PROVIDENCE DAY SCHOOL’S THECHARGER
EDITORS NOTE
Dear Reader,
We are so excited to have you read our newest issue of The Charger. In this issue, you can read up on a diverse number of articles, completely written and edited by students at Providence Day These articles seek to inform, discuss, analyze, and recognize a variety of topics worth knowing about, from sports seasons to our very own arts community Through The Charger, we strive to illuminate the talent and passion of our writers who work hard to share news and stories that can be enjoyed by everyone; we hope you find that these stories may resonate strongly with you, or that they may help you see things through a different light Enjoy!
The Editors
CONTACT INFORMATION
The Charger is always looking for dedicated student writers, photographers, and designers. We welcome diverse and varied perspectives and responses to articles If you are interested in joining the club, or if you have a comment, question, or story idea, please reach out to us at matt spence@providenceday org
DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions expressed in this issue and the articles contained within it do not reflect the official policy or position of The Charger, the editing staff, or Providence Day School
Note: cover art courtesy of Payton Thompson Picture of the editors courtesy of Mr Matt Spence
FROM COURT TO CLUB: LEARNING LAW BASICS
BYDRENNANSHALL
Brothers Zach and Charlie Kahn (‘26) recently created the Pre-Law/Criminal Justice Club, which allows students to learn about milestone cases, take a deeper look into judicial processes, and explore future law-related career paths Introduced in November, the club was founded with a unique story inspired by a novel read at school
“My brother Charlie and I decided to create the Pre-Law/Criminal Justice Club after we read Just Mercy…It really touched both of us and…we wanted to learn more about the criminal justice system and some of the injustices within it,” says Zach Kahn, the co-founder of the club
From case analysis to learning from local experts, such as Providence Day football coach and South Carolina Judge Freddy Brown, students gain valuable insights into the legal system
One of the club’s main missions is to examine flaws in the judicial system and propose possible solutions for future generations There are many common misconceptions about the Supreme Court, and this club aims not only to dispel these misunderstandings but also to teach students the importance of voicing opinions on serious subjects
“With problems within the criminal justice system becoming increasingly relevant throughout society today, we believe it is important to keep students well-educated and empowered to stand up for what they believe is right,” Zach says
The pair developed the club in collaboration with community groups such as the North Carolina Coalition for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (NCCADP) and school administrators to provide interested students with a glimpse into the world of criminal justice
The Pre-Law/Criminal Justice Club plans to host a variety of events, including guest speakers, dedicated case study sessions, and friendly competitions on legal topics By engaging with the club, students not only gain a better understanding of the legal system but also develop critical skills that are beneficial in any field of work.
Many high schoolers have an interest in pursuing law in and after university Picture sourced from Canva
PD A CAPELLA SWARMS THE HORNETS’ NEST AGAIN
BYELIANASPECTOR
Upper School a capella groups joined forces to perform the national anthem at Spectrum Center for the Charlotte Hornets’ matchup against the Brooklyn Nets
It’s the second consecutive year Providence Day’s acapella groups, the ‘ChargHERs’ and the ‘Provigents’, have been selected to sing the anthem for a Hornets game
The selection process required both groups to come together and record an audition tape that was then sent to the Hornets’ selection committee
There was a qualification for both sound quality and being able to perform the anthem in the allotted amount of time of ninety seconds. Many groups are unable to meet the requirements, which makes this an especially large honor
This has been a great experience and a huge honor for all the singers
“We do a lot of different performances throughout the year,” Vanessa Brandt, of the CharHER’s, says “Still, I feel that this is the biggest deal for us, as we have the opportunity to take all of our talent and the hard work we put into A Capella and showcase it to the broader Charlotte community ”
Like what you have heard from the a cappella groups so far this year? Come and hear them perform in the theater at the Spring Upper School Chorus Concert on Thursday, April 29, at 7:00 p m
The a capella groups before their performance Photo courtesy of Eliana Spector
The two groups are performing on this stage for the second year in a row Photo courtesy of Eliana Spector
MOODY MUSIC: BOGO (BEATLES’ ODD
GENRE
BYMAXHOODY
ODYSSEY)
Sometimes a song may sound so different by the end that it may sound like it has two different parts However, songs like Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” may sound like they have two distinct parts, but upon closer listening it becomes clear they simply have a progression. Often, artists use techniques like soloing or jams to add variety to the song. However, some songs have parts so different it makes listeners wonder, “Is this still the same song?” Listening to songs with these features is an experience Artists take you on a journey from one stage to another, switching tones, keys, or even genres Here are some classic songs that include such varying aspects that you may feel like you’re listening to two songs in one!
Here’s a playlist to listen along with while you read
1. LAYLA - ERIC CLAPTON AND DEREK AND THE DOMINOS
Genre: Rock | Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, or Youtube
One of the most effective love songs of all time also contains one of the most famous guitar riffs of all time. After his time in his former band, Cream, Eric Clapton wrote Layla for former Beatle George Harrison’s wife, Pattie Boyd She found the song so passionate that she married Clapton. The opening riff sets a tone of aggressive passion, and Clapton’s voice breaks through as an almost plea However, halfway through the song, bandmate Jim Gordon breaks into a piano solo that gives the song a heartfelt tone, adding to Clapton’s passion This solo has a completely different tempo than the first half of the song, giving “Layla” its two distinct parts.
2. BAND ON THE RUN - PAUL MCCARTNEY AND WINGS
Genre: Folk/Rock | Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, or Youtube
After the Beatles, Paul McCartney made an appearance in Wing’s “Band on the Run ” This song is unique because it contains three distinct parts It begins with McCartney’s barely aboveaverage vocals, singing about being “Stuck inside these four walls ” The walls represent the prison McCartney felt like he was in while the Beatles were breaking up The next verse takes on a slightly faster tempo as the Beatles discussed what they would do after they parted Finally, when the trumpets sound, the singers break free The last half of the song has a faster tempo as McCartney sings about breaking free from the Beatles but also losing control as they fall into a slew of legal disputes While each part of this song increases in tempo, the transitions between each of the phases prevents it from having a “Stairway to Heaven”-esque progression
3. SOUNDS OF SCIENCE – THE BEASTIE BOYS
Genre: Hip-hop | Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, or Youtube
Speaking of the Beatles The Beatles sued the Beastie Boys after releasing their album Pauls Boutique “Sounds of Science” alone contains four different Beatles samples The song starts with an odd, slow first half as MCA, Ad-Rock, and Mike D weave their lyrics together The mastery of the Beastie Boys comes through in the first half alone, combining samples with ironic lyrics as they compare being MCs to being scientists Halfway through, the tempo seemingly doubles as they begin weaving their lines impressively fast The Beatles’ “The End” is the primary sample of the second half, and the looped guitar riff sets the second half of the song apart from the first.
Unlike other forms of gambling, which revolve around random cards or numbers with no real attachment, sports betting preys on fans’ emotional investment in their favorite teams and players Picture courtesy of Charlie Hitt
THE DARK SIDE OF SPORTS
BETTING
BYANISHVEDANTHAM
Watching a sport without seeing an advertisement for sports betting is nearly impossible nowadays.
MLS has BetMGM The NBA and MLB have DraftKings and FanDuel The NFL has FanDuel, Caesars Sportsbook, and DraftKings And for the NHL, one, two, or three betting sponsors wouldn’t suffice, so they have four: ESPN BET, BetMGM, FanDuel, and theScore Bet
In 2018, the Supreme Court struck down the “Amateur Sports Protection Act,” which effectively banned sports betting nationwide Since then, 38 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have legalized some form of sports betting–including North Carolina
What was once confined to Las Vegas casinos is now accessible with just a few taps on a phone. And though it enhances fan engagement and generates economic benefit, it poses serious risks.
One of the most alarming consequences of sports betting is its role in fostering gambling addiction Unlike other forms of gambling, which revolve around random cards or numbers with no real attachment, sports betting preys on fans’ emotional investment in their favorite teams and players
On its face, sports betting appears to be a skill-based activity However, this line of thinking encourages gamblers to fall victim to the illusion of control Though they believe they have a “special edge” because they know the stats of every player of every team that they’re betting on, they ignore the innumerable external factors that contribute to every game Essentially, it’s the same reason there has never been a perfect March Madness bracket: unpredictability.
This illusion of control, however, has more significant implications than simply bruised egos It encourages repeated wagers, leading to financial losses and compulsive gambling behavior
This is exacerbated by the predatory nature of these apps, using celebrity endorsements, push notifications at optimal times, and offers that seem (and are) too good to be true, to encourage users to join and continue betting. These practices have resulted in over $245 billion lost due to sports betting since its legalization.
This has not gone unnoticed The National Council on Problem Gambling reported that calls to gambling addiction helplines have skyrocketed in states that recently legalized sports betting
What’s more, gambling addicts are over 15 times more likely than the average person to commit suicide, meaning this problem goes far beyond money
Gambling has been proven to be as addicting as drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, and nicotine
What’s worse is the fact that gambling is aided by the need to chase losses; many gamblers believe that they can win all their losses back with one win
The vast majority of bettors lose money over time, yet the industry thrives on misleading marketing that downplays the risks. Additionally, partnerships between betting companies and sports leagues create conflicts of interest, prioritizing profits over the well-being of fans.
Despite this, the regulation surrounding it is limited to nonexistent All of this begs the question, if tobacco is regulated and cocaine and heroin are banned, why has nothing been done to curtail the influence of these sports books?
Sports betting continues to expand unchecked, with minimal consumer protections Stricter advertising regulations, betting limits, and stronger measures to combat problem gambling are necessary to prevent further harm Governments must treat sports betting as a public health issue, not just an economic opportunity
The in-your-pocket accessibility of sports betting is one of the biggest issues Picture coutesy of Canva user SeventyFour
Listening to music and meditating are two ways to help relieve stress
TOP 5 WAYS TO DEAL WITH STRESS –
ACCORDING TO THE PD COMMUNITY
BYCHARLOTTEDOUCLEFF
It is undeniable that stress is present during all stages of life, starting at a young age The adolescent years are no exception Teens deal with balancing everything from college applications and assessments to friends and social media According to a 2015 NYU study, around 50 percent of students feel stressed every day As teens transition into adulthood, stress continues to develop More than 75 percent of adults report feeling stressed at least once a month, according to the American Psychological Association. It is important for everyone, but especially young people, to learn how to cope with stress.
The Charger sampled the Providence Day Upper School community and asked four questions: “What strategies do you use to cope with stress?;” “Do you regularly use these strategies?;” “How effective are these strategies?;” and “Would you benefit from more ideas on how to manage stress?” Responses fell into five general categories:
Unwinding: This includes listening to music (the most commonly recommended strategy), watching TV, and reading
Self-care: This features sleep, exercise, journaling, and meditation
Taking up a hobby: This includes drawing, cooking, yoga, and writing
Making a plan: Taking things step-by-step, such as organizing tasks on a calendar, is incorporating a plan.
Reaching out to others: This could include a friend, family member, or trusted adult.
Although 92 percent of those surveyed said that they used these five strategies regularly, only 53 percent said they found them effective, and 95 percent said they would benefit from more strategies Well-recognized health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) list some of the same strategies as well as taking a break from social media, eating healthy, and gratitude
The CDC states that making human connection away from social media helps coping with stress, highlighting neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, parks, and places of worship as places to form communities The NIH further reports that gratitude journaling every day can help people cope with both major stressful events and daily stress. Recognizing the prevalence of stress, Providence Day offers a variety of resources to its students. Guidance counselors Ms. Claire Bell and Ms. Marissa Kohn are available for students to meet with, as are other teachers and trusted adults
Pictures sourced from Canva
THE BAN AND RETURN OF TIKTOK IN THE U.S.
BYSAHANASHAH
More than 30 percent of Americans own TikTok, but there is a threat to its availability
Recently, the U S government has been pushing for a nationwide ban Will the app survive, and more importantly, should it? TikTok is designed to create and share short videos An endless scroll of curated videos, the app contains a unique algorithm used and personalized by Chinese company ByteDance Over the last couple years, there have been concerns about whether the app is safe.
Some believe ByteDance’s Chinese origins will compel them to influence the algorithm and popularize pro-Chinese propaganda Many believe TikTok poses a threat to national security since Chinese law requires Chinese companies to share information they gather with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), including user data This fear of the Chinese government and propaganda ultimately led Congress to mull a ban on the app unless it divested itself from ByteDance
Those against the ban have argued it is discriminatory and undemocratic, citing concerns over the infringement of the First Amendment’s free speech protections People use TikTok to build connections, create content, and seek inspiration Many young Americans who have grown alongside TikTok can’t fathom any different. Famous content creators gain a steady income from TikTok, and small business owners have utilized TikTok Shop to raise awareness for their products.
In anticipation of the ban, some users transferred to another Chinese app, Rednote Rednote is quite similar to TikTok because of its endless scroll of algorithm-driven content However, this app suggests the same dangers as TikTok as it is still Chinese-owned and could make the app vulnerable to potential data. This poses the question, will the US government ban any Chinese-owned social media app, and if not, what will that mean for Tik Tok?
Late on January 18, TikTok became unusable for Americans Users who tried to open the app saw a message saying it was not available at the moment However, TikTok is now back by way of President Donald Trump’s recent executive order signing, which delayed the ban by three months. The question remains: Will TikTok remain, or will it eventually be banned from use in the U S ?
When services were restored, TikTok published a pop-up thanking President Trump for his help unbanning the app
INAUGURATION DAY
BYELISEPATEL
Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on January 20 There’s a lot to know about the Presidential Inauguration Day that takes place every four years on the 20th of January This year, the inauguration fell on Martin Luther King Jr Day, marking a historic and rare convergence of the two celebrations
Inauguration Day starts with a tea that includes the current presidential family and the elected family They then head to the Capitol Building where a ceremony takes place in front of Congress, friends and family of the president-elect, the cabinet, former presidents, and vice presidents Shortly after the ceremony, the newly sworn-in president and vice president attend a variety of galas alongside their families, where they deliver speeches and socialize
Typically, the inauguration takes place on the front steps of the Capitol Due to extreme cold, however, this year’s inauguration took place inside the rotunda Photo courtesy of Canva user flySnow
This year’s Inauguration consisted of multiple important moments, including these three highlights:
Carrie Underwood performed a rendition of “America the Beautiful.” Due to technical difficulties, she sang the piece a capella Nevertheless, she delivered the performance flawlessly
President Trump's inaugural address was a key moment of the day, giving us a glimpse of what the next four years hold He described his second term as “The Golden Age of America,” saying that “we will not forget our country, we will not forget our Constitution, and we will not forget our God " President Trump announced he would reinstate the name of Mount McKinley to the renamed Denali Mountain in Alaska, reassert power over the Panama Canal, and rename the Gulf of Mexico to the ”Gulf of America” Additionally, President Trump made a series of announcements regarding the executive orders he was set to make following the inauguration ceremony, including actions on energy, immigration, and healthcare.
The president attended three inaugural balls that evening, the Commander-in-Chief Ball, the Liberty Ball, and the Starlight Ball The Commander-in-Chief Ball hosted performers, including Billy Ray Cyrus and Kid Rock, as part of the festivities for the night President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump shared their first dance here, alongside Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Second Lady Usha Vance The Liberty Ball, intended to include people who supported Trump’s re-election, included a variety of singers such as Jason Aldean and the Village People Lastly, the president attended the Starlight Ball, which hosted major financial supporters to his campaign Country star David DeGraw headlined the night, rounding it off as a peaceful transition of power in the U S
CHARGING AHEAD INTO THE VALENTUNE SEASON!
BYMORGANTAYLOR
As the new year begins, the ChargHers, the girls A Capella group at Providence Day School, eagerly anticipate the Valentune season
“Valentunes” are snippets of songs which a person can buy for someone of their choice, and last year, they were a huge hit! Within three days, every time slot, which spanned across two and a half weeks, was sold out, and the proceeds were all donated to the American Heart Association
Members of the ChargHers always look forward to the Valentunes season, and see it as a means to build on the A Capella family and bring smiles to the Providence Day community Valentunes are sent and recieved by both students and faculty members, so they are gifts everybody can experience and enjoy across PD
Rowan Barwick, one member of the ChargHers, enjoyed Valentunes last year, and said they were an amusing and creative way to spread awareness in addition to raising money for charity. This year, she is looking forward to Valentunes too, and adds that they are a great excuse to spend time with the other ChargHers while sharing her dedication and passion for singing with other students and faculty Specifically, she is looking forward to singing “Lollipop” by Ronald and Ruby because “it's a classic, and our harmonies [eat] ”
Not only are the ChargHers excited for Valentunes but also for other upcoming performances, such as a co-ed song with the boys' a capella group and the Spring Upper School Chorus Concert They are also grateful for past opportunities such as singing the national anthem at the Hornets’ PD Night Overall, the ChargHers have a busy and lively 2025 are ready to dive right in!
The ChargHers before (left) and during (right) their Valentunes performances Courtesy of Vanessa Brandt
THE PART MUSIC PLAYS IN OUR WELL BEING
BYCASSIEHILGER
“As I walked into orchestra in seventh grade, I was afraid to start something new I thought orchestra would be very intense and stressful, but I came to find out it was the opposite As I slowly learned and adapted to this hobby, I learned to love and cherish how it helped me. Music can calm me down, not only by playing but also by listening to it daily. It shows how music can be used in a multitude of ways; whether you listen to it daily, or play in your school's orchestra.”
– Cassie Hilger
Music influences both the mind and body, enhancing cognitive function and overall well-being It stimulates brain activity, improving memory, comprehension, and interpretation
Being a part of musicals, orchestras, and choirs not only boosts your intellectual growth but also helps impact your emotional response to the world Research has shown that actively making and listening to music assists in stimulating neurotransmitters, which emit dopamine and serotonin These neurotransmitters affect focus, concentration, and sleep, as well as alleviate anxiety
Beyond its mental effects, music also benefits physical health. It serves as a form of therapy by alleviating pain and discomfort, as it triggers the release of endorphins that promote happiness and relaxation This can help ease physical tension and aid in recovery from surgeries or illnesses According to the American Psychiatric Association, music therapy provides a safe outlet for emotions and reduces anxiety and depression It serves as a therapeutic tool, offering emotional relief and distraction from distress Lorrie Kubicek of Harvard Health Publishing notes that music can shift one’s mental state, promoting rehabilitation and overall well-being
Music can be a powerful tool whether students are listening to it or taking part in playing it Pictures courtesy of Canva
ARTS 12
Music also helps create a sense of community which can help relieve stress to others dealing with similar stresses and fears According to John Hopkins Medicine, listening to music is proven to help lower blood pressure, and Rosalie Rebollo Pratt mentions in her academic article, “Music Education and Medicine: A Renewed Partnership,” the ancient civilizations of Greek and Egyptians took music and medicine as one.
Rosalie also says during World War II, hospitals provided music therapy to soldiers to help them relieve their minds of stress and trauma
Music is still used in medicine and learning environments as a stress relief Different types of music as well can cause different reactions for the body Classical music can help reduce anxiety, anger, and nervous arousal, for example Depending on how someone feels, different music genres can suit your needs to better your mind
Music is an advantage for the mind and soul; not only can it help reduce stress, anxiety, and neurological conditions, but it also helps the body to recover from illness. From deeply intertwining cultures and traditions and relieving others of daily tribulations, music is a blessing for all to have.
Music not only has shaped the world, but the body itself
Playing in a musical ensemble can have benefits for students of all grades, some out of school ensembles include the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra pictured above
Listening to the right kind of music can make your studying time more efficient and useful
WHAT SHOULD YOU LISTEN TO WHEN STUDYING?
BYIZZYTAPPY
Do you listen to anything when you study? Maybe a favorite playlist or nothing at all?
Studies have proven that listening to the right kind of music can make your studying time more efficient and useful According to an article from Vaughn College, listening to music while studying can relax your brain, lessen distractions, and improve your focus Classical music playlists and nature sound playlists have proven to have the most benefits
Listening to classical music such as Mozart or Bach has proven to increase test scores and improve clarity and creativity when studying; classical music also combines both sides of your brain to allow for the most efficient studying The Mozart effect was discovered in 1993 This study proved that listening to music such as Mozart’s compositions may cause you to have momentary “‘enhancement of spatial temporal reasoning performance’ which means the ability to think through long-term, more abstract solutions to logical problems ”
If you are on a time crunch for studying, listening to classical music with a BPM (beats per minute) of 60 or more will allow for the most beneficial studying because it reduces stress and increases relaxation in the brain If you ever find yourself studying in a coffee shop or another public environment and it begins to become a little noisy, nature sounds can be very useful Nature sounds can mask distracting noise and optimize one’s concentration
When it comes to creating your ideal study playlist, you want a playlist lasting about 40-50 minutes, as this sets good study brackets and reminds you of when to take a break It is best not to listen to the radio because the commercial dialogue can break your focus and interrupt your concentration
Listening at a low volume is also recommended because a high volume can be very distracting. Platforms such as YouTube and Spotify have pre-curated playlists that are also great for studying.
Choosing the right type of music whether it’s classical compositions or soothing nature sounds can significantly enhance your focus and efficiency while studying By setting the right tempo and volume, you can transform your study environment into one that reduces distractions, relieves stress, and ultimately improves your cognitive performance
A RECAP OF THE NFL REGULAR SEASON
BYZACHKAHN
The 2024-25 NFL season has arguably been one of the most entertaining and unexpected seasons in recent memory From the Panthers’ late resurgence to the Chiefs’ continued dominance, there have been a variety of unique highlights in the league’s 105th season
The Detroit Lions
Historically known as one of the worst franchises in the NFL, the Detroit Lions have had a rough past winning only 41 5 percent of their games in their 90 years of existence. However, this year was different.The Lions finished 15-2, setting a franchise record for yards, points, touchdowns, and wins
The Panthers Resurge
The Carolina Panthers showed progress this season, improving from last year’s struggles to finish with a 7-10 record Despite ranking 15th in total defense and seeing rookie quarterback Bryce Young throw for 3,500 yards and 20 touchdowns, inconsistency on both sides of the ball kept them from truly contending in the NFC.
Kansas
City’s
Unusually Successful Season
For the Chiefs, this season was one like never seen before Some of their key players struggled greatly this year, heavily impacting the team Notably, Patrick Mahomes missed the Pro Bowl, Travis Kelce had the fewest number of receiving yards in his career, Rashee Rice only played in 4 games, and Isiah Pacheco only played in five games In addition, the Chiefs played in 11 one-score games They were in the bottom half in the league in sacks and passing yards and didn’t have an impressive turnout Despite this, the Chiefs won a league best 15 games, going 8-0 against the NFC South and AFC North. All good things, however, must come to an end, as the Chiefs stumbled at the final hurdle, losing 22 to 40 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Jayden Daniels: A Rookie Phenom
This season was one of many victories for Jayden Daniels, the Washington Commanders quarterback Daniels broke or tied the NFL’s rookie records for single-game and season completion percentages, rushing yards, and touchdowns in the 4th quarter Many fans predict that he will continue this streak and win the prestigious Offensive Rookie of the Year award In addition to his personal achievements, he helped lead the Commanders to a 12-5 record and the team’s first playoff appearance in four years Fans hope to see him and the team make many more playoff appearances in the future
The 2024-25 NFL season has arguably been one of the most entertaining and unexpected seasons in recent memory
THE NBA’S VIEWERSHIP DECLINE
BYCHARLIEHITT
The 2024-25 NBA season has had a troubling start this year
Despite signing a record-breaking 11-year, $76 billion media rights contract during the offseason, the NBA’s viewership is down significantly. Fans and analysts have determined a few possible factors contributing to this issue.
Unappealing Style of Play
The new trend over the past 15 years has been three-point shooting In the beginning, this was something exciting to watch Players like Stephen Curry had the ability to catch a ball on the move, pull up from near half court, and drain a shot, all in less than a few seconds
However, over recent seasons, this trend has arguably gotten out of hand. Based on analytics, it is to the team’s advantage to take as many three-pointers as possible, since they have the highest point value However, it is less visually appealing to fans Many people love to watch players dunk rather than repeat the same three-point shots For example, this season has shown fans clearly do not want to see 7’4” French phenomenon, Victor Wembanyama, taking nearly half of his shots from beyond the arc they want to see him dunking over people!
Lack of Accessibility for Streaming Games
Few regular-season games are accessible to teams’ local viewers For example, this is the case with the Charlotte Hornets The Hornets play 82 regular season games this year, four of which will be aired on national television The other 78 games will be streamed on FanDuel Sports, an unpopular app many people don’t have.
Unfortunately, FanDuel Sports charges $19 99 per month, even if you’re a Charlotte local This means if fans want to have access to all of the Hornets’ games, which go from October until April, that would cost an astonishing $140 By comparison, the NFL gives local fans access to all games with nearly every streaming package on YouTube TV, Sling TV, and other streaming providers How does the NBA expect fans to become invested in their local franchise when they have to pay to even watch their games?
Aging American Stars
For years, the NBA has been a league dominated by three American stars: LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant However, with these stars on the brink of retirement, the league is posed with their most difficult challenge in recent memory: who will be the next “face of the league” once these superstars retire, and will fans like them as much as the last?
The NBA faces a critical turning point as it navigates these three potential causes. If the league hopes to maintain its audience, it must address these concerns. Otherwise, it risks losing the very fans that helped it secure its record-breaking media deal
NBA viewership is down significantly, despite its record-breaking media rights contract Photo courtesy of Charlie Hitt
MEET THE EDITORS
Meha Khanna is a senior at Providence Day School, and the Editor-in-Chief of The Charger She has been writing for the newspaper since her freshman year and editing since her sophomore year Meha loves The Charger because it exposes her to a variety of different perspectives and gives her an opportunity to help students write about their own passions. Outside of writing, she is an Indian classical dancer, aerialist, and orchestral violinist She is a passionate environmental and political activist, and she helps lead the schools sustainability and SAGE clubs and serves on the GSD leadership team.
Anish Vedantham is a senior and the Editor-in-Chief of The Charger He has been writing since sophomore year. Anish is a part of the Global Studies Leadership Team, Model UN, Science Olympiad, Students for Students, and the Cross Country and Track teams As a participant in both academic and athletic facets of the school, Anish enjoys watching writers display passion for their interests and seeing their successes highlighted for others to enjoy.
Elizabeth Pritchard is the Arts editor for The Charger and is a current senior at Providence Day. Elizabeth started writing for the newspaper her freshman year and began editing her sophomore year Outside of the newspaper, she is the founder of National Art Honor Society at Providence Day and Project Palette, a non-profit where she teaches art to children.
Maddy Padmanabhan is a sophomore at Providence Day, and the editor of The Charger’s Arts section This is her second year working with The Charger Outside of the newspaper, Maddy participates in PD’s theatre productions, writes for the STEM Journal, and does martial arts outside of school She has a passion for working with others and loves helping people improve their skills and development; this year, her goal as editor is to make sure writers can feel skilled and confident in their craft.
Cooper Kahn is a junior and is the editor for the Features section of The Charger This is his second year writing for The Charger and first year as a section editor. In addition to writing for the newspaper, Cooper is involved in Cross Country and Track, Men’s Acapella, serves as a teaching assistant at Temple Beth El Religious School, volunteers for Freedom School. Cooper’s hope for the Features section is to share articles that highlight the hard working Providence Day School community.
Charlie Hitt is the editor of the Sports section for The Charger and has been writing since his junior year Charlie loves watching sports particularly Boston Celtics and Carolina Panthers games and is the play-by-play broadcaster for varsity football, basketball, and soccer games at PD. He has also been a film/TV actor for over five years, having most notably acted as a lead character in Lifetime’s murder-mystery “Secret Lives of Housewives,” as well as upcoming indie film “The Grand Strand ”
Austin Skeete is a senior at Providence Day School. He is an editor for the Trending section and has been writing for The Charger since his sophomore year This is his first year on the editing team of The Charger and he looks forward to working with the other editors to make this year's paper the best one yet. Outside of writing, he is a captain of the Cross Country and Track teams and enjoys reading science fiction books
Julia Maybry is the editor of the Trending section for The Charger, and she has been writing since freshman year At Providence Day, Julia participates in the Track and Cross Country team, and outside of school, she plays piano. Julia takes a strong interest in current events, whether they are pop culture or major political events. As the editor of the Trending section, Julia hopes to see writers learn about and take interest in whatever is happening at the moment, as doing so only broadens their world perspective.
Allana Wren is a sophomore at Providence Day, who joined the newspaper club in ninth grade. She loves writing, in both journalistically and creatively writing. Allana started off writing in the Student Life section of the paper, and she is now editing for Opinion Allana is loves the Opinion section and enjoys seeing all the different passions students have. Aside from the being a newspaper editor, she is one of the tenth grade leaders for Providence Day’s Global Studies Diploma. She also is a part of the cheer team and loves to dance outside of school
Mr. Matt Spence is the faculty advisor for The Charger.
