Skier Scribbler - December 2024 by skierscribbler

THE SKIER SCRIBBLER

Lenna Persson’s Jouney to the D1 Dream

Houston Benvenuto, Staff Writer

AHS senior Lenna Persson achieved impressive success in her high school golf career, leading the girl’s team to a second-place finish at the state championship in 2023, and individually winning regionals three times (22’, 23’, and 24’). With a challenging schedule of athletics and academics, she is a perfect example of a student-athlete balancing multiple passions.

Her golf journey began with high school tournaments, but her drive for competition took her to compete with players in the Colorado Junior PGA and the American Junior Golf Association where she played against more skilled opponents.

“Whenever I play tournaments with better players, I play better. It pushes me to reach my full potential,” Persson said. She has shown her full potential in these tournaments as she is a 3x COJPGA champion with impressive scores diving into the low 70s.

However, golf isn’t Persson’s only focus. She’s also a dedicated mogul skier with a Duals Junior Nationals Championship win. Additionally, she is AHS’s student senate vice president. “Balancing everything is tough, but I keep a planner to stay organized and communicate with my teachers,”

Persson said.

She has developed strong time management skills to balance her academic and athletic commitments, sometimes missing multiple school weeks at a time for sports.

With impressive achievements in her heavy workload, she decided to pursue her golf and academic career at South Dakota State University.

“South Dakota’s facilities and support for athletes are incredible. I know I can improve a lot there,” Persson said.

The school’s division 1 golf team in the competitive Summit League conference makes SDSU a great choice for her. She will have the opportunity to work her way up, competing with teammates who consistently perform at a high level.

“I’m excited to be in a challenging environment where I won’t automatically be the number one player on the team,” Persson said.

She emphasized that NCSA recruitment was the most important and effective tool to help her get recruited.

“I never would have thought I would go to South Dakota State, but I messaged the coach on NCSA, and we got a phone call. NCSA helped me build relationships with coaches, then set up dates to visit them, see the campus,

NEWS

A Balancing Act: Students and Part-Time Jobs

Page 2

OPINION

Less is More: How to Stop Over Consumption

Page 4

OPINION

and then ultimately make my decision which I’m really excited for.” Persson said.

As she prepares to leave AHS and start her journey at the collegiate level, she is focused on improving her golf game, specifically her under-100-yard shots.

“These short shots are challenging because they require a lot of control and tempo, which I’m working hard to master,” Persson said.

For those considering college athletics, she recommends not being discouraged by setbacks and finding joy in the academic and athletic process.

“I often heard that I was behind on recruitment, but my mom was my biggest supporter… I genuinely love being in the student senate, and I find joy in all of our events, that’s what I would recommend, finding joy in what you decide to do” Persson said.

Hanukkah isn’t the Jewish Christmas - What is Hanukkah and How is it Misunderstood?

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A&E

Bring Back Real Rom-Coms

Bring back real rom-coms: Clueless, The Notebook, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Sleepless in Seattle, Bridget Jones’s Diary, Notting Hill, The Proposal, Pretty Woman, 10 Things I Hate About You. All of these movies are absolute classics. Must-sees for everyone and guaranteed to lift your spirits, hopes, and expectations.

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The Skier Scribbler’s Editors and Advisors

Editors-in-Chief: Quin Frisch, Gia Galindo Bartley, and Sara Kershow

Writing Editors: Owen Cruz-Abrams, Sydney Klausmann, Sara Michelin, Marley Rich, Haley Schmela, and Chase Slesinger-Hall Advisor: Sarah Ward

Courtesy of Peter Persson

Lenna Persson swings her club in St. George at the Falcon Ridge Golf Course on Oct. 29 2024.

Edwin Ryerson’s Path to Harvard University

Houston Benvenuto, Staff Writer

Recent AHS Alum, Edwin Ryerson, is a freshman at Harvard University. Ryerson’s journey to Harvard required balancing academics, community involvement, and high-level Nordic skiing.

“Honestly, skiing helped a lot in my application process. Growing up in Aspen we have a unique experience that’s different from any other place,” Ryerson said.

As a member of the Harvard ski team, his accomplishments prove to be impressive, from representing the Rocky Mountain Nordic Junior National Team to placing third in the U18/20 skate sprint junior national qualifier. While skiing was crucial to his recruitment process, he wasn’t accepted to Harvard for just that. Ryerson’s commitment to the local community around him added an important aspect to his application.

“I wrote a lot about being in a ski town and about climate change, which is a big issue here,” Ryerson said.

He emphasized how his background in a mountain town and his dedication to skiing made his story and applications stand out. Ryerson took on challenging subjects throughout AHS including multivariable calculus which he took online during his junior year. However, he said that his journey wasn’t just about grades or challenging courses.

“Grades are important, but a lot of students applying to top schools have strong grades. It’s about what else you do,” Ryerson said.

One notable extracurricular in Ryerson’s applications was founding the school’s Alcohol and Drug Awareness Club. Ryerson noticed that alcohol and drugs were a rising problem in the valley, creating the club showcased his role as a leader and desire to make a positive impact in the community.

“It’s really about finding one big extracurricular and dedicating a lot of time to it, for me, that was skiing. But I also made time for things that broadened my interests.” Ryerson said.

In addition to his passion for community involvement, Ryerson volunteered over 80 hours at the Anderson Art Ranch, where he worked on art and 3D printing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite initially being deferred from early emissions, and then waitlisted, Ryerson didn’t give up on his dream

of attending Harvard. He received news that Harvard was still interested after already committing to Williams College. Without hesitation, he wrote a letter of continued interest that night and updated the admissions team on his recent volunteer work and achievements. This eventually paid off as he received an acceptance email from them just two nights later.

In his first semester at Harvard, he spends time each week on “problem sets” in math, economics, and computer science, but credits AHS´s International Baccalaureate courses as good preparation for college classes. These are the most rigorous courses AHS provides and are similar to advanced placement (AP) classes.

“Honestly, IB math, history, and English really set me up for success here. Aspen High´s IB classes are a great baseline for college,” Ryerson said.

When asked what advice he would offer to other Aspen High students hoping to attend a top university, he clearly advised authenticity.

“Embrace who you are. Lean into what you love and where you come from,” Ryerson said.

He also encourages students not to let the stress of college applications take away from their high school years.

“It’s important to remember that wherever you end up, it will be great. Let the work be a natural part of who you are, not just a means to an end,” Ryerson said.

Former AHS Students Share Their Hurricane Helene Experiences

As Hurricane Helene struck Florida on September 26th, two Aspen High School former students and Tampa residents had fascinating experiences as they faced the challenges brought by the powerful Category 4 hurricane passing right through Tampa.

Eric Pearce, a former AHS sophomore and current senior golfer at IMG Academy, described his fear when seeing Hurricane Helene on the news.

“I go to IMG, which is right on the water. It was definitely scary. The hurricane disrupted our normal routines with academics and athletics,” Pearce said. IMG Academy is located 45 minutes outside Tampa Bay and canceled classes and instructed students to evacuate. Pearce and his family decided to travel to Miami, which was outside of the storm’s path, but the evacuation process was challenging.

“It usually takes about four hours to drive to Miami, but it took us seven. We left on Monday, two days before the storm, because gas stations were running out of gas,” Pearce said.

According to CNN, nearly 30% of Florida gas stations were without fuel, with 77.5% of the shortages reported in the Tampa Area.

Hurricane Helene caused significant damage at IMG Academy. A part of the

room in the basketball gym collapsed.

While the school works to repair the facilities, students are taking their classes online.

“We’ve already had two weeks off and are expected to miss another two weeks because of the damage, but they’re still not entirely sure. For now, I only have optional golf practices” Pearce said.

Since weeks of school have been lost, IMG is expected to take away days from Thanksgiving break to make up classes.

In addition to Pearce’s struggles, Juliet Jansen has had similar issues. Jansen lived in Aspen for the majority of her life and attended her freshman year of high school at AHS in 2022-23. She is now in eleventh grade and lives in Tampa Bay with her family. Her family did not evacuate when the first storm warnings came out. However, they decided to leave after the conditions worsened.

“We didn’t react much because previous hurricanes had died down before hitting, but once we saw it was going to hit Tampa hard, we evacuated to Tallahassee to stay with my brother,” Jansen said.

Before leaving, Jansen’s family gathered all their belongings off the ground floor of their house and put them upstairs to avoid flooding. The storm caused excessive flooding in many areas and homes in Tampa, so their decisions proved to be wise. As Tampa recovers

Photo by Gia Galindo Bartley

Edwin Ryerson giving a speech at the Aspen High School Class of 2024 Graduation.

Houston Benvenuto, Staff Writer

from Hurricane Helene, Pearce and Jansen are working their way back to normal routines after disrupted weeks.

Courtesy of IMG Academy

IMG Academy coach helping clean up athletic facilities after Hurricane Helene.

A Balancing Act: Students and Part-Time Jobs

Greta Holton, Staff Writer

Aspen is incredibly fortunate to have a community that goes out of its way to support its young residents. One of the key ways this support is shown is through the many job opportunities local businesses offer to Aspen High School students, no matter their prior work experience. Aspen’s tight-knit community and business owners understand the importance of helping young people gain work experience, which not only helps students financially but also provides them with valuable life skills. This shows a commitment to the youth that is truly special.

Many high school students in Aspen demonstrate the mature ambition of seeking job opportunities in the newspaper, bulletin boards, or word of mouth. It’s impressive to see teenagers eager to work and contribute to the local economy, while also managing their schoolwork and extracurricular activities. However, balancing a job with the other demands of high school life can be incredibly challenging. High school is one of the busiest times in a young person’s life, filled with IB class homework, fall/ winter/spring sports, clubs, home chores, and social activities. For seniors, the workload is even heavier as they juggle college applications, scholarship essays, and make future plans.

Students spend roughly eight hours a day in school, and once you factor in after-school activities, such as two to three hours of sports practices or club meetings after school, they only have so many hours left to fit in work. This makes time management a critical skill. Students who work must learn to make the most of their limited time, often sacrificing social events or relaxation to make everything fit. It’s an incredible

routine that works for you, and once you do, it gets easier.”

Jobs in the local restaurant scene are another popular choice for AHS students. Restaurants like Campo de Fiori, Mezzaluna, and Unravel often hire high schoolers to work as waiters, bussers, baristas, or kitchen assistants. This is not exclusive to Aspen, the Free Range Kithcen in Basalt in almost entirely staffed by Basalt and Carbondale students. These jobs offer students a fast-paced environment where they can learn how to work under pressure, collaborate with a team, and provide excellent customer service. Restaurant work also teaches students how to handle money, follow orders, and take on a variety of responsibilities at once, which are all valuable skills for any future job.

thing that employers look for in every industry, and students who have it will be better prepared for the workforce after graduation. Whether they choose to continue working through college or start their careers right after high school, they will have a head start thanks to the experience they gained while balancing school and work.

balancing act and those who manage it well gain skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

AHS students work in a variety of businesses around town, and these parttime jobs span many different industries. Some of the most popular fields for student employment include retail, restaurants, hospitality, and babysitting. Working in retail is a common choice for many students, offering them handson experience in customer service and sales. Businesses like Aviator Nation, O2 Aspen, Pitkin County Dry Goods, and Mystix often hire high school students, allowing them to learn how to interact with customers, handle money, and help keep the store organized. These jobs are often students’ first introduction to the world of work, giving them practical experience they can carry into their future careers.

Anna Dangler, a senior at Aspen High School, shared her thoughts on balancing school with her job at O2 Aspen, where she works as a front desk attendant.

“I love having a job after school,” Dangler said. “It gives my life extra structure and the freedom to spend my own earnings. I feel more independent knowing that I’m working hard and getting paid for it, and it’s honestly fun getting to know the people who come into the store.”

When asked about how she balances everything, Dangler explained, “It’s definitely not easy. I have school from 8 to 3, and then I usually have some kind of activity after that, whether it’s tennis practice or homework that needs to be done. But I try to fit my work shifts in on weekends or after my activities, and I’ve gotten really good at planning my week in advance. It’s all about finding a

Many students also choose babysitting or working at the farmers’ market as flexible part-time jobs. Babysitting allows students to earn money while managing their own schedules, and it provides a lot of responsibility, as they are trusted with the care of young children. Working at the farmers’ market, meanwhile, gives students the opportunity to support local businesses while also gaining experience in customer service and sales. These jobs are especially popular among students who need more flexibility in their schedules.

For those interested in the hospitality industry, there are plenty of options as well. Establishments like The Meadows, Maroon Creek Club, Snowmass Club, and the Aspen Recreation Center often hire students for part-time roles in guest services, lifeguarding, or maintenance. These jobs provide an introduction to the world of hospitality, which is a huge industry in a town like Aspen, known for its tourism. Students working in these positions can learn how to interact with guests, ensure their satisfaction, and keep operations running smoothly. Lifeguarding, for example, requires a high level of responsibility and teaches students how to stay calm and composed in stressful situations.

Working during high school is not just about earning money; it’s about gaining skills that will be useful for years to come. Learning to balance school, work, and personal life builds a foundation for future success. By juggling multiple responsibilities, Aspen Highschool students learn how to manage their time, set realistic goals, and adapt to changing circumstances. Time management is one of the most valuable skills a person can have, and students who work part-time are often forced to learn it early on. They must figure out how to prioritize tasks and stay organized so they can meet deadlines, finish school assignments, and still have time for their job.

Working while still in high school also helps students develop a strong work ethic. They learn the value of showing up on time, working hard, and taking responsibility for their actions. These lessons are essential for success in any career. A strong work ethic is some-

The ability to manage multiple commitments goes beyond just making it through high school. It prepares students for the demands of adult life, where balancing work, personal life, and other responsibilities becomes even more important. For example, when students go to college, they’ll need to juggle coursework, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and social events—all without the same level of structure and support they had in high school. They’ll need to be self-disciplined and proactive in managing their time to ensure they succeed.

Later on, in their professional careers, students who have learned to balance multiple responsibilities will find it easier to navigate the complex demands of adulthood. Whether it’s balancing a full-time job with personal obligations, managing finances, or continuing to learn and grow in their career, the skills they develop while working during high school will serve them well. These skills also help students learn how to handle stress, which is another important part of thriving in adulthood. The ability to stay calm under pressure and manage multiple tasks without feeling overwhelmed is something that will benefit them in all aspects of life.

One of the biggest benefits of working while in high school is that it teaches students the importance of balance. They learn how to prioritize what’s important and focus on their long-term goals, rather than getting caught up in the day-today chaos of their busy schedules. This skill of balance is not just about surviving a packed schedule; it’s about thriving in it. It allows individuals to pursue their passions, maintain their well-being, and achieve a sense of fulfillment. Whether it’s managing time wisely, staying organized, or developing a strong work ethic, these lessons are invaluable as students prepare for the next chapter of their lives.

In the end, Aspen’s community plays a crucial role in helping its students gain these important life skills. By providing job opportunities and support, local businesses help students grow into responsible, hardworking adults. The opportunities that Aspen High School students have to work part-time give them the chance to develop the skills they need to succeed in both their personal and professional lives. In doing so, they are better prepared for college, their future careers and all the challenges adulthood will bring. With these valuable experiences under their belt, Aspen High School students are set up for a future full of achievements and opportunities.

Photo by Greta Holton

AHS Senior Anna Dangler working her desk job at O2 Aspen.

SKIER OPINION

Less is More: How to Limit Your Over Consumption

Sydney Klausmann, Writing Editor

Today US citizens buy five times more clothes than during the 1980s. The average US household has over 300,000 things, and the average American throws away 81.5 pounds of clothing annually. If every person on Earth lived this way we would need approximately 5.1 Earths to sustain ourselves. If this sounds shocking, it’s because it is. In recent years consumption levels in the US have risen exponentially. The way we are living now is not in a way our planet can sustain; a drastic change is needed. Don’t fret, while hearing these statistics may make the situation seem hopeless, I promise you it’s not. We don’t need to find a new planet or develop some sort of waste-destroying machine. All that is needed to limit your consumption and live sustainably are some changes to your everyday lifestyle. Here are three simple ways you can do so.

Put the END in Microtrend

Today, with social media apps like TikTok and Instagram, movements and ideas are shared rapidly. Microtrends are trends that gain a high amount of attention but for a fleeting amount of time. Many of these trends revolve around fashion and aesthetics and encourage viewers to buy a certain

of style in less than a month. One example of a microtrend is the surge in popularity of cowprint items in 2020, during this time, anything that had a cowprint on it was flying off the shelves. However, if you ask people about cow print today, many will say that, outside of the traditional Western style, it’s cringe and outdated. Where did all those cowprint items go? The answer to that question is most likely: shoved into the backs of closets, stuffed in bins in basements, in landfills, or in endless second-hand stores. This is why it’s important to think before you buy, to avoid endless waste as a result of a little trend. The next time a hot trend pops up on your feed, keep it in your cart for at least 24 hours before you buy. This time allows for that initial NEED NEED NEED mentality to wear off. Then you can ask yourself: do I really need this, or will it be out of style before it even arrives at my house?

Use Used

While we may be able to stop the impulse to buy on occasion, sometimes a certain product is necessary. Say, hypothetically, you are invited to a masquerade party, and you don’t have an outfit or mask. You’ll most likely never use these items again,

Instead of hopping onto Amazon and placing an order, take a more ethical approach. One way to do this is to ask around. You never know what people have stuffed away in their basements. What if your mom has a masquerade mask tucked away from a party she went to years ago, boom you already have one piece of your outfit! Another way to see what other people may be looking to get rid of is through apps like Facebook’s Marketplace which allow people in your area to buy and sell. The perfect party skirt could be up for sale from your neighbor two houses over, and now you have half your costume finished. All you need is some cute shoes and a corset top. One of the perfect places to find these items is your local thrift store. Not only are they easily accessible as there are over 28,849 in the US, but they’re also cost-effective and filled with gems. Now you have your entire outfit and it’s all second-hand or borrowed, effectively cutting your consumption for this event to zero! Thrift stores, online buyand-sell programs, and your friends’ closets are some of the most ethical ways to shop, and often times finding the perfect piece at a second-hand store is much more rewarding than buying it online.

Why you Should

Thrift More to Waste Less

Quintessa Frisch, Editor-in-Cheif

We have all fallen to the microtrends before - whether it be cow print, ultra-baggy jeans, or the 2019 VSCO phase you relentlessly deny. Fast fashion and micro trends have fueled a dizzying pace in the fashion industry, pushing consumers to frequently refresh their wardrobes to keep up with the latest fleeting styles. Yet, amidst this world where clothes are seen as disposable, it is time to rethink how we value what already exists in the world of fashion. Instead of constantly chasing the new, thrifting promotes a more sustainable approach to style - one that is good for our wallet, communities, and planet. The benefits of thrifting extend beyond personal savings or finding the perfect vintage piece. Thrifting is critical in addressing the environmental devastation caused by the fashion industry, which remains one of the world’s largest polluters. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions and consumes an estimated 93 billion cubic meters of water annually, enough to sustain five million people. The growth of secondhand shopping reflects a broader cultural shift towards sustainability. Choosing to thrift actively combats the cycle of waste by not only extending the life of these garments but also lessening the environmental cost of manufacturing new clothes.

According to ThredUp, an online marketplace for buying used clothing, shopping secondhand instead of new clothing can reduce a person’s carbon

footprint by up to 82%, primarily due to a decrease in emissions from production, transportation, and disposal. The process of manufacturing new clothing is incredibly resource-intensive, consuming vast amounts of water, chemicals, and energy. Thrifting has the remarkable ability to alleviate some of the most damaging environmental consequences of fast fashion. For example, the fashion industry is notorious for using synthetic fibers like polyester, which is derived from petroleum. These fibers are not biodegradable and contribute significantly to the accumulation of microplastics in the oceans. When you buy secondhand, you are virtually pulling garments out of circulation that would otherwise end up in landfills, reducing the pressure to produce another polyester garment. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a significant supporter of the circular economy, around 60% of the clothes that are thrown away contain synthetic materials, which release microplastics when washed, further contaminating our waterways and environment overall. One of the biggest misconceptions about thrifting is that it keeps you from staying on top of current fashion trends. Many people assume that secondhand shopping results in outdated styles, but the reality is that fashion is inherently circular. Styles considered fashionable today are most likely mirrors from past decades, whether in the form of oversized silhouettes reminiscent of the 1990s street style or the styles of low-rise jeans and baby tees that are considered fashionable today. However, brands ranging from outdoor retailers to luxury labels are in-

you desire. A dupe is a knockoff version of a popular product that is typically less expensive. However, buying dupes is one of the worst things you can do when you make a purchase as many of the companies who make them use cheap materials that won’t last long, factories and shipping that produce harmful chemicals and greenhouse gases, and unethical labor practices to save cost in the manufacturing process. If you want to buy an expensive product but are frustrated by the price take into consideration how the price reflects the production of the product. Take Patagonia for example, their fleeces cost an average of 139 dollars which may seem pricey at first glance but in actuality, the company uses recycled materials, grows all their virgin cotton organically, has over 85% of its clothing line made in Fair Trade certified factories, and have a Worn Wear program where they repair used clothes to prevent people from buying new ones. When you look at it that way, the price doesn’t seem bad in exchange for the positive practices that the company uses. So if you really want to buy something, buy from a company that uses sustainable and ethical products, and always do research on a company before buying from them.

There are some cases where you either must buy a product or feel that you would use it enough to thoroughly justify the purchase. In these cases, it may be tempting to buy a dupe of the product

With the holiday season coming up it’s especially important that you practice consumption-conscious and ethical shopping tactics. By using the tactics in this article you can ensure your gifting and receiving in a way that not only makes you happy but makes workers and the planet happy too.

shopping as part of their business model. Patagonia, for example, has long championed sustainability with its “Worn Wear” platform, encouraging customers to buy, sell, and trade used gear, extending the lifespan of its products and reducing waste.

Similarly, Gucci has partnered with the resale platform The RealReal to offer authenticated pre-owned items, making luxury fashion more sustainable. This collaboration not only allows customers to access rare, vintage pieces but also reflects Gucci’s commitment to circular fashion by giving garments a second life. Regardless of your style, buying secondhand offers a wide variety of pieces to match your personal style while contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing waste.

Even if environmental impact isn’t at the top of your list, thrift stores offer a

tions dedicated to supporting a Aspen Thrift Shop, for example, donates a large portion of its proceeds as grants to local organizations in the Roaring Fork Valley.

By choosing secondhand, you’re helping to reduce the environmental toll of fast fashion, cutting down on waste, conserving resources, and minimizing the demand for new garment production. Thrifting not only provides an opportunity to elevate your personal style but also an accessible opportunity to invest in the betterment of our planet, extending from local communities to global environmental issues. I urge you to join me in prioritizing secondhand shopping. The demand for environmental responsibility increases with each passing day, and while thrifting may seem like a small measure, it is an attainable and effective action toward confronting a much larger environmental crisis.

Is the Convenience of AI Worth the Impacts?

Sara Kershow,

Editor-in-Chief

Generative AI became widely recognized during my sophomore year of high school 2022-2023. In the wake of this new technology, I suffered through countless lectures about the ethical dilemmas surrounding the use of AI in schools. In those conversations, the environmental impact of AI did not come up. As my peers and teachers were finding ways to utilize the capabilities of AI to make life easier, the cost of convenience never crossed their minds.

Much like driving to school is easier than biking, but emits more pollution, the seemingly limitless power behind AI is dominating our power grid. It’s estimated one Chat-GPT query (Basically a question for a computer) uses 2.9 watts of electricity compared to 0.3 for an average Google search. The bulk of AI’s energy consumption comes from training done before it is even released to the public. This process consists of feeding the machine data curated to allow the AI to produce accurate and specific results to questions it may be asked. This becomes an issue when AI models need to be retrained frequently, making sure they have access to up-to-date information. But the impacts of AI don’t only come from the usage of AI, but the physical space it takes up. It’s easy to assume that ChatGPT and other AI models exist only in space or some imaginary ‘cloud’. But in reality, AI needs physical data centers. The infrastructure for AI and the ‘cloud’, accounts for more greenhouse gas emissions than all commercial flights globally in a year.

Water is also exploited within these giant data centers. Research suggests that the amount of water needed to cool machines located at Microsoft’s ChatGPT-3 is around 700,000 liters. That fills up about 583333.33 40oz Stanley cups. With the rapid rise of generative AI technologies, it may seem almost impossible to halt the damage these programs are doing to the environment, but it is possible. One of the first steps to lower AI’s footprint is to demand transparency from the large tech companies that control the AI market. It’s also important to recognize and promote the responsible use of AI. This may look like holding companies accountable for their footprint, using and training AI selectively as to not exploit the resources behind it, or opting for more eco-friendly search engines such as google.

Because AI is so new, there are no precedents for how to navigate the world of AI chatbots. It’s imperative that issues of plagiarism to deflecting workloads, and the heavy impacts on on energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and water use are addressed. Humans and AI can live together, but we must do so

SKIER OPINION

I Spy AI: A Guide to Spotting Artificial Generation

Sydney Klaussmann, Writing Editor

If you frequently use social media, odds are you’ve come across an AI-generated image. Sometimes it’s obvious that these images are AI as they depict things that are just too fantastical to be true, like an old lady riding on a motorcycle made entirely of yarn. However, as artificial intelligence continues to develop, you may unknowingly be liking and even sharing AI photos. These images can be created quickly, simply, and for little to no cost through various programs like Canva, which recently added a generative AI feature. All a person has to do is write a few props for their desired picture and the AI program mixes a variety of styles and content to fabricate an image.

Just recently during Hurricane Helene, an AI-generated photo of a young girl in a life vest holding a puppy went viral, with many reposting the photo and claiming the girl lost her family in the hurricane. This image caused a surge of fear and misinformation around the event which drew attention away from credible sources and concrete ways that people could help during the natural disaster.

However, there were many distinct features in the photo that pointed to AI generation. Knowing how to recognize these features could have helped prevent the image’s distribution. In this article, you will learn three tactics to help you spot and stop the spread of AI images for deceptive and malicious purposes.

1. Zoom In

Many of the cheaper and more accessible AI generation software create photos with inaccurate details such as legs, fingers, teeth, and accessories like glasses. So when you see a photo that you’re skeptical of, zoom in on the hands and face and look for small discrepancies. In many cases the subject will be missing a finger or have too many. For example in a popular deepfake of the Pope wearing a white puffy jacket, his right hand appears to only have two fingers and fails to properly grasp a coffee cup. If the subject of the photo appears to have no mistakes, take a look at the background. Words in the photo can be jumbled or in a non-existant language, or if there are

people behind the main subject, odds are they are less polished and can have some discrepancies like missing limbs or deformed faces. Most likely you wouldn’t catch these details at first glance, but with a closer look, they can become glaringly obvious.

2. No Such Thing As Perfection

Another common tell in AI-generated photos is the sense that the people or objects in the photo look too perfect. If you google AI-generated photos you can see this phenomenon. The people have smooth faces that lack texture or depth. Their skin gives the appearance of being slightly blurred to remove all details, similar tod the beauty filter in Snapchat. The hair of the subject can appear to be perfect as well, often glossy and flowing in an unnatural and effortless way. This perfection can perpetuate harmful beauty and body standards, which is why it’s important to make sure a photo is real before you share it. So remember, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

3. Zoom Out

If there are no obvious signs that a photo is AI when you analyze the details, try taking a step back. One helpful way to analyze media and check its accuracy is through a method called SIFT, which stands for Stop, Investigate the source, Find better coverage, and Trace the original context. This technique is especially important to use when an image triggers your emotions as when your emotions are spiked it can be harder to

think clearly. The first thing you can do is try to find more credible coverage of the topic displayed. For example, many people were sharing the photo of the little girl during Hurricane Helene, but you could not find a credible source explaining who the girl was or her story, because it didn’t exist. Then ask yourself if the location and context in the image seem correct. For instance, during the hurricane, an AI photo of Disney world completely flooded circulated the internet. However, a closer look revealed that the structure of the renowned Cinderella’s Castle in the photo was missing many of its famous details. One last thing you can do is check the sources linked to the photo if there are any. Seeing links to “more information” at the bottom of a photo doesn’t always mean it’s real, sometimes these links lead to non-existent or irrelevant sites. The next time an image spikes your emotions Stop, Investigate the source, Find better coverage, Trace the original context.

With these tactics, you can help stop the spread of harmful or deceptive AI photos and warn others about the harmful effects these photos can have. However, as artificial intelligence continues to develop it will become harder to spot AI-generated images, so continue to stay informed and practice your media literacy skills to protect yourself and others.

Photo

The True Cost of Free Speech

Chase Slesinger-Hall, Writing Editor

Freedom of speech in the United States is turning into a privilege, not a right. We live in an era where being open-minded is celebrated, but a lot of times we don’t practice what we preach, including myself. Whenever we hear opposing views, the immediate response is to become uncomfortable and defensive. Free speech should be having authentic, intellectually honest conversations, rather than attempting to silence those who disagree with us. Way too often, free speech is only accepted when it aligns with the majority’s opinions.

I recently did something very risky, something a lot of people in my situation wouldn’t have done; I wrote an article endorsing Donald Trump to be the next president of the United States. In fact, I didn’t necessarily want to write the article in the first place. I was asked by my journalism teacher, Sarah Ward, because she thought I might be able to provide a different perspective from my peers. This idea was enlightening, I initially told her my fears and worries, and she was completely understanding if I didn’t want to. However, that day, I went home and told my mom about the idea, she was head over heels. I couldn’t not write that article.

I knew my writing would spark conversation. However, I carefully framed

my arguments so that I wouldn’t be disrespectful to anyone with opposing opinions, and I had thoroughly researched the topic.

I was ready to be ridiculed, but since the article’s publication, people have since stopped speaking to me, and I have been called “a cultist,” “uneducated,” “racist,” and “homophobic.” Addition-

ally, I, a 16-year-old high schooler, have been trash-talked by my friends’ parents. However, most shockingly, I was told to kill myself, and I’d become a rapist after high school.

On November 5th, 2024, Trump was elected as the 47th President of the United States. Living in a blue town in a blue state, meant a sadder school, fewer

smiling faces, less energy throughout the halls, and of course, people essentially hazing others for their beliefs. The backlash almost began instantaneously. Instead of having civilized conversations, at school, I was scolded. Not with counterarguments, but with hatred and disgust.

This experience has led me to the difficult question: Is free speech as respected as we claim?

This article isn’t solely about politics. It is about the idea of freedom of speech, and the real conditions that come with it.

Ideally, everyone has the right to free speech. However in many circumstances, if an opinion that differs from the traditionally accepted narrative is released, responses are often out of straight hostility, rather than polite disagreements. Freedom of speech isn’t just about your legal obligations, it also falls in the narrow window of cultural norms and your community’s societal values. So, I’ll continue to write and speak, even with the constant disrespect I may get, and I encourage others to do the same for any cause you believe is important. Because real freedom of speech is more than just tolerance. Our democracy needs the willingness to protect others with alternative opinions; no matter how much we try to silence people.

Political Hostility: We are not Enemies

Sara Michelin, Writing Editor

Members of the Democratic Party and the Republican Party don’t see eye-to-eye, but in the last two elections, the hostility between the parties has escalated. We see each other as enemies rather than opponents.

Entire feeds are flooded with propaganda that has created false narratives about our opponents. The politicians don’t mind that they’re lying to voters, they simply want to get their way.

Just before election day, rallying in Pennsylvania, Donald Trump ended his speech with a vicious message about his political opponents, Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

“They are so bad and frankly, they’re evil,” President-elect Trump said. “They’re evil. What they’ve done, they’ve weaponized, they’ve weaponized our elections. They’ve done things that nobody thought was even possible.”

Vice President Harris is also guilty of contributing to the division of parties. In an interview with Fox News chief political anchor Bret Baier, Harris made statements about Trump that painted him in a bad light to seemingly steer voters away.

“Donald Trump is unfit to serve, he is unstable, dangerous and people are exhausted with someone who professes to be a leader who spends full-time demeaning and engaging in personal

grievances... American people are tired of that.” Harris said.

Not only is hostility between parties shown in the actual politicians but it is also shown with voters, too. A 2022 Pew Research Center study discovered that the majority of enrolled Republicans and Democrats characterize their opponents with terms like “dishonest,” “immoral,” and “unintelligent.” Democrats were referred to as “lazy” by the majority of Republicans who responded.

That same Pew study showed that about six in ten Republicans (62%) and more than half of Democrats (54%) have a ‘very unfavorable’ view of the other party. A drastic shift from the 21% of Republicans and 17% of Democrats in 1994.

According to a YouGov study, hostility between the two parties has risen between 2023 and 2024. In 2023, 74% of Republicans feel unfavorable toward Democrats, and 69% of Democrats feel unfavorable toward Republicans. In 2024, 85% of Democrats have an unfavorable opinion of the Republican party, an increase of 16% since 2023. For Republicans, 88% of Republicans feel unfavorable toward the Democratic party.

We have to find ways to reunite. I am not your enemy, and you are not mine. We are all Americans. We, Democrats and Republicans, have more in common than we allow ourselves realize - at the end of the day, we are all human.

Photo by Sara Michelin

The United States flag blows in the wind on the Aspen School District campus on Nov. 20, 2024.

Photo by Sara Michelin

Issues of The Skier Scribbler fanned out to demonstrate free speech and action in high school journalism.

SKIER OPINION

iii6,741 people make up the population of Aspen; 0.8% of that population identifies as black. But what does “black identifying” really mean? Does it refer to African Americans? Or possibly the 20+ countries in Latin America with significant Afro-Latino populations? Does this percentage account for people of mixed races? What’s the margin for this almost nonexistent population?

0.8% of 6,741 is roughly 53 people. 7.5% of Aspen identifies as mixed race, slightly over 500 people. In a pre-

dominantly white community, “black” seemingly refers to anyone of a darker complexion and different hair texture. But the nuances of what it means to be black differ based on the person and their individual experience; a forgotten aspect of culture here thanks to the monochromatic community.

The realities of being black in America have routinely been overlooked, most recently with the resurfacing of the BLM movement in 2020. When the U.S. witnessed the death of George Floyd, we were met with drug abuse accusations, and the fact that he might have used a counterfeit 20-dollar bill; as if that excuses the 9 minutes and 29 seconds that Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck. It’s commonly thought that because Aspen is a progressive town, in a blue-swinging state, the reported 0.8% of black locals don’t experience “serious” racism. Since Aspen had its own BLM protest that hundreds of people joined, locals believe we don’t experience racism. Because it’s 2024; “we don’t experience racism”.

Black people - and POC in generalare tired of being told what is and is not racism. It’s seemingly a never-ending

nightmare of people tip-toeing around the n-word when you’re in the room, offensive phrases being disguised as jokes, and being told that you’re whitewashed for speaking, dressing, and acting “like a white person.”

Growing up in a predominately white town makes it seem like the same people who scream the n-word during their favorite Kendrick Lamar song are the same people who are too afraid to say it while a black person is in the room. Scolding your peers for saying something ignorant while a POC is in the room doesn’t make you any better if you wouldn’t also do it behind closed doors; it just makes you look performative.

Why are black people only considered “chill” if they don’t stand up for themselves? Why is it that the one word you shouldn’t say is the most enticing? Why do I have to awkwardly giggle and act like I don’t care every time one of my friends says the n-word?

The reason that black people don’t live in Aspen seems to be a “chicken and the egg” situation. This constant cycle leaves less than 1% of the population without a community to depend on. While I don’t believe that communi-

Hanukkah is not the Jewish Christmas Perspective of the .8%

Hallie Zilberman, Staff Writer

As an elementary schooler, walking into school on a winter day signified the endless inevitable Christmas decorations lining the hallways and accessorizing the classrooms. Green and red streamers surrounded the paper cutouts of Christmas trees, and Santa Claus was without fail taped onto each teacher’s door. Choir classes prepared for their annual winter concert consisting of ‘Jingle Bells’, ‘White Christmas’, ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’, and, of course, the token ‘Oh Hanukkah.’’

As a Jewish kid growing up in a predominantly Christian school, I became weary of the repetitive questions regarding Hanukkah and its meaning, so I soon adopted the quick and easy “Hanukkah is basically just Christmas for Jews”. While this was my designated line for years, it is completely inaccurate, and I’ve been surprised to realize how many people still believe it.

The stereotype that Hanukkah is essentially ‘the Jewish Christmas’ was likely established in light of their similar dates. Frankly, this is one of the only true similarities the holidays share. Christmas, the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth, falls on December 25. Similar to other Jewish holidays, Hanukkah’s date depends on the Hebrew Calendar. The first night of Hanukkah always falls on the 25th night of Kislev, which typically translates to somewhere between the end of the Gregorian Calendar’s November and December. This year, this happens

to fall directly on Christmas Day.

Contrary to popular belief, Hanukkah is a relatively minor holiday within Judaism. Some significant Jewish holidays include Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Passover.

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday, or festival, lasting for eight days. The festival honors the Maccabean 165 BC rededication of the second temple of Jerusalem following its attempted desecration by the Syrians. Within the temple, the Jews had a limited supply of oil for light and lit a menorah expecting simply one night where the light would last. Miraculously, the light was maintained for eight consecutive nights. Over the eight nights of Hanukkah, a Menorah is successively lit to commemorate this miracle. Thus, the festival is commonly nicknamed ‘The Festival of Lights’.

Lighting the candles on a Menorah, spinning a dreidel, and eating latkes are three of the many prevalent traditions tied to the holiday.

Giving and receiving presents is another popular Hanukkah tradition, similar to the notorious Christmas presents.

While it is difficult to find concrete evidence proving when this tradition began, some of the first acknowledged instances were during the 16th century referring to the giving of gelt (money, in Yiddish) to make or purchase clothes for underprivileged children. This is an example of tzedakah, the moral duty of charitable giving. Later on, in the 19th

ty has to do with race, having people who understand your experiences on a fundamental level is what community is about. Black communities hold the heart of black culture in the U.S.; there’s no erasing that. This isn’t a new phenomenon either; we’ve seen culture thrive in black communities since the end of the Civil War. Historically, movements within marginalized groups flourish under hardship, a notable example of this is the Harlem Renaissance, a time when new arts, political, and economic opportunities were at an all-time high despite slavery recently being outlawed. While it is frustrating being on the receiving end of it all, I’m just as guilty of staying silent. It’s sad to repeat the things I hear from my peers to my parents and have it closely align with what they endured at my age. It’s often easier to laugh and brush a comment off than to be seen as someone who can’t take a joke. It seems as though the trend of 2020 where everyone suddenly became an activist and had BLM in their bios has ended; it’s not cool to be compassionate anymore - rather, it feels like we’re going back in time.

century, Eastern European Jews began gifting their own children gelt as a celebration of Hanukkah. This custom was brought to America as many of these Eastern European Jews immigrated. Over the years, this tradition has evolved into giving chocolate gelt, toys, and any other presents.

with the fact that I celebrate Hanukkah as opposed to Christmas.

This marks another similarity between Hanukkah and Christmas, as gifts are both a staple for those celebrating the two holidays.

Speaking from experience, I’ve noticed that many Jews view Christmas with FOMO, for lack of better terms. I grew up jealous of my Christian friend’s trees, festivities, and of course the infamous Santa Claus. But as I’ve grown older and become more comfortable in my individuality, I’ve come to terms

Hanukkah is a beautiful festival, rich in cultural traditions from as early as thousands of years ago. It is important to recognize the differences between religious or cultural practices and traditions and remember not to make generalizations or stereotypes.

So the next time you consider wishing those you walk past on the streets a “Merry Christmas”, try wishing them a “Happy Holidays” instead. It might just heal their inner Jewish child in a sea of Christmas lights.

Photo by Hallie Zilberman

A lit menorah burns through the fifth night of Hanukkah, representing the Maccabee’s escape from oppression.

Gia Galindo Bartley

Taking a Kick Back: Quitting Club Swimming

Sara Michelin, Writing Editor

As most of AHS knows, I was a swimmer participating on both the Aspen Swim Club, and the Aspen High School Swim and Dive teams. Now, I only swim for the high school team.

Swimming was my life. I swam with my club from 4 pm to 6 pm every weekday, and 8:30 am to 11 am on Saturdays. In the winter, I added an hour and fifteen minutes on top of that in the morning with my high school team. In my Freshman year, competing for Aspen High School Swim and Dive, I placed 20th in the 500 freestyle at the CHSAA State Championship in February of 2023. A year later, I placed 10th in the 500 freestyle and 12th in the 200 freestyle at the 2024 State Championships. Swimming was my passion and a part-time job. It became my purpose - to get faster, more skilled, and more focused - to make Zones and Sectionals, high-level meets above the state level.

While my decision may seem abrupt, there are many reasons why I chose to quit club swimming. Even though I wasn’t planning on swimming in college, I still trained. I trained hard. So hard that, in November of my Sophomore year, I developed what’s called Bicep Tendonitis in my right shoulder. It would

hurt for me to move my shoulder in any way. When I moved a forkful of food into my mouth at dinner, it hurt. When I would lay down on my right side to go to sleep, it would hurt. I chose to miss practices to let myself heal, but Michael Phelps once said, “When you miss one day of training, it takes you two days to get back.”

His quote haunted me when I would miss practice to heal, and while it did help my shoulder for a little, the pain would always come back.

I thought, ‘Why would I miss practice if my shoulder is just going to feel bad again? I might as well keep swimming.’ So I did. I chose to swim through the pain.

At the end of 2023, in December of my sophomore year, I got COVID-19 from a high school swim meet. I experienced and still continue to experience Long Covid. Not only did I have a cough for months, but I was also a victim of Covid weakening my immune system. This caused me to get sick almost every month until April of 2024. But yet, I chose to swim even when I wasn’t fully recovered. My choice resulted in my sickness lingering for much longer than it should have. I missed tons of practices and felt guilty for

everyone I missed. Missing practice but being unable to attend practice flooded my mind. It bothered me that I couldn’t do anything about it; I just had to wait for the sickness to pass.

Both my shoulder pain and weak immune made swimming duller. Due to missing practice so often, I did not see much improvement in my times, and it made me feel terrible in the water. I started to dread practice and projected my dread onto my teammates. I would complain to them, “I want to go home,” “I can’t do this,” and “I’m going to quit.”

Not only did I dread practice, but I also wasn’t able to do things that other girls my age did. Practice ended at 6 pm, so all I would want to do after practice was eat dinner and go to bed. I would constantly fall behind in school work, miss sporting events, say no to sleepovers, and miss out on other activities in the evening. I found myself telling my friends, “No, I can’t, I have practice,” or “I’m too tired, practice was hard,” when given an opportunity to do something in the afternoon.

Near the end of my Sophomore year, I occasionally opted to skip practice to attend social events. I felt guilty not attending practice, but forgot about that when distracted

with other activities. It was freeing to be able to attend Spring sporting events, spend time with my friends, or even simply stay home and work on homework I had put off.

When school ended, My days got even more boring. Without school filling my mornings and afternoons, I found myself sitting at home doing almost nothing. During Summer break, my days looked like this: Wake up, eat breakfast, wait for swimming to start, swim, eat dinner, go to bed. Although I could have done some more exciting things, and I occasionally did, it was hard to find activities to do and fit them around my practice time. 4 pm to 6 pm practices limited the time and things I could do during the day.

Every year, the Aspen Swim Club has an annual break from swimming in August. They partially have this break because the ARC is closed for cleaning, and partially because the swimmers need it. Club swimmers’ bodies continually train all year around, (with occasional holiday breaks) so they need to have time to rest and heal. This August break gave me the opportunity to have more stereotypical summer days. With this break, I could go to the pool and lay in the sun, or have dinner with my friends.

With the August break encouraging me to go out more, I went into the Clubs Fair with the intention of joining clubs and actually attending meetings. In past years, I have signed my name of the sign-up sheet, but I never showed up to any meetings. I realized that as a junior not planning to swim in college, I need to figure out what I truly want to do with my life in the future.

Under these circumstances, I ultimately chose to take a step back from swimming. It was a hard decision, but I chose to put myself first. However, I still find myself checking up on what happened at practice, seeing how my teammates did at a meet on Meet Moblie, and watching swimming clips. I will continue to represent the Aspen Swim Club, stay friends with my teammates, and cherish the memories that came with competing for the Aspen Swim Club. So, if you are thinking about quitting a sport you play, or thinking that the commitment is too much, assess the situation and go with your gut! You should not feel guilty for putting yourself first.

Courtesy of Joy Michelin

Sara Michelin placed second in her heat in the 200 Freestyle at the 2024 CHSAA Swim and Dive State Championship at the Veteran Memorial Aquatic Center in Thornton, CO, on Feb. 11.

Liam Payne’s Tragic Death:

Marley Rich, Writing Editor

Today, with smartphones, social media, and various other technologies, the conversation about privacy has become increasingly complicated.

Many of us have felt this in our daily lives. We feel pressured to post a picture of our vacation on social media because everyone else is doing it. Then there is the unsettling feeling that practically anyone can see that picture now even with private accounts. Social media users practically open up their lives to anyone who wants to see them. There is also a lack of privacy from people we know. Phones and technology have made it so that we are always only a phone call or text away. Our technology allows other people to feel entitled to our time. It feels like we can not get a second to ourselves when our phones and other technology are constantly watching us.

Then there are those of us who experience this to an extreme: celebrities. They cannot walk out on the street without paparazzi and fans trying to take photos. There is a constant media presence in their lives. People are dying to know every last detail, like what celebrities eat or wear in their everyday lives. The public’s constant obsession with celebrity lives can even be considered a factor in the death of Princess Diana. The saddest part is that this obsession never stops, even when the person in question dies.

The world lost Liam Payne, the singer and star of boy band One Direction, on Oct. 16. Payne was 31 when he fell from a third-story hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He suffered 25 injuries to his skull, chest, abdomen, and limbs

Ethics of Media Coverage

which led to both internal and external bleeding.

While the news coverage has been extensive and upsetting, there was one news outlet that took things too far: TMZ. Hours after Payne’s passing, TMZ published its first article on the loss. The article included cropped photos of Payne’s lifeless body, specifically showing his tattoos on his arm and abdomen. While the photos were not necessarily gory, they were still visually upsetting. This was unsettling to many readers and highly controversial. Readers were left disturbed after seeing the images while also grieving for Payne’s family and wondering if Payne wasn’t entitled to some privacy in his most vulnerable state.

As journalists, we are taught to avoid harm. This means we would not write or publish anything that could cause harm to people associated with the story. This is not the first time TMZ has published death photos. In 2017, TMZ published graphic photos of rockstar, Chirs Cornell’s suicide. The photos featured a splatter of blood and the exercise equipment Cornell used to hang himself. TMZ also faced backlash after posting photos of Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s helicopter crash site. In the case of Payne and the Bryants, their loved ones saw these photos before authorities had even contacted them. This took many options away from the family; How they would announce the death from their side, and how many details they would want to include. This also put the family’s

emotions more in the public eye since they did not get time to grieve before the rest of the world found out. In light of Payne’s photos being published, Cornell’s daughter Toni Cornell has spoken out on Instagram about the controversy sharing her own experiences with her father’s pictures.

“As a 12-year-old, I stumbled upon those pictures while scrolling through my iPad, and it was indescribably traumatizing, and something I still carry with me to this day,” said Cornell in an interview with Billboard.“TMZ still has not chosen to have the decency, seven years later, to remove those photos from the internet.”

Since the initial backlash, TMZ has taken the photos of Payne down.

A point defending TMZ’s actions would be that Payne was a public figure who made choices that led to a public death. TMZ’s Executive Producer Michael Babcock defended the news outlet’s choice to publish the photo.

“When the information was coming in, police had not yet confirmed that it was Liam, so what was done on the TMZ website, [was] used as a way to confirm, or to match up the tattoos. And then, once they did, obviously, that photo was removed,” Babcock said.

Typically journalists would identify a body using a police report. Police reports are a public good. This means that anyone in the world has access to them. TMZ could have been trying to be the first to report on the death, but it was predictable that every major news outlet

would want this story. TMZ could have also used the tattoos as evidence that it was Payne’s body without showing his body to the whole world.

Payne’s status as a public figure did relinquish some of his privacy. The circumstances of his death, specifically that it was in a public area, also complicate the privacy Payne could have received. There is a big difference between spectators seeing the body and people learning about his death through the internet, and almost everyone in the world seeing pictures of his body. It is not only that these pictures are disturbing to the people who loved him, but also the lack of compassion they were published with. In publishing the photos, TMZ did not provide necessary information or comfort to viewers and people who knew Payne, therefore showing a lack of compassion for both Payne’s privacy and the well-being of his friends and family. There is no way that TMZ was trying to minimize harm when they published the photos. While TMZ may have been trying to get a jump on the story, that does not justify their decision to publish highly invasive and disturbing pictures without permission. These photos will live on the internet forever. Anyone can see them. One of the most heartbreaking parts is Payne’s seven-year-old son, Bear, will most likely grow up to see these photos and have a similar traumatizing experience to the one Cornell described. TMZ did not post these photos while thinking about Payne’s loved ones who could be affected therefore creating harm and not following commonly known journalistic ethics.

Touchdown: How Thanksgiving Football Came to Be

Yale Gieszl, Staff Writer

On November 24, 2022, 42.1 million Americans tuned in to the National Football League’s presentation of the Dallas Cowboys against the New York Giants, making for the most watched regular season NFL game of all time. In fact, according to Front Office Sports, only two of the NFL’s top 10 most watched regular season games were not on Thanksgiving. The tradition of Thanksgiving football has been going on since 1934 after the Portsmouth Spartans were purchased by radio executive George A. Richards. Following the purchase, the team was relocated to Detroit, Michigan, and rebranded as the ‘Lions.’ Due to the presence of the Detroit Tigers, the Lions were going to have to compete with Baseball for viewership, prompting

Richards to opt for a Thanksgiving game.

The 1934 contest between the Chicago Bears and the Lions was played at the University of Detroit in front of a sold out crowd. Despite losing, Richards concluded that the

Lions had a successful season in their first year in Detroit, and scheduled another Thanksgiving game for the following year. The Lion’s clutch 14-2 victory over the Bears in the 1935 Thanksgiving clash instilled the tradition of Thanksgiving football

into the city of Detroit. Since then, the Lions have only missed playing on Thanksgiving six times, with the gap occurring between 1939-1944. The break was due to World War 2, when the NFL experienced a shortage of players and struggled to maintain normal season operations.

Later, in 1966, the Dallas Cowboys followed suit by establishing an annual Thanksgiving football game. Since then, the Lions and Cowboys have both hosted a game each and every year, usually making for some of the most entertaining and most watched regular season NFL games of the season.

Later, in 1989, Hall of Fame football commentator John Madden introduced the Turkey Leg Award. This award is given to players who had the most impactful performance during the game on Thanksgiving,

Photo courtesy of Brian Gieszl

Gieszl brothers support the Detroit Lions.

NYT Strike

Did you Cross a Picket Line?

Sara Kershow, Editor-in-Chief

On Monday, Nov. 4th, one day before the 2024 presidential election, the New York Times Tech Guild workers walked out and began a strike. The workers have been in the process of negotiating a contract for almost two years according to Fast Company, and underwent a week-long strike to prove their value to the New York Times. The workers returned to work on Tuesday, Nov. 12th.

An often overlooked sector of news in modern day is the tech employees who keep all online coverage running smoothly. The NYT Tech Guild consists of around 600 workers made up of software developers and data engineers who build and design websites and apps.

The Guild specifically planned their strike over the election, one of the most important times of the year for news networks. The coverage ran generally smooth, due to the months of preparation the team did prior to their strike. Although according to Busi-

Side Effects MAY Include

Haley Schmela, Writing Editor

“How do you know when you’re growing up?”

If you weren’t aware, almost most seniors at AHS, and around the world for that matter, are beginning or nearing the end of their college application process. This is a complicated time of writing supplemental essay questions, researching undergraduate size, and making sure the location of the school has the right weather. However, what has been left out of the conversation are the words “Side effects may include”.

“You may experience dizziness, nausea, or headaches”. Once you start the process of deciding where you are going to spend the next four years of your life you start to experience an assortment of what I like to refer to as side effects. Just like any medication commercial you have seen advertised on your TV or streaming service, there is always a slight chance that you will undergo “side effects”. I happen to have hit a few along the way. If you’re lucky enough you might not feel what may be included during this time, but I can assure you, if you’re not feeling the head ache, then someone else around you sure is.

least favorite of all. This starts to occur when the leaves change their colors or when you go home to your parents cooking dinner. At this point, you have already had the idea in the back of your mind that you’re not going to be with your friends forever. Yet, we seem to always forget that we won’t always be living with our parents. And while yes, at a certain age, the appeal of living with your parents becomes a little concerning, I think that 18 is too soon to think about closing that chapter. Realizing that you have already lived the portion of your life where you spend every night eating a meal surrounded by your siblings, your parents, and even your pets in the house becomes saddening. And the impression that even in the next 30-plus years you probably will not even get to half the number of quality time spent with your family. I call this side effect: No thank you, as every time it reappears I immediately want to stop my process.

ness Insider around 100 tech workers crossed a picket line on election day.

A picket line is one the the vital vocabulary terms used when talking about a strike. The term comes from the French word piquet and originates from the idea that when on strike workers hold up signs on a pole and walk in a circle around their workplace, discouraging others from entering.

So, when crossing a picket line you go past or against what striking workers are asking you to do. For example, during the NYT Tech Guild strike, workers were asking players not to use the NYT Games such as Wordle or Connections, the NYT Cooking app. Therefore, chances are playerscrossed this picket line.

It is important to do your own research when deciding on whether or not to support the worker’s strike. there are always two sides to every story and think critically about what you support.

“If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical advice”. So here is how I discovered my complications. Before taking this series of operations, I knew it was important to consult with those who have dealt with it before. When you’re the oldest in the school, let’s be honest, it’s not as fun. You are no longer looking for your cute but slightly intimidating upperclassman crush in the hallway but instead surrounded by a grade that feels like family. Consequently, you quickly jump to the conclusion that you’re too cool for school and you wish you could be hanging out with your friends who graduated already and are enjoying their freshman college experience. This brought along the jumping side effect. Where your body is quickly jumping to the idea of bigger, better, and new dreams that the future holds.

“Call the headline for more details on potential side effects”. Side effect number two, the thrill. Simply doing things for the thrill of it. This is when you start to realize you will only get one more first of everything in high school. First day of school, first football game, and first test you flunk - kay, maybe some things should stay undocumented. With the idea that you won’t ever get a first in high school again comes wanting to enjoy each moment and savor the excitement of high school fun. You might start to wonder why you have never gotten to know certain people in your grade or think about how you treated others throughout your last three years. This will make you want to go to as many group gatherings as possible.

“Always read the label and follow instructions carefully”. Now brings my

“Use only as directed”. The No thank you usually brings us to side effect number 4. This is where nostalgia comes along. An emotion that always rips out a piece of my heart without asking. Instead of looking at kids fishing, I imagine my dad and I sitting, and wearing my pink bucket hat for over an hour trying to catch a fish. He would hold me on his lap sure that if a fish were to bite he would save me from being pulled in. Or when I am sorting through my clothes to declutter, I stumble upon a pair of plastic princess high heels that I would throw on during dress-up. The sparkle of pink shoes takes me back to the feeling of fairy tales and believing in magic but then the sparkle disappears with some sort of water in my eye that always reappears whenever I’m sad. I believe most people would call this side effect crying but I am too proud to admit that.

Unfortunately, this is the most common side effect of all, and the last one I have undergone in my own process this fall. I know there will continue to be more and more as the process continues but quite frankly I didn’t sign up for this. “For more details on how to get started”. So I keep wondering why there is no warning label in the common app for the long list of side effects, but I am no longer wondering how I know when I am growing up. Maybe this whole rollercoaster of emotions thing is a right of passage, but it sure is one I forgot to buckle up for. I, along with everyone else in the ripe ages of sixteen to eighteen years old, want to withdraw from these side effects but know that we cannot quit something that will better us for the future. So for those of you who have made it to the end of this article, here is your warning label. Take that what you will as it is the only one you’re gonna get. Best of luck to each and every one of you, and enjoy this journey.

Photo by Sara Michelin

Elenor Carroll showcases the New York Times Games app

Bready or Not, Here he Crumbs

Haley Schmela, Writing Editor

Did you know Banana Bread doesn’t just satisfy our taste buds with its delicious, moist, and rich flavors but also gives our bodies nutrients? Neither did I. It was only when I talked to Josh Ford, one of AHS’s top consumers of Banana Breads. Ford’s love for banana bread began with none other than his wonderful mom, who helps with the banana bread sold in the district. Although Ford hates yellow, he is a massive fan of bananas baked in a loaf. Nine out of ten times, Ford will have a morning Banana bread. He prefers middle pieces but occasionally dabbles with an end piece if it is thick enough. For Ford, this bread isn’t just filled with typical ingredients but with the idea of comfort always in the back of the chef’s mind. When I asked Josh why banana bread or pumpkin bread, he answered as a man of few words, “Banana,” Ford said. I knew exactly what he meant by this. banana bread for Josh isn’t just a treat, but routine. This creates an excellent sense of structure in Josh’s day. Who doesn’t love structure? Josh prefers this moist loaf always to be wrapped in tin foil. Wrapping the banana bread in tin foil creates a sense of care giv -

en to the bread to show appreciation for the baked good.

“When the top is crunchy, that’s how you know you did it right. When you get past the crust down into the delicious center, that’s the highlight of my day, Ford said.

Although he enjoys the cafe’s banana bread, he loves it when his mom makes it fresh at home.

Josh has seen a lot of banana bread over the years, but he has never once slipped on a banana peel, but he came close. Once, Josh was home playing fetch with his dog. Josh stepped directly next to the banana peel when he ran around in his kitchen. He paused in his tracks, life flashing before his eyes. Then he continued to fetch the dog. Thankfully he didn’t slip on the peel. Josh will continue to fuel his body with Banana bread before playing Mario Kart, as he feels it proudly suits the elements of the game.

“Spin move, banana,” Ford said. It’s Josh’s go-to for the game, although I am still unsure what that means.

I decided to make my own, inspired by Josh’s love for Banana bread. Mine was more of an improved recipe:

Bring Back Real Rom-Coms

Luna Murray, Staff Writer Clueless, The Notebook, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Sleepless in Seattle, Bridget Jones’s Diary, Notting Hill, The Proposal, Pretty Woman, 10 Things I Hate About You. All of these movies are absolute classics. Must-sees for everyone and guaranteed to lift your spirits, hopes, and expectations. However, while these movies and many other rom-coms are spectacular household staples for me, I have come to notice they were all made at least two decades ago. The rom-com genre is in a drought, and society is thirsty for new material.

These movies used to rule the box office. Starring Hugh Grant, Julia Roberts, Matthew McConaughey, Kate Hudson, and other heart actors had audi ences selling out theaters eager to feel the tender and comforting embrace of a ro mance. However, as movie technology has progressed significantly, and streaming platforms have taken over, the characters, writing, and overall creation of romcoms have dissipated into a joke.

Although rom-coms from the early 2000s were predict able and often cheesy, they

were timeless and classic due to the well-rounded and relatable characters. Films today often assign one or two defining traits to a character, making them narrow and hard to relate to. For example, while Anyone But You was a fun time, full of laughs and lighthearted moments, I can only remember Glen Powell’s character’s fear of heights and his love for the song “Unwritten”. Yet I can rattle off every aspect of Ryan Gosling’s Noah in The Notebook, and why he is the perfect man for Allie. Characters used to be so much more three-dimensional and relatable.

Watching Julia Roberts laugh with childlike glee and Renne Zellweger dance around her living room makes it so easy to get lost in the movie, and even imagine you are in their

Another reason rom-coms today dry and incomplete is due to the lack of major romantic gestures and moments, which I deeply hope still exist in the real world. I can recite almost every word

to multiple iconic love confessions, as can many of my friends, but with the significant change in societal norms in the past decades, these are becoming near obsolete, making filmmak ers scared to enact and create such scenes seeming dated, and unre alistic. What film makers don’t realize is that due to this recent drought in roman tic gestures, rom-coms need those scenes to establish connections with their singing “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” in 10 Things I Hate About You, or Ryan Gosling building a girl her dream Notebook, though he wasn’t sure he would ever see her again, are in a whole differ ent playing field

than sending a text or buying flowers. These scenes define the movie and are what have made them timeless for so

While certain modern rom-coms make an exception (Crazy Rich Asians, Set today are usually out of touch, and

societal themes, but not every movie has to have a deep underlying message. were created to please anence provide hope are not useless, necessary. We go to

rom-coms filled with passionate characters and heartfelt gestures,

slightly better place.

SMILING ANIMALS A

PHOTO ESSAY

SYDNEY KLAUSMANN

Writing Editor

A series of photographs demonstrating the gratification of compliments through before and after shots of cats and dogs that are up for adoption at the Aspen Animal Shelter.