The Hawk Eye, Volume 21, Issue 2 by The Hawk Eye

Hebron High School · 4207 Plano Parkway, Carrollton, TX 75010 · 469-713-5183

Volume 21, Issue 2 Dec. 13, 2023

Holidays In Harmony

Grand Nationals (page 3) - Diet culture (Pages 8-9) - Gift guide (page 11)

The Hawk Eye Staff contributors Lily Andersson Krista Fleming Peyton Kuschmeider Saahir Mawani Shiren Noorani Madeline Rivera Eyesha Sadiq Heather Wheeler

CONTENTS 04-05

Multi-feAture

06-07

General feature

Adviser

Steven Jones The Hawk Eye magazine is an official publication of Hebron High School. It is a student-produced magazine which strives to represent the student voice. We will aim to report all news relevant to Hebron High School and its student body without bias to race, religion or creed. Views expressed by columnists are their own personal opinions and do not necess arily represent the views of the entire staff. Editorials reflect the staff opinion and may not reflect the views of the school administration. We encourage reader input via letters and story ideas. Contact a staff member or fill out the contact form on our website, hebronhawkeye.com, with any of these items. The Hawk Eye is a member of Interscholastic League Press Conference, Texas Association of Journalism Educators, Association of Texas Photography Instructors, the Journalism Education Association and the National Scholastic Press Association.

Find us online by scanning this QR code or visiting hebronhawkeye.com!

08-09 In-depth

10-11

Entertainment

12-13 Opinion

14-15 Opinion

MONOMYTH:

A Hero’s Journey

Hawks win third place at Bands of America’s Grand Nationals competition STORY BY ANDREW HIGGINS The band placed third in the nation at Bands of America’s Grand Nationals competition in Indianapolis, Indiana on Nov. 11. “It was a really positive experience,” head band director Andy Sealy said. “I was super pleased with the kids’ progress and their attitude about [improving] at every performance opportunity. Their rehearsal plan got better; their effort level and attitude never wavered. I’m extremely proud of [them].” Approximately 100 schools competed in preliminaries, and up to 36 bands made it to semifinals, with only 12 qualifying for finals. Hebron was awarded the Outstanding Music Performance caption in the semifinals and finals. This third time tHat band has won this award in the three years they have gone to Grand Nationals. Sealy said this accomplishment did not come without challenges. “There are always challenges [with competitions],” Sealy said. “We are not sleeping on our own bed, we are eating

Sophomore Ursula Ho performs with the band during the semifinals at Bands of America’s Grand Nationals competition at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Nov. 11. They placed third in the nation. (Photo provided by Apollo Mabray) substandard meals at odd hours, and with little sleep. There [are a lot] of physical and mental [problems] besides the show itself. There’s only four things that happen: eat, sleep, rehearse and perform.” Grand Nationals is an event held annually, but only the third time the Hebron band has competed. In 2015 and 2019, Hebron placed third in the competition as well. “As time goes on, it gets a lot easier to [practice],” band officer and clarinet section leader Taylor Jones said. “Pushing on and striving is what connects us to our music. We can always do more and keeping that moral up is [important].” Outside of school, the

band is allowed to rehearse for up to eight hours a week due to UIL rules. Band officer and saxophone section leader Aayan Patel said that practicing as often as possible is what led to the band’s performance at finals. “We’re always working [and] it is a constant journey,” Patel said. “It is a time intensive commitment, and it’s definitely worth it in the end.” With marching season complete, the band now turns their focus onto concert season and performances. Concert season will continue until the end of the school year. “We had a great fall, but a great fall does not guarantee a great spring,” Sealy said. “We have to keep improving our musicianship, our accountability to one another and the responsibility to bring the music to life for other people.”

NEWS 03

Making Spirits Bright

Local charities give back this holiday season Story by Krista Fleming

With winter break just around the corner, students can add volunteering to their to-do list. Here’s a look at charities in the DFW area giving back during the holidays.

Christian Community Action (CCA)

It was rainy and wet, just before 8:00

a.m., but a line wraPped around the building. Near the front, there was a woman and her three kids. Two of them were crying. About to walk into work that morning, the food pantry opening in a few minutes, director of development Tiffani Davis made a pit stop. She grabbed a few toys and brought them to the kids. The woman started bawling. “I felt the Lord work in my heart,”

Davis said. “It looked like I brought [the kids] gold. But me saying hi — something as simple as that — proved I cared.” Along with their food pantry, CCA hosts a Christmas Cheer event Dec. 12–14 that provides gifts to approximately 1,200 kids, along with multiple events throughout the year. They have close to 14,000 shifts a year, covered by about 4,000 volunteers. “We are a frontline agency,” Davis said. “That means we offer services that are necessities. If someone is hungry, that’s a crisis.” The charity started in 1973, when

A volunteer dressed as Santa holds two children. At Christmas Cheer, volunteers can also pass out hot chocolate, coffee and cookies. (Photo provided by CCA)

04 NEWS

seven friends got together for a Bible study and “felt the calling of Jesus.” They began collecting canned foods in their garage, all

volunteer driven with a $0 budget. Now, they spend up to $10 million with a staff of 30. “Most people in Flower Mound did not think it existed in their town,” Davis said. “Their eyes were blind to it, but God opened up our founders’ eyes. Fifty years later, we’re still here and helping our neighbors in need.” Within the first week of every month, CCA runs out of funding for financial assistance to help people pay their rent and mortgages. The charity has to turn away those who come in until the next month begins. Davis said that this is due to a decrease in donations, compared to the increase they saw during COVID-19. “Everybody was willing to help nonprofits because it was during a crisis,” Davis said. “Now, people think that it has died down, but it hasn’t. People still need jobs, they still need food and they still need help.” Volunteers can help in the food pantry, where they will stock shelves, cashier or greet customers. Specifically at Christmas Cheer, volunteers can sort or wrap gifts, pray with clients and pass out treats. “Every child should experience the joy of Christmas,” Davis said. “Most of the children we serve have had to wake up every Christmas morning without a gift — without anything. We try really hard to fix that.”

The Trains at NorthPark

Trains lined the wall in a journey through America — New York City, the Golden Gate Bridge, Washington D.C. and Dallas, complete with a miniature State Fair. Families and groups of friends walked around, every ticket and train another dollar in the pocket of the Ronald McDonald House Charity (RMHC).

year, but even people that have been coming for decades told me that it feels revitalized and refreshed [this year].” The Trains at NorthPark have 1,200 volunteers a season. There, a person collects tickets, sells merchandise and greets customers. “It appeals to all age groups,” Hamilton said. “Teenagers come in and love it. Toddlers are all fascinated by it. People will come in and ask, ‘What is this about?’ It’s really special that we’ve been able to introduce our organization to so many new people through the trains.”

Tango Charities

Visitors look at one of the train displays. RMHC has been partnering with TrainWorx to make the trains for 13 years. (Photo provided by RHMC)

Open every day Nov. 11 - Jan. 5, the Trains at NorthPark is a charity that admits people for $5–10 tickets and sells trains. All proceeds go to RHMC. “It’s kind of the only fundraiser of its type,” manager of special events Caroline Hamilton said. “Most of the people that come to the trains are families. It’s a cycle — families helping families.” The event brings in half the operating budget for RMHC. This year, their goal is $1 million. Families can purchase a train until Dec. 13, where they can pick it up or have it mailed to them after the exhibit closes. More than 50,000 people visit each year. “It’s an incredibly curated sort of thing,” Hamilton said. “It’s specific, both to Dallas and the families that live there. Every family is represented by all the train cars.” NorthPark Center hosts a space for the trains every year. For the first time in three years, they received a new, larger space. To fill up the room, RMHC is setting up pieces that have not been displayed in years, along with a new gingerbread house and family. “Everyone [is] really excited to see the exhibit,” Hamilton said. “We have a lot of people that come year after

It was a mission trip in 2008 that changed his life. He went to the poorest city in the Dominican Republic, then dove into research about the hunger and poverty in the heart of his own town. Nick Marino, executive director of Tango Charities, knew he had to do something. “I made it my personal mission — my purpose — to create opportunities and ways for people to come together,” MArino said. “I knew I needed to make an impact.”

“

of every month. All food is sent to partner organizations, where it will be distributed. “We’re the ‘Middleman of Hunger,’” Marino said. “We bring people together [and] help put food on the shelves of our partner organizations. We are not a food pantry or a soup kitchen — we give everything to other charities, and they give it to those in need.” Volunteers can find what to bring on the Tango Charities website. Often bread, meat, cheese and chips are needed. Ingredients cost $12–15. “It’s been nice to hear the stories of what [the event] sparks and the lives it changes,” Marino said. “Friendships have been made and couples have gotten closer. This charity has legs well beyond my belt. it’s not just me anymore, and I am thankful every day for that.” Volunteering increases by 50% every November and December. Marino and his team coined the term “Holiters” to describe them. “Hunger doesn’t just end on Jan. 1,” Marino said. “Hunger is a year-round thing and we need to fight it every day. Volunteers are the only way we can do that.”

I made it my personal mission — my purpose — to create opportunities and ways for people to come together. I knew I needed to make an impact.”

- Nick Marino, executive director of Tango Charities

Hosting Feed the City events in different cities every Saturday, Tango Charities feeds over 650,000 people a year. Their goal is to feed one million. “We educate people at every event,” Marino said. “We tell them about the hunger crisis happening in their own communities — we empower them.” Hosting about 92,000 volunteers with over 1,312 events a year, Tango Charities is volunteer-run and operated; they don’t pay a single salary. They go to the same city, the same Saturday

A volunteer makes a sandwich while at a Feed the City event. Though they have been hosting events for over a decade prior, Tango Charities became a 501 c3 — a tax-free charity — in 2020. (Photo provided by Tango Charities)

NEWS 05

One click at a time Senior shares memories through photography Story by Caleb Wright Senior Abhishek Thomas scrolls through the array of photos he captured, his finger clicking through each one. He waits patiently for a response from people he has taken photos for as he displays the memories he produced using his camera. Thomas is going into his second year of pursuing photography as of November. Throughout this experience, Thomas said he is looking to gain more experiences and meet new people to one day bring him to a financially free position. Photography has already given many opportunities as he has traveled to make tightly composed and edited photography. “[I started photography when] I had my first crush,” Thomas said. “I thought she was really beautiful, so I wanted to capture that. One time, I took a really bad photo of her, because I didn’t know how to use a camera, and she absolutely hated it. [Afterwards, that was] when I started getting interested in how to take photos [and]

“

This was taken during Thomas’s time in one of the 38 districts in Tamil Nadu. It shows a visual representation of an elephant mahouts (trainer) taking a bath with its Kumki (trained elephant) apprentice. (Photo provided by Abhishek Thomas)

how to [get] good angles.” Senior Aliamsal Abtulali has been friends with Thomas since before kindergarten and said that photography has

I started photography when] I had my first crush,” Thomas said. “I thought she was really beautiful, so I wanted to capture that. One time, I took a really bad photo of her, because I didn’t know how to use a camera, and she absolutely hated it. [Afterwards, that was] when I started getting interested in how to take photos [and] how to [get] good angles.” - Aliamsal Abtulali, senior

06 FEATURE

become a part of him. He said Thomas’s personality bleeds into his photography. “[When] he goes to a party, he always brings his camera around,” Abtulali said. “Everywhere he goes, he’s taking pictures [and] he’s editing. The way he gets on something and he keeps doing it — he doesn’t let anything stop him. He doesn’t let anyone define him.” Before Thomas initially got into photography, he planned a trip for this past summer that started in New York. From there, he headed to France and Dubai for a

short time. Then, when he arrived in India, he went from North to South Kerala and Mumbai. Finally, he ended his trip by going back to Dubai. Thomas planned this trip after becoming heavily invested in his parents’ culture from a small village in Kerala, India, during COVID-19. He saw the trip as something he not only just wanted to do, but needed to do. During his time in India, he Joined a Kumki elephant organization that helped to train elephants. “My [elephant’s] name was Madhra,” Thomas said. “I would sleep in a tree for

two days just to be next to that elephant, [had] just bought a 50 millimeter lens, take her to the bathroom or comfort her [which is] not the best lens to use for if she felt action sad — that photography, was one of but my You look back at it, you see the the most brother pictures, you see yourself, you see beautiful always him and you see us having fun in the things. Taking told me to moment. Last year, during Christphotos for challenge that entire myself. So, I mas, he had a little Digital camera, two week [took] photos took some pictures and then on environment with [only Christmas Day, he gave me a present was the most that] lens, got — turns out it was a picture of us jaw dropping up close and that he took. When he gave me that thing because personal with picture, it [showed] friendship.” elephants a lot of [have the people [and] - Aliamsal Abtulali , senior most] took photos. emotional connections with human From that post, I got so much love and beings, and it’s so beautiful to see that.” feedback. I’ll never forget that. I got so Some of the events Thomas has [many] connections from that event.” attended for photos include garba (a Thomas originally started taking Hindu dance festival), his local church photos on old vlog cameras before events and basketball team matches. transitioning to a DSLR. His biggest Thomas said his most influential post advice for people who want to start came from an event he attended for taking photos is to not worry about the one basketball match during a sports equipment you have and just start taking tournament at the Marthoma Church of photos. Dallas. He said it challenged him to work “I’m new to photography, so he had with what he had visually. to teach me and was really open to [it],” “My equipment has always been senior Sai Chauhan said. “He let me have kind of terrible, but at the time I was his camera for the night, which was just like, OK, I can do this,’” Thomas said. “I cool [that] he trusted me with that. I got to connect with people the same way he does.” Thomas said one of his favorite things about capturing photos is how it allows him to meet new people and create opportunities to talk with the people he photographs. For Abtulali, the pictures that Thomas creates when they are together are more than just photos; they are memories. “You look back at it, you see the pictures, you see yourself, you see him and you see us having fun in the moment,” Abtulali said. “Last year, during Christmas, he had a little digital camera, took some pictures and then on Christmas Day, he gave me a present — turns out it was a picture of us that he took. When he gave me that picture, it [showed] friendship.” Photography is something Thomas wishes to pursue past high school, but he said he has doubts about making a Thomas said he wanted to challenge himself by career out of his passion. Thomas said capturing the beauty of the Lion Trailed Macaques in he struggles with charging people for the Tamil Nadu. (Photo provided by Abhishek Thomas)

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One of the photos Thomas took while at the tournament he was attending for his friends on Aug. 11-12. The photo was included alongside an assortment of others from the game, which ended up amassing over 223 likes and 39 comments. (Photo provided by Abhishek Thomas)

photos he takes as he does not believe in that. Despite his challenges, Thomas does see himself continuing photography, even if it would take him a long time to build a career. “I am in a position where I am stuck between what I want to do,” Thomas said. “[I might] pursue a job in CPS, social work or join law enforcement and become a detective. It’s not something I’m 100% [sure] I want to do because there are different doors for me, and I want to see where that takes me. Hopefully, photography is one of them.”

Scan to see more of Abhishek Thomas’ photos!

FEATURE 07

Students, community members and experts weigh in on impact of diet culture on teens

Story by Saahir Mawani

“What are your New Year’s resolutions?” This question pops up all over social media at the end of every December, and comes with a variety of “hate and negativity,” junior Rhylenn Coleman said. Of the 302.35 social media million users, 31% of 18–25-year-olds respond with the same thing. “Lose weight.” Though the percentage decreases as the demographics get younger (41% of 42-57, 36% of 26-41, 31% of 18-25 ), 36% of the population still wishes to lose weight. While losing weight can be healthy for certain individuals, many of the promoted techniques, specifically on Instagram and Tik Tok, can have unhealthy tendencies.

The impact of social media

Social media trends, such as “What I eat in a day,” fad diets and quick-fix products like collagen water garner millions of views per video. For example, one video about collagen water on TikTok gained 29 thousand likes. These trends did not spread past the barrier of social media, where a study found that people who reduced their social media use had improvement in how they regarded their overall physical appearance. Coleman, who was not allowed to join online platforms until she was 16, said she benefited from staying offline. “Social media is not a healthy environment,” Coleman said. “People are always discussing others’ weight. I have depression and anxiety; I would

08 IN-DEPTH

go through phases of not eating at all, and then binge-eating. Even if I wasn’t conscious of it, I was always thinking about looking like this [certain] body type, which was inspired by people I saw on social media.” Despite the negatives, social media has, statistically, had positive effects. Following the rise of fitness and lifestyle influencers, workout classes such as SoulCycle, Rumble and OrangeTheory gained 971k followers total. With one SoulCycle class leading to 500-700 burned calories, those wishing to lose weight turn to the classes. DFW resident Sarah Jasani said her experiences with social media, however, made her attend SoulCycle classes to an unhealthy extent. “When I started being healthy, I used workout classes to get away from social media and the real world,” Jasani said. “I used [workout classes] to have an hour without my phone [and] without work. I used it more for my mental health than my physical health.” In terms of diet culture affecting pop culture, 12-time Grammy winner Taylor Swift released a music video for “AntiHero,” in October of 2022, featuring a scene where Swift looks down at a scale with the word ‘FAT’ written on it. This led to intense media backlash, especially due to Swift’s appearance being a ‘conventionallY’ thin woman according to society. This led to Swift removing the scene from her music video. Fans, such as @ midastouchchevy defended her, saying “anti-hero captured the danger of [the] weight of expectation and the societal pressures of thinness, never feeling worthy of being loved bc scales screamed “overweight.” anti-hero is a commentary on abolishing the pejorative.”

Other celebrities have been attacked over their body’s physical journey, one of them being Khloé Kardashian. Following her divorce in 2013, she lost significant weight, leading to speculation claiming she took Ozempic, an obesity medication. “When I think about [the weight loss industry], the first name I think of is [Khloé] Kardashian,” assistant physician Alyssa Musa said. “As a celebrity, she vlogged her fitness journey daily, consistently posting a story every single day. That shows that not all celebrities are taking magic pills or getting work done that makes them thinner.” Additionally, companies push fitness-oriented competition features in their products, such as Apple’s feature on their Apple Watches, where friends and family compete to burn the most

What are your New Year’s resolutions? Lose weight. -- 31% of 18-25-year-olds

and share fitness information. Similar to Kardashian, people, such as Jasani, have dedicated accounts to track their progress, either publicly or privately. “I’ve noticed that when I do hit a certain benchmark, I do enjoy taking a picture with the sign [with an accomplishment] and showing it off,” Jasani said. “It’s not for vanity, but to show that I do work out [and to say] look at my accomplishments.” In an era dominated by the constant stream of images and updates on social media platforms, it’s hard to remember the time before this culture took a new form. When glossy magazines adorned newsstands in the early 2000s, supermodels such as Kate Moss and Tyra Banks became the standard of feminine beauty, with pictures of the result without any prep and journey, they proceeded to enforce strict social expectations for women. “Growing up, my generation saw people in magazines [and thought] ‘I wish I looked like that,’” Musa said. “Now, [we are] in this phase of social media where [influencers] are posting about what they’re eating and their workouts. I’ve reached a point where I try to remind myself and my patients that this culture is not important, [but] living a healthy lifestyle [is.]”

Disordered eating/health effects

In research administered by the UNC School of Medicine about eating disorders and how to identify them, they found that 42% of first through third-grade students surveyed said they wanted to be thinner. The National Institute of Mental Health discovered that the prevalence of eating disorders such as Bulimia Nervosa, Anorexia Nervosa, and Binge-eating disorder grows with age. A survey conducted by Eating Disorder Hope showed that more than 50% of adolescent individuals suffering from an eating disorder also suffer from depression. “There are times when I interact with students and I see that their eating habits are unhealthy and concerning,” student assistance counselor Stephanie Bañuelos said. “In the mental health field, if we are dealing with emotional stress, we have to make sure that we are taking care of ourselves physically. I’ve noticed that people that have unhealthy eating habits are compensating for lack

of control in their personal life.” Consuming social media as a teenager imposes a wide variety of effects on teenagers: depression, anxiety, inadequate sleep (which can affect neu rological development), low self-esteem, poor body image and eating disorder behaviors. This is further emphasized by online harassment or peer pressure in teen minds, proven by social desirability bias —- answering according to society’s expectations, rather than own beliefs or experiences. “As a teenager, you are figuring out who you are and how you fit in with

42%

of first through third-grade students said they want to be thinner your friends,” Bañuelos said. “I can only imagine that social media has negative connotations associated with it. A lot of times, our go-to is to have negative [thoughts], so we just need to be mindful.” Calorie restriction has been proven to lead to a lack of focus, especially in teens. It includes other effects, such as a weak metabolism. These effects at such a young age can affect a person’s health and overall physical development. In exwrestler Coby Goodrich’s case, who one competes with depends on weight.. “I’m in a weight class sport, where the slimmer you are, the more specific the competition is,” ex-wrestler Coby Goodrich said. “To fit the class, I had to restrict my calories a little bit. I lost 60 pounds in four months, but wasn’t eating much. I was only eating 1200 calories per day (compared to the average 2600 for growing teenagers), and it was tough to focus in school.” With people openly discussing eating diSorders, Bañuelos said she hopes people understand it will take time to make change. “Social media has made [people] expect results fast and instant,” Bañuelos said. “We get instant gratification everywhere, but our bodies aren’t built that way. It’s appealing, but when

it doesn’t work, instead of going to the next thing, take your time and reflect.”

Fitness

While diet culture and food have their fair share of proven negative effects, there have been professionally approved ways to use food and eating to one’s advantage. Recently, a medication named Ozempic has made headlines for its use by celebrities, notably Elon Musk and Amy Schumer, in their weight loss journey. This injection helps one lose about 5 pounds per month. While some people use it for a temporary time, once they complete the use of this drug, the weight comes back. Musa said she recommends alternative treatments to her patients instead. “Initially, when patients come in asking for treatments to lose weight, I get to know them and their history,” Musa said. “I do a trial period, where I have them set three goals for themselves before I start them on any medication. The biggest factor in losing weight is consistency, so setting those goals where it can become a habit sets a base for losing weight.” The saying, “consistency is key,” is used frequently in the fitness community. This is emphasized when competing in sports such as wrestling, which relies heavily on body weight. “When we had tournaments and I had to make weight [checks], I would barely eat anything,” Goodrich said. “I would have a protein shake for lunch, have a little workout and then go home after practice. I would go straight to bed to pass the time I couldn’t eat or drink water. I never regretted it [though.] It’s the reason why I’m healthy and it taught me a lot.” Recovery can take a long time for some individuals. Studies say that habits take 30-60 days to break, which is why people return to their unhealthy habits. “It takes time,” Musa said. “I remind my patients Rome wasn’t built in a day, but the building blocks were put up every single day. Being consistent makes them a little more motivated. It’s hard, but I always say start small and then go big.”

IN-DEPTH 09

GIFT IDEAS FOR

STORY BY SAAHIR MAWANI

As teenagers, we are often strapped for cash, and with the holidays coming closer, I decided to put together a comprehensive gift guide, with varying budgets. Whether they are your significant other, a parent, a best friend or even an acquaintance, I’m sure there is something for everyone. Here is the ultimate gift guide for 2023.

UNDER $25

• AirTags- Apple’s AirTags are an amazing way to keep track of your items. The single pack is currently under $25, but the four-pack is $100 exactly. • PJ’s- A holiday staple, a pair of flannel pajamas by AmazonBasics is an ideal gift to keep you warm through the winter nights. • Tote bag- A favorite for non-school days, a tote bag has become an essential within my daily routine to hold all of my items. This with a long strap, the tote stays right by your hip (depending on your height) • Nightstand organizer- A great way to keep everything organized, this nightstand organizer keeps everything in a specific space before you head to bed. • Books (specifically Fourth Wing) • Squishmallow- Popularized on TikTok, the super soft stuffed animal is bound to light up someone’s face, and provide them an amazing pillow to sleep on. • Shower speaker- Coming from someone who constantly has music blasting in his ears, this shower speaker is an amazing addition to someone’s self-care routine. • RocketBook- As high school students, we take a lot of notes. For the person who prefers writing with pen and paper, but wants to minimize environmental impact, this reusable notebook is perfect.

UNDER $50

• Hydroflask- Hydration is key during the day, and this water bottle is sure to keep your cold beverages cold, and your warm beverages warm. • Nike socks- Though socks have developed a reputation for being bad gifts, a set of comfortable Nike socks may just win someone over. • Candles- A good scent is somewhere people can never go wrong. I’ve linked my favorite candle of all time, with a scent suitable for the entire year. • Airfryer- A surprising item in this budget, an airfryer is the perfect gift for the food fanatic in your family. While it may seem random, almost anything can be air-fried. This specific airfryer doesn’t just airfry, it also has nine other features built in. • Vinyls- For the aesthetic music lover in your life, a vinyl would be the perfect gift. Depending on the album/artist, prices vary from $15 to $60. • Fanny pack/Belt bag- Popularized by athletic wear company Lululemon, the belt bag has turned into a convenient substitute for droopy, heavy pockets. If you are looking for options at a cheaper price point, many companies have made similar products. • External battery bank- With winter break just around the corner, vacations are bound to happen, and with vacations come long travel days. A MagSafe external charger is perfect to attach onto your phone, and charge it wirelessly with no clutter. • Weighted blanket- In the winter, sleeping becomes one of my favorite hobbies, and this just elevates my winter hibernation experience. The weighted blanket feels like a warm hug comforting me in the long winter nights. • Stanley Cup- Now discovered to be fireproof, the viral tumbler is perfect to fit into a car cup holder, complete with a handle for easy carrying.

UNDER $100

• Digital Camera- Set to capture memories with your best friends, this camera is pocket sized, and perfect to grab on the way out the door. • Kindle- One of my favorite gifts to give, the Kindle is perfect for the reader in your life. Coupled with oceanofpdf.com, all of your books will become free. • Keurig Single Serve Coffee Maker - Since the start of my junior year, I have realized how long I am required to stay awake in the later years of my high school career. With that realization, I decided to splurge on a coffee machine for my everyday use. Though this specific machine is not the exact one I have, it is very simple, and amazing to brew a fresh cup of joe in the early morning. • Polaroid printer- Similarly to the resurgence of the digital camera, this printer brings a sense of nostalgia back to taking photos. This is perfect for the trendy friend who loves having photos in their room. • Cologne Sampler/Perfume Sampler- Nobody can resist a good scent, and this sampler pack is the perfect way to test multiple before you find your signature scent. Both of these come with a code to get one of these scents full size for absolutely free. • MagSafe phone wallet- Keeping it useful for the 23rd gift of 2023, a MagSafe phone wallet is the perfect gift to give. It magnetically attaches to the back of any iPhone (13 or later) with the MagSafe technology and has abilities to be on the FindMy network, when you connect the U1 chip.

10 ENTERTAINMENT

PIEROGIES

Every year around Thanksgiving and Christmas, my family makes a traditional Polish dumpling called pierogies. My great grandmother started the tradition when she came to America from Poland during World War II. Although my great grandmother is no longer with us, we have continued the tradition for years, and it brings my family closer together and gives us the opportunity to appreciate our culture.

RECIPE BY PEYTON KUSCHMEIDER

INGREDIENTS DOUGH -6 cups flour *Measurements are approximate and may need to be altered while making*

-2 cups whole milk -2 eggs -2 teaspoons salt

FILLING

-4 lbs. potatoes -1 whole onion -2 cups American cheese -2 cups cheddar cheese -Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS FILLING

-Cut and saute onions -Cut and boil potatoes. -Once both are cooked, drain the potatoes and mash them. Mix the cooked onions into the masHed potatoes, and then add both cheeses and fold until completely melted. -Season with salt and pepper to taste.

QUESO FLAN RECIPE BY MADELINE RIVERA

INGREDIENTS

-1 cup of sugar -1 package (8 ounces) of softened cream cheese -1 can (14 ounces) of sweetened condensed milk -1 can (12 ounces) of evaporated milk -5 large eggs -2 teaspoons of vanilla -1 8 or 9 in., 2 in. deep, cake pan -1 13x9 in. baking pan

INSTRUCTIONS

DOUGH

-Make a large pile of flour on a cutting board or table and sprinkle with salt. -Make a small circular crater in the flour and crack eggs into it. Fold together with hands. -Slowly add milk in small amounts and continue folding until a dough-like consistency is reached. -Separate the dough into small pieces and roll with a rolling pin until it makes a flat circle.

ASSEMBLY

-Take the circles of dough and add a spoonful of filling to each. -Fold dough over to make a semi-circle shape and pinch ends together. Add water to make the dough stick, if necessary. -Twist the ends of the dough together to make a tight seal. -Once assembled, add the pierogies to a pot of boiling water, and boil until they float to the top. -These can be kept frozen until ready to eat. Once ready, fry in a pan with oil until both sides become golden-brown.

Each holiday season, my grandmother born in Puerto Rico on my father’s side bakes a queso flan for the entire Rivera household to enjoy. However, my grandma prefers to make hers cheese-oriented, compared to the standard egg-flavored flan. Flan is an essential dessert in Puerto Rican cuisine, especially during the holidays, and a comfort food from my childhood. From my family to yours, enjoy this Puerto Rican recipe to share with loved ones this festive season.

-Start by preheating your oven to 350 F. As the oven heats up, begin boiling water in a pot. -Over medium-low heat, melt sugar completely until it dissolves in a small saucepan — make sure it doesn’t burn! Swirl the pan to stir — do not stir with a utensil. Wait to remove from heat until the dissolved sugar turns into a dark golden, amber color. -Once taken off heat, immediately pour the dissolved sugar into the bottom of your cake pan. Make sure to work quickly before it hardens! -In a blender, beat the cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs and vanilla. Mix until thoroughly combined. -Strain the newly made custard in a sieve to prevent lumps. Pour over the dissolved sugar in the cake pan, then add the boiling water to the large baking pan. Put the cake pan inside of the boiling water. The cake pan will sit inside of the water. -Bake for one hour. -Remove from the oven and let the cake pan cool in the water for another hour. Once cooled, refrigerate the flan for at least two hours, but overnight gives the best results!

ENTERTAINMENT 11

DEC. 2023 Myths By The Month W

Grief During The Holidays Story by Shiren Noorani easier; other days, I just need someone to talk to. The holidays have always been about being with my people and finding comfort in these important little things has shown me the value of life and the people that we have in it. After losing my grandpa, my priorities and my entire thought process changed. Pretending to be OK for the sake of the people I love during the holiday season helped me block out and avoid my grief, but that has never made me truly feel better. It’s important to find comfort in the things that still provide it for you. Holiday cheer has always been a prominent thing in my life. Whether it be at school or at home, the holiday season will forever make a part of my My grandpa knew I couldn’t childhood heart light up with joy. Still, the part that live without him, and he made sure I belongs to the people I love who are gone will forever didn’t have to by giving me people that ache in pain at the same time. represented him in different ways and I’ll be making five warm cups of hot chocolate instead of six, but I’ve learned to hold onto the kept him alive in my story for as long as I memories that will forever remain in that empty cup. continue to write it.

I’ve always looked forward to the holidays. Everyone around me said it was the best time of the year and, for the first 13 years of my life, I agreed with them. Now, I don’t know how I feel about it, and I’ve learned that it’s OK to be in that place. Holidays have always been made up of different things for me: Christmas games, family trips, staying in, spending time with my friends and watching movies with hot chocolate. Regardless of what I’m doing

for the holidaYs, I have always been surrounded by my family, and though that’ll be the same for me, some of the aspects of this “perfect” holiday season won’t. The worst day of loving someone is losing them, but many forget about the other days where it hits - Shiren Noorani, social media manager you the worst. During the holidays, there are times where family trips are planned for five instead of six, when we draw out 26 names for secret Santa instead of 27 and when I wake up to one grandparent, instead of two. All these little things hit me harshly, regardless of how many years it has been or how much time I’ve had to process. Grieving isn’t standardized or predictable; it hits you in ways you would never expect. Even though my grief has never stayed consistent, finding comfort in the people and things that are still here helping me navigate through life is what gets me through it. My best friend makes sure I’m reminded that it’s OK to feel this way on every holiday. The mixed scents of bergamot and sage remind me of my grandpa, who is no longer here to celebrate the holidays with us. The holidays feel incomplete without those vital members, and even though their book may be over, they’re still characters in my story. My grandpa knew I couldn’t live without him, and he made sure I didn’t have to by giving me people that represented him in different ways and kept him alive in my story for as long as I continue to write it. It’s important to find comfort in the things that are still here. Nothing can ever make grief easy, but things can make it easier to handle on hard days. Sometimes, all I need is a hug to make things

“

12 OPINION

This piece is one of a series of blogs on mental health by Shiren Noorani. To read more, go to www.hebronhawkeye.com.

When a need becomes a nightmare Story by Peyton Kuschmeider

“That’s all you’re going to eat?” Those words haunted me for the first 10 years of my life. I couldn’t understand it. I was just a kid — why did it matter how much I ate? I began to hate Thanksgiving. I couldn’t stand going to my relative’s houses because I knew they were going to make fun of the food on my plate. I was scolded for being “too picky” and “not eating enough.” My extended family would criticize my parents for letting me eat the way I did. To appease others, I would force myself to eat things I didn’t like. I would put more food on my plate than I actually wanted. As I grew into my teenage years, the words began to change. Since I was growing, I was starting to eat more. “That’s a lot of food.” “That’s you’re “You’re going to eat all of that?” going to eat?”

all

“You eAt so much more than you used to.” Hearing it gave me chills and made my stomach ache, yet I didn’t say anything. But three years ago, on Thanksgiving, the words finally took a toll on me. I can’t remember the exact words, but my aunt said something about the amount of food I was eating, and all I remember was panicking. I couldn’t think. I couldn’t breathe. My appetite was gone. Later that night, my family wanted to eat dessert. I got a small plate, and the same feeling came back. Once again, my mind was scrambled and all I could feel was a heavy sense of anxiety. The feeling didn’t stop for months. When I ate lunch with friends at school, I would panic. I was worried they would say something. If everyone was done with their food, I would throw mine away, because I didn’t want to be the only person eating. I didn’t feel like myself anymore. I was tired all the time, and I hated the anxious feeling constantly looming over me. Something needed to change because I didn’t like the person I was becoming. I slowly worked my way out of my comfort zone. I started by eating in front of people more. I stopped skipping breakfast and would only work out when I actually wanted to. Slowly but surely, I got my spark back. Eating was no longer something I dreaded, but something I learned was OK to enjoy. I’ve

“That’s a lot of food...”

distanced myself from the family members who made me feel bad about myself, and I don’t take their words to heart anymore. For the last few years, I spent Thanksgiving with only my parents, and it was relieving. Finally, I could eat in peace without feeling judged. There were no more long car rides home, sitting in the backseat and complaining to my parents about how much I hated Thanksgiving. The holidays were peaceful again. I wasn’t surrounded by people who made me feel like someone I wasn’t. I was surrounded by only love. I finally found my love for the holiday season again.

Eating Disorder Awareness There are many types of eating disorders, such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervose, Binge Eating Disorder and a number of others. These illnesses can cause disturbances in eating behaviors and emotions, and can result in persistent starving, bingeing and purging.

Physical Impacts -Digestion problems -Cardiovascular problems -Trouble sleeping -Hormonal imbalances -Loss of menstrual period -Infertility

Someone dies from an eating disorder every 52 minutes.

20%

Of people with eating disorders will die from it.

Mental Impacts

-Irritability -Anxiety and depression -Fatigue -Feelings of isolation -Stress and frustration

How can I help? -Research and educate yourself on eating disorders. Being able to understand what someone is going through is one of the best ways to help someone. -Be supportive and honest. Allow yourself to be an open listener and offer advice when necessary. -Recognize triggers and avoid them. Don’t talk about weight or calories around someone who may be struggling, and keep them away from situations that can be potentially triggering. Remember: Recovery is possible.

OPINION 13

utchinson, Kansas: a town so small that most are unaware of its existence. To me, “Hutch” was home. Living in a small area, education wasn’t completely lost, but the opportunity to grow and challenge myself academically was never really offered. I wasn’t subjected to higher level classes, and I was never tested to be “gifted and talented.” The emphasis on school wasn’t demanding, and thus, not much was demanded of me. Outside of school, the town itself wasn’t very opportunistic. Businesses shut down and restaurants were often left abandoned. Due to the lack of opportunity and the educational discrepancy, students in the system turned to addictive habits. My mom often refers to Hutch as a black hole; before most are aware, the town sucks them in. This was my hometown. However, the love for my class, school and town slowly disintegrated the older I got. There’s two events that catalyzed my want — my need — to get away.

“

My mom often refers to Hutch as a black hole; before most are aware, the town sucks them in.”

In fourth grade, a new student joined my class. He had aggressive and severe tantrums, many that ended up in him being reported to the counselor. One day, he came back to class after being pulled aside. This wasn’t unusual, but his behavior after was. We were having reading time when he came to my teacher’s desk, and threw her MacBook. The sound was loud and sudden. My class attempted to funnel into the counselor’s room. But before processing the situation, with the weight of his entire body, he tacKled the girl directly behind me. Her petite frame fell into the backpacks cluttered to the wall. I don’t remember the day it happened, his name or what he wore, but I remember his face: full of anger and rage unimaginable to a 9-year-old. Adults rushed toward him as we ran into another room and sat in silence. I cried silent tears, hoping the boy wouldn’t run to the kindergartners’ hallway – where my 5-year-old brother was sitting – and cause any more violence.

14 OPINION

Story by Olivia Evans The entire situation showed me the darker realities of growing up in a system not catered toward certain individuals. His behavior could have been helped, and although the school did all they could, the lack of opportunity to receive proper counseling caused him to stay in this damaging pattern. The next year, things had gotten better. The kid no longer attended our school and I kept a close connection with each of my peers. But, the days turned darker when my closest friend and I got into an argument. This petty disagreement turned the entire grade against me, and before I realized the extent of the situation, I lost most of my friends. I was bullied for months and I lost the love I had for school. When I thought things couldn’t get better, my mom found a new job: 412.7 miles away, in Dallas, Texas. It was the type of place I only heard about on the television. Everyone knows Texas, and everyone knows Dallas — the complete opposite of my home town. I was torn on how to feel about moving so far away, as I would be leaving the things I held dearest to my heart: my family, the few friends I had and the small town I learned to love. At the end of the day, when the sun set and the streets went quiet and dim, Hutch was my home. But I recognized the possibility this chance gave me, and before we could be sucked into the black hole that was our circumstances, my family and I packed our things and headed to Texas. At first, this move seemed wasteful. I figured that, as soon as I came here, I would

be welcomed with open arms. But having moved in the middle of fifth grade, I entered at an awkward time. I knew no one, and was only referred to as “the new girl.” I was able to make friends in Dallas, but I still longed for the support I had back in Hutch from my family. When I felt lost or upset, my grandma’s house had been a seven minute drive; now, it was six hours. School was also a lot harder. The education system is held at a high standard in our district, and having come from a school with little emphasis on academics, I began to struggle. Getting on the same curve as other students was difficult. I jumped into a pond without realizing the waterfall coming toward me. Despite the struggles I faced, Dallas presented me with something I never had back in Hutch: diversity in learning opportunities, people and beliefs. In sixth grade, I decided to enroll in band. I had never played an instrument, and only had a few lousy attempts at learning piano. However, this decision ended up having an unforgettable effect. I got the opportunity to perform at the Midwest Convention in Chicago in 2019, and my love for music has only grown. I still love where I came from, and take every opportunity I can to visit. Even if for only a few days, I cherish the time I get to be with my family back in Hutch. However, I don’t regret moving. I have been blessed with strong education, schools and extracurriculars. From the day I moved here, I promised myself to never take this opportunity for granted. Now as a senior, these opportunities to change and grow have inspired me to pursue higher levels of education and challenge myself more. I plan on studying neuroscience and going on the pre-medical track; one day, I will become a trauma surgeon. Every day, I’m reminded of my circumstances. I’m reminded of how I’ve rewritten my story and made it my own. I’m no longer the shy, mousy-haired little girl in Hutchinson, Kansas; I’ve managed to become much more. I pose for my first day of school in front of my dad’s old car, wearing Hello Kitty merchandise head-to-toe, complete with a matching bow. I attended the same elementary school for 7 years; it housed grades kindergarten to sixth.

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INTERACTIVE 15

Junior Chase Harris watches JJ Hatcher’s family being recognized on the football field on Aug. 25. (Photo by Peyton Kuschmeider). Running back Ahmad Ware evades being tackled by Plano East during the Homecoming game on Sept. 29. (Photo by Caleb Wright).

Sophomore Bogdan Slavu blocks the ball against Dallas Jesuit on Aug. 26 at the Dallas Jesuit Aquatic Center. (Photo by Andrew John).

Junior Keane Nair, who played Professor Plum in theater’s performance of

“Clue,” sm les before senior Max Turman reads the blackmail that the host, Mr. Body, has on him. (Photo by Krista Fleming)

Homecoming king Wesley Winkler performs alongside the band in its 2023 show, “Monomyth.” (Photo by Shiren Noorani). Homecoming queen Chan-Hee Kim, 2022-2023 queen Isabella Nations and Homecoming king Wesley Winkler pose for a photo. (Photo by Shiren Noorani).