacks in the first week of lunches, faculty and students have settled into the new cafeteria and improved its efficiency. One student who eats from the cafeteria is sophomore Kaylee Wells. “It was bad with the first week, but it’s gotten better,” Wells said. “I think it’s really big and clean. It’s way better than the old cafeteria.” Lisa Stogsdill, the food service
director for the Bryant School District, feels the cafeteria has been a success. “For the last two years, there’s been a lot going into it, [like] deciding what would go into the cafeteria, deciding what stations we would have and figuring out what we would need to purchase,” Stogsdill said. “Everything was going well until the first week of school when we were just using way more [food] than anticipated. We were on the phone trying to get more food in every day.” It wasn’t that the number of students ordering lunches was underestimated, but rather that
over 300 students ordered from more than one station, which counted as a second meal. While this originally overwhelmed cafeteria lines and staff, the situation has been mostly resolved. 79.8% of surveyed students rated the cafeteria service as average or above average. Sophomore Raliegh Brown agrees the food is good. “I used to get pizza or noodles,” Brown said. “Now that the smoothies came out, I just get smoothies.” Many students are still unsatisfied with some aspects of the cafeteria. For students with free or reduced lunches, food from a second station costs as much as a
normal one. “I think people with free lunches should still [be able] to get more than one meal,” Wells said. “People with free lunches shouldn’t have to pay for it.” With the popularity of the cafeteria comes more demand, and inevitably more waiting time. “I feel like we have enough time to eat,” Brown said. “It’s just the lines are so long. Maybe they could split them up somehow.” Cafeteria staff are working to re solve student complaints. Stogsdill has implemented a cart to buy food with cash in order to relieve pressure on lines. “The first week, I don’t know if
[anyone] noticed, but we had the superintendent [Dr. Karen Walters] coming in and helping with everything,” Stogdill said. Bryant is the only school district in Saline County to not outsource their food service or hire another company to handle service. “We stay in the black, and thanks to our wonderful cafeteria staff, food is not wasted,” Stogdill said. Wells has experienced both the old and new cafeterias, and agrees with Brown that the new one is an improvement. “The new one is definitely better,” Wells said.
MADISON BASCO | STAFF WRITER
WHAT’S THE BUZZ? Buzz Time gives opportunities to students during school day A
nticipation grew over the last couple of years as students were introduced to the idea of career houses, an advisory period and enrichment sessions called “Buzz Time.” These sessions were described as times that students could engage in different hobbies, receive tutoring and focus on their future careers. Buzz Time sessions began Sept. 17, and students and teachers have been able to connect over shared interests. From an easy study session to ballroom dancing, Buzz Time provides a variety of options for students. Junior Lexia Langley chose the Spanish Honors Society Buzz Time session. “I would like to learn Spanish, and the cords are great for graduation,” Langley said. “We learned about the induction ceremony, and we talked about the future volunteer opportunities that we’re going to do.” However, these sessions are not only targeted at students’ future ambitions. Many teachers have decided to advise sessions that give students time to have fun and relax. Librarian Marcia Lanier decided to advise strategy games during the first session. “Last year, I had been to some learning sessions on how games could be impactful, and that’s what I wanted to try and get done,” Lanier said. “I wanted games that weren’t totally mindless, but that took some strategy to solve; most students are using thinking skills to do it, and they’re having fun and learning.” Buzz Time is also being used to address some of the more concerning issues that teachers do not always have time for during a normal school day. English teacher Melissa Henry chose to advise a Buzz Time session called “How to be Happy.” “I took an online course at the University of Berkeley for the Greater Good Science Center, and it was about positive research and positive psychology research,” Henry said. “One of the focuses of that class was practices that we can use to cultivate a higher level of happiness in ourselves. So, neuroscientists, scientists who study the brain, have found that there is a list of research-based practices that you can do that often over time increase your level of happiness.” Some of the practices that can increase the level of happiness are mindfulness, gratitude and exercises that release dopamine. “We talked about what mindfulness was and what you can do to cultivate
mindfulness, and we also talked about gratitude and what research says about gratitude,” Henry said. “We then emailed someone in our lives who we are grateful for and told them why we appreciated them.” Henry believes having conversations about emotions is significant for students. “I believe that emotions are super important for how we’re able to learn during the day,” Henry said. “Sometimes we want to sweep them under the rug, but the truth is, it really makes a difference on whether or not you can focus in class.” Buzz Time sessions are also a great way to help students prepare for future tasks, such as getting a job. Special Education teacher Becky Runnels decided to advise a job and interviewing skills session. “I teach a career class for special education students, so we teach job skills, dress for success and banking,” Runnels said. Runnels has already been able to provide opportunities to all of her students to help prepare them for
the future. “Kids can work and make money through this grant that I’ve got,” Runnels said. “I’ve got a ton of kids working out on campus, and I’ve got interns who are working through the internship program; they’ll get paid minimum wage.” Runnels will prepare students for job interviews in her Buzz Time session. “I have some worksheets that we will be working on, and they’re going to do some of the most typical interview questions,” Runnels said. “[Questions like] ‘Tell me a little bit about yourself.’ [Students should] think about it before [they] go in there and [not] ask about salaries right off the bat.” Buzz Time was implemented not only as an enrichment period for students, but also as a way for teachers and students to bond over similar interests. “I think it’s a chance for kids to get to participate in something they wouldn’t normally get to participate in,” Runnels said. “It’s a really good way to connect with kids that [teachers]
may not know.” Counselor Jenny Watkins has been involved with advisory and Buzz Time planning from the beginning. The whole process started with a survey. “[The students who took the survey] three or four years ago wanted more time to learn [different] things, they wanted more meaningful relationships with their teachers and peers, they wanted more relevant [information] being taught to them and they wanted our bigger campus to feel smaller,” Watkins said. “We implemented houses hoping to get that little community to be a part of the bigger community, [and] we are trying physically with the construction to make our campus feel smaller.” STEM, Health and Human Services, Arts and Communication and Business are the four houses that students were separated into. The idea for an advisory period was then created, allowing students time during the school day to focus on their goals after high school. “With our advisory time coming into
play, we know that there is not enough time in the day for our students to get the tutoring that they need, the study time that they need or sometimes they just need a brain break,” Watkins said. “So let’s go on a walk, let’s meditate.” Buzz Time also allows teachers to show students aspects of their personality outside of the boundaries of their job. “Teachers are people just like [students] are, so this allows them to [take part in] enrichment activities that are similar to their hobbies,” Watkins said. “[Buzz Time] allows our teachers to show that they are more than just robots.”
JAVIYA LAWSON | GRAPHIC DESIGNER
REAL NEWS OR AN EASY SNARE?
How to watch out for bogus news Fake news has always been a problem in society, but due to the increase of social media use, fake news outlets are on the rise. Here are some tips from Eugene Kiely and Lori Robertson from factcheck.org on how to find reliable news. Consider the Source of the Article •Looking at the sources of an articles can typically help catch fake news. Sites that do not provide information about their mission or staff are usually illegitimate websites. Read More than the Headline •Headlines are made to draw the attention of an audience and can be misleading as to what the story is about. The headline never tells the whole story. Examine the Site’s Sources •Usually, stories have different reliable sources that they quote. Although bogus stories appear to have reliable sources, once they are looked into they prove to be false and do not back up the story’s claim. Check the Date •Sometimes fake news stories take older events, create a new headline and then publish it as if it is not only their own story, but also a part of current events. Consult Experts •Although this may take time, there are many debunking websites that have already done the work. Websites like Factcheck.org, Snopes.com, and the Washington Post Fact Checker list websites or sources that cover fake news.
4 | PROSPECTIVE | A&E | Oct. 23, 2019
GHADA HASAN | STAFF WRITER
#BOYSDANCETOO Social media movement emerges to empower male dancers E
legance. Grace. Fluid movement. These are things typically associated with ballet, more specifically, women in ballet. However, male ballet dancers are challenging the gender norms within dance. The life of British royal family member Prince George, the eldest child of Prince William and Duchess Catherine, is often on display in the public eye. When his school curriculum revealed he was partaking in ballet on Aug. 23, Good Morning America’s coanchor Lara Spencer responded with laughter. “Prince William said Prince George absolutely loves ballet,” Spencer said. “I have news for you, Prince William; we’ll see how long that lasts.” It did not take long for the dance community to highlight the insensitive nature of Spencer’s comments. After that episode was put on air, the #boysdancetoo movement emerged on social media, picking up steam as the dance community stood in solidarity with Prince George. Consisting of over 150 thousand posts, the hashtag served as a place for people to express support and tackle the stigma surrounding male dancers. Nashville Ballet joined in on the trending hashtag, posting a photo on Instagram featuring an ensemble of male dancers. The caption reads: “Ballet promotes strength; it cultivates discipline and focus. Ballet provides us with a sense of community, an outlet for creativity, and an avenue for understanding others. Ballet creates a space and a world in which reductive gender
Dancing alongside varsity dance team members juniors Jessalyn Johnson, Aryn Stiles, sophomore Mackenzie Brazier and senior Kelton Ramsey perform at the 2019 Salt Bowl Pep Rally. Being a captain has helped Ramsey enhance his leadership and dancing skills. “Every time I perform for Salt Bowl, everyone [is] so surprised,” Ramsey said. “They’re like, ‘I didn’t think you could actually dance like [that].’” Photo | Ashia Walls
stereotypes don’t belong. Ballet is as much masculine as it is feminine, and we’re tremendously proud of and inspired by all our male dancers. #boysdancetoo.” The Monday morning after the episode aired, Spencer issued a live
apology for mocking the young royal’s participation in ballet. “I screwed up,” Spencer said. ”The comment I made about dance was insensitive, it was stupid and I am deeply sorry. I’ve spoken with several
members of the dance community over the past few days. I have listened, [and] I have learned about the bravery it takes for a young boy to pursue a career in dance.” The controversy surrounding Spencer’s comments blossomed into a discussion on male dancers, bringing awareness to the hardships they often tackle. Bullying is an all-too-common side effect many male ballet dancers face. A study conducted by Doug Risner, a dance sociologist at Wayne State University, revealed that 93% of male ballet dancers endured teasing or insults, while 68% experienced verbal or physical assaults. The staggering rates of bullying against men in ballet inspired “Danseur,” a film directed and produced by Scott Gormely. The 2018 documentary examines the struggles and obstacles men in ballet combat such as slurs, hostility and violence. Patrick Frenette, a professional ballet dancer cast in “Danseur,” defended Prince George on social media as well. In an Instagram photo featuring a shirt with “Danseur” on it, Frenette wrote: “By rallying together to support children who come under fire for their choices to pursue ballet, we are showing that we are prioritizing the safety of this innocent boy who loves ballet. We are refusing to be bystanders, lest we allow our indifference to provide a platform for more hateful and damaging rhetoric.” Along with being the only boy on the team, senior Kelton Ramsey is one of the BHS dance team captains. At just three years old, Ramsey joined the dance scene, learning hip-hop at a studio and later moving to Rock City Dance Center, where he participated in ballet and tap.
However, hip-hop mostly dominated his dance style. Last year, he decided to join the school dance team, making the transition from studio to varsity dance. “Studio and varsity were like two different things, so I had [to] learn varsity things,” Ramsey said. “I had to learn the different dynamics of it. It was kind of hard for me to tap into varsity, because studio was more of a freedom type of thing, more creativity. Varsity is more like, this is what it has to be, this is strict, this is the structure it has to be in.” Ramsey was selected as the only senior captain for the dance team this year. However, before he was chosen, Ramsey developed concerns about the challenging role. “It was very nerve-wracking, because I was like, ‘I’m probably not going to get captain,’ Ramsey said. “I’m the only boy; no one’s going to take me seriously. [That] was the number one [reason] I wanted to be captain, so I can prove to people that I can be taken seriously. I can do this.” Despite feeling anxious about the demanding role, Ramsey was met with an overwhelming wave of support and positive feedback regarding his accomplishment. “Everyone knew about [my being selected as captain],” Ramsey said. “On Facebook, it got [reposted] more than 100 times, which was a really shocking. I didn’t think that people would actually care. Everyone has been very supportive. It’s like everyone knows who I am, they know what I can do now.”
JACK CLAY| STAFF WRITER
CONTROVERSIAL MASTERPIECE "Joker" excellently portrays modern oppression of mentally ill C
oming out its resounding victory in the Venice Film Festival, "Joker," directed by Todd Phillips, left audiences anxiously awaiting its release. This psychological allegory for modern society was slated to be the film of the year, a barn-burning masterclass of style, yet its critical review was lacking to say the least. The mixed reviews caused quite the controversy online, where Rotten Tomatoes rated the film at 75 percent. For reference, they rated "Dora and the Lost City of Gold" higher than "Joker" at 84 percent. According to those critics, the film was stylistically unique but failed to actually say anything substantial. This upset many fans of Joaquin Phoenix and the title character, who insisted that the gratuitous violence and seemingly superficial imagery served to paint a deeper theme. One thing that both critics and audiences agreed on is that Joaquin Phoenix’s performance is practically perfect, rivalling Heath Ledger’s acclaimed performance in 2008’s "The Dark Knight." Upon viewing the film, that much is certainly true. At no point are you watching Joaquin Phoenix deliver his best Heath Ledger impression; he is his
own character, fueled by mental illness to do horrendous crimes. His iconic new laugh, his unsettling costume and his constant ballet dancing are sure to cement him as a powerful figure of cinema for years to come. Despite the name “Joker,” the character Arthur Fleck has little to do with any comic book inspiration; a popular analogy for the film is that it could have been named “Arthur” or “Something’s Wrong With Arthur” and the film would still make perfect sense. This departure from modern comic book cinema is striking, with the film
him? You get what you deserve.” The cinematography is spectacular. Every frame of this movie is a wellcomposed artistic statement, from the grimy streets of Gotham City to the bright and clear skies. The first line of the movie is about how Gotham is in the middle of a sanitation worker strike, and it looks the part. Trash, homeless people scattered about and herds of dissatisfied commuters decorate the streets of Gotham City and put a face to the despair experienced by hundreds in the movie.
say that this movie is ruined because of the lacking dialogue; it just distracts from an otherwise flawless film. The music, composed by Hildur Guðnadóttir, starts out foreboding, but distant. As the events of the movie unfold, and Arthur Fleck descends into madness, the score becomes much more present, and in the end, it is near cacophonous, perfectly setting the mood for the uncomfortable mood of the film. “Uneasy” is the best way to describe how “Joker” makes the viewer feel. In a superhero blockbuster, audiences may
Photo|Hunter High
reading more like “Taxi Driver” than “Iron Man” in every regard. Many of the negative reviews, which revolve around the lack of a message in the film, don’t hold up upon actually viewing the film. The society depicted in the film isn’t the backdrop to a missing theme; it is the theme. The message of “Joker” can be summed up by a line spoken in the climax of the film, a chaotic and cathartic condemnation of society’s apathy for the mentally ill: “What do you get when you cross a mentally ill loner with a society that abandons
The script is the weakest link in “Joker.” There are a few leaps in logic, mostly explained away by Arthur’s mental illness, and the characters change from natural and conversational to dramatic and philosophical constantly. That’s not to
be on the edge of their seat with excitement at the action. In a comedy, audiences will laugh. Dramas make people melancholy. “Joker,” on the other hand, fills audiences with discomfort. No point in the movie was entirely enjoyable; even in the face of a clever joke, the audience laughed with a tinge of caution. The movie slowly forces the audience to grapple with the horrible society it portrays and notice the apt comparisons to our own. The most bone-chilling part of the movie is how possible it would be
for its fictional setting to parallel our own. In “Joker” and in today’s American society, there is a growing lower class of people, there are elitist talk show hosts and there is a taboo around mental illness. The problems experienced in our society all blow up in “Joker,” making the movie that much more discomfiting. While this may not be a perfect film, or even an enjoyable film, it is an important film. “Joker” is a tale of the mentally ill and the oppressed. Despite the criticism it has received, it almost flawlessly throws our society in our faces, forcing the audience to grapple with the fact that this nightmare of a world is not much different from the one we live in. 4.5/5 stars.
Design | Alex Beyerlein
KAYCEE BROWNING | STAFF WRITER
S
ocial injustice, shadowy pasts and unconditional love. “Les Miserables,” a musical epic adapted from the novel of the same title written by Victor Hugo, tells the story of a Frenchman and reformed prisoner, Jean Valjean, searching for vindication and redemption after serving nineteen years in jail for stealing a loaf of bread for his starving niece. The Young Players, a youth program organized by the Royal Theater in downtown Benton, is preparing to show a school edition of “Les Miserables.” The show will be performed on Sept. 22, 28, 29, Oct. 5 and 6. Many of the cast members are Bryant students, such as senior Nathan Brown, who occupies the role of Jean Valjean. “[Jean Valjean’s] whole character is being a moral man while running from the law for pretty much his entire life,” Brown said. “This is my first community theater show, so being able to get into character has been a little tricky, but at the same time, it’s just that willingness.” Brown relates the personal connection with his character to the difficulty of the performance, finding that the more he understands his role, the easier it becomes. “If I were to play an antagonist of some sort, I feel like it’d be kind of difficult to get into character, but knowing that even when Valjean did wrong in the play, his intentions were always pretty good, that’s just what I have to keep in mind when I’m trying to get into character,” Brown said. Performing her dream role as Eponine, junior Lexie Ellis finds her character relatable. “[Eponine is] very lonely,” Ellis said. “She doesn’t have lots of friends. While I’ve kind of gotten out of that, for a while I didn’t feel like that was a thing that I had, so I can relate to that and being lonely and feeling like you always gotta stick with this group of people because they've taken care of you your whole life.” Past the endeavor of performing a part, Ellis finds balancing rehearsals and AP classes one of the biggest struggles of committing to a production but finds ways to manage. “You're really kind of sacrificing your academics or your sleep, but it’s all worth it in the end,” Ellis said. As long as you're actively checking grades, it’s easy to keep up because you have that motivation.” While students involved in extracurriculars often encounter
5 | PROSPECTIVE | A&E | Oct. 23, 2019
YOUNG PLAYERS PRESENT “LES MISERABLES”
Bryant students participate in production
Performing in his first community theater show, senior Nathan Brown performs “Bring Him Home” as Jean Valjean in “Les Miserables.” “Bring Him Home” is Brown’s favorite solo song. “For me, it feels like my entire performance builds up to this one song, and it feels great to perform,” Brown said. Photo | Matthew Burns
this issue, sophomore Carson Clay, who plays a lead character, Javert, finds that even performers who do not have a lead carry a lot of responsibilities. “If I’m being honest, being a lead is easy,” Clay said. “Now, being an ensemble member, you have to learn every single song. If one ensemble member messes up, people notice it. It’s a common saying in theater, ‘Fake it ‘till you make it.’ Just smile and pretend like you know what you’re doing.” The attentiveness to production and technicalities plays a key role in the success of a production according to Clay, who’s been performing at the Royal Theater since he was five years old. “Theater really has to be a well oiled machine if you want it to succeed, so you can’t slack off,” Clay said. You can’t talk while someone’s giving instructions. Even one piece of information, if you miss it, it could screw up the entire thing and it could take literal weeks to do a dance number that should’ve only taken three days.” Brown finds that audiences often lack appreciation for these technicalities and schematics,
which require a lot of effort. “A lot of times what people don’t think about [with] plays is the technical aspect.” Brown said. “People think about what happens on stage, but what happens off stage and everything that moves around is just crazy. People just don’t appreciate that enough.” Beyond the logistics and acting aspect comes the music. Choir director Tanner Oglesby acts as the music director for “Les Miserables,” teaching vocal technique and assisting with clarity. “The biggest struggle I’ve encountered in this production so far is that the music requires a lot of stamina,” Oglesby said. “We have students playing many roles in the show, and I remembered it was one of my biggest challenges as a singer in the show, and it proves to still be a timeless challenge for our kids now.” This is Oglesby’s second visit to the show, his first time around being for the same youth program, the Young Players, when he was a junior in high school. “My first time ever to sing was on stage and in ‘Les Mis,’”
Oglesby said. “It was my first inspiration and my guide to come into choral music, so coming back to it is different, because I’m trying not to live on the success of the past production; I’m trying to make this new production something new and fresh.” Since many Bryant choir students are involved in this production, Oglesby’s connection with these students has functioned as a foundation for the work ethic and environment of the show. “We already have this understanding of how we’re supposed to do things and how I work as a teacher and how I expect them to work as students,” Oglesby said. “There’s also a little bit of trust that we’ve developed in class, so I’m able to continue that trust in the production, and so it really works well for them to learn the music and be at their best.” A thriving theater and choir environment has been established with so many Bryant students involved with community theater shows, offering a safe and comfortable place for many people. “I think all my friends besides
a couple are theater people,” Ellis said. “Theater has really helped me grow as a person, and it’s made me more friends than I could count.” Extracurriculars offer personal growth, connections, and the chance to practice their passion, but the fine arts gives participants an adrenaline rush rarely experienced in other activities. “[The best part of theater is] whenever you get to sing that song,” Brown said. “Like, the big solo whenever you get to that one part, and that’s when you get to shine. It feels real good.” Only a week and a half after tickets were released, “Les Miserables” has visitors from all across Arkansas, some even coming from outside of the state. “Getting to know this cast has been a great experience,” Brown said. “There’s a lot of talent and experience within the actors and directors, and the sense of security that comes from working with experienced people is a huge plus.”
NATASHA ARENDT | STAFF WRITER
DIGGING INTO MINECRAFT Classic game revived in popular culture T
he 11-year-old game seems simple, but in recent months, Minecraft has rebounded in popularity, becoming featured in memes and pop culture. Minecraft is an open-world game with a focus on exploration. Many students like the sandbox game (meaning there are few limitations on players) for its freedom, others for the nostalgia of a game played by many during childhood. The multitude of features allow for creative expression in the game with building and out of the game in the form of memes. According to Google Trends, Minecraft experienced a large spike in popularity during July and August this year. Sophomore Elijah Red has been playing Minecraft since 2012 and has killed the ender dragon, the final boss of Minecraft, four times in survival mode. “I’m all for its comeback,” Red said. “There was a time when people would say people who played Minecraft were all childish. I would agree, but really, I still played it. Now people like it and talk about it, which is great.” Several updates have been released since then, including updates to oceans and villages. The next Minecraft update will feature a renovated Nether biome, another dimension known for its dangerous mobs and lava. Creatures in Minecraft are known as mobs, the most well-known of which include zombies, spiders, bow-wielding skeletons, teleporting endermen and of
Photo | Sophia Ocampo
course, the infamous exploding creeper. More recent additions include drowned, which are water-dwelling zombies, and pillagers, violent raiders who attack peaceful villages. “The aquatic update was my favorite,” Red said. “I don’t like the bees, though. I wanted a cave update. Nobody wanted a bee update.” Sophomore Wesley Carr has played Minecraft since its beginnings in 2009. Older players like Carr have seen the effect that years of updates have had on Minecraft. “I remember when endermen came out, there was a glitch where they picked up water,” Carr said. “It was pretty funny. I was really, really upset when they took out the old blacksmiths. You could steal iron ore from them.” Minecraft’s success appears to come from the freedom it gives players. As a sandbox game, worlds are randomly generated and essentially infinite, giving players endless lands to explore. “I like the freedom of it,” Carr said. “You can go and explore and build whatever you want. It was a big part of my childhood.” Most players agree that Minecraft offers a sense of freedom. Sophomore David Goshien has also played since 2010 and enjoys
the freedom of Minecraft. “I like everything about it,” Goshien said. “It really lets you express your creativity.” One of Minecraft’s main points is its building aspect. With a wide variety of blocks, decorations and a pseudoelectrical system known as redstone, there’s a wide variety of options. In creative mode, players have infinite access to all resources and cannot die, while in survival mode, players fight dangerous monsters while collecting food and materials from the environment. Goshien has taken advantage of these options to build unique virtual machines. “The coolest thing I built was probably this redstone contraption that was a mob farm,” Goshien said. Minecraft’s meme status may eventually pass on to the next trend in gaming, but a dedicated player base has kept it alive. “It went from having a lot of people, to having to play all by yourself, to having a huge, giant amount of people getting into the game,” Carr said. “If you have a friend that’s just getting into Minecraft, you can teach them about the game and tell them all the stuff they missed. It’s great.” Design | Eric Williams
STRESSED OUT just leaves my brain. I’m not at school, so I don’t have to worry about it. I’ll have a great weekend, and I’ll be in a very happy mood. Then I’ll come to school, and I’ll make it through the first three periods,and by the fourth period, I’m like, ‘Bro. I wanna go home. I’m finna’ start crying. This ain’t it.’ And then I’ll go through the rest of my day not doing anything, WESLEY CARR | 10 and then I’ll go home n middle school, I GPA, ACT score, and feel like a failure, wasn’t depressed, SAT score, all this because I didn’t do but I had really stuff that doesn’t anything for half of bad anxiety. I went really determine the day. to a private Christian your worth or your I’ve thought about school for four years, intelligence. Last dropping out, and and then I came to year I would be then I was like, ‘Wait, Bryant. Freshman like, ‘Whoa, what’s but what am I going year wasn’t too bad, wrong with me? Am to do then?’ Because but [stress] was a I stupid? I got a C on I won’t have a high constant thing. And this test and everyone school diploma, I this year, it’s either else got an A on it, won’t have a job, I’ll really really bad, or what’s going on?’ probably get kicked it’s not there at all. Now, it’s like, ‘Oh, I out of the house. Even It’s progressively did bad on this, but if I fail at school, getting worse as as long as I can make I still have to go the year goes on. it up before the end through with it. Sometimes I just of the nine weeks, I At the start of every don’t want to come to should be good.’ Just nine weeks, it’s like a school. It’s too many because I did bad on fresh slate for me. It people, they’re always it doesn’t mean I’m starts out good, and so loud. I’m just stupid. It just means I then slowly it starts trying to live my life, did bad on it. going down. Some but I have to be here. To cope, I just days, there’s just so I can’t be elsewhere go home and play much homework, doing what I want to video games and when I get home do. don’t think about it’s just like, ‘I gotta You’re valued at school. Sometimes go through a whole outside things like I meditate, and ‘nother school day jobs and programs, sometimes I’ll just at home to get all [but here] it’s all play video games with this work done.’ And based on your grades, my friends, and it on top of that, I’m
I
STUDENT SUGGESTIONS How do you think schools could help support students’ mental health?
“Give more brain breaks. Keep stuff in school and away from home more.”
“Advisory Buzz Time is a good start.”
"Encourage communication with peers, faculty and counseling staff."
a procrastinator. And procrastination doesn’t help me in the end. Freshman year, I had like thirteen grades in the gradebook, and about ten of them were Zs. We had a week left. I pulled two allnighters and got all the work done. Some days, I don’t believe God is real, but that day I was like, ‘Whoa, thank you.’ I wish teachers would understand that I don’t procrastinate because I’m lazy. I know out in the real world, if I have to meet a deadline, I have to meet that deadline. I could be fired if I don’t, and then I won’t have a job. I have to make those mistakes now, so when I get out, I know I
“Shorter days, more study time. School currently is headed in right direction with Advisory and Buzz Time.”
Why do I even try?’ And it just turns into this cycle of not trying, doing bad, and being like, ‘Okay, if I don’t try and do bad, or do try and still do bad, then what’s the point in trying?’ I just have to tell myself, ‘Just because you suck at this one thing, doesn’t mean that you’re worthless in everything.’
1
61%
of students feel schoolrelated stress affects their mental health
“
“Perform student mental health evaluations.”
can’t do this. Even though sometimes we have the weekends, that two days just isn’t enough. I need more than two days to mentally prepare myself. Some of us think about doing the work, and we can do it, but we just can’t. I know that doesn’t make sense, but when we sit down and try, our brains are like, ‘No. You’re not doing this. You’re just having a bad day.’ Sometimes I’ll give school 110%, and I’ll still fail and be like, ‘Wow. I am worthless. I am literal garbage.
studen three home
74
of students taken a m health
Just because you suck at this this ONE THING doesn’t mean that you’re worthless in
”
EVERYTHING -Wesley Carr 10
“Introduce couselors and make them more available to the average student.”
“Making mental health days.”
"Offer anony counseling
"Reduce responsibil of school more em emotiona
6-7 | PROSPECTIVE | SPECIAL COVERAGE | Oct. 23, 2019
Students explain their experiences with school stress and how they cope
RAYLENE CORSERE | 10 Q: Are you more stressed in high school than you were before?
A: “You’re expected to do so much homework every night. You’re not
expected to do that in middle school, so when you get to high school and you get homework from every teacher every night, it just adds to the stress when you go home and realize you don’t know how to do it.” Q: Have you ever felt like dropping out and quitting? A: “I have thought about dropping out and quitting. I overcame that by realizing I want to become a teacher, and I have to go to college to do that. My grandmother taught high school special
needs kids, so she inspires me.” Q: What can teachers do to help alleviate stress? A: “Talking to counselors and trusted teachers works a lot. Trust your friends and use coping mechanisms.” Q: How can the school help alleviate stress? A: “Get rid of homework. I understand every now and then we’re going to have to do homework, but we shouldn’t every single night.”
Q: Does advisory help you? A: “Advisory helps us get our work done and check our grades, but Buzz Time actually helps take the stress off us because it’s something we want to do.” Q: How does school work contribute to your anxiety? A: “You get so stressed over work, and when you can’t do it, it causes anxiety thinking you will fail, and that causes an anxiety attack if it gets too bad. Sometimes I just don’t do my work and
1/5
nts say they spend e or more hours on ework each night
4%
*ou stu den t of 33 6 t re spo ns
LAUREN CLARK | 11 Q: Are you more stressed in high school than you were before? A: High school was the start of my stress, because that’s when people started really pushing that this is what your life is going to be like. This is the thing that leads up to the rest of your life.. Q: Have you ever felt like dropping out and quitting? A:I wanted to quit Quiz Bowl, because I didn’t feel like it was worth my time and I wasn’t doing very well,
but I decided to stay because Mr. Heatherly says it is a great thing to put on your resume. I understood how my extracurriculars could help me get into a good college. The stress now will help me later. Q: How do you cope with stress? A: I try to focus on the things I have to do right at this moment. I make a list of things to do with their due dates, and every night I tell myself I have to get this done, and I spread it out.
myself, and they’re going to end up failing because they’re not doing well in the class. Q: Have you ever felt like dropping out and quitting? A: I overcome the feelings of wanting to give up by thinking of the future. I don’t want to drop out. I want to go into the Air Force and become an Air Force Engineer. I can’t do that if I drop out of high school. Q: How does stress affect your mental Q: What stresses you A: I was bullied a lot health? out in school? in middle school, and A: Stress just makes me A: There’s always a little bit last year depressed, personally. the mean people, the in ninth grade, but I think that’s the case bullies, the people who most of it is gone at get on your nerves that this point. There’s still for most people. Stress makes them feel bad make you stressed. the occasional tease about themselves, Then there’s school and or whatever that hits so they overstressed work stress with getting a little close to home, work and projects and but other than that, not and start thinking negatively. The more everything done. a lot. I just know that negatively they think, Q: What is your they’re spending their the worse people tend experience with time in class trying to bullying? make me feel bad about to do in school. When I
get really stressed about an ROTC event or just a project due, I get kind of depressed, and I’m like ‘I’m not going to get this done. It’s pointless.’ Q: How do you cope with stress? A: I do fun activities during school.I’m part of the band, and it helps take some stress off. Teachers will sometimes give me less work if they know we have a band event coming up. I listen to my friends and what they say and I take suggestions on how to de-stress. I have one friend who goes jogging in their neighborhood to clear their head and listen to music while they do it, and they said it helps them. Then they go back in their house and get their work done. Then they feel good
es
s have not mental h day
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e stressful lities outside and provide mphasis on al outlets."
HALEY SANDERS | 10
I wait until I come back to school and ask the teacher, or I go to a friend and ask them how to do it on social media.” Q: How do you cope with an anxiety attack? A: “I recently had an anxiety attack. I put the homework away and waited to talk to my teacher.” Q: What classes are you taking? A: “I’m taking regular classes, and my grades are all As, Bs and Cs. I’ve had two Fs this year that I just brought up.” Q: How do you view stress? A: I think stress is important for growth. It is important to have now so that you can grow to become better with feeling it in the real world. It’s not about alleviation; it’s about understanding it. Stress is a part of life. You can whine about it, but it’s just something people deal with. You’re not alone in it. Q: What classes are you taking? A: I have all As, and I am taking three AP classes this year with As in those, so I have over a 4.0 GPA. I’m taking AP Gov, AP Lang and APUSH. I’m taking about five AP classes next year. I want to take AP Euro, AP Literature, AP Human Geo, AP Chemistry and AP Calculus. My parents care about my grades, but they don’t care about what classes I take. As long as I make an A in whatever class I’m taking, it doesn’t matter.
about themselves for doing it. My friends always listen to me when I talk to them, which is amazing. They’re always around and they’re always there when I need them.
OLIVIA ORR | STAFF WRITER
8 | PROSPECTIVE | FEATURE | Oct. 23, 2019
BALANCING ACT LaCerra excels in academics, athletics, music E
In a three-team match between Lake Hamilton, North Little Rock and Bryant, sophomore Caitlin LaCerra tees off for the Lady Hornets. The team earned second place with a total score of 156, led by LaCerra, who had the lowest total of 40. “After softball, I go practice golf,” LaCerra said. Photo | Ashia Walls
ver since she was little, sophomore Caitlin LaCerra has enjoyed being involved. In her second year of high school, not much has changed, as LaCerra is committed to golf, softball, band and four advanced placement classes. LaCerra began playing softball when she was seven. Now, LaCerra plays left field and is a left-handed slapper for the Lady Hornet softball team, and according to head coach Lisa Dreher, plays a significant role in the success of the team. “Last year, she was our lead-off hitter,” Dreher said. “We started off many games with her on first base.” It is not just her performance in the outfield or the batter’s box that makes her an impressive softball player, but also her ability to put in an above-average amount of work into the sport, despite the demands of other classes. “She puts more time in than the average player during season,” Dreher said. “If she’s having issues, she does what it takes to work it out. I have no problem with her work ethic.”
Just like softball, many hours of practice and focus need to be dedicated to band, golf and her classes. However, LaCerra’s father Chris LaCerra says that she has no problem finding the motivation to put in the extra work. “Caitlin is very competitive, and she motivates herself to be the best she can be at whatever she does,” Chris said. Caitlin says that her parents have impacted her decision to choose so many activities, and they only offer positive support to her and her busy schedule. “They’re a big part of why I do all the things that I do,” she said. “They’re really nice and encouraging.” Even with the extra support and motivation, all the demands of sports and band leave Caitlin with little time after school dedicated to personal life. “I go from softball to golf,” she said. “And then when I get home, I practice my trumpet after I get done with all my homework. Some days I don’t have time to practice it, because there’s so much homework.”
Even though her weekdays are filled with the stress of homework, softball, golf and band, her hard work pays off, as she is able to dedicate her weekends and any extra free time to hobbies and even vacations. “The weekends are pretty much free,” she said. “And I always have time to go to fun places; I’m going to Disney World in October. We always have time to travel.” Some might argue that the amount of work is too stressful and outweighs the positives of being so involved, such as college recognition and an impressive reputation, but even with all the challenges, Caitlin would not change a thing. “I think it’s fun to do all the things I’m doing,” she said. LaCerra’s parents also find her many activities fun and are proud of their daughter. “We are extremely proud of Caitlin,” Chris said. “She works very hard to achieve her results. She always puts her team and teammates ahead of any personal recognition.”
RHEA PATEL | STAFF WRITER
UNFINISHED BATTLE Girls soccer coach Nicole Inman still fighting cancer
T
he life-changing nightmare of having a brain tumor is something no one wants to bear. For film teacher and girls soccer coach Nicole Inman, that nightmare turned out to be her reality. She had not one, but two brain tumors. While she is still going through her battle, a “hopewarrior” spirit remains instilled in her. In 2018, approximately 700,000 people in the United States had some form of a brain tumor, according to the American Brain Tumor Association. Nearly 80,000 new cases of primary brain tumors are expected to be diagnosed this year. Inman has completed her chemo and radiation therapy, now going in for monthly MRIs. Throughout her ongoing treatments and as she still recovers, many teachers and coaches have helped her by bringing her meals. Along with the teachers and coaches, Inman is appreciative of her students. “I feel very blessed every day just to have the opportunity to have so many great students in my classes [that] help me laugh, make me enjoy being here and giv[e] me the energy I need,” Inman said. Inman, as well as her daughter, junior Ashton Inman, is thankful for those who help her out. Ashton appreciates the helping hands and meals that are brought not only for her mom but for their whole family as well. “We can see a sense of community
around us, [and] we really just feel loved and thankful,” Ashton said. Inman’s blog, created when she was first diagnosed, is still up and running. Although it has not been recently updated, she is constantly thinking of ideas and pictures for it. There she writes about her life, the people around her and the experiences she has been able to have with other people. “I know people want to know how I am feeling, and I’ve been fortunate to feel really good,” Inman said. “I’m tired sometimes, but I won’t let tire bring me down. I just keep going.” This experience has significantly changed Inman. One of the biggest things she has realized is how prepared she was for this. She is thankful for the journey she is on, because she gets to experience many things that a lot of people do not get to see. “I get to sit in the front row and watch God do some amazing things in front of me,” Inman said. “I am very fortunate for that part of it.” Not only has Inman noticed change in herself, but she has seen a difference in those around her. Because many students are aware of the struggle that she has been through, they are more likely to share with her about struggles in their life as well. Inman is always happy to listen to her students. “I’m happy to love on them, help them and encourage them, and pray for them if they want me to; or even if
they don’t, I do anyway,” Inman said with a soft laugh. Ashton Inman has also noticed a change in herself and her family as a whole from this experience. She says she has grown closer to her family and her relationship with God has strengthened. “I’ve had to rely on what His plans are, and not mine,” Inman said. “I’ve learned that there are some things in life that I can’t control, and I just have to trust the Lord and be there for others when they need it. I might not know what others are going through, but I need to be kind no matter what.” Ashton admires her mom the same way students and others do. Not only is she inspired by her mother to be strong as a woman, but she also admires the dedication Nicole Inman has to her faith. “Throughout this experience, she hasn’t gotten mad or sad,” Ashton said. “She uses this for God’s Glory. I don’t want it to happen to anyone, but if I had to pick someone, it would be her because no one else is as strong in their faith as her.” Nicole Inman is grateful to have an encouraging church filled with supportive people. Her fellow church members at Geyer Springs help her with anything she needs, whether it be giving her kids rides, making copies for her or any other task she needs done “People want to help, usually,”
Photo | Portugal Diaz
Inman said. A lot of times when we go through things, we don’t really let people help us. We were made to help people, and so I have been given the opportunity to allow people to do that. I want to give them the blessing of being able to do something because we always feel good when we do stuff for other people. I’ve used this journey to hopefully encourage people to continue ministering to other people and helping other people. I know when I would do it, I would feel great, so I’m never going to say no to somebody that wants to help me.” Inman encourages all to reach out to anyone going through a hard time. She
believes that everyone needs a friend or peer to talk to and help them through their struggles. “There are students or people in this school that don’t have people around them,” Inman said. “It is hard to go through this stuff by yourself, so ask them, ‘How can I help you?’ Invite and encourage other people to be a part of what you’re doing, because it makes a huge difference in people’s lives, whether they are going through something or not.”
KAYCEE BROWNING | STAFF WRITER
THIRD CULTURE KID
Rahman raised in two different worlds
A
t school, she’s hesitant toward her culture. At home, she has to embrace it. Sophomore Afia Rahman is a Bengali-American citizen who’s been raised in two different lifestyles and cultures her whole life. “My parents and grandmother carry Bengali morals and tendencies,” Rahman said. “It’s fun to mesh being an American and having a Bengali family together,” Rahman said. Rahman has visited Bangladesh three times, the most recent trip being two years ago. “All of our family from all over the country come to this house my father built,” Rahman said. “We all spend a week there all together. It’s very packed when we’re eating. The dining table has 15 chairs and we have to go twice, probably even more. Not everybody even eats at the dining table because there's not even space.” With no cell phone service in Bangladesh and limited activities, boredom would be expected, but Rahman finds the amount of people entertaining to suffice for the lack of pastimes. “It’s really weird, because you don't get privacy,” Rahman said. “Absolutely none. You'll be sitting in your room with the door closed, and people will just walk in and just talk to you because they think it's so weird, like, ‘Oh look, an American is in our house!’” When Rahman first arrived to Bangladesh in her most recent trip, she noticed the many environmental differences between America and Bangladesh, especially the amount of littering in the streets. “There's piles of trash on the street in Bangladesh,” Rahman said. “There was this one day when I was eating chips and I finished them. I was holding the bag in my hand because I was looking for a trash can. I wasn't just going to throw it on the ground, but my cousin started laughing at me. He said, ‘What are you waiting for? Just throw it on the street.’ I found that really weird.” While Rahman may have found
aspects of the Bengali culture odd, her every action was questioned by her family in Bangladesh. “They'll stare at you for everything you do, and they ask so many questions,” Rahman said. “We took cereal there because we needed breakfast, and they were staring at us while we were eating cereal because they thought the idea of cereal was so foreign, like milk and Fruit Loops.” Many of Rahman’s family members wish to move to the United States like her father did in the ‘90’s after winning a green card lottery. “My dad wanted to support his family, so he moved to Atlanta, then he came back to Bangladesh to get married to my mother and then had me,” Rahman said. “When I was about five months, my dad decided to buy a gas station in Pine Bluff, so we moved to Arkansas.” Many citizens of Bangladesh wish to migrate to America due to limited educational opportunities offered in South Asia. “I have a lot of cousins that really wanna come here and go to college, but it’s hard, because you can’t apply for your nieces or nephews,” Rahman said. “You have to apply for your siblings, then, when your siblings get here and they become a citizen, they can apply for them. It's a very long process.” After this process, the transition from a familiar environment to a foreign lifestyle offers impediments, such as language differences. “Both of my parents speak English, but we really mix [English and Bengali] up,” Rahman said. “We’ll say a sentence in English with some Bengali words in it. A lot of people get surprised that I can speak [Bengali] so fluently, because I don’t use Bengali often since I live in America.” This language barrier is still prevalent for Rahman’s grandmother, who only received her citizenship a year ago. “[My grandma] is not that fluent in English, but she loves speaking English, especially if white people come over to her house,” Rahman
said. “She’ll try to talk to them because she enjoys learning.” The impact of religion also differs between cultures for Rahman. “Religion is very important,” Rahman said. “My family is Muslim, and my grandma tries to bring some type of religious significance in almost everything we do. Sometimes, I feel as if some of my family is so focused on trying to go to heaven that they forget about what’s right in front of them.” Rahman's family practices the five obligations of the Islamic faith: the testimony of one's faith, praying five times a day, fasting, almsgiving and attending Hajj, which is a pilgrimage to Mecca. “Praying is the most important,” Rahman said. “When you’re praying, you have to cover up. There’s also a whole cleansing process you have to follow. I pray when my mom tells me to, but I should pray more often.” Most prayers are held in an informal environment, but every Friday, communal prayers are held at the mosque, a place of worship for Muslims. “I go [to the mosque] once in a while,” Rahman said. “I’ll go on holidays for the morning prayer, and during Ramadan. My dad goes every Friday. When you go, you'll have to cover up. It's a requirement. You can't wear tight pants or shorts and you can't wear anything that's sleeveless.” Modesty, regardless of the formality of the environment, serves as one of the biggest morals of the Bengali and Muslim communities. “[My parents' dress code] is actually stricter than the school dress code,” Rahman said. “I can't wear shorts, the highest my pants can go is right above my knee, I have to cover my butt for everything, I can't show cleavage, I can't wear sleeveless shirts, they have to be at least short-sleeved. If you go against any of these rules, you will be talked about and judged.” Many practitioners of Islam commonly practice arranged marriages and are not supportive of relationships in which people choose a partner. “A marriage where you choose who
about their daughter that much. They would just care about what everyone would be saying. Many things are also frowned upon. Doctors, lawyers and engineers are successful jobs, but other jobs are looked down upon.” In Eastern Asian culture, these jobs are typically occupied by men due to the traditional role that women are taught to fulfill, but Rahman finds parts of Bangladesh slowly progressing. “Since women were little, they had that mindset of ‘I have to get married, I have to have a big family, I have to cook, I have to run the household,’” Rahman said. “It’s their tradition. If you don’t clean or cook, you used to be frowned upon, but not so much today.” Though a woman's position in society has progressed in Bangladesh, there are unspoken aspects of bias lingering. Photo | Portugal Diaz “Rape is very common in you want to be with is called a ‘love Bangladesh, but nobody talks about marriage’ in Bangladesh,” Rahman it because they feel like people are said. “If you have a love marriage, you gonna blame it on the victim, which get frowned upon and your wedding does happen,” Rahman said. “That's ceremonies aren't as big. If you're a guy, why women wear hijabs and burkas, you aren’t judged as much, but if you're a because that really decreases girl, definitely.” the chance.” According to Statistic Brain, over 50% Hijabs are worn by Muslim women of marriages in the world are arranged to maintain modesty and are even and the practice is most prevalent in required in some areas, but it remains South Asia and India. a personal preference in America. “I have a few cousins that have had “I personally wouldn't wear [a love marriages, and they didn't even hijab],” Rahman said. “Some people have an actual wedding, they just got think it's like ‘Oh, you wear the hijab, married,” Rahman said. “My dad jokes or you go to hell.` That's not how it about me getting an arranged marriage, works. It's not something you have to but I think that as long as I get a good do to get to heaven. It's a education and become a good person, personal choice.” he’ll be fine.” Though neither Rahman nor Rahman finds judgment and gossip her parents have experienced over traditional matters an issue in the discrimination, Rahman is aware of Bengali and Muslim community, feeling the stereotypes and jokes regarding as though people value their social status her culture. too heavily. “People only pay attention to “Gossiping is a really big issue,” stereotypes, or maybe even the news,” Rahman said. “Many people care Rahman said. “There’s people that more about their reputation and let it genuinely believe that all Muslims cloud whatever is in front of them. For are terrorists. If they really went to go example, if your daughter elopes, people learn about Islam, they would discover would obviously talk a lot of crap about that it’s a very peaceful religion that you. The parents wouldn’t really care doesn’t promote violence in any way.”
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9 | PROSPECTIVE | FEATURE | Oct. 23, 2019
RHEA PATEL | STAFF WRITER
EFFECTS OF THE SUN Tanning for beauty can have negative effects A
s homecoming season rolls around, students, particularly girls, use various forms of tanning such beds, outdoor tanning, spray tans and more to prep their skin. Depending on the methods they use, the effects that could result later in their lives could be life-threatening. Skin-related cancer is the most common type of cancer in America. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. While caucasians are the most at risk to get skin cancer, it is possible that anyone may succumb to it. Senior Meredith Medford is at high risk because of the amount of sun exposure she experiences working as a lifeguard at Hurricane Golf and Country Club. “I work Monday through Saturdays for the most part, so I am out in the sun for three to six hours every single day,” Medford said. “I know the effects that skin cancer has, and
my mom makes me wear sunscreen, but I don’t always use it.” Not only does she get exposure in the sun from lifeguarding, but she also used to play golf for the high school team and currently practices outside with the Legacy competitive band as a vocalist. Even though skin cancer or other sun-related skin diseases do not run in her family, Medford tries to be cautious about her time in the sun. “Last year, we had a scare, because I don’t put on sunscreen as much as I should,” Medford said. “I had to go to the dermatologist just to get some spots and freckles checked out. Everything was good, but she told me to wear more sunscreen.” Approximately 36% of students who responded to a Prospective survey do not apply any sunscreen when outside for a long period of time. Sports Medicine teacher Bree Keith recommends that athletes or anyone who is in the sun regularly put on sunscreen as well as protective gear against UV rays if the sport allows. She says the sports version of sunscreen is the best for
athletes because it is sweat-resistant and can protect the eyes from damage. “Too much sun exposure can cause a greater chance of skin cancer,” Keith said. “Most athletes are prepared for the things that could happen while playing sports, but few are thinking long-term enough to consider skin cancer or premature aging due to sun exposure. Another thing most athletes don't realize is that it doesn't just affect your face, but the entire body--any skin exposed to the sun for extended periods of time.” Despite not having any serious sun damage, Medford is aware that the sun is still causing harm to her skin. She also is aware of the possibilities if the sun does severely damage her skin. She believes sunscreen is important and a necessity for everyone. “I haven’t noticed any long-term effects, but I do notice that my skin gets more dry faster, so I have to moisturize more frequently,” Medford said. “I’ve heard horror stories of people having to get things cut or frozen off, which is kind of scary
in general.” Junior Josie Roach is also aware of the potentially negative effects of sun exposure. Despite this, she is one of 65% of students who say they have been tanning in some form. During the summer, Roach tanned outside by her pool about four times a week. She even tried a tanning bed once a week for a month for prom. Although she knows of the effects, Roach tans because it makes her feel more confident. “I go tanning because I really love the way I look when I’m tan,” Roach said. “I feel like I just look more healthy. Also, my mom is really tan and always has been, and I think she is the most beautiful woman alive, [so] I want to look like her.” Because there aren’t any skin-related problems in her family, Roach does not consider the potential outcomes of sun exposure. Unlike many people, her skin tans easily instead of burning, and she wouldn’t recommend others tan as much as she does. “This might sound awful, but I never put on sunscreen,” Roach said. “I don’t like the way it feels on my skin. I do
Design | Alex Beyerlein
understand how more fair-skinned people would be worried, because the sun is extremely powerful, and it does have negative side effects. If I ever have kids, they won’t be out in the sun like I have been.” Roach has tried a spray tan as an alternative to sun-exposed tanning. This is a healthier alternative to sun tanning or tanning beds, because it does not damage the skin. However, like many others who have tried spray tans, she didn’t like the way it turned out. “They would end up looking too dark, too white, too orange, or it would leave streaks,” Roach said. “I also didn’t see the point in paying for a spray tan when my skin tans so well. I think everyone should use sunscreen though. Your skin is extremely important. Unfortunately, I just never got into the habit of doing so.”
CARLY LIDZY | EDITOR
HEALTHY OR HAZARD Supplement shakes, teas concern doctors & nutritionists W
ith a sleek style and friendly atmosphere, the Nutrition Nest on Reynolds Road is a new hot spot for students. The business, opened and owned by Erika Bean, sits almost directly outside the high school, next to the Joanna A. Boutique. It is frequented by students and teachers alike, as they get a one dollar discount when they purchase any shake or tea. The nutritional supplements included in the menu items at the Nutrition Nest are Herbalife products. Herbalife is a global nutrition company that began in 1980. It is the third most profitable multi-level marketing (MLM) company of 2019 with revenue of $4.5 billion dollars, according to mlmnewsreport.com. As an MLM company, Herbalife uses sales representatives, which they call “preferred members” and “distributors,” instead of stores to sell their products. Product prices range from $25 for some single products to over $200 for package deals. In July of 2016, a lawsuit settlement involving Herbalife required that they pay 200 million dollars to sales representatives who had lost substantial amounts of money selling their products. In a press release, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) explained why Herbalife was involved in the settlement and what they will need to do to continue their business. “This settlement will require Herbalife to fundamentally
restructure its business so that participants are rewarded for what they sell, not how many people they recruit,” FTC Chairwoman Ramirez said. “Herbalife is going to have to start operating legitimately, making only truthful claims about how much money its members are likely to make, and it will have to compensate consumers for the losses they have suffered as a result of what we charge are unfair and deceptive practices.” There have also been medical concerns, with claims of potential liver damage when using Herbalife products. An editorial for the Journal of Hepatology written by Felix Stickel, a doctor at the Institute of Clinical Pharmacology at the University of Berne, discusses two cases--one in Israel and one in Switzerland--claiming severe liver injury in conjunction with intake of Herbalife products. There were 22 cases of liver damage that followed the intake of Herbalife products, and within that report, the two patients in Israel and Switzerland developed “fulminant hepatic failure.” In another five of the cases listed, the link between the liver damage and Herbalife was labeled “certain,” and it was labeled “probable” in the additional 13 patients. Bean says she opened the Nutrition Nest, equipped with free Wi-Fi and a chill atmosphere, as a safe space for teens. There are also students working at the business in conjunction with the school’s internship program. “I wanted to have this location by the school, because I wanted to have a healthy hang out for the students,” Bean said.
Bean says her love for nutrition clubs started when she needed to lose weight. Her friends led her in the direction of a nearby nutrition club. “I was 342 pounds,” Bean said. “I fell in love with the nutrition club [atmosphere] and the concept of what it represented for the community. I opened my first nutrition club, and now we opened over 15 in the past five years.” Bean has been working with Herbalife products for her entire run with nutrition clubs. “Everything is all-natural, and [the c ompany has] been around for 39 years,” Bean said. “We’re the numberone nutrition company in the world. We’re in 94 countries.” Bean says she is a proponent of Herbalife products due to the natural and plant-based ingredients the company uses. “It’s healthy energy the students [can use] to focus, but also get a good healthy meal,” Bean said. Bean was a part of the company during the 2016 Federal Trade Commission lawsuit regarding lost revenue for distributors. “They made us change our program,” Bean said. “We have distributors and preferred members [now]. Everybody was a distributor, and they made us separate it [to] preferred members and distributors. When you’ve been around for 39 years, of course you’re going to have haters. There was never anything bad about the products, they just wanted us to change our marketing plan.” Bean does not believe that Herbalife products are harmful despite the
medical findings to the contrary. “That’s completely untrue,” Bean said. “A lot of people have preexisting stuff and [do] not know it. You’ve got to think about it, we are an eight billion dollar company, and there’s two accusations over 39 years. Any company is going to have ridicule.” However, while Bean does not believe these accusations, Stacey Finch, the director of clinical nutrition at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, says that the overuse of herbal and dietary substances can be inherently dangerous. She notes that while many dietary substances can cause medical issues, the specific ingredients that cause problems are currently unknown. “It has been speculated that the added herbal components can be the main issue, which are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration,” Finch said. While nutritional supplements are not currently regulated by the FDA, they used to be somewhat regulated up until 1994. “At that point, Congress defined the ‘dietary supplement’ as a product taken by mouth that contains a ‘dietary ingredient’ intended to supplement the diet,” Finch said. “At that point, nutrition supplements fell into the category of foods instead of drugs.” Because these products are no longer FDA regulated, Finch advises those who regularly take nutritional supplements to look into the products before constant use. “I wouldn’t recommend anyone taking anything that they don’t know what is in it,” Finch said. “With regards to nutrition supplements
containing herbal ingredients, I would recommend asking a physician or pharmacist about the safety of the product first.” Finch especially recommends that minors utilize these substances with care. “Nutrition supplements can be safe for minors to consume if you are sticking [to] the basics—milk, soy, or juice as the base of the supplement,” Finch said. “Be wary and careful of additives, however; not only herbal additives, but excess protein as well. While protein is needed by the body, too much can actually cause damage to the kidneys.” Many teens use nutritional supplement shakes or teas as regular meal replacements, which Finch does not recommend. “Perhaps utilizing a nutritional supplement for a meal replacement one meal [or] day would be safe, but certainly not more than that,” Finch said. “Children, teens and adults need to get the majority of their nutrition—vitamins and minerals included—from whole foods whenever possible.” As a registered dietitian, Finch has concerns regarding nutritional and dietary supplements. “While certain dietary supplements can be very beneficial—such as a calcium supplement for someone who doesn’t consume adequate dairy, I wouldn’t recommend for anyone, adult or teen, to supplement their diet with anything that a physician hasn’t said that they’re deficient in,” Finch said.
GHADA HASAN | STAFF WRITER
DEATHS LINKED TO VAPING Initiatives to reduce fatal consequences on the rise as illnesses tied to vaping increase
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-cigarettes, commonly referred to as vapes, mods or JUULS, hit U.S. markets over a decade ago as a seemingly safer option to traditional cigarettes. Because they lack tar and other carcinogens contained in traditional cigarettes, , e-cigarettes have been praised as the better alternative, especially among youth. However, health experts have recently been attempting to shed light on recent deaths that may be linked to vaping. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that since 2018, over 3.6 million teenagers and young adults reportedly used e-cigarettes, making them the most common tobacco product among U.S. youth. Among these teenagers is junior *John Jones, who began vaping freshman year. “I was super against nicotine,” Jones said. “Then someone was like, ‘Hit this JUUL, it gives you a really cool feeling,’ so I hit it.” As nicotine enters the body, it reaches the brain in a matter of seconds and releases chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin,which induce sensations of pleasure. When nicotine does not enter the bloodstream after
long-term consumption, users typically experience nicotine withdrawal. After vaping for a year, Jones quit for a month and began to experience symptoms of withdrawal. “Every single thing irritated me,” Jones said. “Everything made me want to snap. No food tasted good. I just felt like I wanted to do nothing, but [I] also wanted to do something. It was a really confusing feeling. It was horrible.” Nicotine is not only highly addictive, but it can also impair brain development in adolescents, hindering the ability to focus and learn. The MD Anderson Center also reports health consequences such as increased coughing and wheezing, worsening of asthma, chest pain and a rise in blood pressure and heart rate. However, more serious vaping-related complications have been reported recently. Beginning in July of 2019, over 450 vaping-related lung illnesses across 33 states have been reported, along with 17 deaths. The illness is accompanied by symptoms of nausea, fatigue, weight loss and improperbreathing. Joining the ongoing investigation, the Arkansas Department of Health is currently investigating. In KNWA’s recent article “Arkansas Department
of Health Investigating Possible Vaping-Related Lung Illnesses,” the Arkansas state chronic disease director Appathurai Balamurugan commented on the surging issue. “We are encouraging clinicians from across the state to reach out to Arkansas Department of Health if they encounter patients with this illness and a history of vaping to help us better track, treat and understand these illnesses,” Balamurugan said. However, pinpointing a concrete cause for these sudden concentrations of illnesses and deaths still remains complicated. Many of those who have been hospitalized, usually teenagers and young adults, reported using vaping products containing THC oil: the intoxicating ingredient of cannabis. However, some of those who have fallen ill reported only vaping nicotine. Bootleg vaping products and possible issues with local suppliers have also been highlighted as probable causes. Aware of the potential health risks a ssociated with vaping, senior Cassandra Althen avoids using e-cigarettes. “It’s kind of like the new smoking of our generation,” Althen said. “I find a lot of people our age who say [traditional cigarette] smoking is revolting and they would never do it, but they still JUUL, and that’s still awful for you.” In response tothese vaping-
A few of the vape cartridges that have been confiscated from students on campus by resource officers. Photo | Sophia Ocampo
related illnesses, health experts have cautioned against using e-cigarettes, especially those purchased from unlicensed vendors. With e-cigarettes being a relatively new product, the longterm consequences associated with their use still remain unknown. “I wish more people knew what they were talking about when they get into that kind of stuffand [realized] how harmful it actually is,” Althen said. As vaping-related deaths and illnesses persist, the Trump Administration recently announced a proposed nationwide ban on flavored e-cigarettes. The administration aims at reducing the amount of teenagers vaping due to flavorings. However, some states have already begun initiating bans, with Michigan being the first state to prohibit flavored e-cigarettes and New York looking to follow in their footsteps. The Food and Drug
Administration, who has been hammering on the vaping industry for illegally marketing vaping products as safer than traditional cigarettes, put their support behind Trump’s comments. Planning to soon cement a compliance policy outlining authorization requirements for flavored e-cigarettes, the FDA hopes to reduce unauthorized products on the market along with vaping rates among youth. “The tremendous progress we’ve made in reducing youth tobacco use in the U.S. is jeopardized by this onslaught of e-cigarette use,” FDA commissioner Ned Sharpless said. “Nobody wants to see children becoming addicted to nicotine, and we will continue to use the full scope of our regulatory authority thoughtfully and thoroughly to tackle this mounting public health crisis.” *Student Name Changed
10 | PROSPECTIVE | EDITORIAL/OPINION |Oct. 23, 2019
LEARNING CURVE
PROSPECTIVE
STAFF EDITORIAL
B
ack when many of us were just starting kindergarten, “High School Musical” was released. For students born in the early 2000s, this was the standard for high school; it’s what we all looked forward to. But as many of us walk the halls today, high school is often no joy ride full of dancing and sing-alongs. In a survey of BHS students, 61.6% of 336 student respondents claim that school-related stress negatively affects their mental health. Class work, homework and extracurriculars can leave students physically and mentally drained. Within the survey, many students responded with ways to cope: “I just suck it up.” “Cry.” “Ignore my homework and go to bed early.” One student even mentioned that stress over grades has caused
them to have suicidal thoughts. It’s as if many of us have already reached a breaking point, and we haven’t even made it past the age of 18. Much of the stress from school is due to homework and tests. 21 percent of students who took the survey claim to have more than three hours of homework on an average school night. Curriculum standards and standardized testing have students learning new material at a fast pace, with many students constantly preparing for tests. With the new addition of the Advisory period, classes are shorter, giving teachers less time during the day to teach material. When asked how the school could help lower student stress levels, a vast majority of students responded that teachers could give less homework. Students spend more than seven hours a day at school, and many students
participate in after-school activities or have jobs. These obligations often force students to choose between time for homework, time with family and friends and sleep. The primary of focus of school is to prepare students for college or careers, and the mental health of students is not the first priority. While the addition of Advisory is an effort to address stress and overall morale of students, there is still a lot on our plates. Which is more important: Getting our homework in on time or going to bed at a reasonable time? Our grades or our wellbeing? Many adults might tell students to “suck it up,” that they were in high school once and made it through just fine, that if we’re stressed now, just wait until we get to the “real world.” However, it is unfair for them to compare their high school experiences to the lives
of students now. We are under more pressure and are expected to perform at a higher level. For example, 20 years ago, Lord of the Flies was often taught to seniors; now it’s taught to eighth graders. Teachers and administrators obviously do not wish to push this strain onto students. However, schools must be able to monitor and adjust to student needs. We must continue to work toward solutions to the problem of deteriorating mental health within our student body so that students are not sacrificing their well-being for their education.
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“Do you not love your country?” It was a seemingly simple question, more rhetorical than not. Yet, when I opened my mouth to answer, no words came out, and all that was left between us was silence. For the first time during an argument, I was left speechless. His eyes still waiting, piercing into me, I looked down. Do I love my country? What a selfish and ungrateful person I would be to say no. But staring at my Converses, I could only think about 7,000 pairs of little shoes that laid across the U.S Capitol lawn. Some belonged to children before they were gunned down, and all represented a young life lost to gun violence. Parents, loved ones and activists placed them there as an act of protest, begging for gun control efforts from legislators. Instead,
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never before. She made me feel like I was nothing. In those months, I remember sitting in my room so depressed I could not even think about ever getting better. Insecurity overwhelmed me until June 16, 2019, the day that marked the beginning of the end. That day, I found Christ again. He saw how my life was miserable and saw the way to fix me. Through Christ, everything I have ever known changed, and I was introduced to nine new friends: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gratefulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control, and all these had one great Father. My nine new friends started to show me the meaning of life and how through their father’s life, I could be so much more than I thought. After years of struggle through darkness, I could finally see light. Today and forever, I will fight for people who struggle with depression, helping them cope and recover from this traumatic time in their lives. According to the American Prevention Hotline, men are 3.5 times more likely to commit suicide. White males account for nearly 70% of all suicides. Being a white male myself, these stats sadden me. To all males out there, do not hide in your pride. Your mental health matters, and just because you are supposed to be “the
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Kai Lawson
when you love something--or someone--you want them to grow; and I want more than anything for America to grow. But growth starts with recognition. If we as Americans refuse to recognize that America is flawed, we will get nowhere. We must put forth more effort in expressing our desire for affordable health care, safe schools, better leaders and a more equal society. Loving your country is not about believing that it is the best, but believing that it can be better. So I looked up, and I finally spoke. “I do.”
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Writers Natasha Arendt Madison Basco Kaycee Browning Jack Clay Ghada Hasan Bella Herring, Sean Kirby Olivia Orr Rhea Patel
Adviser Lisa Stine
Prospective is a monthly publication produced, edited and maintained by Newspaper Journalism II, III and IV students at Bryant High School.
SEAN KIRBY | STAFF WRITER some new friends: Depression, Bulimia and my least favorite, Suicide. Depression caused me to lose my faith and ultimately lead to me not going to church. Bulimia left me unable to wrestle, taking away the one thing that kept me sane. After I was done wrestling, Bulimia went away, but Depression and I started to become even better friends. She made me feel worthless and introduced me to Suicide. Suicide hit me hard in February and didn’t leave until June. In those months, I battled with the things he would tell me, while Depression controlled my life. Day after day, week after week, month after month, I was in this cycle of feeling worse and worse, but thankfully, that is only where the story begins. June 6, 2018, was the day Suicide left. I was at Fellowship of Christian Athletes summer camp. I heard a message telling me that God called me according to His purpose, and there was nothing I could do to stop that. This caused my self esteem to start lifting again, and I knew I was not going to be just another statistic. My relationship with Depression started fading away, and even though it was going to be a long process, it was a process I was willing to endure. In the next few months, Depression came after me like
Sophia Ocampo Ashia Walls
Business Manager
MAN IN THE MIRROR y bully stands 6’2 and weighs about 270. So judgmental, always trying to control my life. I never thought bullying could be so real until he started attacking me. I have known him for so long, but my 10th grade year, he changed from my friend into my enemy. He went from always building me up in everyday life to destroying my dreams, passions and faith. He drained me to the point that I questioned everything. He attacked me at school and at home, but I could escape as long as I was at church. Church was my safe place, where I could get away. But one day, I went into the church bathroom, and there he was, standing right in front of me. He was standing in the mirror. Until I reached 10th grade, I was always confident and never had any doubts about myself. However, my insecurities created this different person who destroyed me. He told me I weighed too much, that I am too tall, that I’ll never be good enough to achieve my dreams. At first, this version of myself pretended to be my friend. He told me how to live my best life, how to live in the moment. This lasted for a while, and then he came to destroy me. My bully introduced me to
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OLIVIA ORR | STAFF WRITER
home to a good country. I thought about American healthcare and how it costs twice as much as the average cost for other wealthy countries, even though the health outcome is ranked lower than average. I thought about the education system and how 45 percent of American students say that they’re overly stressed by school work. Once many of these students graduate college and overcome the stress of academics, they will move on to face the burdens of college debt. I thought about how nothing seems quite right in America today, especially not for a firstworld country. I thought about how it seems that no one ever gets along and hoping for unity is useless, because maybe a country that was built on conflict is doomed to thrive on conflict. And in the midst of thinking of all the racism, and sexism, and leaders who don’t truly care about their people, I thought for a second that maybe, just maybe, I even hated my country. But finally, I thought about how
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PATRIOTIC they received more thoughts and prayers. I thought about the president and the more than 24 women who have spoken out about his sexual misconduct. I thought about Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and how Christine Blasey Ford testified against him for sexually assaulting her. He was later appointed Associate Justice, while she became a victim of death threats and harassment. I thought about police brutality, and how a Rutgers University study showed that getting killed by police was the seventh leading cause of death for young black men in America from 2013-2018. They are two and a half times more likely to be killed by an encounter with the police than a white male. I thought about the “detention” camps that hold “illegal” immigrants who are denied basic human rights. I thought about how 24 people have died because of this inhumane treatment that is somehow justified according to Trump and his supporters. I thought about the brave veterans who deserve to come
Bryant High School 801 N. Reynolds Rd Bryant, AR 72022 501-847-5605 prospective01@gmail.com
strong one” does not mean you have to hide your feelings and let them destroy you. Find help, whether it be in your religion, your family or your friends. If you know a male who is dealing with a mental illness, reach out! Males want your help, we are often just too prideful to ask. We are dealing with the same emotions everyone else is, we just are expected to get over it. Teachers, be aware of the kids in your classroom. The most hyper, energetic guys are often the same ones who hate themselves when they leave. These men need help just as much as anyone else. Reducing rates of depression and suicide will take help from everyone. My personal struggle with mental health made it clear to me that we all need to love our neighbors as ourselves, as “there is no commandment greater than these.” -Mark 12:31.
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11 | PROSPECTIVE | PHOTO STORY |Oct. 23, 2019
JROTC CONDUCTS MILITARY CEREMONY Students honor POW/MIA soldiers in memorial
During a school ceremony honoring those who have gone missing in action in war, sophomore Jacequelyn Red reads the names of soldiers. ROTC members and interested students were invited to attend to honor the memories of those lost. “It’s really important to acknowledge these people existed, because some of them don’t even have a proper burial site,” Red said. “It’s meaningful to remember them.” Photo | Ashia Walls Guarding the flags, junior Jonathan Greenbaum looks ahead as he stands guard in front of Building 10. JROTC did a memorial for Prisoners of War/Missing in Action. “As cadets in this program, we find lots of pride in doing everything we can to honor those who have died or gone missing while defending the country we love,” Greenbaum said. Photo | Ashia Walls Concentrating, senior Caitlyn Guthrie reads out names of people lost in war or imprisoned for the POW/MIA Ceremony Sept. 20 outside Building 10. “It meant a lot to be out there and honor everyone who hasn’t been recognized,” Guthrie said. Photo | Hunter High
Patrolling, senior Jonathan Kuykendall keeps a solemn face as he walks around the flags in front of Building 10. JROTC was participating in a Prisoner of War/Missing in Action memorial event. “I felt really grateful for all the men and women who made their sacrifices,” Kuykendall said. Photo | Hunter High Switching guard, senior Deedra Rua and junior Hunter Leslie change places at the MIA/POW day ceremony Sept. 20. Each guard did 30 intervals as another guard read the names of people who were prisoners or missing from war. “When you are finally done and you get inside, there’s a sigh of relief,” Rua said. Photo |Hunter High
Reading off names, junior Colton LeCompte honors soldiers missing in action and imprisoned in war. JROTC recognized these soldiers during the POW/MIA Ceremony Sept.20. “It’s an honor,” LeCompte said. Photo | Ashia Walls Holding a rifle for the POW/MIA ceremony, junior Hunter Leslie performs his duty as a JROTC member. He has been on JROTC for three years and was chosen to hold the rifle at the event because he tried out for it. “We’re there for POW and to remember everyone’s name and everyone in our state,” Leslie said. Photo | Sophia Ocampo
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12 | PROSPECTIVE | SPORTS | Oct. 23, 2019
EMILY RUTLEDGE | EDITOR
HEARTS ON FIRE, MINDS ON ICE Legacy Marching Band journeys through competition season on “yellow brick road”
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aily rehearsals, pep rallies, Friday night football games, Saturday contests and numerous other events occupy the time of Legacy marching band students in the midst of “Bandtober.” However, despite the long, strenuous hours, it is many students’ favorite time of year. After collaboration between directors, drill writers and music coordinators, “Somewhere Under the Rainbow” became the initial 2019 Legacy show theme; however, after a few modifications, “Somewhere” was set as the final product. Director Josh Gardner describes it as an abstract view of the “Wizard of Oz” yellow brick road, an escape from hardship. “It's not a direct interpretation of the ‘Wizard of Oz,’ but a broader look at what the yellow brick road represents, which is a guiding light to overcome challenges,” Gardner said. “Just like Dorothy was dropped in Oz and fought her way back to Kansas, the show follows a similar path of dark to light with the familiar trail leading to a resolution.” While the idea of “Somewhere” originated from the concept of selfdiscovery and freedom, the directors worked eagerly to shape the general theme into a well-developed story worth telling on the field. “[The show] is an ecosystem that supports so much more than what you get on the surface-level--that's the beauty of art,” Gardner said. “We may start with a piece of music, a character, or a basic visualization, but the process always brings changes that inevitably shape the final program. This year's show started as an exploration of color.” Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich became a primary source of inspiration alongside the classic, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” “We knew we wanted to center it around "Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” Gardner said. “It's while we were looking at other music to mix with it that we came across Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5. Shostakovich was a composer during the reign of Soviet powers and had a ‘strenuous’ relationship with the government to say the least. Knowing the background of his struggle between national pride and oppression from political figureheads took the show to a similar plot of struggle and triumph.” Senior trumpet section leader Hannah Jetton worked for days on redesigning the band’s theme logo after receiving some backlash for the original design, which featured a raised fist with an array of colors projecting from it. “Our [original] idea was to have the show develop from oppression to discovery,” Jetton said. “It was going to go from black-and-white to a colorful show featuring the rainbow. We thought [the logo] represented our show perfectly.” Having to quickly produce a new design was strenuous for Jetton, but after six tries, the concept of “Somewhere,” a path to discovery on
the yellow brick road, was established. “I went through all the stages of grief, because I was very attached to the first logo,” Jetton said. “It was a long process to get to the one we have. We went from ‘Somewhere Under the Rainbow’ to ‘Somewhere’ but with a ‘wicked’ theme with the Wicked Witch of the West. We were planning to go dark with this, but our show music was already written to where it’s dark in the beginning and happy in the end, so none of our show themes worked. We ended up going through six themes and six different logos for each one. It was like a puzzle. We had to fit everything together, and we had to just try to create a show out of all these different pieces.” Although the transition from the original theme to the newly developed one had its complications, many love the concept of “Somewhere.” Junior Mackenzie Murphy, previously a clarinet player, now resides at the front sideline as a member of the front ensemble. No longer marching, she is able to witness the band’s progression as it unveils the theme’s story on the field. “I like how we were able to work around it without changing the general theme,” Murphy said. “It’s amazing to see things develop, especially since I’m now in front ensemble and get to see sets and music come together.” Performing in the Legacy competitive band since her sophomore year, Jetton believes this year’s show is superior to the rest. “I think our show is really, really great,” Jetton said. “The music is incredible. ‘If the Shoe Fits’ was my first show, and the music, like ‘Midnight,’ was good, but there’s just something different about this. The music is just insane, and our drill this year is crazy good with all of our visuals. We have [six] techs helping us, and I’m thankful for all of them. Our show is amazing. Hopefully we can win state, improve or at least stay consistent.” In the height of competition season, band members share a great intensity that carries through in their performances. Jetton is thrilled for all the competitions, but as she recalls the time of their first contest, she cannot help but favor the initial performance over the rest. The Cabot Invitational provided the opportunity to showcase the production and the band’s blood, sweat and tears from months of hard work. With the band receiving eight awards, including first overall, the season started off strong with physical rewards as well as the benefit of finally being able to perform for a real audience. “We’ve worked for two to three months just hitting the grind with nowhere to express ourselves,” Jetton said. “We haven’t had an outlet for our work, and no one knows what we’ve been doing, but once we get to our first competition, everyone sees how insane Bryant’s show is.” Murphy agrees that competitions are an exciting experience since
band students are supported by their families, friends and community. “[I love] the community,” Murphy said. “The community surrounding band and the friendships I’m developing and where they'll go through the season is what I am looking forward to the most. Competitions are where everyone gets emotional and truly bonds. I'm excited to see how we grow as a band and how hopefully we'll move up in state.” Band students may make it seem easy when they perform for their audiences, but in reality, no one sees the time and effort each individual puts into the show outside of just those eight minutes. From twelve-hour summer band days to numerous practices each week after school, each member commits to creating a successful product. Gardner believes the key to this success is not only meeting the directors’ demands or seeking out a trophy, but being in the right mindset. “We have to ‘buy-in,’ so to speak,” Gardner said. “We have the community's support, we have the talent; it's just making sure everyone gives 100 percent on the individual level--and it's not a higher physical demand or musical demand, although those both exist. It's a higher mental demand. We're not fighting to beat another school or another band. We're not fighting for a certain placement at any given contest. We're fighting to be the best version of ourselves that we can be. If we are consistent, hardworking and invested in the ensemble, then that's the success. Winning is just a byproduct of those things.” Compared to previous years, Gardner believes the current competitive group has an improved state of mind when it comes to rehearsals and performances, which proves to be more advantageous in competitions. “I have seen a shift in the band's mentality this year that hasn't been present in years past,” Gardner said. “We're more focused, and we seem to understand the intentions of the group from a more mature perspective. That change alone has had a huge impact on the way we approach rehearsals. We achieve more in a shorter amount of time because everyone is there and in the moment. We take fewer reps to master something because people
Engaging in the drum-line cadence “Mama,” senior flute player Christian McNeice follows the trumpets’ lead as he and the rest of the band scream at the Everett GMC pep rally Sept. 27. The band ensures that every pep rally, football game and competition is full of energy and excitement when members perform. “[The Everett pep rally] energized me and made me excited for Salt Bowl,” McNeice said. “I’m sad it’s my last, but I made the most of it.” Photo | Ashia Walls
are paying attention and following instructions, so our rehearsals are more efficient. That's the difference between a good performer and a great performer. They practice like they're performing and they perform like they're practicing.” As a senior, Jetton has mixed emotions over leaving a group she has been a part of for years. The season will come to an end, and while she is ready to move on to the next stage of her life, she hates to say goodbye to an organization so close to her heart. “I’m going to cry after [our performance at State],” Jetton said. “I am super appreciative of the times I’ve had in band. I know everything good comes to an end, and while I’m going to be happy when it ends, I’m also going to be really sad because I'm not going to continue marching. [The Legacy] has been a part of my life for three years, and I’m sad to go.” Although Gardner agrees it is an emotional experience for seniors to leave, he believes as each year passes, the Legacy grows stronger as those who leave their own legacy behind move on, leaving underclassmen to continue their hard work the following year. “For the underclassmen, they have more to look forward to, but for seniors, it can be emotional walking off that field for the last time,” Gardner said. “That's why we're called ‘The Legacy,’ though. Every member has an understood responsibility to leave the organization better than they found it
so that those who come after us have the potential to achieve more than we ever imagined was possible.” Before every performance, Gardner reminds the band to have “hearts on fire and minds on ice,” keeping up their passion and energy but having minds focused to perform as the best versions of themselves. Although “Bandtober” may come to an end, and a new group emerges every year, Gardner says the band continues to “surpass excellence and conquer limits” together. “The 2019 Legacy of Bryant will never exist again in human history,” Gardner said. “Faces will change, music will change, the design and teaching staff will rotate. We'll have rehearsed as an ensemble for six months. We regularly put in 12 hour days. Then one day, it's just done. No more practices. No more performances. No more four and five a.m. wakeup calls. No more living out of a bus for 24 hours. It can feel like a piece of you is missing when the season ends.”
“I need to provide for my family,” Wilson said. “Athletes need the money to provide for the single mothers out there.” While most college students have the opportunity to work while going to school, athletes do not. They work day in and day out, having little to no chance to work a job and earn money. A highlyrecruited player and high school starter, senior Austin Bailey, also agrees that college athletes should be getting paid. “Football is consuming 70% of their day,” Bailey said. “It’s a fulltime job.” However, Adams believes that he should not get paid any more than he is receiving for his scholarship. “What they have given me to play is enough,” Adams said. College athletes and collegiate organizations see there is a problem with this issue, yet no concrete solution has come up.
These athletes have put some thought behind it. “[Student athletes] should get paid based upon how a college wants them and their academics,” Bailey said. Regardless of what the NCAA does with their finances, these students need support and a voice. While putting in hours and hours on the field, they also put hours and hours into the classroom. “I gotta do homework for two or three hours,” Bailey said. “I’m dog tired.” Just like Bailey, Wilson also puts in hard work trying to maintain a Bryant High standard of excellence on and off of the field. “I have been playing for 12 years.” Wilson said. “I work day and night to be where I’m at.”
SEAN KIRBY | WRITER
COMMIT TO HIT Senior Hornets commit to continue football careers in college
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Photo | Sophia Ocampo
ith football season in full swing, more and more football players are committing to colleges around the state. While some have
not committed yet, many players have had multiple offers. As the sixth-best high school recruit in the state for the 2020 season, according to 24/7 Sports, senior Catrell Wallace committed to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville over the summer and seems to have his path set for college. After playing football for nine years, Wallace has put in work on the field, in the weight room and off the field. This allows him to have a fully-paid college education. “I won’t have to go into debt,” Wallace said. “I push myself to get better every day.” As the offers come in, athletes’ decisions become even more difficult. Some athletes get a lot of offers and try to decide what is best for their future while still pleasing their family and friends. Senior Ahmad Adams was faced with this decision, but found it easy. “It wasn’t really a hard decision
for me,” Adams said. “It just came down to if I wanted to stay in-state or not.” Adams wanted to do everything he could do to stay near his family and friends in Bryant. Arkansas State University gave Adams the best opportunity and the chance to stay in-state, so that is where he ended up committing. Student athletes, like Wallace, have worked hard to receive the money for college and now they get to pursue the dreams they have had since they were kids. While some believe the public believes that college athletes do not deserve to get paid for in college athletics, these students have worked for years and years to be so talented at the game. A University of Central Arkansas commit, senior TaMuarionn Wilson thinks that college student athletes should be getting paid in addition to their scholarships.
SEAN KIRBY | WRITER
FANTASY FOOTBALL BEGINS Fantasy football fans build their teams as a new NFL season begins
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ith a new season of fantasy football here, the buzz of who drafted whom, which players are good and which players are not and who will be first in their league is on football nerds’ minds. Fantasy football is an online game where one drafts a team of real NFL player and gets a certain amount of points for how well those players perform throughout the week. Back in 1972, this game started as a way for football junkies to get more addicted, but because of the rise of the game, and in Arkansas, the Oaklawn Racing Casino resort, fantasy football has become a huge market and a potentially profitable game for the fantasy teams who play it right. While fantasy football has had a huge surge in popularity recently, junior Ethan Cottrell has been
playing for five years. While some play for free with family and friends, Cottrell also plays for money. “I play with my family, and we put in about $30,” Cottrell said. “I have won the past two years.” In 2012, only 8 million people played fantasy football nationwide, while in 2017, over 15 million people were playing. One of the potential reasons for this is the new legality of sports betting in Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New Mexico, Delaware, Rhode Island, Mississippi and Arkansas. “Betting could be placed on a single play,” English teacher Shawn Regan said. “It is probably a billion dollar industry by now.” While sports betting is now legal in these states, there are still regulations around who can bet
and who cannot. “If you’re an athlete, official, [or] manager, it is off limits,” Regan said. “There will always be that negative component [of sports betting], and that will be its downfall.” While many in the sports world still question the benefits of fantasy football gambling, it is not stopping anyone from winning. English teacher Crystal Hall has won hundreds of dollars and is still active to this day. She had little to no connection to the NFL until fantasy came along. “It gave me a reason to watch other games, instead of just my team,” Hall said. “I’m a very competitive person.” The NFL has benefited from fantasy, as people are watching more games and becoming more invested. Fantasy leagues connect
everyday people to the NFL, one of the most famous and richest organizations in the nation. Everyone can have a personal connection now, even those who would not usually care. “Fantasy football is creating a favorite player league, instead of the favorite team league,” Regan said. Cottrell and other fantasy football players hope for another season of having fun, making money and connecting to the NFL like never before. And if anyone is still wondering who to draft… “Saquon Barkley, Alvin Kamara and the Chicago Bears defense,” Cottrell said.
Holding up his fantasy football lineup, junior Ethan Cottrell shows off his interesting combo of quarterback Baker Mayfield and wide receiver Brandin Cooks. Cottrell is currently 3-2 in this new fantasy season and hopes to have another winning season. “Baker Mayfield is my favorite quarterback,” Cottrell said. Photo|Luis Garcia