Red Devil Post, Vol. 1, Issue 6

RED DEVIL POST

New semester offer fresh start for LHS student

by Emma Sampias

Establishing a fresh start to the new semester begins with creating a new slate. Creating a new slate means having the opportunity to restart and establish a new beginning. With a new semester comes the resetting of grades, a possible change in courses, a fresh mindset, and a fresh start with your teachers. All of these things collectively encourage an improved semester. So, students should put their best foot forward and begin anew.

This fresh start may begin with a positive mindset. Various ways to have a positive mindset include practicing positive self-talk, self-reflection, surrounding ourselves with positive people, focusing on the present moment, and practicing gratitude and integrity. By doing these things, students will see a tremendous difference in themselves. They may realize an overall growth in themselves, a lack of stress, an increase in productivity, and an overall improvement of their well being.

Increasing positivity can easily evolve into an increase of healthy relationships. These healthy

relationships can vary from friends, family, teachers, and others. Creating a healthy relationship with a teacher is important, if at all possible. To have a healthy relationship, there needs to be respect, trust, patience, and good communication. With these components, learning within our classrooms becomes easier.

Incorporating these few elements into the beginning of the semester helps lead students in the right direction for a positive school year. Conclusively, a fresh start is all it takes to be the best student a person can possibly be. Take every semester seriously and make the most of being a Red Devil!

Masthead

Hannah Cano, Co-Editor-in-Chief

Sophia Emery, Co-Editor-in-Chief

Editors

Hailey Baran, Student Spotlight

Bella Funk, School Culture

Bre Kidd, Community

Walter Kotlin, Class News

Morgan Laumeyer, School Culture

Madelyn Logan, Fine Arts

Mia McMillan, Diversity

Allie Mecha, Lower Schools

Hailey Moore, Sports

Gabby Morache, Administration

Makalyn Patrick, School Counseling

Olivia Perlick, Opinion’

Bella Silva, Photography

Lilly Susko, Pop Culture

Jacquelynn Van Der Linde, History

Payton Williams, Sports

Writers & Photographers

Savannah Amschl

Alyssa Andriese

Brooke Bane

Jon Budz

Alyx Doty

Sarah Gygi

Adam Hammer

Ethan Hernandez

Joey Paternostro

Taylor Rothrock

Emma Sampias

Addy Vaught Sponsor

Joe Gianotti

IN THIS ISSUE

FRESH START, MR. MARTINEZ, FFA, REMAINING PRODUCTIVE, DORM ROOM CHECKLIST, NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY, AP LANG & ART, SCHEDULING CLASSES, AEROSPACE

ENGINEERING, GENERATION Z,

SENIORITIS, COVID-19 AND MENTAL HEALTH, RICHNECK ELEMENTARY

SHOOTING, DUNKIN’ DONUTS, ALIX

EARLE, DUPES, AUTISM

AWARENESS, MONGOLIAN EMPIRE, REILLY BOYER AND BRAELYN

CARTER, DAMAR HAMLIN

Red Devil Pride

Alumnus, Mr. Martinez, brings passion for economics and government back to LHS

by Adam Hammer

Mr. Martinez is a new member of the LHS staff this year, joining at the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year. He teaches economics and government and is also an alumnus, graduating from Lowell in 2008. Since graduating, he has been busy with multiple teaching jobs before returning to Lowell. He taught at three other schools, two of which were in Arizona, where he lived for part of his life and taught at Kofa and Boulder Creek high schools. He then also taught for a short time at Boone Groove High School. To go along with his teaching experience, Mr. Martinez worked as a 911 dispatcher at one point in the Lake County 911 Call Center. He took calls for almost all of Lake County, and he also trained new dispatchers. Making a positive impact on the community and helping others is important to Mr. Martinez, and he has succeeded in doing his best to live up to that idea. Mr. Martinez told The Post that he first found passion for Government and Economics at an early age. He says “Since high school, I’ve loved it. I had a connection with the topics and thought it was interesting and meaningful.” He likes to teach government because he feels that by informing students who are transitioning into adulthood about something that really will help them make a difference in the world, he is truly making an impact on their lives. Since joining the LHS staff, Mr. Martinez has done nothing but begin to again make an impact on his students by informing them about both the economy and government structures in the United States. He creates interesting projects and ways to incorporate all types of learning in his classroom and adds his own personal touch to the assignments and projects. Outside of school, Mr. Martinez has recently been getting back into running and doing a lot of streaming and reading as well. Out of all the schools that he has taught at, Mr. Martinez had this to say about LHS: “My favorite thing about Lowell is the pride and school spirit, which is amazing, and everybody has an equal chance of opportunity here. It’s awesome.” Mr. Martinez has been a great addition to the LHS staff this year. We look forward to seeing the impact on the students he makes and all the other great things he accomplishes in the future. Thank you, Mr. Martinez, for everything you’ve already done.

Red Devil Pride

FFA prepares for District 1 competitions

while spreading RDP throughout Lowell High School

by Hailey Baran

This year, all agriculture classes have had a successful year, and they continue to excel in the work that they do. Even though it’s only the beginning of the year, FFA has kicked off the new semester by doing lots of preparation for the District 1 FFA convention. This convention features nearly 20 other FFA chapters from Northwest Indiana, and our very own FFA will be competing with them in over 30 events. FFA student, Olivia Duensing, says that she is currently working on a presentation for the District Convention, a presentation on the ins and outs of robotic dairies that will be presented in front of a group of judges. Educator, Miss Cross, also adds that “we currently have Members working on Ag Sales Pitches, Quiz Bowl, Animal Science Demonstrations, Persuasive Essays, Natural Resource Demonstrations, and so much more!” In FFA, there is plenty going on for all students to work on and enjoy.

For those who don’t already know what FFA is, Cross writes, “FFA is an intra-curricular group of students that are passionate about agriculture! It used to stand for Future Farmers of America, but the National FFA wanted to acknowledge that not every FFA Member is going to be a farmer so now it is just FFA.” It’s a way for

students to not only bond and have fun together, but it’s also a way for students to get lots of experience in the agriculture field, all ranging from “hands-on involvement, competitions, and trips to different places,” says Duensing.

FFA has a large impact on a number of people, as it’s not just about agriculture. FFA student Reagan Claus says, “I believe that FFA is such a

Red Devil Pride

Productivity during a deep freeze

by Ethan Hernandez

When it comes to the winter season, the snow and the holidays are always something to look forward to. Unfortunately, the freezing cold is usually not everyone's favorite. On top of the cold weather, school starts to become a little more stressful, and we begin to be weighed down by the constant cold, darkness, and overall work provided by our school. These things begin to potentially lead to serious matters such as depression, procrastination, the desire to sleep all day, and other issues. To potentially help students, The Red Devil Post wants to provide some everyday things students can do to help become more productive and have a more positive outlook. For starters, every night before bed two things can help start the next day off the right way. The first thing is to write out an agenda or a to-do list for the next day. This will help students be organized and mentally prepared for what needs to be done. This is a good habit to have and will lead to a more productive day, resulting in feeling happier with the day's hard work. The next thing a student can do the

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Dorm Room Checklist

by Savannah Amschl

As the time to move out of childhood homes draws closer for the seniors at Lowell High School, many are panicked as they decide what they will need to bring with them to college. The Post has put together a checklist for those anxious parents and seniors to make sure everyone is bringing at least the bare minimums to get the seniors through the first couple of weeks at college.

The checklist for a college student’s bed includes sheets, a comforter, pillows, pillow cases, an alarm clock as a backup to the alarm on a phone, a lamp, and laundry detergent. College freshman can have hygiene issues so purchase them some shower shoes, towels, a shower caddy, a hair dryer, hot tools, hand soap, a new toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, and body wash. A student’s desk needs power cords, chargers for their electronic devices, so necessary in college, headphones to drown out the dorm room roommate, pens, pencils, notepads of paper, and office supplies like scissor, a stapler, and tape. continued on page

Red Devil Pride

National Honor Society serves LHS by tutoring students in need

by Olivia Perlick

The National Honor Society at Lowell High School is a selective group of seniors with exceptional academic performance and community service hours.

The club of seniors was inducted during their junior year, to be able to have one full year as a participating senior. The NHS member’s main task is to tutor freshmen in their advisories during scheduled Wednesday help sessions.

The tutors are here to help anyone and everyone; do not hesitate to ask. If a student would like help but not in the classroom, the Media Center is also available to work together.

These seniors have taken most classes the freshman have, and they most likely will know the material. The NHS members dedicate this time to the freshman; they are able and very eager to help. This means the freshman need to ask for help if they need it. Teachers also can feel free to recommend students to visit the tutors.

It can be difficult to ask for help sometimes, but in the long run, getting help sooner rather than later will be very beneficial. National Honor Society Members wish to see everyone succeed in school and sometimes that requires asking for help.

Keep in mind that juniors who are exceptional students who might be interested in tutoring freshman, keep working hard this semester to be able to apply to NHS later in the spring. Not only is it fulfilling to tutor those in need, but National Honors Society is an achievement that looks terrific on a resume’.

In the Classroom

AP Lang students study modern art as text

by Gabby Morache

English is starting to feel like art class lately in Mr. Gianotti’s AP English Language course. Before winter break, AP Lang students were given the chance to do a more fun and different project. After days of searching for the perfect artists as a class, every student picked an artist to learn more about and analyze some of their artist’s works. With there being several pop artists, sculptors, painters, architects, and even graffiti artists, there were so many options to choose from.

One art presentation was on sculptor Duane Hanson. Duane Hanson–born January 17, 1925–was an

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LHS counseling department begins scheduling for the 2023-2024 school year

by Jonathan Budz

With students thinking about what classes to take with the start of the second semester, many students are looking forward to their schedules next year. With so many exciting classes to take, a few students shared what classes they anticipate most next year.

Micah Ambrose said his most anticipated class would be AP European History because he loves history and is looking forward to another great year with Mr. Werling, the teacher of that class.

John Peters’ most anticipated class would be Honors Precalculus and

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In the Classroom

Mr. Lodise’s aerospace engineering students flying high

by Hannah Cano

Mr. Lodise’s aerospace class is taking a step closer to the skies in their most recent unit: designing a fully functional glider. Students in the class were tasked with designing a glider with new software implemented in the lab and had to keep in mind strict length requirements. After their design was approved by Mr. Lodise, students began the tedious process of transferring their designs onto wood, with absolute precision. At this point in the design process, students had spent about two weeks in preparation for the final moment of flying their glider.

As judgment day came closer, students were coming in during advisory and after school to add the finishing touches, adding their own personal touches to their gliders. One student had each classmate sign their name on the glider, demonstrating the camaraderie established in the classroom through this project. Other students drew elaborate patterns on their project, trying their best to make their art the most superior in the class.

Finally, the day for takeoff came and the students worked together to assist each other in the trials. As students threw their gliders, others stood near the projected landing spot to catch the gliders with blankets, protecting their projects from hitting the ground. Students assisted each other with throwing techniques and gave advice as to where the center of mass should be on the gliders.

by Taylor Rothrock

Devils’ Advocate

LHS continues to evolve as Gen Z walks the halls: A look

back at thirty years of changes

Gen Z is the first generation to be saturated by technology and social media. The majority of teens spend about eight hours in front of a screen every day. Because of this, teens' behaviors and actions have changed drastically from previous generations. Lots of people claim that students' actions and behaviors are worse today than they used to be.

Lowell High School staff agree that Gen Z cares more about their health. Mrs. O'Neil tells the Red Devil Post, “I go to the YMCA at 5 am every morning, and I always see students. I would have never gotten up extra early as a teenager to squeeze that in.” Another employee at Lowell tells the Red Devil Post, “most seem to care about physical health and not necessarily beauty, which is awesome.” Teens at LHS are living a healthier lifestyle physically, according to the majority of responses.

The mental despair caused by Covid-19 cannot be underestimated. Mr. Gianotti states, “You’ve lived through a pandemic.” Mrs. Houser told me, “I think the pandemic has really changed people; it’s a shame.” But, there is still hope! Mrs. Kozma expresses, “I think more people talk and seek help now about depression and anxiety.” I talked to several teachers who all told me that students have gained the confidence to ask for help over the years. Fifteen years ago, mental health awareness was absent in the American high school. Students don’t feel as alone as they used to feel.

At Lowell, many staff gave completely different responses to the maturity levels students bring to the table. Mrs. O’Neill said, “I have so many kind and spectacular students. As I’ve been watching adults in society act like fools, I’m brought back to my happy bubble when I watch my students help each other.” Mrs. O’Neill isn’t the only person to claim that adults can act less mature

Devils’ Advocate The pitfalls of senioritis

by Walter Kotlin

Entering the back half of the school year, many students around the world are feeling burned out. None experience this as much as seniors. Senioritis afects nearly every senior as they finally get fed up of going through the same yearly routine. However, it's important that upperclassmen don’t let themselves fall behind. The following are some ways that seniors can mitigate the efects of burnout.

Colleges are looking for seniors that maintain the rigor of their coursework and keep up their good grades. While junior year is very important in making a student's ability known to colleges or other institutions, senior year is the cherry on top for showcasing a well rounded student to potential colleges or a strong work ethic for any trades opportunities. Students should keep clear goals in mind for what they wish to accomplish and always keep important milestones in their sights. The next big thing should always be in the back of their minds. It is still necessary to celebrate the victories or relax every once in a while, but having a goal in the first place is what leads to achieving something. Students deciding to skip class or even whole days doesn’t help them in the long run (or frankly in the short run). Missing class to relax just postpones the stress of school to a later date. How is it possible for students to do well on a test or grasp a concept if they continuously skip out on assignments and lectures? What students should do now with the year winding down is build good habits and practice for the future. Instead of bowing out or folding under pressure, students should try to better manage their time and workload before things get out of hand. They shouldn’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help from teachers or peers. Now is the time to absorb a lot of information to be totally prepared or, at least, ready to take on the rest of the world.

Everyone should take heart in knowing that everybody else is going through similar emotions. At this point in the year, many people are just ready to be done. If the seniors can join together and make one last push for the finish line, it will make the whole journey worth it in the end.

Devils’ Advocate

by Sara Gygi

The education system in the U.S. is unfortunately quick to neglect the mental health of students. According to the CDC, ``Before the pandemic, mental health was getting worse among high school students.’' The pandemic has caused an increase in the already digressing mental health disorders among American youth. Students spend at least thirty hours a week in their schools. Schools have the ability to monitor students, but do they do so properly? Many students quickly become overwhelmed with their social life, school life, and work life.

Some students are constantly working a ‘shift.’ Students start their job sometimes at 7 a.m or 8 a.m and many may not clock out from their job until 10 p.m to Midnight.

This ‘job’ is our reality, where students go to school for 6-7 hours a day, come home with homework, possibly participate in extracurriculars, or maybe have a job. How could a teen possibly have time to monitor their mental stability? Some warning signs of a mental disorder can consist of decreased motivation, increased mood swings, and social withdrawal, among other issues.

How can a school properly monitor its students' mental health? Schools may offer open call times to speak with a counselor. Schools may offer mental health surveys as a way to check in with their students. This could be monitored by administration and guidance counselors.

Here at Lowell High School our guidance office partners with Crown Counseling to provide students with access to professional therapists. For more information on our counseling department, please visit the LHS Counseling Department’s website, found through the LHS page.

If you are a student struggling with mental illness, remember that you have people who understand you, who are here for you, and who care about you. You matter.

Community Pride

Richneck Elementary shooting again shines light on the importance of school safety

Our view: The negligence shown by Richneck’s administrative staff highly unlikely to happen at Lowell by

Alyssa Andriese

On January 6th, at Richneck Elementary school in Newport News, Virginia, a 6-year-old in first grade shot and seriously wounded his teacher. The police chief in Newport News said there was an altercation between the teacher and the student, who had the firearm, but the altercation is staying private due to restrictions from the police. A single round was fired; no other students were injured. The 25-year-old teacher's injuries were described as lifethreatening, but on Saturday she had been listed in stable condition, even though the bullet pierced Abby Zwerner’s hand and struck her chest and stomach. She still managed to get her other students out of the classroom before any other shots could be fired and before being rushed to the hospital. She had a responsibility to keep her students safe, and she by far exceeded her job in the most heroic way. The suspect was taken into custody immediately after the shooting, and was under a temporary detention order, being evaluated at a hospital, police said Monday. The biggest question after hearing about this incident is, “How does a 6-year-old get a gun?” Not many details are being released about why this boy had the gun, or what led to the altercation between the teacher and the boy. Later it was found that the gun allegedly used in the shooting was legally purchased by the child’s mother, who could face charges at the end of the investigation.

The anger in Newport News arises during a decades long pendulum swing that’s been moving American schools away from suspensions and expulsions. Some school systems are still seeking a “happy medium” between strict discipline and a gentler approach, according to the Global News. Virginia teachers and parents said students who assaulted classmates and staff were routinely allowed to stay in the classroom with few consequences. There were ways out that should have been taken before this 6-year-old boy shot his teacher, but every way was ignored.

The community reaction shifted into anger late last week after the superintendent revealed that Richneck administrators had learned the child may have had a weapon before the shooting, but a search of his backpack did not find the handgun, despite staff looking through the bag. The boy’s bag was searched after a fellow student

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Community Pride

Do-Nut Miss Out on Lowell’s New Dunkin’

by Sophia Emery

Just last week, Dunkin’ Donuts became the newest addition to Lowell, opening up on Commercial Avenue next to KFC. The construction for the business has been long awaited, which has been in process since last summer! Many students and teachers at Lowell High School have been anxiously anticipating the opening, ready to get their morning coffee before class, but others are not as thrilled. There is some concern amongst the students who use Commercial Avenue to get to school.

Jonathan Budz spoke on Dunkin’ Donuts without much enthusiasm on the opening. He expressed concern regarding the travel to school saying, “I care because of the traffic it causes.” While some students who have been hoping for a more accessible coffee shop on the way to school find it to be a positive change, others find it as a nuisance.

Some have even expressed concern for the small businesses in town, who may find it hard to compete with a big name such as Dunkin’ Donuts. Jillian Koteles says, “I have never been to Old Dog, but Dunkin’, having a drive-through, makes it easier than small businesses.” The convenience and location of the coffee shop, while in the busiest part of town, still is a convenient spot for high school students. Owen Smith, who has visited the Dunkin’ Donuts in town, had a positive experience. He said, “It’s pretty solid. They got decent coffee, pretty good ice cream, good donuts. I like it, and I think it’s in a good spot.” When asked to elaborate on the location, he acknowledged that although the flow of traffic may be interrupted, it’s “not hard to get to.”

The overall consensus of the opening of Dunkin’ Donuts is skewed, with some students thrilled, some bothered, and some completely indifferent. Only time will tell if the Dunkin’ becomes a staple hotspot in our small town amongst the younger crowd!

Modern Minute

Alix Earle: An inside look at influencers

by Adeline Vaught

Alix Earle, the most popular girl on Tiktok currently, is making almost six figures off singular brand deals and sponsorships she obtains from her platform, which has recently gone viral. It all started with her videos such as her GRWMs (Get ready with me), product reviews, and overall, her fabulous life as a wealthy University of Miami student. Tiktokkers all over continuously obsess over her lifestyle, her relatability, and her genuine personality that she portrays regardless of her platform. While this article isn't necessarily on Alix Earle specifically, rather about her life as an influencer, she is most definitely a great example to use. We’re going to dig deeper and take an inside look on how good influencers, especially on Tiktok, really have it.

First, the Post wants to touch on how they find their ‘career’ in the first place. To be blunt, it is almost pure luck to get what is called “Tiktok famous.” It is solely based on the Tiktok algorithm and the way their content maneuvers in users' feeds. However, these creators do have to display a slight talent for content creation such as relatability, keeping an interest for the viewers, and even trivial details such as lighting. Alix Earle’s popularity also comes from her plain-spoken Tiktoks about normal teenage things like struggling with acne, having a messy room, and not being organized or having her life figured out when most people unnecessarily feel like they should. Influencers are making an unbelievable amount of money from their platforms due to their ability to do exactly that, influence. Brands are constantly running toward influencers and paying them immense amounts of money for a simple advertisement. There are rumors on Tiktok claiming that Alix Earle charges roughly 40k-70 thousand dollars per advertisement. While that is good for her, it is more insane that brands are overly-willing to pay that amount due to these influencers selling their products, and selling them well, due to their review videos. It is safe to say that some

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Modern Minute Tiktok influencers embrace “dupes”

by Morgan Laumeyer

Influencers across social media, especially Tiktok, have been embracing cheaper options or “dupes”. The word, “dupe” is short for a duplicate. This means that many people have been buying cheaper but similar options of trending items. Most duped items are makeup, with common expensive brands like Charlotte Tillbury being replaced with drugstore brands like e.l.f.

Many popular influencers made videos with their favorite dupes, causing many products to sell out. Over the past weeks, a comedy trend has exploded on Tiktok. Tiktok users will walk into a store like Walmart or Target, find a cheap alternative to an expensive trend, and say the phrase, “(Product) Dupe!” The trend has escalated to users finding random or silly items and still saying “dupe” afterward, but with an exaggerated loud pronunciation: “DOOP”.

Many other trends are duped, but there are some trends where the original product cannot be replaced. Listed below are LHS’s’ top winter trends, ranked by popularity.

UGGS - The top Christmas gift of ’22. UGGS of a few different styles were sold out and on backorder due to the Christmas demand. A few styles have been trending which include Tasman Slippers; Classic Ultra Mini boot; and Neumal Boot.

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Diversity Matters

Supporting students on the spectrum

by Mia McMillan

Every one in forty-four children in the United States are diagnosed with autism, with the majority being enrolled in general education schools. Most general education teachers haven’t been taught sufficient autism-related materials and during the school year, professional development specific to autism is rarely mandatory or existent. This leads to even the best teachers being unsure how to properly understand and be able to support their students with autism. In this article, readers can find helpful resources to create an effective learning environment for the whole class, even students not on the spectrum will find advice to help them understand and help their peers.

Having a good understanding of an autistic student is essential in helping them succeed in the classroom. In order to do this, it is important to take the time to speak with those who know the student well, such as family members and any previous teaching staff. The sooner those conversations can be held, preferably at the start of the year, the more beneficial it will be for both the teacher and the student. Through these conversations, teachers can gain valuable information about a student's special interests, habits, and sensory issues. Autistic students are more likely to experience overstimulation of their environment due to the difficulty of processing sensory information. Creating a comfortable space where these students can focus on learning without fear of being overwhelmed is crucial for their education. This can look

Quirks of History Mongols and Morality

By Hannah Cano

In the period 1200 to 1400, a nomadic group of Turkish people controlled much of the Asian continent, forming the largest land empire in world history to date. By brutally pillaging an entire continent, they ended the lives of 40 million people, the highest death toll committed by a singular group of people in history. Despite killing two thirds of the entire Asian population, people still view their conquests as a positive good rather than a necessary evil. The gravity of the death toll alone as a fact is astounding, yet it is repeatedly buried under a heap of factoids about the relatively positive things the Mongols achieved along the way. To say the Mongols has a positive impact on the world is to say that yes, mass murder occurred, but it shouldn’t be the end all be all of our final judgements. However, to say that we should spend the rest of our lives condemning this atrocity to no end is unrealistic and not a practice historians imply when researching topics like these. However, it is worth noting that many have adopted and ingrained the belief that atrocities that are committed for the greater good are something society should deem as a ‘necessary evil’. Time and time again this notion that progress is always worth its price is something that has plagued humanity since the dawn of time. Notable examples include the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki for the sake of ending a war and getting involved in Vietnam for the preservation of western civilization. The Mongol invasion of Asia and the deplorable atrocities committed are overlooked for the sake that progress was made afterward. So, when left up to the mercy of morality, this event is often debated amongst scholars. The question remains, and is one that is still debated today, centuries later: Is human life expendable when progress can be made?

Courts and Fields

Sitting down with Lady Red Devil stars on the court: Boyer and Carter head up strong girls basketball program

by Hailey Moore and Payton Williams

The girls basketball team are off to a good start this year with a win streak of two. After their win on Monday the 18th, Payton Williams and Hailey Moore interviewed Seniors Braelyn Carter and Reilly Boyer. When asked what her goal for this season was, Boyer said, “My goal for this season was to not get injured and finish the season healthy. It was also a goal of mine to enjoy the last season of basketball that I will ever play.” Last year, Boyer suffered a season ending injury from a torn ACL and meniscus. But Boyer fought to be able to play again this year and did great in her recovery. Carter and Boyer have been a part of the girls basketball team for all four years of their high school careers. The Post asked Carter how she has grown over these 4four years, and she said, “Over the four years, I have grown as a player by improving my skills and obtaining a tougher mentality. Basketball teaches you many life lessons that stay with you for the rest of your life.” Senior year is a great time for people, but it can go by fast if they don’t slow down. We asked Carter what her favorite part of senior season has been, and she responded, “My favorite part of my senior season has to be the overnight tournaments, the team meals, or really anything that involves our team chemistry because it is truly unmatchable this year. A personal favorite memory for me this season is when I hit the buzzer beater shot against Lebanon to win the game. I will never forget that. But my favorite part of the season is playing with my best friend for the last time.” These girls have grown up through basketball and grown into amazing people. But basketball is not just about skill. When asked what makes a good basketball player good, Carter said, “In my opinion, a good basketball player not only has talent, but they also obtain the qualities of hard work, perseverance, and much more. Girls basketball is one of the longest sports seasons so a good player has to have a strong mentality to push through the season and come out on the brighter side”. Throughout this season, these girls have shown hard work and commitment. With an upcoming game soon, Boyer said, “I think the next game will be challenging but I think we can win. To accomplish this we need everyone to show up ready to play and with lots of energy. We all have a lot of trust in each other and know what we are capable of, we just need to perform as a team.”

The 2022-2023 girls basketball team is one of the best in recent memory, and clearly, they have outstanding chemistry sparked by two outstanding seniors.

Courts and Fields

Damar Hamlin’s heart attack casts pall over Buffalo’s season

by Joey Paternostro

On January 2nd, the top-ranked Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals were scheduled for a Monday night football game. It was supposed to be the game of the week and was going to be watched by everyone. The game started out as planned. The offenses were thriving and each defense had its moments to shine. However, this only lasted for a short time. If

a reader didn’t see it live, the Post will break it down for you. There were six minutes lef in the 1st quarter, and the Bengals had a routine play over the middle of the field, a simple slant route by Tee Higgins. But when Higgins turned up the field afer the catch, he made contact with 2nd-year cornerback, Damar Hamlin. Hamlin made the tackle and got up as usual. But less than five seconds later, he fell back to the ground, hard. It looked to be that he had a concussion or was dizzy in the least, but this was far from the truth. He was on the field for sixteen minutes. He was surrounded by his teammates and players from the Bengals, so there are no camera shots of him being treated by medics. However, viewers can see the looks and emotions on the players on both teams' faces and can tell something was seriously wrong. It was later revealed that Hamlin needed CPR, not once, but twice, in order to get into the ambulance. He was rushed to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he was in critical condition until Wednesday when he awoke. Doctors determined he suffered from cardiac arrest on the field, and it was later determined he suffered from commotio cordis. This is a medical condition where blunt force trauma to the chest causes cardiac arrest or death. He’s progressively gotten better since Monday the 2nd. He transferred to Buffalo General a few days ago and now has officially been released. He is rehabbing at home with his family. The football game between the Bengals and Bills was not played that night. They in fact canceled that game and never rescheduled it. Both teams made the playoffs. Hamlin was on hand to watch his Bills fall to the Bengals. However, everyone is praying and playing for Damar that he makes a full recovery and can progress in time for next football season.

Courts and Fields

Girls Varsity Swimming

2nd in the NCC

Crown Point 129, Lowell 57

Lowell 134, Knox 36

Lowell 174, North Newton 69

Lowell 174, Calumet New Tech 64

Lowell 130, Merrillville 34

Lowell 121, Highland 52

Twin Lakes 112, Lowell 73

Culver Academies 126, Lowell 59

Munster 125, Lowell 119

Lowell 119, Hobart 61

Gymnastics

Lake Central 200.85, Lowell 199.05

7th at the Plymouth Invitational

1st at the Hobart Invitational

Boys Wrestling

Rensselaer 46, Lowell 24 NCC Champions

Lowell 57, Hanover Central 18

Lowell 57, Munster 15

12th of 32 at the Al Smith Invitational

Lowell 81, Andrean 0

Lowell 60, Kankakee Valley 24

FFA continued from page 4

beneficial club because it helps introduce people to our earth. By joining FFA, you can learn so much about different types of animals and plants. I personally have learned a ton about different types of livestock and their differences.” Duensing also says, “FFA is very beneficial because it allows students to have new experiences that most would never have been able to have. For me personally, it has allowed me to fall in love with the agricultural community and has opened my eyes to different futures in agriculture. With this, it has also helped me be more proud of who I am and know where I want to go and what I want to be in the future.” Cross was also asked why she believes FFA has such a large impact on others, and her response was that “FFA is an extremely beneficial student-led organization to our members! Not only do they get real-world career experiences and make contacts within the agriculture industry, they also get to meet people from all over the world! When we are out and about competing, we always take time to visit colleges, agribusinesses, employers, farms, research facilities, and other educational outlets to explore our interests. There are many scholarships offered to FFA members, and many organizations even offer special internships and learning opportunities just for those that hold a membership. Our Members get to meet many local employers, and that can give them a leg up when looking for jobs or volunteer experiences. For some of our members FFA is the only way that they actually get to be around livestock, industry professionals, and around agricultural equipment. Once a month at our business meetings we cook a huge family-style supper and we relax while discussing important topics to the chapter and wrap up with a game or fun community service project!”

Obviously, the FFA classes have already successfully accomplished a lot this year. Cross addresses that “this fall, our FFA members volunteered over 20 hours in our community so far to help with a company’s family event, provided Christmas presents to a local foster child, and provided apples for every single elementary schooler in Tri-Creek School Corporation! We placed very well in all of our livestock competitions, and even had an FFA Member place in the Top 5 at our Job Interview Contest!” FFA has also had the opportunity to grow produce in the greenhouse, as Claus says that she is proud of the carrots that she has harvested.

The Red Devil Post asked Duensing and Claus what projects they are excited about in the future, and both replied with the opportunity to attend the Indiana FFA State Convention next year. Duensing says that she enjoys the convention because “it is such a fun and life-changing trip that I can’t wait to experience it again.” The state convention is held at Purdue University, and all students are “able to hang out with FFA members from all over the state, while getting to meet and work with professors all over campus,” Cross writes.

In warmer weather, the FFA program also tries to squeeze in a few fun trips during the spring and summer. Cross says that “we are planning a hiking trip for this summer; last summer we went to the zoo and beach!”

FFA is always open to new members joining, as they have been working very hard to improve their chapter. “FFA welcomes all of LHS’ students, and we love getting to meet new people!” Cross says. FFA has done a lot for our community already, and they plan to do much more. They are passionate, fun, and take pride in what they do. Claus says that “FFA is not just for the “hicks” of Lowell; it’s for everyone.”

Productivity continued from page 5

night before is get the next day’s outfit and school bag ready and set up for the morning. This eliminates the potential last minute scrambling in the morning as well as making it less likely to leave behind something important such as a school laptop. Now that we have touched up on the things students can do the night before an up and coming successful day, let's talk about the day off. When a student wakes up, it is very important that they do the following: shower, eat breakfast, and get ready. Now, maybe one of those things may not be one person’s thing. If so, here are some substitutions and just straight up suggestions to add to the morning. Something active such as yoga, or stretching, or meditation. Just simply taking 20 minutes for the self and simply just sipping a cup of coffee with no screen time, verbal time with family, nothing; just be alone with thoughts for a few minutes. The most important part when it comes to these steps in the morning is the consistency and the ability to make it a routine. Once it becomes a routine, these are the benefits for the rest of everyday life. Studies have shown that these benefits are: Reduced anxiety, reduced stress, more time to relax, and students will also find themselves being able to fall asleep much easier. These all of course lead to better mental health! So what would it hurt to give some of these tactics a try and make a busy life much easier? Remember the old but gold saying, “Consistency is Key!”

Dorm room continued from page 5

And, don’t forget to visit the Container Store for inventive storage like a laundry hamper, shoe rack hangers, plastic bags, backpacks, and flash drives. Remember how nasty the dorm floor kitchen can be? So, make sure your student has their own coffee maker, mini fridge, and microwave. They’ll need paper towels, dry food, antibacterial wipes, a can opener, a travel mug, paper plates, napkins, and some type of eating utensils. And students need a full length mirror (unless it’s on the back of the dorm room’s door), air freshener, a vacuum or broom, a trash can, and push pins. And, finally. Let’s be honest; a first aid kit might come in handy.

Art continued from page 7

American artist and sculptor who grew up in Minnesota. Spending most of his career in South Florida, he is known for his sculptures of hyperrealistic, life-sized people. He takes people from real life and creates an identical version of them. He stands as one of the most well-known sculptors of realism, photorealism, and modern art. It was very cool to research Hanson’s work. His work really shows that appearance can be deceiving, and behind everyone’s face is a different story. He is a very talented sculptor and makes all his work look close to human. Mr. Gianotti told his AP class that he went to an art museum and saw someone go up to one of Hanson’s sculptures to talk to it, mistaking it for a person. Freaky, right?

It was nice for AP Lang students to get a break from practicing timed writings and their multiple choice skills to explore something a little different. This project challenged analysis skills and forced AP students to see things with a different eye. In class, and it turns out in real life as well, analyzing evidence and photos is something people spend a lot of time perfecting. And AP students now know that if they ever go to an art museum and see a Duane Hanson sculpture, they should not approach it and start a conversation unless they want the security guards and docents to laugh at them!

Scheduling continued from page 7

and Trigonometry with Mr. Magley for his great teaching experience and is looking forward to its dual credit opportunities. John is mostly going off other students' experiences, who testify it is a blast.

Ryder Janota is eager to partake in AP Physics to continue his study in the sciences after taking AP Chemistry.

Cooper Benton is looking forward to Auto II as well to continue his path in the trades.

Both Peter Kotlin and Seth Bakker are looking forward to taking both AP Calculus and AP Statistics at the same time to further their knowledge of math and to have a good year with Mrs. Swinford.

Mikey Vitols is looking forward to AP Chemistry and the fun labs it contains. Choose classes wisely this winter to ensure a successful ’23-’24 school year.

Spectrum continued from page 16 like even simple things like allowing headphones in the class, dimming the lights, or making policies from spraying perfumes or colognes.

Something else to keep in mind is that change can be more difficult for autistic students than their peers. For this reason, teachers might consider giving them as much notice and structure as possible when changes occur. Teachers can do this by going over the daily schedule at the beginning of class or providing warnings before substitute teachers come in when they are available to do so. This way, students have time to adjust to the circumstances. During actual class time, teachers can incorporate alternative ways of expressing understanding with the use of technology or physical items, such as whiteboards. Doing this allows students to express their knowledge through visual elements, which can encourage active participation, no matter the background or skill level. Teachers can support all students while providing a stimulating and welcoming learning environment.

In an ideal classroom setting, teachers should strive to create an inclusive environment where all students feel valued and respected. Turning a classroom into a place for all learners ensures that each student has the same opportunities for success both now and in the future. Inclusivity allows every child to have their voice heard without fear, something all children should have access to regardless of neurological diversity. Utilizing the different strategies and tools available provides an environment of equal access to quality education.

Influencers continued from page 14

influencers, depending on their amount of followings, are making more than doctors, and even surgeons.

However, while the money is undeniably great, most people don’t think about the negative impact on these influencers. It is undeniable that social media has its detriments. When social media becomes someone's job, it is impossible for these content creators to escape the negativity. While most people might be blindly jealous of influencers, it is important to take a step back and think about how these creators are doing mentally because of their job routine. Some creators gain a mass following, and they do things such as dropout of college and quit their jobs. While they probably don't need the extra money as long as they’re popular on Tiktok, they still run the risk of irrelevancy.

Taking a deeper look into the blinding lights of social media, it is interesting to see what truly lies beneath these influencers' content. Their everyday everything is not always as it seems. These creators may make their online cash flow seem amazing, but after all, that is their job: to influence their audience.

Richneck continued from page 12

said they saw a gun. Parents, teachers, and community members made their frustrations known at a Newport News, Virginia School Board meeting Tuesday night after the 6-year-old student intentionally shot his first grade teacher during class earlier this month. Complaints to the school and county leaders about safety, bullying, and security fell on deaf ears prior to the shooting. “This should have been isolated beforehand to prevent Ms. Zwerner from getting hurt because she was defending and protecting your children,” says a participant at the school board meeting. “You guys should have been defending her- protecting her when whoever came in [and] said that their was a possible weapon in that child’s backpack.” “Listen to your teachers. Listen to your staff. Listen to them when they’re asking for help,” she adds. Someone who works as a special education teacher in another school district noted that the shooting “didn’t happen because Ms. Zwerner wasn’t doing everything that she could to provide support to her students. This happened because a weapon was reported, behavior concerns were also reported, and the administration did not take them seriously.”

In an article, OnYourSideWavy.com, there is a letter posted that is from the family members of the 6-year-old by, but can’t be confirmed if it’s truly their letter. It states that the family did indeed have the hand gun locked up and put away. The family member's state, “Our family has always been committed to responsible gun ownership and keeping firearms out of the reach of children.” They also stated that their 6-year-old boy suffers from an, “Acute disability and was under a care plan at the school that included his mother or father attending school with him and accompanying him to class everyday.” On the week of the shooting, the family stated that it was the first week they were not with the child.

The puzzle pieces to this situation are not adding up. First, the family members of the 6-year-old boy involved in the shooting stated, but cannot be confirmed, that the handgun was locked away. Police don’t know for sure how the handgun was obtained due to laws and regulations regarding personal information from the police. 6-year-olds’ brains aren’t fully developed. They still have a lot of things to learn and are just beginning to be a part of a school learning environment. So if this gun was locked up, the parents must have told their son how to access it or the boy had seen the parents unlock whatever the gun was in. It's very odd that this situation took place the day that the parents were not with the boy. They could have easily kept the boy at home because they weren’t able to attend school with him. They could have had someone else watching him during school with the disability that was said, but cannot be confirmed. Schools have stated that if any rumors or things were said about a student having a gun in their bag or anything that could harm themselves or others will be restricted to administrations’ knowledge and then probably searched by police. Safety protocols LHS takes as a school were not taken into consideration at Richneck Elementary School after someone saw a gun in this boy’s bag. He got checked, but nothing was found. He could have easily hid it, or the staff member who searched didn’t check properly, which is why police should have been involved right away. The parents and staff members have a right to be angry. They are putting their kids, family members, and themselves at risk.

The schools in Newport News, Virginia have now decided to put safety protocols up including metal detectors after this being the third shooting on school grounds in Newport News in the last eighteen months. Hopefully the teacher that was shot and family members of the teacher get justice for a wrongful protocol not being followed and a situation that shouldn’t have happened.

Gen Z continued from page 9

than the teens at LHS. However, Mrs. Kozma states, "They seemed more mature and ready for the future back then”. She goes on to explain how this could be because she was younger back then. The students were closer to her age than they are now.

Respect is accepting someone for who they are even when a person may not agree with them. Mr. Gianotti tells the Red Devil Post, “Were kids really being respectful when it was out of fear? Back when I started, kids got in huge trouble for voicing concerns or just being themselves. So, they were “respectful," but in their heads, they were probably like, forget you.” He goes on to say, “I'd say respect is the wrong word here. Kids today are more authentic and honest than they were twenty years ago.”

Teens are allowed to get away with a lot more stuff and the consequences aren't as harsh. For example, cheating is a lot easier than it used to be. Mrs. Houser tells the Red Devil Post, “I believe there are a lot of people who mistreat and misunderstand youth.” She goes on to state, "For someone to think kids are less respectful, I think that it stems from misunderstanding the power struggles that could probably be avoided.” She goes on to say that she also feels they have the same level of disrespect as they used to. I find it interesting that two staff members both feel that students can be misunderstood when it comes to respecting authority figures. Though many staff believe that students have the same amount of respect, Mrs. Kozma states, "I started teaching 28 years ago. I would say there have always been disrespectful students, but they were definitely more respectful when I first started teaching.”

I found it very interesting that I got such mixed responses on respect, maturity, mental health, and physical health. It shows that everyone has a personal perspective on all situations. To say that students at LHS completely stink nowadays is invalid. To say that students are perfect also isn't true. Thank you so much to everyone that responded to my questions! I hope that everyone understands that situations and times always change. There will always be a battle between good and bad. It's what we choose to change and improve that helps us thrive.

Dupes continued from page 15

Stanley cups - These cups rose to fame due to the cute colors, the ability to keep drinks cold, the built in handle, and the shape–which conveniently allows it to be place in in a cup holder.

Puffer Vests - Puffer vests are a basic garment that people can add to any outfit for a pop of style. Vests are popular during the colder months because they are cozy without the bulk of a winter coat.

Embracing dark hair color - Many LHS’ students have held back on retouching their roots this winter, and instead gone for a darker color that resembles their natural shade. This allows them to grow their hair out without having to worry about expensive upkeep and damage, which keeps hair healthier and banks fuller as a double bonus.

Flare pants - Flare jeans and leggings have skyrocketed in popularity in 2022 and are only becoming more popular as the temperature gets colder. Flare pants have become more popular due to the flattering silhouette with a fun 70s style. Flare leggings are comfy and can be worn with a sweatshirt or casual t-shirt. Flare jeans are cute and can be rocked in a casual or dressed up look.

Lululemon cross-body bag - These bags are a variation of the fanny pack, but are worn like the title says, across the body. These come in many colors, but black is the most common. These bags rose to popularity this winter because they are sleek and go with any outfit, but are also great at holding a lot of items.

Natural, glowy makeup - Many beauty influencers have embraced skincare over makeup, and have started to show what real skin looks like, without filters or heavy foundation. Instead, a light glowy base is trending. This glowy base enhances features and also hydrates the skin, which allows it to be healthier.

Mental health over beauty standards - Social media and the beauty standards that come from it are made up to be perfect. Pictures that celebrities post on the internet have been hand selected and edited by a skilled team. This causes insecurities in young, easily influenced people. Mental health has become a very talked about topic over the past years. Social media influencers have begun to open up about their own struggles with mental health, which may influence viewers to also recognize that is is okay to not be perfect.

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