The Hawk Eye
Staff contributors
Lily Andersson
Avery Boyle
Eli Church
Krista Fleming
Peyton Kuschmeider
Gavin Lambert
Hannah Mathew
Saahir Mawani
Shiren Noorani
Auyeh Oufi
Adviser
Steven Jones 02
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 necessarily 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, www.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.
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The Silver Wings will hold multiple fundraisers to help pay for the team to travel to New York Nov. 23-29, where they will perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.
“It is absolutely a once-in-alifetime opportunity,” head director Lauren Wheeler said. “I was able to perform in the Macy’s Day Parade when I was in college, and I was in awe of how amazing the opportunity was. When [the Silver Wings] got the invitation, there was really no doubt in my mind that I wanted to give the girls the same opportunity.”
In February, the team competed at the Showtime dance competition, winning in all four categories they competed in: contemporary, jazz, modern and open. The first place spot came with an invitation to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
“Their faces whenever they found out they were going is one of the moments I’ll always remember,” Wheeler said. “It was just pure joy and excitement.”
“
Their faces whenever they found out they were going is one of the moments I’ll always remember.”
- Lauren Wheeler, head director
The trip costs about $3,000-$4,000 for each Silver Wing who is attending. The cost covers travel expenses and costumes, as well as tourist sights. They will visit the 9/11 memorial, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and go to a Broadway show and a Rockette performance.
For the first time, the Silver Wings held an online fundraiser in order to raise enough money for their trip. Each person had to put 20 emails into a system that blasted out a link to the fundraiser. The goal for this fundraiser is $20,000.
“Every little bit helps because, no matter what is donated, it’s going to help us get there,” head sergeant Leeah Boyd said. “We’re really appreciative of everything and everyone who’s contributed to the fundraising we’re doing and will continue to do.”
Silver Wings raise money for trip to New York Nov. 23-29
Story by Peyton Kuschmeider
DESIGNED BY LILY ANDERSSON
Outside of the online fundraiser, the team will also be bringing back their “Parents Night Out” for the first time after COVID-19. Parents can drop off their kids and the team will take care of them while doing a multitude of activities with them. They will also be holding spirit nights at restaurants, holding dance clinics and doing their annual Gift Galleria.
“For me, it’s more than just a dollar amount,” Wheeler said. “We’ve been super blessed to see a high dollar amount in support and fundraising. It’s a form of support to where they are allowing us to break barriers. The support we get from fundraising symbolizes their support for what we stand for and what we do, rather than just giving money so we can go on a trip.”
Choreographers from across the country will come together to create a routine for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which the team will receive at the end of October. The team is more focused on the planning stages of
we do things,” captain Ava Sipko said. “[Things] do change a little bit, but it’s been such a learning experience for everyone. It’s been great to grow the organization, but still keep it the Silver Wing way.”
Wheeler took over as head director in January, and said the team placed higher in contests that February than they have in a while. Wheeler said that even through challenges, the team has been making many positive changes.
“It’s a place where more girls want to be involved,” Wheeler said. “[They] are excited to come to practice whether we’re having a really hard practice or more of a fun day. No matter how hard we work, they’re always in it to do their best, and I think that the team culture has made us more successful, not only as performers, but as people.”
At the parade, drill teams from all over the country will perform together. In total, there will be approximately 700-900 dancers performing the same routine and practicing in the same room at once.
Comeback Route
He steps up to the line, makes a cut, beats his defender and goes up for the pass.
Early into his first game of junior varsity football on Aug. 29 last season, then-sophomore Nathan Parnell went for a pass against a Dallas Jesuit defender, who landed on Parnell’s right leg. Dropping the ball was the least of his worries at that moment. Going into the game, Nathan said he was prepared to soar to new heights, and prove himself to everyone.
That all came crashing down in an instant.
The Beginning
Ever since he was a little kid, Nathan loved football. His parents Wayne and Ashley Parnell recall how he first ignited his passion and love for the sport.
“I played football and it was on TV constantly,” Wayne said. “It was always [a part of his life] as he grew up around it. Ever since he could walk, he has been catching footballs.”
Though he tried sports like tennis, track, soccer and basketball, Nathan said that football has always remained his favorite. He said football has a special place in his heart and he loves every aspect of the game.
“I love having a team that I can connect with,” Nathan said. “No matter what team I’m on, I’m always around people that I trust and that I’ll be friends with for a long time.”
The Injury
The moment he hit the ground, Nathan knew something wasn’t right.
“I [thought,] I could just walk it off like I always do,” Nathan said. “But then I started to kind of play on [the leg] more, and I could barely walk. But I couldn’t show that, because I wanted to finish the game and try to play the next game too, so I played through it.”
Watching from the stands, Nathan’s parents knew something was off as soon as the injury occurred.
“I knew immediately that he was limping,” Wayne said. “But it could [have been] something small. A lot of times, he just walks it off. He kind of limped off the field, and the trainers took a look at him, and I could just see that he was fine, he was just walking
I just knew at that moment, something wasn’t right. I [thought,] I’ll just walk it off like I always do. But then I started to kind of play on [the leg] more, and I could barely walk. But I couldn’t show that, because I wanted to finish the game and try to play the next game too, so I played through it.”
- Nathan Parnell, junior wide receiver
around, walking it off. I saw [the trainers] working it out, and then he went back in.”
Because of his love for football, Nathan said that, even after the initial pain and injury, he knew he would do everything in his power to play through it.
“As soon as I hurt my leg, I was just like, OK, I’m not going to come out,’” Nathan said. “I got treated a little bit. I got ice on the sideline and about five minutes after I got hurt, it was time for offense again. I told the coaches that
by Gavin Lambert Junior returns to football after breaking leg
Story
[my leg] was hurting, so I didn’t think they were going to throw the ball to me. I had a five yard route. I caught the ball, and just started making moves and ended up scoring a touchdown.”
After scoring one touchdown on a broken leg, Nathan would repeat the feat in the next game. Pushing through the injury and performing the way he did was confusing for his parents, who initially thought everything was going to be fine. Realizing how serious the injury was now, Ashely said it showed a lot about who Nathan is as a person.
“It really showed his determination,” Ashley said. “He doesn’t let something small hinder him. It shows that he’s a tough kid. Even though we didn’t know at the time, his leg was broken, but at least he ended [his season] on a high note.”
Recovery
After playing his second game on a broken leg, Nathan decided it was time to go see a doctor. He had debated going at all, because he knew it would mean he would be out for a while.
“I always want to be on the field, no matter what,” Nathan said. “So it kind of sucked knowing that I probably wouldn’t be able to play for that whole year. I was expecting to be out for a couple weeks, maybe be able to play the last game or something. It made me realize how valuable time is and not to take it for granted.”
Nathan had a broken fibula, a bone in the lower part of his leg. He said the injury made him realize that it was OK to take a break every once in a while. However, Wayne said he wished he had taken him to the doctor sooner and that
he regrets waiting so long.
“I felt horrible,” Wayne said. “Because, as a parent, [I’m] thinking, ‘Why didn’t I take him sooner to get [it] checked out?’ You’d think with the broken leg, you’re going to be crazy hurt, but it was that backbone — it wasn’t the support side of his leg. [The bone is] just there for support and structural integrity.”
After thinking he would be out for a couple of months, hearing the news that he would be out the whole season was devastating. Nathan’s parents said that, even though the news disappointed Nathan, it also appeared to motivate him to work his hardest to get back to the game he loved.
“At first we were concerned about how he was going to handle [the news] emotionally and mentally,” Ashley said. “Knowing he couldn’t play, I was worried about him. But he had such a good attitude. He was the one that put me at ease, because he said, ‘There’s nothing we can do about it. It’s just part of God’s plan, whatever that is.’ He had a good mentality about just practicing [and] doing everything he could to make the most of that time off.”
Nathan said the physical rehab and training process was tedious, and working back was a struggle. But with the help of those close to him, he was able to get through it.
“At the end of the day, [my family] could care less about football, but they knew how much it meant to me so they would help me out [all of the time,]” Nathan said. “[The team was] really helpful towards me [as well.] I’m always around the greatest guys in the locker room. I love every single one of them; they all helped me because they saw [how much the injury] affected me. I’m really grateful for all [of] my friends, my teammates [and] coaches; they really helped me push through.”
Nathan said everyone around him was always there for him and didn’t make this injury a big deal. Even though he was hurt, continuing to go to practices and be a part of a team environment was invaluable to his recovery process.
“I just think [the injury] helped me
realize who all I really have around me,” Nathan said. “I didn’t realize that until this happened. Some people, nowadays, will forget who all is there for them, and they won’t ask for help. But when I thought about it, I realized if I need help, [everyone] is there for me.”
One thing Nathan started to do in order to keep himself focused and motivated was writing down his goals. He said the injury made him realize that his time on the field isn’t guaranteed, so he wrote down his goals — one of which was making varsity.
“After my injury, I just worked and worked,” Nathan said. “I did so much over the offseason, and I just wanted to be able to be on varsity and contribute.”
Nathan’s childhood best friend, Drew Koster, said that when he found out Nathan had made varsity, he was happy to have somebody that he was close with on the team. Drew said
As a kid, Nathan played Pee iWee football and won a district title in middle school.
Fresh Start
Nathan is playing football again. He made his return taking part in the football team’s scrimmages against Wylie East and Duncanville, then returning to the field where he broke his leg at Dallas Jesuit for the season opener. Wayne said it was a bittersweet experience and brought back some unwanted memories.
“[Going back to Jesuit] I remember that play where he just came down on it,” Wayne said. “But I feel like [the injury] is a forgotten memory. He’s healed now. We’re not thinking about it anymore; he gets his chance now [to] go out there and show what he can do.”
Junior year is a major year for college recruiting and is typically the time where colleges will start to show interest in athletes. Since he was out last year, Nathan said he is excited for and ready to show what he can do.
“I’m looking forward to ultimately proving myself and showing myself that just because I had an injury last year, it doesn’t have to stay with me my whole life,” Nathan said. “ I know I’m not the biggest guy, but there’s a lot of people out there that aren’t the biggest either and that’s why they kind of doubt themselves. So if I can prove to myself that you don’t have to be the biggest guy, it just matters what [I] do with [my] mind and what [I] do on the field. That’s going to get me where I want to go in life.”
Football’s first home game
The football team played its first home game against Southlake Carroll on Sept. 6. The team lost 59-16.
Quarterback PJ
Senior ShareS future planS for two paSSionS in SpikingStyle
BY heIDI roBSon
Her life has been defined by two seemingly unrelated passions: volleyball and fashion.
For senior Addison Vary, these interests have not only coexisted but have shaped her identity. As she looks toward the future, she dreams of how these two worlds might intersect one day, creating opportunities for her to continue thriving both on the court and in design.
Volleyball
Addy’s journey with volleyball began in her local recreation league, with her mother as her first coach.
“We started playing with a few friends in the rec leagues,” Addy said. “I tried other sports, like basketball and dance, but volleyball had a special appeal. In basketball, I hated how physical it was, how they’d rip my nails off or they’d get scratched. In dance, I felt left out; I was the only sporty girl in the dance group. I wanted to be a fivestar athlete, but I knew volleyball was always my passion.”
Addy’s love for volleyball only grew deeper. By the time she was in fifth grade, she joined a competitive club team. Once she got to middle school, Addison became a five-star athlete, participating in five sports. She made the varsity volleyball team her sophomore year as a six-rotation outside hitter — a position she has held ever since. This year will be her third year on varsity and her ninth playing volleyball.
“My expectations for my players are pretty high,” head volleyball coach Rachel Buckley said. “They know that they represent Hebron Volleyball and that I do not take that lightly. I expect them to give 100% effort in everything they do whether [it’s] in the classroom, on the court or on the track/weight room. I expect them to put the team above themselves and protect each other like a family.”
Buckley said she expects her team to maintain good grades throughout the year. She said the team jogs instead of walking, and says “yes” instead of “yeah.” Buckley said Addy is a prime example of all these expectations.
“Tell Addy she can’t do something and I guarantee you she will prove you wrong,” Buckley said. “When Addy sets her mind to a goal, she is going to give all of herself until she reaches it. At the same time, her heart is so big and her light is so bright; she genuinely loves people and makes everyone feel special and included.”
Senior Katie Davidson, a close friend of Addy’s, highlighted her positivity and leadership on the court.
“If you watched her play, you’d be able to see her team spirit radiate out of her body and go to her teammates,” Davidson said. “She is always able to bring someone’s mood up if they miss a serve or forget to call the ball”
While Addy’s love for volleyball has led to her work ethic, her journey has been mentally and physically challenging. Addy said last school year was particularly difficult for her.
“I went through a really tough season last year,” Addy said. “Mentally, it was draining — four-hour-long practices and workouts before and after school. I had to lean on my friends and teammates. I learned that it’s about more than just the game — it’s about discipline, time management and perseverance. I’ve always had this strong support system through volleyball from my friends and coaches. It’s like volleyball has been something to lean on, especially when life gets tough.”
“ - ADDISON VARY, SENIOR
Yet, it was through these challenges
Addy said she realized volleyball had become more than just a sport. Pushing through the season, she committed to Lenoir-Rhyne University in the spring, a Division II school in North Carolina, just an hour outside of Charlotte. Addy said she was a bit late to start the recruitment process, as she began at the end of her sophomore year. For women’s volleyball, players are able to I learneD that It’S aBout More than JuSt the GaMe — It’S aBout DISCIplIne, tIMe ManaGeMent anD perSeVeranCe. I’Ve alwaYS haD thIS StronG Support SYSteM throuGh VolleYBall froM MY frIenDS anD CoaCheS. It’S lIKe VolleYBall haS Been SoMethInG to lean on, eSpeCIallY when lIfe GetS touGh.
DESIGNED BY KRISTA FLEMING
start talking to coaches on June 15 of your junior year, but before that, you’re basically emailing and reaching out to schools for months to even a year prior.
“The recruitment process was very annoying, and there were a lot of tears,” Addy said. “It feels like you are emailing a wall; you just send, send, send until that date pops up.”
Throughout all the tears, and stress of the process, she considered quitting. Addy said one person remained by her side through it all — her mom.
“My mom helped me a lot, especially with the motivation,” Addy said. “I told her: ‘I do not want to do this anymore,’ and she told me ‘No, you have to keep going. We have a tournament this weekend and colleges will be there to watch.’”
Addy said she feels immense relief after committing to her college. She said she was tired of the stressful process of contacting coaches, sending out emails and making calls. She no longer has to worry about finding the right school or standardized tests, let alone the college application process itself. Now, after being committed to Lenoir-Rhyne University for several months, Addy said she has formed great relationships with the coaching staff.
“The coaches are so heartwarming,” Addy said. “They’ve made me feel so wanted and [welcomed]. The assistant coach is the sweetest person ever; he calls me ‘little buddy,’ and he texts me after tournaments to say how great I did. I never got that appreciation from any other school.”
Fashion
Addy’s love for fashion started at an early age, long before she ever stepped foot onto a volleyball court. Fashion was never just about putting together stylish outfits; it was about feeling confident and expressing herself.
“When I was little, I would make the craziest outfits from my mom’s closet and just play dress up all day,” Addy said.
This interest in fashion began to solidify during her early high school years when she took fashion design her freshman year and French during her sophomore year.
“I really got involved, and I thought, ‘Wait, I really like this,’” Addy said. “I began watching fashion week in Paris and Milan and took a French class. Taking French also really grew my passion for fashion, [because] I love the French style. They’re so classy, with their stripes and solid color pants.”
Today, Addy enjoys dressing up for school and planning outfits. She described her personal style as elevated and unpredictable.
“There’s no pattern to it,” Addy said. “I could be wearing a long maxi skirt with a tank top one day, and jeans with a blouse the next. It’s put together, but kind of whatever I feel like.”
It was in her sophomore year Addy started dressing up and exploring her style.
“The ongoing joke was, If I wore jeans, I would feel productive and more confident,” Addy said. “So when I wore jeans to school, I would usually have a test or like a quiz. My teachers quickly started to pick up on it and it became a [ongoing] joke.”
Combining the two
Looking ahead, Addy envisions herself pursuing both volleyball and fashion at Lenoir-Rhyne University, combining the best of both her worlds.
Davidson said she has noticed the parallels between Addy’s passions.
“The easiest answer for both [her two passions] would have to be her excitement,” Davidson said. “She always gives her all for both whether she is putting her all into volleyball at seven in the morning or going the extra mile with her senior jeans, adding ruffles and glitter.”
Ultimately, Addy’s end goal is to get involved with the school’s merchandise department and help design more youthful and appealing apparel. Addy already has plans of what she might design.
“When I committed to the school,
I was searching for cute shirts to wear in my commitment post, and I thought, ‘These are a little dated; I think I can do better,’” Addy said. “I want to bring more liveliness to the designs, incorporating things like picnic table boxer shorts, cute game day accessories and more gender-neutral options.”
As of now, Addy is already working to design the Hebron senior shirts and plans to do something similar at LenoirRhyne.
“I want to help make the school’s merchandise more vibrant, youthful and inclusive,” Addy said. “For me, volleyball and fashion are both about confidence and creativity. On the court, it’s about pushing myself and being disciplined; in fashion, it’s about expressing who I am.”
Opinion: The New Normal
Story By: Heidi Robson
Reflecting on The To-Do List of a Younger Sibling
I didn’t expect to be in tears on a random Wednesday after school, but that’s just what TikTok does sometimes.
I had just sat down with a snack and my phone, ready to mindlessly scroll and decompress after a long day, when a slideshow came up on my TikTok For You page titled “The To-Do List of a Younger Sibling.” Just days earlier, I had helped my family move my older sister, Hana, to her freshman-year dorm room at UT Austin. After reading the list, I made my own
Morning: Wake up. Eat breakfast alone. Use the mug she painted when we were kids. Think of her. Text her, even though she’s probably too busy to answer. Rinse the mug and continue my routine; it feels emptier now. Get ready for the day alone. Leave for school and pick whatever song I want
My mornings used to be filled with chaos: arguing over clothes, fighting for counter space in the bathroom and blaming each other for being late for school. Now, my mornings have given way to a quiet routine. I wake up alone, eat alone, brush my teeth, wash my face, do my hair and my makeup alone. The sibling empty nest syndrome has felt more real than ever. But even as I go through these motions by myself, I’m surrounded by constant reminders of my sister. I feel her absence everywhere.
I often feel this absence in the smallest things: a mug, her old lunchbox sitting in the pantry and half-used products in the bathroom. The silence of random everyday objects makes me want to call or FaceTime her, but her new schedule rarely matches mine. Instead, I send texts that often stay unanswered for hours.
Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto from “The Bear,” a show she introduced me to. We used to watch it together, obsessing over Jeremy Allen White. Now, whenever I walk him, I remember how he followed her everywhere. Now he follows me, waiting for her to come back.
This past summer, my sister and I watched countless hours of the new season of “Love Island USA.” So many afternoons were spent binging the show so we could catch up to the latest episode and participate in voting. Scenes from the show quickly became inside jokes between my sister and I, creating moments of laughter in the living room. Now, the sound of her laughter echoes through the living room, but I’m the only one there to hear it.
Evening: Dinner feels off, quieter than it should be. Think about those nights when we were younger, swapping
Afternoon: Sit in her room for a bit, gaze at her posters and leftover decorations. Play her record player. Walk our dog, Carmy, who refuses to leave her bed. Take Carmy outside every hour, missing how she used to do this for me. Try calling her again
Afternoons were always our time to catch upcomplaining about homework on a school night or making spontaneous plans on a weekend. Now, my afternoons are lonely. I’ll find myself in her room, swinging in her hanging chair surrounded by what’s left of her, her things.
And then there’s Carmy, Hana’s dog who has become my responsibility. I’m proud to be Carmy’s auntie, but it’s bittersweet. Carmy is another reminder of her, named after
Evenings have been the hardest adjustment since Hana left. The house feels too quiet, and dinner feels off. I still can’t believe our next family dinner at home won’t be until Thanksgiving break, which feels far too long away. Now, I eat either with my parents or alone, staring at the empty chair where she used to sit.
As I settle into my new routine, I am constantly reminded of my sister. Even something so simple as a video on my TikTok For You page pulls those feelings. So many small tangible objects - mugs, posters and even the family dog - serve as reminders of what I can’t always quite put into words: the ache of missing her, paired with the comfort of memories.
OPINION: PUZZLE PIECES
Story By: Shiren Noorani
My grandparents’ love makes me who I am
I owe a lot of “thank you’s” to people in my life — some I get to say, some I’m left to live with.
From my first word to my first car, my grandparents have always been there. Even though I may have only been there for a portion of their life, they have never failed to remind me that I’m one of the most important parts of it.
When I fell asleep without a blanket, my grandpa would get up to tuck me in. When he saw I had stuck my feet back out, he’d get up over and over again to fix it, just so I wouldn’t get cold at night. My grandma would yell at him for constantly getting up, because she knew that I always slept with my feet out.
My grandparents have always known me in different ways, yet their individual love and sense of care has fit perfectly like two puzzle pieces.
I didn’t grow up with my parents waking me up and getting me ready for the day; it was always my Nanu (grandma). My parents worked full-time as I was growing up, so my grandparents played a huge role in raising me alongside them. My Nanu watched me come into this world, and she’s been right by my side every day since. My life has been filled with multiple puzzle pieces, multiple peo ple who love and care for me, but, without her, that puzzle
When I was a little kid, I’d come home from school to my Nanu. It was always just the two of us until later in the day, when everyone got home from work. We would turn on our old Samsung TV, put it on channel 114 and watch “Max & Ruby” or “Dora the Explorer.” Our TV would randomly shut off in the middle of a show, so we made a game where we would take turns getting up to restart it. She always cheated, but I didn’t care; the moments with her were worth it. She knew how to make the bad days disappear.
If we weren’t watching TV, we’d be playing my favorite childhood game, “Donkey.” It was a game of catch but every time one of us dropped it, we’d get a letter until we spelled out word “Donkey.”
Thirteen years later, I come home from wherever I am — whether it’s school, work or being out with my friends — to Nanu. We talk about my day, we find comfort in each other, we check up on each other — she’s my entire world in one person. She’s in the middle of my puzzle; if she’s missing, it ruins the whole thing.
Lexus car, but my Dada’s (grandpa). It wasn’t when I was 15 years old, but when I was 2 years old sitting in his lap as he drove around our neighborhood; it’s a memory that means everything to me ever since he’s been gone. My Dada passed away around four years ago and even though he isn’t physically here, he left a piece of him with us. My puzzle hasn’t been the same since, but the memories I hold onto help me imagine what was once a complete puzzle.
My Dada picked me up from school every day for the first few years I was in school. He’d bring my Nanu along with him, but then we’d stop by my house to drop her off on our way home so we could go on our “chucker” (circle) — where we’d just circle around our neighborhood. It was just the two of us, every day. No matter how late he was for work or how tired he was, he’d make time for me. Now, as I’m 17-years-old, every time I miss him, I go on a “chucker.”
It wasn’t traditional to be vocal about love in the world and society my Dada lived in for the majority of his life, but he never failed to remind me I was loved. Every night before I’d go to sleep, he’d put his hand on my head, tell me he loves me and kiss my head. It was his way of reminding me of how important I am, and it’s something I miss every day. He rarely said my name, instead, he would call me “apa.” The word “apa” means older sister in Urdu, and has an underlying respect that comes with it. A traditional old man had given me more respect than I could ever imagine as a child, and it was because of how much he loved me.
My Nanu and Dada were never traditional when it came to the love they have for me and my family. They loved like no other and made sure I felt it every day. Sometimes, it was as simple as a game of catch or a drive around our neighborhood; sometimes, it was hugging my Nanu as she sobbed in my arms or visiting my Dada’s grave to talk to him. When my Dada got sick, he told us how my Nanu was the glue of the family, but he never realized that her world didn’t spin the same without him. However, that never kept her from putting her all into loving me and being there for me.
My Nanu and Dada have always been two perfectly connected puzzle pieces; when one piece is gone, the puzzle can’t ever be complete.
I learned how to drive in a 2011 Lexus 350. Not just any
No matter how many “thank you’s” I live to say, and others live to hear, nothing compares to the “thank you” that I owe my Nanu and Dada for making me the person I am today — and every day after it.
opinion:
Washed from the inside out
I stood in a crowd of sweaty teenagers as my church’s band performed on the stage. Although I was in a sea of people, I felt like the only person in that room.
My head rested in folded hands, tears streaming down my face, as I completely forgot that hundreds of people could see me. I was immersed in the song that was playing.
“I’ve been washed from the inside out…”
Everyone listened to the lyrics, but to me, the words had a different meaning. By the following night, that phrase would be true.
In less than 24 hours, I was getting baptized.
Two years ago, I would’ve proudly preached my disbelief. After years of struggle, I made a public commitment to follow my faith on July 20.
In the days approaching my baptism, I felt almost every emotion under the sun: anxiety, pride, guilt, hopefulness, fear. My head was scattered. Every day I spent at my church’s summer camp was another day closer to my big moment, and with each day that passed, my emotions only grew more intense.
When the day finally came, I spent every minute thinking about it. I felt like I wasn’t even present that day because no matter what I did — whether it was eating breakfast, playing games, hanging out with my friends — the only thing I could think about was what was going to happen that night. We went to our normal nightly worship, and, at the end of it, my youth pastor asked everyone to join us in the courtyard. I walked outside with my best friend at my hip and my heart racing with anxiety.
It was already dark outside, and a
large crowd of people began to form around the water tub. I stood there, listening to our pastor give a speech, overwhelmed by the amount of people I had supporting me. Once invited, I nervously stepped into the pool; the cold water sent chills through my body. I knelt down on my knees, taking the moment in. I awkwardly muttered “It’s so cold,” to my pastor as I was shaking in the water —- which I remain unsure if that was because of the water’s temperature or my anxiety. He asked for my first and middle name, as his hands guided me backward into the water.
My journey in faith to getting baptized
hugged them, I felt nothing but gratefulness for them. My mind flashed back to middle school, when I had friends who persistently peer pressured me out of my religion.
“Peyton Marie, I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
I felt the water wash over me, and when I came up, I felt overwhelming joy. The crowd erupted in cheers, and I began to sob with happiness. I didn’t even realize I was crying,and I didn’t know why I was crying; the emotions I felt were so overwhelming, that even in front of a crowd of strangers, I wasn’t afraid to let them show.
I ran straight to my friends who wrapped me in a group hug. As I
feel like I was washing their negativity out of me. Back then, I was pressured to hate God, but when I stood with my current friends, I realized I was surrounded by love and support from the people I cared about most.
I ran to hug my parents, who whispered to me, “I’m so proud of you.” I hugged them both, laying my head on my dad’s shoulder and wetting his shirt with my tears. The hug reminded me of elementary school, where my parents and I were in and out of different churches.
First it was a Catholic church that I was never able to find an emotional connection to. Then, a Christian church that I was never consistent with attending. Now, I stood surrounded by people at my current church — somewhere I can confidently call home.
I remember the days during my sophomore year when my best friend would talk for hours about God, which I never paid any attention to back then.
I thought of the first time her parents invited me to go to their church with them, and every Sunday after that when I sat next to them.
After years of struggle and isolation, I was free. I finally built a firm foundation through my religion — something I had been missing all of my life. In the days following, I felt so much joy and purity. Even though I have become accustomed to the feeling, it remains a significant part of my life.
I vowed to myself that I would allow this to be an opportunity to become a better person,
and truly model a follower of Christ. On that day, I publicly announced myself as a Christian, and every day since, it has made me want to become a better friend, daughter, sister, student and person.
It’s not always easy; no matter how “good” of a Christian I want to be, I have to understand no one is perfect. As my favorite bible verse says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” It is a constant reminder to me that I am loved, and I am more than any of my sins, my past, my mistakes and all of the other things that may get in my way.
Today, I can proudly say that I have been washed from the inside out, and I have never felt more grateful.
As I finally hugged my best friend and her parents, I knew they were the reason I was standing there.
llelujah, Hallelujah
POINT COUNTER-POINT POINT COUNTER-POINT
Are media trends an effective way to market political campaigns?
YES: Saahir Mawani
“Haven’t you seen the TikToks?”
When my family asked me that, I informed them that I had, in fact, seen the TikToks.
Following the Aug. 19-22 Democratic National Convention and the announcement of Vice President Kamala Harris as the primary Democratic candidate, there was a fight for the conquest of my “For You Page.” Whether it be the words “kamala is so brat” in reference to the iconic “brat summer” named after Charli XCX’s summer album, or the support of Trump by Tiktoker Bryce Hall, there was a constant push and pull as to who would get ultimate control over both my political support and my social media retention.
The references and trends have become integrated in the language used in Gen-Z conversations not related to politics. This can be seen in a question Harris’ mother asked, echoed by the
NO: Krista Fleming
“Haven’t you seen the TikToks?”
I was chatting with a few coworkers during a relatively slow hour, discussing different plans to vote now that some of us will be eligible. When my friend was explaining why he was voting for his preferred presidential nominee, that was what he asked.
I was baffled.
When having similar conversations with any other generation, there are different rationals: the economy, the poverty rate or our rights as citizens. It struck me then — just as it did to the handful of peers I was with — that none of us had those answers. Regardless of where we stood on the political spectrum, the majority of our opinions were coming from pop-culture references and short posts online.
While buying into pop-culture can help politicians reach younger voters, it
masses: “You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?” This approach is nothing short of genius, as using these trends is the best way to reel in young voters. Similarly to his democratic counterpart, Trump is no stranger to his own trends. Following the debate between Trump and Harris, there have been sounds going viral of Trump’s responses, particularly his answer of “I have concepts of a plan,” to the moderator. Voters in the past have primarily gotten their information through news networks and political organizations. This has all changed, as, now, the ongoing political infiltration of social media pivots Gen-Z to having a deeper connection with politics. No longer are potential voters forced to access information through news organizations, but they are now able to directly interface with political campaigns to make their own informed decisions.
Looking solely at the online
is ineffective in the long run, as it rarely shares what is most vital: what the politician plans to do if elected.
Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign has embraced trends, such as “brat summer,” “femininomenon” and the “coconut tree” memes. This marketing strategy has proven effective in gaining views, as the KamalaHarris TikTok account gained 5 million views in the first few months since she was announced as the democratic presidential nominee. Similarly, former president Donald Trump launched his own TikTok page earlier this year. While not buying into specific Gen-Z trends, the RealDonaldTrump account gained 9 million followers in the first two months through celebrity cameos and high-energy videos, trends or defamation to the opposing party.
If a viewer does look deeper into on the app. In fact, the number of
presence of the official campaign accounts, @teamtrump on TikTok has six of ten of their latest videos dedicated to making their opponent look bad. Similarly @KamalaHQ on TikTok has four of ten demeaning videos toward their opponent. These attacks are used as ways to grab attention like the rest of their political marketing in this election cycle. These attention grabbers may lead viewers into further research on the different policies of various candidates.
Videos that explicitly share policies are the pathway to losing the attention of the younger generation. Gen-Z is highly skeptical and weary of people in political power, and this change is not easily swayed by a few videos. These trends online are smart; these campaigns are calculated. They’re a perfect “hook, line and sinker” into riling Gen-Z into becoming fully educated, aware voters.
TikTok users who get their news from the app almost doubled from 22% in 2020 to 43% last year. While it is important to get young voters involved in politics, TikTok users are equally likely to get news from influencers and celebrities as they are from news outlets or journalists. Political campaigns should be sharing the candidate’s plans for office because it would reduce misinformation and educate all viewers — not just those who plan on digging deeper.
It is imperative that the presidential candidates push out information about their agenda, rather than following trends to get another thousand likes. Our presidential candidates may be viral “influencers,” but that does not mean they will be able to run a nation.
hT e Literary LLENS ENS
Early fall books are new and classic mysteries, perfect to curl up in a corner with and read in their entirety. Here are three of my favorite fall-based novels that embody September.
“The Gilded Wolves”
“The Gilded Wolves,” by Roshani Chokshi is a fast-paced fantasy and mystery novel that follows Séverin Montagnet-Alarie, a wealthy hotelier who seeks his inheritance. He enlists the help of a few outcasts in order to succeed at a mission from the powerful and dangerous Order of Babel. Chokshi does a perfect job setting the story and making a sleek, polished adventure easily matching an early fall evening.
Early fall Early fall is a mystery is a mystery
“Killing November”
“Killing November” by Adriana Mather is the quintessential realistic fiction mystery. The novel follows November Adley, who is suddenly whisked away to a spy school to unravel the mysteries of her parents. “Killing November” fictional city had me rushing to read due to its brisk pace, plot twists and questions. The classic back-to-school setting, combined with dark academia and mystery, makes this book a fitting read for the rising tides of fall.
Story by Hannah Mathew
“The Murder of Roger Ackroyd”
“The Murder of Roger Ackroyd,” by Agatha Christie is one of Christie’s best mysteries. The novel follows Hercule Poirot, who is investigating two murders in a small English village. The setting, characters and narrative perfectly convey the ominous feel and confusion present throughout the story. The ending had me baffled, as the nearly invisible clues throughout the story came to light. This immaculately planned book is perfect to read while enjoying the fading warmth of fall.
“Dracula”
“Dracula” by Bram Stoker, follows the story of Jonathan Harker who was helping a wealthy Count Dracula purchase a home in London, as he finds out the ominous truth behind his client. The book includes snippets of various forms of media such as newspapers–detailing the strange happenings that occurred after Dracula moved into town. “Dracula” is a prime example of Victorian horror, perfect for a cold fall evening.
Football
Oct. 4: Home vs. Marcus
Oct. 11: Home vs. Guyer
Oct. 18: Away vs. Little Elm
Oct. 24: Home vs. Lewisville
Seniors
Oct. 11: Select yearbook photo and remember to purchase cap and gown
Homecoming
Hoco is on Oct. 5. Make sure to purchase tickets!
Pep Rallies
Oct. 18: Neon Pep Rally
Oct. 25: "Big Blue Goes Pink" pep rally
October at Hebron
Volleyball
Oct. 11: Away vs. Marcus
Oct. 15: Away vs. Guyer
Oct. 22L Home vs. Lewisville
Dress Up Days
Oct. 2 “Lifes Better on Saturn” Dress out of this world
Oct. 3 “Hawkchella” Wear your favorite band or concert tee
Oct. 4: HOCO T-Shirts
Oct. 11: “Justice Against the Wildcats”
Wear Red White and Blue USA Colors
Oct. 18: “Blind the Panthers” Wear Neon + PEP RALLY
Oct. 25: “Big Blue Goes Pink” + PEP RALLY