The Journal (23-24) Issue 1

Southport High School newsmagazine | 971 E. Banta Road Volume 102, Issue 1 | Sept. 1, 2023

Hunger to W.I.N. Football head coach Alex Bettag changes team culture with his leadership page 9

4,713 miles from home Foreign exchange student adopts American culture page 22

She’s everything.

So is Ken. Backlash that the Barbie movie faced is the point page 32

A growing force

Amy Boone takes over as Principal of SHS

letter from the editor.

The time has come. After two months of summer planning and about four weeks of preparation, issue one of The Journal is here, and I can’t believe I’m saying it. It has been a crazy few months, but in the best way possible.

Starting the year alongside Print Managing Editor Ayslin Bowman and Digital Managing Editor Grace Wilson was the perfect way to get the issue rolling.

From sitting down to have our first beats day, our first

maestro, and deciding what centerfold for this issue would be, to watching everything come together with our amazing staff, each moment has made me insanely proud to be leading this wonderful group.

Ever since we heard the news that Amy Boone would be taking over as Principal, I knew that had to be our cover story. Thanks to Features Editor Kenzie Andrysiak and her reporter Lucy Len Dim, we have an amazing centerfold for everyone to read. Though there were some definite late nights piecing the story together, it’s all worth it in the end.

Seeing this year’s editors get to work on designing their pages, whether they be returning editors like Andrysiak and Photos Editor Darcy Leber or our first-year editors, I was super impressed to see their spreads come together.

It wasn’t all easy though. From fall extracurriculars taking staffers out of production nights for a little bit to InDesign giving Opinion Editor Julianna Miranda all the problems, there were definitely some bumps along the way. Luckily, we pushed through those and have amazing content to read.

As I said, this first issue was absolutely a process. We have brand-new reporters who did an amazing job with all of their stories, editors that blew us away with their design ideas, photographers who captured the best moments through their lenses and a leadership team who I couldn’t have done any of this without. Everyone’s hard work on this issue is so appreciated, and it’s manifested in everything that comes after this letter. So to everyone on staff, thank you, and we wouldn’t have any of this without you. And for everyone else, enjoy the first issue of The Journal.

Gretchen Turner, Editor-in-Chief

follow the journal on social media! @thesopojournal

@thesopojournal

@ShsJournal

in this issue... news.

too hot to handle ... page 4 name of the game ... page 6 social switches ... page 7

sports.

run with it ... page 8 hunger to W.I.N. ... page 9 from the sidelines ... page 11

arts & entertainment.

inspiring the tune ... page 12 a grim reality... page 14 fun and games ... page 15

culture.

4,713 miles from home ... page 16 stepping up ... page 18 around the world ... page 19

features.

a growing force ... page 20

ads.

page 25

lifestyle.

back to the basics ... page 26 falling behind ... page 28 acing the apps ... page 29

red onion.

motivational beginnings ... page 30 boone in the boot ... page 31

opinion.

she’s everything. so is ken. ... page 32 fading away ... page 33 my turn(er) ... page 34 journal address ... page 35

photos.

‘red’-y to play ... page 36 facing the flashes ... page 38

editor-in-chief.

Gretchen Turner managing editors.

Ayslin Bowman Grace Wilson

editors.

Kenzie Andrysiak Sophie Barker Ava Campbell Noah Daniel Darcy Leber Lauren Lowry Julianna Miranda Lindsey Rogers Claire Steinbrook Natalie Walker Lily Zing reporters.

Simran Baidwan Sophie Barnes María Buján-Puente Alyssa Cook Morgan Harmon Lucy Hiller Harjas Kaur Thang Khai Lucy Len Dim Niang Lun Salem Ortega-Morales Zing Par Elisabeth Pointer Aiden Quinlin Maddie Stutz Joe Veen Lillie Youmans staff artists.

Sal Lynch Naomi Iang-Par business manager.

Nathan Switzer adviser.

Mike Klopfenstein principal.

Amy Boone

news.

editor: Sophie Barker

Too hot to handle

July 2023 is the hottest month ever recorded

photo illustration by Natalie Walker

W

ith scorching heat waves circling the globe, NASA scientists have now ranked July 2023 as the hottest month recorded since 1880.

“Everything was really weird this year,” freshman Stephanie McGuire said.

“It’s just getting hotter.”

These extreme temperatures have taken a toll on the way people all over the world are living their lives, specifically in Indianapolis.

Time outside gets cut short, practices get canceled and nature suffers from the intense sun exposure.

The heat wasn’t the only weather that put summer activities on hold.

Intense waves of storms swept their way through the Midwest destroying neighborhoods, businesses and more.

These conditions have affected everyone,

4 news.

by Sophie Barnes, reporter

including SHS students.

Athletes’ practices were moved inside due to dangerous temperatures, or they were canceled altogether.

Did you With their fall seasons right know? around the corner, teams Indiana were not happy about is ranked giving into the setbacks eighth in the that the warmth and nation for greenhouse storms were practically begging for. But when gas it becomes unsafe to emissions be in the heat, even per capita. the dedicated athletes would rather stay cool.

Source Hoosier “It’s just too hot for us Enironmental to run and be able to Council function without getting water breaks every five seconds,” junior cheerleader Keyona Graham said.

Students who do not participate in SHS sports had their own set of struggles. rate than they are used to. Those with light or sensitive skin had a hard time preventing skin

damage, even with extra SPF. “I don’t get sunburned that easily, but this year, I got extremely sunburned every day,” McGuire said.

Also, the plants she had been growing were unable to withstand the combination of unstable temperatures, extreme rain and wind. Her flowers could not bloom in the conditions, and they wilted almost instantly.

“It was just too hot,” McGuire said.

Students have also noticed how it never seems to get cold in the winter anymore. Graham describes it as “short noncol d w i nt ers and l ong hot sum m ers . ” Is this somehow related to the intense heat of summer 2023?

Scientists say maybe.

They say climate change is definitely playing some sort of role in the intense

heat, but they do not yet know how significant it is.

“Climate change is happening,” Indiana University Assistant Professor of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Travis O’Brien said. “It is ca usin g t h e Ear th to ge t w a r m e r . ” Looking at patterns and heat waves from the past, scientists are able to predict that these were likely affected by a rise in climate change.

They are also able to see that since it has grown so much, climate change currently affects almost all weather.

“Climate change is just so wrapped up in everything we are experiencing right now that everything we see is probably in part sort of normal behavior and in part climate change,” Indiana University Assistant Professor of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Ben Kravitz said. “There’s no way to separate them anymore.”

As for the storms, those get more complicated.

Not too many studies have been done over the connection between the two, but the evidence suggests that climate change affects storms in some capacity.

“Climate change seems to be making convective storms cover a wider area,” O’Brien said.

Even if it wasn’t the main cause of this summer’s heat, climate change is responsible for many other global issues.

It is bringing up ocean temperatures, melting glaciers and making areas uninhabitable for native plants.

O’Brien says that many leaders across the globe have recognized this as an emergency and are learning what they can do to help diminish what they have already started.

“A lot of countries, including the United States, are investing a lot and thinking about how can we best adapt to climate change,” O’Brien said. “How can

we save the most lives?”

Kravitz says that when fossil fuels are burned, it can’t just be forgotten We need about because it is “in to stop treating the the air.” However, that atmosphere is not how it works. The like a sewer. carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere.

IU Assistant “We need to Professor of stop treating the Earth and Atmospheric atmosphere like a Sciences Ben sewer,” Kravitz said.

Kravitz Whether this summer was caused by climate change or not, students agree that it definitely took a toll on their life.

Experts think that there is a possibility for a cooler future. It involves a lot of money, time and research, but they say it is a very realistic project.

“You shouldn’t lose hope,” O’Brien said.

The sun rises over Cardinal Stadium on the morning of Aug. 25. The high temperature for that day was 94 degrees Fahrenheit, with a low of 79 degrees Fahrenheit. photo by Morgan Harmon

news. 5

Name of the game

House Bill 1608 changes how SHS makes name changes

To learn more about laws affecting SHS, scan the QR code below!

6 news.

A

by Nathan Switzer, reporter

new system has been put in place at SHS this year that requires students who go by a different name or pronoun to fill out a form. This form is double-verified in order to be called that name or pronoun. This is due to House Bill 1608 and the effect it’s had on the community.

The law “requires a school to notify in writing at least one parent of a student, if the student is an unemancipated minor, of a request made by the student to change the student’s name or pronoun, title, or word to identify the student.”

S o m e students, including freshman Will Van Camp who has filled out the form, feel opposed to this new law. He feels it is unfair and infringes on student rights.

“I think that it takes away not only mine but

other students’s right to privacy about their own identity,” Van Camp said.

The law mainly affects transgender students, as there is no regulation against nicknames or abbreviations on names but specifically on people who change their names to be more androgynous, masculine or feminine.

There is a misconception that it’s the school’s decision to have students and guardians sign the form.

However, according to Principal Amy Boone, this is a legal obligation that the school is facing.

“What the new pronoun law says is if a student requests to go by a name, a different name or pronoun than what they were given at birth, that the school is required within five days in writing to communicate that request to the parents,” Boone said. “So that’s what we’re legally required to do.”

The school is required by law to have in writing that the parent agrees to the change requested by the student. However, some question if it’s

necessary for the school to call the parent and ask if they selected each individual box.

“It was a bit over the top to continue explaining what I’d already read and signed … ,”Ashley James, Van Camp’s mom said. “It definitely left a bad taste in my mouth as far as what sort of treatment Will will now receive with this.”

This “bad taste” is becoming a rising issue as students without supporting parents aren’t able to be referred to by their preferred name or pronoun without the permission slip signed by their parents.

According to Boone, teachers are required to call students by the name that’s in Skyward, meaning it is allowed for teachers to deny students’ requests to refer to them by their preferred name.

“If you overcomplicate an issue, it just brings more attention to it,” Van Camp said. “It’s going to make more people upset.”

T

Social switches

he sudden increase of inactivity from users on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has encouraged the rising popularity of a new platform run by Instagram, Threads. In return, this sparked fierce competition between the two companies.

“Twitter is barely usable in many cases,” junior Seven Martin said. “I really only go on Twitter for specific content creators … other than that, there’s no reason to be on the app anymore.”

Competition between different platforms has always been a thing, but rarely does it become such a major issue that mass amounts of people stop using one or more of them.

Freshman Jackson

“

I think it is a ploy to get more users.

Freshman Jackson Essex

”

Did you know?

Elon Musk bought Twitter for $44 billion.

Source: Time Magazine

How do SHS students feel about competing social media apps?

by Alyssa Cook, reporter

Essex doesn’t care for most of the platforms, nor does he care for the drama occurring between them. However, he does believe there’s something strange with competing platforms.

“I do not care for the competition,” Essex said.

“I think it is a ploy to get more users.”

Additionally, freshman Chloe Bowman thinks the competition between apps is unneeded. She says that platforms shouldn’t be copying each other since there is no real point in doing so and thinks that if an app gets created, it should be original and have something that no other platform has.

Martin has expressed similar views to Bowman’s, as he believes that the reason platforms copy each other’s formats are

for their own benefit.

“It really annoys me the way that apps like Youtube are trying to ‘Tiktokify’ themselves in the form of shorts … ,” Martin said. “This is a classic move by capitalist corporations to try to make as much money as possible by covering every single challenge they can.”

Even with platforms competing with one another, students still plan on using some of them to connect with friends and family along with finding things they enjoy.

Overall, while some students are annoyed by social media platforms competing, they still plan on using them for the connections they allow them to have since the feud has no overall effect on them.

to a poll on The Most popular apps in SHS according Journal’s Instagram page

1

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Instagram

2

Source: Freepik

Pinterest

3

Source: Iconduck

TikTok

news. 7

Hunger to W.I.N. Football head coach Alex Bettag changes team culture with his leadership

by Lucy Hiller, reporter

W

.I.N. Every day, every huddle, every moment of practice. This acronym drives the SHS Cards football team.

Since the end of last year’s season, the team has incorporated this acronym, which stands for “what’s important now,” into everything they do, and this new mantra is a physical representation of the culture shift that the football team has undergone under head coach Alex Bettag.

His coaching philosophy of building up players as people and students first has not come without struggles, but his belief in

To see pictures from the football team’s game against Roncalli on Aug. 18, scan the QR code below!

Tight end Uriah Steerman and offensive lineman Manny CastilloVazquez jog across the field at the scrimmage against Decatur on Aug. 11. This action marked the end of the play. photo by Darcy Leber

8 sports.

what will come has kept him going. “(Bettag) knows and sees more potential than you’ll ever see in yourself,” senior and team captain Bryce Calvert said. “When he sees that and is looking for that day in and day out, it just brings the best out of you.”

F o r Bettag, seeing potential in his players goes beyond football, and his number one goal is to turn players into productive young men.

Despite pressure to win games, Bettag has remained grounded and not altered his priorities, keeping the future of the players at the forefront of his coaching.

“Nobody wants to win more than me …,” Bettag said. “But we’re never going to sacrifice our morals for winning.”

Before Bettag became head football coach in early 2021, the team had

no academic policy for players beyond IHSAA guidelines, which allowed failing students to play in

games during the first quarter of the school year as long as they had passed their classes the previous year.

This didn’t sit well with Bettag, who believes that his players are students before athletes and should be doing well in the classroom before they are allowed to play on Friday night.

(Right) Wide receiver Braylon Koenig blocks a Decatur corner during a run play.

The team ran plays throughout the scimmage. photo by Darcy Leber

Offensive linemen Craig Reed and Dylan Jarvis line up before the play begins. They went on to block the defensive linemen. photo by Darcy Leber

“I don’t care how good of a football player you are,” Bettag said. “If you don’t meet the academic expectations, you are not going to play.”

To provide support for this new policy, the team has mandatory study tables after school twice each week during which players are expected to do schoolwork.

Evident by the team grades, Bettag’s new policy has had an immense impact on the

academic standings of players. During the most recent grade check on Aug. 16 there were only five total F’s among all 71 sophomore through senior players.

The culture shift goes far beyond academics, though, extending to turning his players into respectful and responsible people in all areas of life.

And this kind of team, one that values academics and morals

so highly, is “very easy According to Calvert, for teachers to cheer this readiness to learn for,” according to math has changed practices teacher Jason Adler. immensely. This year, Bettag is not only practices are more concerned with intentional, and players’ players’ academics attitudes have shifted and interpersonal from having to go to relationships, so his practice to being able intentional coaching to practice. style carries over to the “This year, … it’s just football field. uplifting to be there with Since he has done everybody,” Calvert an immense amount said. “Everybody wants of background work, to be there. Everybody’s Bettag believes getting better that this year, every day.”

They deserve he has a B e t t a g to win, team full of believes that the they’ve committed team’s hunger earned it. young men to improve and who are primed commitment to Head coach Alex Bettag to learn and the W.I.N. motto soak up all of will lead to a win his advice. this season.

“It’s more productive “Support these guys, work when you’ve got they work their butts off kids who are bought in, … ,” Bettag said. “They who understand, who deserve to win, they’ve are good kids and want earned it. We think it’s to do the right thing and going to happen this they understand that year. We really believe their coaches have their it, (and) the players backs,” Bettag said. believe it.”

sports. 9

sports.

editor: Ava Campbell

Run with it

art by Sal Lynch

Good coaches are neccessary for a team’s success

A

fter finding out last year that I had the privilege of becoming the new Sports Editor for The Journal, I spent my summer pondering over what I was going to write.

As you can tell by my column name, I’m a runner (Run with it? Running? Get it?), which means I spent many summer mornings meeting my cross country teammates outside for two hours of lovely, definitelynot-hard-at-all training.

Even though running was difficult, I had a great time with my team.

A big part of what made the experience great, though, was my coach, Nathan Fishel, whose endless encouragement was appreciated.

Fishel’s kindness got me thinking, and that thought led me right to the topic of my first column.

As someone who’s experienced a multitude of coaches, I’ve seen the impact they can have. Bad coaches can

10 sports.

by Ava Campbell, editor

To learn more about new basketball SHS coach, Bill Zych, scan the QR code!

cause their athletes to feel discouraged, dread coming to practice and even hate the sport. Good coaches, on the other hand, are necessary for a team and player’s success.

What defines a good coach though? While effective coaching strategies may be different from person to person, generally, a good coach will try to build trust with their athletes. To me, this is best achieved by being encouraging, adaptable and knowledgeable.

Having these q u a l i t i e s guarantees the best scenario in almost any situation a coach may encounter.

The importance of good coaches may be even greater in the world of professional sports. With more risk attached to each game, a coach’s guidance is necessary.

An example of

a professional coach considered “good” by most is Tony Dungy, the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts from 2002 to 2008. Multiple articles and opinion pieces speak on Dungy’s calm encouragement and the respect he showed his players.

These qualities led Dungy’s team to achieve great things. Under his coaching, the Colts won a Super Bowl, claimed five divisional titles and made it to the playoffs for seven years.

While their success was of course due to the players’ abilities, part of the credit should also be given to Dungy’s coaching. Without his often-praised guidance, the Colts might not have had such success.

Truly good coaches, like Fishel and Dungy, aren’t plentiful, but the positive effects they bring to a team are invaluable.

With that in mind, if you’re an athlete, go make sure your coach feels appreciated!

From the sidelines art by Alyssa Cook

A group of cheerleaders laughs as they attempt a lift at practice on Aug. 21.

The lift and dismount were successful. photo by Salem Ortega-Morales

SHS cheer team gets back their numbers after the long-term effects of COVID-19

by Aiden Quinlin, reporter

T

he football sideline will be louder than years past this upcoming season with the SHS cheer team being so large. The team is finally getting its numbers back after COVID-19 with new people trying the sport for the first time.

“This is my biggest group of girls since I’ve been here ...,” head coach Nicky Givens said. “We’re getting back our numbers (and) it’s exciting.”

Givens says that the team has a lot of seniors this year, so utilizing the

Senior Ellie Herwehe cheers as she is lifted by bases at practice. The cheer team practiced chants, tosses and extentions inside. photo

by Salem Ortega-Morales

younger girls has been cheer squad, in a while. very important because Senior cheer captain those are the girls that Ellie Herwehe says she is will eventually be excited to lead the To read a freshmen this year. on varsity.

Ever since the story about Her goal was to a senior pandemic hit, make sure everyone cheerleader there has been a was welcome and making downtick in numbers enjoyed cheering. history, on the team.

“I think it’s one scan the According to of the best years Givens, when her QR code! we’ve had so far,” daughter was on Herwehe said. “... I the team before think it has started the pandemic, the better than any of number of girls was my other years.” around the same as Herwehe says it is now. However, that having having this many girls on a more freshmen this team is still abnormal. year helped create a One of the main stronger bond among reasons for this rise is the them, which can help amount of incoming alleviate the nerves that freshmen trying out for often come with the first cheer. This year, Givens year of high school. estimated that around 12 In the end, she is to 13 girls came from the looking forward to middle school, which was having a bigger team more than normal. this year and is more Due to these increasing excited than ever. numbers, this is the first “I think having a big year they could have team is definitely a plus three full teams, a because it’s just a lot more freshman, JV and varsity energy,” Herwehe said.

What are two of the cheer team captains excited for this season?

Senior Ellie Herwehe

“... all the new friendships that have came this year with all the new girls joining.”

Senior Josie Miller

“... the size of the team we have.”

sports. 11

arts & entertainment. editor: Lindsey Rogers

Inspiring the t u ne The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is coming to SHS

A

by Zing Par, reporter ll it took was a simple email to spark excitement

at SHS. Alyssa Brooks, the Director of Orchestra Operations of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO) sent an email to SHS orchestra director Thomas Wright informing him that the esteemed ISO was scheduled to perform a community concert inside the school’s walls.

The orchestra students’ excitement was palpable, and rumors about this much-anticipated

performance echoed throughout the hallways.

“It’s just a great opportunity,” Wright said.

“The highest level of our sport … is reaching out to us and saying, ‘Hey let us come and play up close for you.’”

The ISO has been around for nearly a century and is the world’s largest performing arts organization, offering cutting-edge programming and symphonic music at the

highest artistic level.

As a kickoff into their

SOUTHPORT HIGH SCHOOL Presents...

INDIANAPOLIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Thur. Sept. 21, 2023 Free entry for all SHS Students

7 p.m.

Held in SHS Auditorium

Enter Door 12 Musicians will be around after the performance to answer any questions

12 a&e.

2023-2024 season, the ISO wanted to plan a community engagement concert and hold it at various schools around town. When reaching out to different people and locations, they came across SHS. “A big part of (our mission) is to educate and inspire,” Brooks said. “We want to inspire younger audiences and I think this is a perfect way to do that.”

After an exchange of emails, the ISO is planning to host a concert at SHS on Sept. 21 at 7 p.m.

The concert will run approximately 40 minutes long and will have free entry for all attendees.

“I think it’s really important to offer free concerts that are easily accessible for people to go to,” Brooks said. “Not everyone necessarily

wants to come downtown, so we’d like

to come to them when we can.”

Check out some of the ISO’s upcoming events:

’23-’24 Opening Night Gala 09/23/23 6:30 p.m.

Cirque: World of Dance Oct 13-14 8 p.m.

Disney in Concert: The Sound of Magic 10/21/23 7 p.m.

The Hilbert Circle Theatre is the home of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and where they perform all of their concerts and events. photo by Josiah Veen Kevin Lin, a has been involved with concertmaster at ISO, orchestra since she was will be performing a solo in sixth grade. She is piece at the event. Lin considering going into wants to inspire students music in college due to to pursue their dreams as her passion for it. he did and make a career “My interests in music out of it. have expanded because “I hope, as a of (orchestra class),” representative of the Richason said. “I found lots Asian population, that of good opportunities and I will be able to experiences.” show people that According no matter your to Richason, It would be skin color, who she was thrilled really nice you are, what you when she to see the believe in that you learned that professional can, if you really the ISO will be etiquette up enjoy classical p e r f o r m i n g close and see music, you can at SHS. With the technique really make a a little bit closer. the given career out of it,” opportunity Senior Lin said. to see Sophia Aside from the professionals Richason show, some of first hand, she is the performers excited to learn have agreed to stay after a lot from them. the concert and answer “It would be really nice questions and interact with to see the professional students. The ISO stage etiquette up close and see crew has also offered the the technique a little bit Technical Theater students closer,” Richason said. “I’m to shadow them and ask excited to see that and how questions while they’re it differs from our orchestra.” setting up for the show.

She hopes that by Senior Sophia Richason attending this event, it will

“

”

inspire not just herself but also others to keep doing what they love and even inspire them to try and land a position in the ISO. “I hope that everyone goes and maybe if they’re thinking about quitting orchestra, I hope that this will change their mind,” Richason said.

Junior Andrea PerezXique was just as excited to learn that the ISO will be performing at SHS as she had been when she first saw them. She hopes that seeing them in person will motivate students, not only orchestra students, to take up a new hobby.

Perez-Xique, along with many other students, participates in a summer STEM program at the University of Indianapolis.

During this program, students were able to attend one of the ISO’s concerts.

“It was very beautiful … one of the songs was one of my favorites that I love to hear and it made me cry,” Perez-Xique said.

Did you know?

There are over 250 events hosted by the orchestra each year They reach 80,000+ people each year with their various programs The ISO has specific programs for children as young as 3 years old, where they introduce instruments and tell interactive stories.

a&e.13

A grim reality

‘The Sound of Freedom’ proves to be an emotional and capitvating movie

by Zing Par, reporter

Take control and pay it forward:

photo by Morgan Harmon

T

he end credits were rolling, the lights were slowly coming back on, and, unlike any other movie theater I’d wbeen to, everything fell silent and everyone sat there for what felt like hours. This film had a lot of gravity, drawing us down into what felt like a black hole of thoughts.

After gathering my thoughts, I gently rose and returned to my car, not realizing that I had gone to the wrong one. When I eventually got into my car, I took a deep breath and tried to make sense of what I had just witnessed.

Alejandro Gomez Monteverde’s film “Sound of Freedom” is an incredible heartfelt story that needs to be shared with everyone.

The film is based on the true story of Tim Ballard, played by Jim Caviezel, a former government

14 a&e.

agent who sets out on a journey to rescue children who became victims of human trafficking.

Without avoiding the grim reality of this worldwide issue, this film successfully illuminated human trafficking while also making it a cinematic masterpiece.

Although the movie was not graphic in any way, it was really difficult to watch it through. There were a couple times where I thought about leaving, but I ended up staying. It felt like the movie was pulling me down and forcing me to swallow a big pill. From the cinematic aspect to the structure of the movie, each scene was luring.

What differentiates “The Sound of Freedom” from other films was its capacity to give optimism in the face of the most bleak conditions. It reminds viewers that change

Angel Studios has a “Pay It Forward” program where you can purchase tickets for others who may not otherwise have the chance to see this film and its important message.

To be a part of this program and pass on the message, scan the QR code below!

begins with them and that they have the capacity to affect change. A special video was then presented just after the end credits, reminding us that this was more than simply a movie.

It prompted us to take control of this 21st-century version of slavery and put an end to the manipulation and exploitation of children for profit.

As stated in the film, “God’s children are not for sale.”

From laughing to crying, I enjoyed everything about the movie. I rarely cry when it comes to movies but this was different. It felt different.

The director did an amazing job at pulling the audience in and putting them through a roller coaster of emotions.

Despite the movie being delayed by five years and other hurdles that were thrown at them, they made it a priority to share this message. I think the best part of this whole production is the way it wasn’t just about the money for them.

It was so much more and I felt that everyone in the audience could feel that.

Overall, I would recommend this film to everyone who wants to make a difference in our society and bring a glimmer of hope for our future by making the sound of freedom a reality.

fun and games.

art by Sal Lynch

Look for the subjects of some of our stories this issue!

a&e.15

culture. editor: Lily Zing

4,713 miles from home

Exchange student adapts to American culture

A

by Simran Baidwan, reporter

s the 20232024 school year kicks off, SHS opens its doors to this year’s exchange student junior Nicoeás Beas Stüde.

Stüde traveled thousands of miles from his home in Mallorca, Spain to his new home for the year in Indianapolis with the family of orcestra teacher Thomas Wright.

After hearing about the foreign exchange program through his friends, Stüde decided he wanted to give this new adventure a go.

Fortunately, Stüde’s friends in Spain made his process easier by making sure he knew how the exchange program works.

At first, Stüde was thinking about being an exchange student in England but was not able to go due to prices

16 culture.

in England skyrocketing, so he and his family decided he would go to the United States instead.

Since his arrival in late July, he has had nothing but a great experience.

Naturally, traveling to a new place with different cultures and customs calls for many challenges, but for Stüde, it brings more excitement than anything else. He is excited to learn about American customs and holidays. He hopes that his time in America and his year at SHS will help him achieve his future career goals.

“I’m excited to learn about your customs and celebrate Halloween differently …,” Stüde said. “Also (to) celebrate Christmas here and Thanksgiving.”

In addition to celebrating holidays in

Exchange student Nicoeás Beas Stüde in Spain photos contributed by Nicoeás Beas Stüde

To learn more about Thomas Wright’s son Nickens Lemba’s journey to college, scan the QR code below!

the U.S., he is also looking forward to continuing traditions that his host dad, Wright started.

Wright has hosted many exchange students over the years and has created a tradition of taking his students to New York City over spring break.

“The one place that all the exchange students want to go to is New York City,” Wright said. “I make sure that they have a good experience and kind of get to see it for more than a tourist thing.”

He takes the students all over the city to see historic monuments and popular hotspots located all over the city. “(It is a) big city,” Stüde said. “(I want to) see the big monuments like the Statue of Liberty, the street Times Square

and Central Park.”

Although the holidays and traditions excite Stüde and Wright, they both have their eyes on a bigger prize.

Stüde is an accomplished swimmer that has been swimming ever since he was just one year old. He hopes that his time in America and his year at SHS will help him achieve his goal of getting a scholarship to swim in college.

One of his main inspirations for wanting to do college athletics is Wright’s son, Nickens Lemba, who is currently on scholarship as a track and field athlete at Purdue University.

Stüde has always felt a strong connection with swimming and has enjoyed doing the sport for as far back as he can remember.

“I’ve practiced it since I was very little because I want (to),” Stüde said.

Not only does he enjoy the sport as a pastime, but it has also inspired him to become a marine biologist.

Although the geography of Indiana doesn’t allow for many opportunities with marine biology, Wright believes that he can help equip Stüde with the skills he needs to get an education in this field.

“I know by us helping

him to be very proficient in English (and) have a great cultural experience working with kinds of people of different cultures and values … those are all skills that are going to help him,” Wright said.

After Stüde’s year at SHS, he hopes to stay in the country.

“My plan is to stay here with a scholarship for swimming or return to Spain to continue swimming and try to come here again,” Stüde said.

For Stüde, the adventures that come with his exchange year in the U.S. are all bringing him closer to acheving his dreams.

Get To Know Nico!

Birthdate : Nov. 7, 2007 Hobbies : Playing soccer & hiking Favorite sport : Swimming Favorite color : Red Favorite Subject : Biology Favorite Food : Crepes

Exchange student Nicoeás Beas Stüde in the U.S. photos contributed by Thomas Wright

culture. 17

Stepping up

SHS travel club explores the world

Number of EL 2020-Present

(2020) - 341 (2021) - 341 (2021) - 341 (2021) - 341 (2021) - 341

Source: Lisa Netsch

(left) New EL teacher Anna Long points at the class objectives for the day on Aug. 24 in her classroom. (middle) Long helps a student with highlighting certain vocabulary words. (right) Long helps an EL student with vocabulary words. photos by Salem OrtegaMorales

A

s the number of English learning (EL) students at SHS has risen in recent years, EL department chair Amy Peddie knew she needed more help to support her students.

“Last year was one of our biggest growth (of EL students) years in the past five years …,” Peddie said. “It could be a bigger year this year.”

Two years ago, SHS brought in a facilitator instead of hiring new EL teachers. While this was helpful, adding only a facilitator wasn’t enough to handle the influx of EL students as there were still only four EL teachers.

Principal Amy Boone is expecting around 600 new EL students over the course of the year. The district prefers a ratio of 100 students per teacher, so Boone realized they

18 culture.

by Elisabeth Pointer, reporter needed more than just four teachers in the department. This is when the new EL teachers, Anna Long and Kelly Harmon, stepped in to help.

“That was kind of the push for looking to increase the number of teachers that we had from last year,” Boone said.

Both have helped decrease class sizes so that each student gets more attention rather than crowded space.

They’ve also helped students with their placement tests and strived towards opening more class opportunities specifically available for EL students.

Long is a first-year teacher at SHS. She trained in both Social Studies and EL and has a very positive view on multilingual students and their abilities to speak

multiple languages.

“I really loved the idea of viewing or having students view their multilingual abilities as an advantage, not a disadvantage,” Long said.

Before getting the job at SHS, Harmon was an EL teacher at Perry Meridian High School for nine years. But she was attracted to the job here because of the large population of EL students.

The move hasn’t created many new challenges as Perry and Southport function similarly.

“It’s been really wonderful to have new people in the department and to be able to provide all the services,” Peddie said. “I feel like it’s been a really smooth start to the year for the most part.”

Around the world

SHS Travel Club explores the world

O

By Lillie Youmans, reporter

ver 10 years ago, the SHS Travel Club, a club where students get to explore different parts of the world with friends from school, was formed.

Each year, the group picks a new destination to navigate. Living on a day-to-day basis in the state of Indiana puts a limit on the student’s creativity and openness to the world.

Touring a new place and collecting new ideas and perspectives around the world can be a lifechanging experience for students.

“The best part of our job is taking kids and allowing them to have these experiences and

see their eyes being opened to things outside Indiana,” club sponsor Dawn Fowerbaugh said.

Recently, the club has been to Ireland, Amsterdam and Paris.

They visited different museums and landmarks where they spotted new cultures, recognized the different languages and histories throughout the trip. Best of all, they tried different cuisines of Costa Rica.

Coming up this spring break, SHS Travel Club will be heading to Costa Rica for eight days. The cost of this particular trip is estimated to cost around $3,300. On this trip, students will be able to explore the different

parts of Costa Rica while going on adventures such as kayaking, ziplining and hiking, along with exploring the cultures of Costa Rica.

Although being involved in this club is costly, students can have their own fundraising pages on Educational Tours, a website where people can donate and minimize the cost. This club is also a great way to meet new people.

From past trips, exploring new places around the world has brought many members of this group, who were once strangers, together.

“You become a family when you’re on the trip,” Fowerbaugh said.

Countries the SHS Travel Club has been to: • • • • • • • • • • •

France Spain Ireland Scotland Belgium Italy Greece Germany Poland Austria Switzerland Source: Sam Hanley

art by Sal Lynch

SHS Travel Club in front of a traditional Dutch windmill in Amsterdam.

photos contributed by Sam Hanley and Dawn Fowerbaugh SHS Travel Club in front of Notre- Dame in Paris,France.

SHS Travel Club in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.

culture. 19

features.

Amy Boone smiles while talking to teachers at a weekly professional development meeting on Aug. 23. As principal, Boone now leads the instructional leadership team that plans staff development. photo by Salem OrtegaMorales

20 features.

editor: Kenzie Andrysiak

A growing force New SHS principal grows into her position with confidence

A

m y B o o n e remembers high school, struggling to come out of her shell.

She was “extremely shy” and hadn’t figured out what she wanted to do in her future.

When she reached her junior year of high school, she realized she loved math and sports, which led her to become a math teacher and basketball coach.

Eventually, Boone decided she wanted to be an athletic director in administration and worked to get her license.

While her work was in progress, she realized that she might want to pursue an academic role in administration instead.

“Maybe this is an avenue I could pursue and still work with kids and adults in a different way,” Boone said.

This realization that maybe she enjoyed administration more than she thought has led her to fulfilling the principal position at SHS, which has helped her grow her confidence and personality.

Road to SHS

Before working in administration, Boone coached girls basketball at

Awards Boone has won:

by Lucy Len Dim, reporter Westfield High School.

Watching the girls grow both athletically and personally helped Boone realize there was more in store for her.

“I was teaching and really found my passion for growing people in general,” Boone said.

“Growing them (basketball players) to see and become more than what they ever thought they could be as people and that maybe there’s even more outside of the classroom that I want to do.”

Boone loved teaching at Westfield, but she was offered a position at SHS to be the Dean of Girls and accepted it.

As she adapted to this new school, she began to make connections within the community. While serving SHS for 14 years, she took up many roles and enjoyed the flexibility they offered.

“I love the idea that in my role, each year was never exactly the same,” Boone said, “even if I was in the same position.”

When former SHS principal Brian Knight announced in May that he was taking up a new job at PTEC, a higher position

opened up for Boone.

There were a multitude of applicants who applied for the principal position, but after undergoing many interviews and filling out forms, Boone made the final cut and started her new role as the new principal of SHS.

-2007: Westfield High School: Most Impactful Educator for a Top 10 Graduate

New role, new normal

New positions come with new adjustments.

Although Boone worked as an administrator at SHS, a principal job comes with different responsibilities.

Boone served as an assistant principal for 11 years and associate principal for one year, so she has become comfortable with problem solving and fulfilling her responsibilities.

However, this new position has also challenged her to step out of her comfort zone.

Boone is accustomed to putting plans into action, but the principal role requires her to take a step back.

“The role of a principal is really to create a vision and systems that you believe need to be implemented to best support the staff and students,” Boone said, “and then you have to let others do the work.”

-2015: Southport High School: STARS Most Influential Educator for a Top 20 Student

-2017 and 2022: IASP District 7 Assistant Principal of the Year

-2022: IASP State Assistant Principal of the Year

features. 21

For Boone, it’s been a shift handing over the responsibilities to others but also overcoming the stress that comes with this authority.

“Yes, there are definitely times where it can feel overwhelming and stressful,” Boone said. “Any job or new position you take, that’s always the case.”

So she reminds herself to take deep breaths and focus on what needs to be prioritized and how to fulfill it.

Balancing her home life and profession can be difficult for her at times since “they kind of bleed over with each other a little bit,” Boone said.

She makes sure she gives time to her family and shows up to their important events to maintain a good balance.

For instance, she attends her daughters’ volleyball games and calls her parents when she can.

Boone feels that balancing works well for her since she lives in this community and her daughters attend Southport Middle School.

“I think it’s just making SHS a part of our family is how it kind of works,” Boone said.

Even while Boone is still navigating through these changes, many believe that this job has been destined to her for a while.

Barbara Brouwer, a former principal of SHS, hired Boone in January 2009. As Brouwer worked alongside Boone, she was able to mentor her and prepare her for this role. She knew that Boone deserved this role because of her “phenomenal work ethic.”

“She had the initiative to take on the tough challenges,” Brouwer said.

“She had the personality to work with the students and staff.”

Brouwer is one of many

people who know Boone is capable.

Knight believes that Boone’s diligence and leadership qualifies her for the position.

He says that Boone’s desire to expand her leadership outside of her office has prepared her to take over the principal job.

One way Boone presents leadership outside of school is through being a mother.

Chris Boone, her husband, believes that Boone is not only a great mom but also a great role model.

He describes her as a “strong woman leader.”

Female forces

Boone with the Westfield High School girls basketball team. Boone coached the team for five years. photo contributed by Boone

22 features.

As Boone navigates through her life and the future ahead, she had three women in her life that inspired her to create a different reality for herself, one being Doris Harmon, Boone’s grandmother.

She encouraged girls to

Boone and her grandma, Doris Harmon, at Boones wedding. photo contributed

by Boone

To watch a Q&A video with Boone, scan the QR code below!

read about women in leadership. Harmon has always pushed Boone to ensure success.

“She was also strict and stern,” Boone said. “If you weren’t doing your best, she’d let you know.”

Boone also mentioned how her grandmother from her father’s side and her mother-in-law have overcome diseases and continued to remain strong for their families.

These three women have inspired Boone to pass down inspiration not only to girls but also in high school administration. Working in this profession has made her realize that there aren’t a lot of females. Boone describes it as a “maledominated profession.”

So, she is taking this new opportunity as a chance to change things up.

“I like trying to be a trailblazer and show people that just because it’s the way it’s always been, it doesn’t mean that’s the way it needs to be or should be anymore,” Boone said.

Boone types as she works at her computer on Aug. 23 in her office. Most of the time, she does work here at her desk. photo by Morgan Harmon

“

be anymore,” Boone said.

So just making those different connections, not just in the building, but with families and students as well.

Principal Amy Boone

”

Leaving her mark

With it only being a month into the new school year, some members of the staff say they already notice a new atmosphere within their school because of her.

“I think she has brought an energy into the building that we haven’t seen in a while,” Assistant Principal Joe Horvath said.

Associate Principal Eric Woodke has spotted this new energy as well.

“Mrs. Boone is always

very happy, very excited, very bubbly, and she brings that feel to every meeting or interaction that she has,” Woodke said.

Members of the staff also appreciate Boone’s efforts at promoting gratitude amongst them.

Boone has been challenging the staff to participate in Friday’s Chirps and Cheers, which allows teachers to reflect on their purpose at SHS to give them motivation.

She also encourages them to make phone calls

Boone’s career milestones Freshman and JV girls basketball coach at Westfield High School

Math teacher at Westfield High School

2003-2008

2003-2009

Dean of Girls at SHS

Assistant Principal at SHS

Associate Principal at SHS

Principal at SHS

2009-2011

2011-2022

2022-2023

2023-Present

features. 23

Boone works with English teacher Jessi Walpole at a professional development meeting on Aug. 23. She goes to these meeting with the staff every Wednesday. photo by Salem OrtegaMorales

home or write emails to parents about exceptional students.

“So just making those different connections, not just in the building,” Boone said, “but with families and students as well.”

Not only does the staff think she’s bringing more gratitude to the atmosphere, but she’s also been restoring old traditions and making new ones.

On their opening staff day, Boone decided to add something different To read about into the mix.

Boone being Instead of just standing nominated in front of the staff while for an award, lecturing them, she also scan the QR allowed different groups to code below! explain their responsibilities and how it contributes to the school.

For instance, the librarians, nurses, EL teachers and other staff m e m b e r s Head to page 31 were able to to learn how Boone create a more injured her foot! familiar and

24 features.

comfortable environment with their co-workers.

Boone explained that watching the staff feel empowered to share their roles and feel valued has been a core memory so far.

A lot of teachers mentioned how this different formatting of their opening staff day was a good use of their time, according to math teacher Cathee Cullison.

“We got to meet them in small groups and talk to them a little more than we would get to do if we had a big meeting,” she said.

El teacher Amy Peddie noticed that Boone has been trying to ensure connections are present throughout the school.

On staff day, Peddie was able to explain the purpose the EL department serves at SHS to smaller groups of staff.

“I really appreciated being able to see the teachers’ faces and talk to them,” Peddie said.

“Normally, I would have stood in front of the whole school, all 100 teachers at the same time.”

This new style of staff bonding promoted each department’s diversity and allowed them to feel valued.

Boone is also aspiring to create this same feeling for students.

She’s focused on setting every student up for success.

Their theme for this school year is “ignite, connect, empower.”

“We’re working towards the idea of developing our independent thinkers,” Boone said.

Going more in depth, she is also looking back at students’ histories to figure out what they need to improve on.

While looking back, it’s caught her attention that a lot of students who plan to attend college haven’t taken the required AP or DC courses.

Many of these students are included in underrepresented populations too.

The administration has taken this into account by identifying those students and providing them with help during iPass. While students receive help, it will improve their capability to thrive in these advanced courses.

“We want to make sure we’re providing equal opportunities for all students,” Boone said.

Being able to watch kids grow has helped Boone grow herself. Through all her years of working as a coach or as a part of administration, she’s broken out of her shell and became accustomed to being a Cardinal.

“I just kind of fell in love with it here,” Boone said.

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lifestyle.

editor: Claire Steinbrook

Back to the basics The best recommended clothing staples to wear to school

by Lily Zing, culture editor

T

here are 180 days of school, and during those days, it can be quite challenging to come up with outfits for every single day of the week.

Waking up at 6 a.m. is hard enough as it is, rushing through morning routines because of the struggles of not having any outfits to wear can be overwhelming. To minimize stress over this situation, here are a few guides to the best clothing staples for school.

Lily’s top places to shop:

What to avoid and what to look for

When it comes to shopping for school, it’s best to avoid patterns and extremely bright colors. Most patterns stem from trends, and everyone knows trends do not last forever. After purchasing a pattern or neon-colored piece of clothing, it only takes a few days for it to end up in the back of the closet. Instead of patterns and bright colors, try looking for timeless pieces, which are clothes that can be worn any time of the year. These include a classic pair of jeans and simplistic tops.

- Hollister - Zara -H&M - Pacsun - Mango

Pants

For bottoms, it’s good to have a comfortable pair of black jeans, white jeans and blue jeans. You can never go wrong with these three pairs as they will match with 90% of your closet. When looking for jeans, try straight leg or wide leg because they’re the most versatile styles. Or, for those days when feeling under the blue, black flare leggings or gray sweatpants are the way to go.

26 lifestyle.

- Bershka

Tops Many students make the decision of buying tops with letters or graphics in general. Letterings and graphics on tops can be quite distracting, and often, they can only be paired with one type of bottom that matches the specific lettering or graphic. For this particular reason, it’s best to avoid them. It’s okay to have a few graphic tops, but a closet should never be full of them. Instead, try gravitating towards simplistic tops with basic colors such as white, black and beige.

These colors are very easy to pair with any bottoms.

To read about sustainble shopping, scan the QR code below!

Outerwear Most of the time, the school air can get a bit chilly. For those times, cozy cardigans are a necessity. But, one of the most underrated staple pieces of clothing is a poplin shirt. A poplin shirt can make someone feel mature and put together. It’s like a cardigan except it’s more airy and light. It can be styled the same as a cardigan with a white tank underneath it. A comfortable sweatshirt or hoodie is also a must-have for those lazy days when you just want to throw something on and call it a day.

Items to upgrade your wardrobe While it’s good to have many basics in your wardrobe, there will be days where they're just too simple or not fancy enough. Some ways to enhance outfits are cargo pants, pastel cardigans and camisole tops. Cargos give off an effortless look that is charismatic, and pastel cardigans just add a hint of a fun color but are also easy on the eyes, unlike neons. Camisole tops under cardigans are always a go-to item as they’re so flattering.

lifestyle. 27

Falling be h i n d

These tips can keep students caught up with school

by Natalie Walker, videographer specialist art by Sal Lynch

I

am quite possibly the worst procrastinator ever.

Unlike some other people that developed this tendency during the hybrid school schedule, I have been doing final projects the morning they were due since the third grade.

But, great responsibility comes with great time management. Throughout my high school career, I’ve gone through many phases of productivity from severe procrastination to just turning assignments in mostly on time. My last year of high school is a new era.

I’m turning over a new leaf, and you can too! Here are some tips to support you along the way.

Work with free time

Everyone is allowed to take a break when it's needed, but sometimes it’s better to use unstructured time for schoolwork if there is an opportunity to do so. If you have three assignments due in two days but none today, you could finish one today

28 lifestyle.

Apps to keep you on track!

Google Keep is an app that can be used to create lists for assignments and create reminders for when things are due.

Twobird is an app that helps designate lists, emails and tasks all in one place. With this app it's easy to focus on what needs to be done now and what stuff can wait for later.

and then have more free time in two days. Aside from getting ahead for the free time, you could also be surprised by an unforeseen event.

Whether your job calls you in or you missed that assignment on the Canvas to-do list, things come up unexpectedly. To combat this and put yourself more at ease, work ahead as you can.

Don’t save the things you are dreading for last

Typically people aren’t thrilled about doing something that they already dislike. But, waiting until the last second before something should be done can make you feel rushed and associate more stress with an already unpleasant task. If a person has an assignment due at 11:59 p.m. and they don’t get to start on it until 11 p.m., it might just feel pointless to even do it. This can become a slippery slope and lead to more

procrastination. Getting your least favorite tasks out of the way first can give you a sigh of relief when the due date finally rolls around.

Keep a to-do list

While you would hope to not forget about a simple thing like submitting a math assignment, life can become chaotic very quickly. Writing things down on a to-do list, whether it be physical or digital, can be very helpful for time management. Not only is the list a reminder of what needs to be done, but it can also serve as a log of what has already been completed.

For many people, crossing off a task on their list is just as satisfying as finishing the task itself. One way of doing this is keeping this list on a phone in the Notes app. Simply write it down on a piece of paper or even use another app that sends notifications such as Google Keep or Twobird to keep you on track.

Acing the apps Tips to make applying to college easier

by Lucy Hiller, reporter

C

ollege applications can be very intimidating for high school students, especially seniors. Over 75% of high school seniors report high stress levels over college applications, according to PrepScholar.

Not only is the process complicated, but it can also be scary because of how much it affects the course of the applicants’ lives. But with these tips, college applications will be a piece of cake!

Start early

Applications are very detailed and often painstaking to fill out, so it is crucial that students allow themselves enough time to gather all the information they need. personality. A good place for students to start is telling a story about an event in their life that still impacts them today.

art by Gretchen Turner

Brag sheet for letters of recommendation

These letters come from teachers, administrators or any mentors in a student’s life, and they give colleges a chance to hear about prospective admits from another perspective.

These letters take a lot of work, so having a sheet with one’s “school stats” can be very helpful.

Don’t let money concerns be a barrier

Colleges are often more affordable than they originally appear because of financial aid and scholarships. And, if students are worried about the cost of applying to colleges, Questbridge is a scholarship program that supports lowincome students in the U.S. and helps them apply to and pay for college. Many individual colleges also offer application fee waivers depending on a student’s financial situation. Also, make sure to fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which provides financial information to colleges so they can determine scholarships and financial aid packages, by the deadline listed. Throughout the

fall, SHS offers FAFSA nights if students need support filling the form out.

Choose which scores to send

test

In general, students should send all AP scores that are four and higher, along with any threes in areas they don’t plan to pursue in college. In regards to the SAT and ACT, students can look up the average score ranges for the colleges they plan on applying to. If their scores fall within or above those ranges, sending the scores is a good idea.

To read the full story scan the QR code below!

Do school interviews

Some colleges offer inperson interviews with former students which can help applicants determine if the school is a good fit or not.

These interviews are a great opportunity to become more familiar with the culture of the school.

Apply early decision (to only ONE school)

It’s a good idea for students to apply to their first choice college early decision because it gives them a better chance of being accepted than regular decision. Some early decisions are binding for students, so it's important to think carefully before applying this way.

To create your own brag sheet scan the QR code below!

lifestyle. 29

red onion. editor: Kent Roger

Motivational beginings

New lunch guy, Brandon Luzier, aspires to become a motivational speaker

by Benjamin Tag, reporter

A

s behavioral interventionist Brandon Luzier picks up the microphone in the lunchroom, he begins to think of the stage. The spotlight is on him, and he realizes he’s changing the lives of the people sitting in front of him.

Luzier is a brand new face in the student services office this year.

Students may have seen him last year, where he student taught in the social studies hallway, but this year, he plays a big part in the front office.

“We witnessed him last year while he was here, and we knew we had something special,” Assistant Principal Herrick Booke explained. “When you find someone like that, we knew we couldn’t just have him be some regular teacher.”

As the start to the school year approached, SHS was looking for someone to run the cafeteria during lunch. The plan was to

30 red onion.

stick to the regular course of action: using a sports coach with nothing to do, but Luzier stepped in and asked for the position.

“I laughed, and there was a pause, and I said ‘Oh you’re serious …, ‘“ Assistant Principal Pat Whiner said. “That might be a little low for someone like you.”

But Luzier pushed on and laid out his argument.

He made it known what he really wanted to do with his life. He aspires to be a motivational speaker, helping the everyday troubled person through the wisdom he shares.

He is using the lunch periods to gain experience and tighten his material.

Luzier understands that in order to get to the proficiency acceptable for modernday speakers, he needs to use every moment possible to exercise his life changing abilities.

Students recently have, of course, taken notice

Side note: Red Onion is a satire section. of his talent during their lunch period.

“I have unassigned, and I purposely stay in the lunchroom just so I can hear him talk,” senior Eric Lawson said.

Sophomore Bella Gould says her favorite time of the day is when her conversation is interrupted by Mr. Luzier over the loudspeakers.

“Even though it’s my only break in the long school day, I love not being able to hold a conversation,” Gould said with a smile. “His words of wisdom are so much more powerful than any fun I could ever have.” Luzier is gaining speed quickly in his prospective line of work.

The school has even approved talent scouts and talent managers to come sit in on lunches so they can get a feel of Luzier. But, he has made it clear that even if he does get an offer from one of the scouts,

art by Sal Lynch

he plans on finishing the school year out.

Luzier sees his job at the school as the utmost importance in the low part of his career.

Students will soon be able to say they knew the famous Brandon Luzier back when he worked at their school.

“We know this is just a starting point on what will be a great career,” Booke said. “Having someone this full of talent at our school is so profound and may never happen again.

So, we should really soak up his presence while we get him.”

According to the National Association of Speakers, there are nearly 13,000 motivational speakers in the U.S. That’s almost a third of all motivational speakers worldwide.

Luzier gets a feel for the stage at SHS. He feels it’s better to practice, even though the words will always flow beautifly no matter what. photo by Darcy Leber

Boone in the boot

by Phillip Mabeli, reporter

M

any students took notice of the boot new Principal Amy Boone had donned recently.

It’s no doubt a concerning sight for students to see their principal in a weakened state.

She was using crutches to navigate the school, and this continued for an unusual amount of time.

But, this injury was not caused by some sort of offthe-cuff adult sports league, this was the aftermath of an evidently common principal initiation process.

This hazing procedure is incredibly rigorous as described by a former principal who wishes to remain anonymous.

“It’s tough,” they said. “They make you wear all of the new student ID’s and run every staircase in the Fieldhouse, … and that’s just the beginning of it.”

The only ones involved in the hazing are preexisting administration staff. They sit by and are even allowed to offer up new ideas for tortuous activities that the victim must undergo. These staffers don’t have a single bit of remorse for this activity.

Assistant Principal Josef Horvath dismisses Boone’s condition, saying “she’ll be fine.”

This initiation process has been going on for years. Hazing has been banned even in the most barbaric institutions, such as the Army and the Girl Scouts. So, for the practice to be in place at an established school like SHS is utterly unacceptable and must be stopped.

Boone may recover from her injuries, but her recent trauma will undoubtedly stay with her for years to come.

art by Sal Lynch

will be putting “cough detectors” They Administration in the bathrooms over the weekend. The name is apropos. It will detect any cough and notify don’t quite student services immediatly. Even students who want unkowingly walk into unbreathable air could get suspended and charged for smoking. So, if you you can’t hit it quit it. to know. . . red onion. 31

opinion. editor: Julianna Miranda

She’s everything.

So is Ken. Backlash that the ‘Barbie’ movie faced is the point

by Ayslin Bowman, print managing editor

“

This movie is everything wrong with the world atm.

This movies purpose is to tear down men and make men seem like the bad guy at every opportunity. I’m tired of the women are so oppressed and men ruin everything culture we currently live in . If u are thinking about seeing this movie, I would highly recommend u don’t” This negative review by @Bruinz on Letterboxd is just one of many about the “Barbie” movie that came out on July 21, and there is a lot to unpack with this.

After dressing up in pink with my friends and sobbing over this movie in the car, I was shocked to see this hate so soon. But, after a little bit of time, I realized I wasn’t necessarily surprised.

To start, I think it is fair to let some criticism of this movie slide. After all, no movie is perfect, and everyone has a different taste and preference when it comes to the films and genres they watch.

I don’t expect everyone to love this movie even though I

32 opinion.

did. Honestly, I don’t expect everyone to like it either.

However, there is a problem with the backlash this movie is facing that’s deeper than plot holes, audience ratings or personal preference or flow.

It’s the fact that the movie is really about how our society and patriarchy is hurting everyone, but the “anti-men” reactions to the film feed into its message. Although people have been very adamant about the film hating on men, it truly shows how our current society harms both women and men.

The start of the movie shows Barbieland, a matriarchal society. Kens don’t have real jobs, homes, a say in the community and they rely on attention from Barbies to feel satisfied and meaningful.

The exact opposite of this is shown in the real world and Kendom, a patriarchy, where the Ken’s took over the houses, government, jobs and had Barbies serve them.

The real message of the film lies in both the Barbie’s and Ken’s reactions to each

society. The Kens weren’t happy and satisfied in the matriarchy in the same way the Barbie’s weren’t happy and satisfied in the patriarchy.

But they weren’t really talking about Barbies, Kens, Dream Houses or Mojo Dojo Casa Houses. They were talking about women, men and everything about our relationships with each other.

The immediate criticism of the movie is so representative of the movie.

This movie aimed to promote balance and change from the patriarchy that we live in today to an equal world for both sexes but is instead receiving backlash from many, both men and women.

Our society has been so extreme with the balance of sexes generally, so it’s difficult for many to think that a film could promote such a world.

But it did. By criticizing it for an incorrect interpretation, we are harming ourselves and our society. Because, yes, she is everything, but Ken is too.

To read more of Ayslin’s work, scan the QR code down below!

Fading away

Platonic friendship fallouts hurt worse than romantic ones

by Salem Ortega-Morales, photographer

F

riendships are an important and monumental part of life.

They help leave whatever unhealthy habits someone may have, they always have a shoulder to lean on.

No matter the length of the relationship, whether it be romantic or with a friend, letting go of a loved one is something that’s never Salem’s tips to keep friendships expected. It’s easy to find a romantic relationship, but strong: the level of trust, the level of love one can get from a friend is not the same once -communicate it’s lost.

Although both types -visit each other of relationships are very different and complicated, regularly the effects of losing either one are very similar.

However, friendships are -meet each other’s families something people naturally gravitate towards.

But one big difference between the two is that -support your friendship breakups are friends not as common of a conversation topic.

Many would argue that romantic relationships have a bigger impact and a better connection, but friendships require almost the same type of intimacy and the same connection.

No one wants to be friends

with someone they don’t like or trust.

A partner is someone that is loved as well, but a best friend is someone who is more than that. A friend is someone a person can be themselves with, feel more relaxed. Oftentimes, a person shares so much more than just love with a friend.

A friend can be more than a friend, a soulmate even. Partners can be that as well, but friends have a higher chance of staying forever, while a relationship with a significant other can end the next day.

Going through a breakup usually always leaves both parties with an understanding at the end.

Many think just because it’s a friendship, there doesn’t need to be a sense of communication, which is far from the truth. Due to this, a platonic relationship can start fading, and neither person knows why.

There can be a lot of guilt with losing a long-term friend. With relationships, there’s usually a trial and error period that comes with trying to not lose a partner.

However, it’s different with friends. Both

parties tend to feel as if they’re the only ones putting in the work. One person could struggle with knowing that their friendship is failing and not reach out, and this only isolates both people involved.

Many individuals don’t expect to lose a friend. No one is really ready to lose a person that they trust so much. There are many articles out on the internet that have tips to move on from a boyfriend, girlfriend or partner.

Losing a friend is hard, and it’s not recognized. It doesn’t matter who ends it, it is painful. Both types of relationships are important and are beautiful interactions in life.

However, a friendship is something more sacred than a relationship. Many go through relationships, and many end them.

Friendship is an amazing and important thing for the human mind and body, and it’s important to recognize that they may not always be there forever.

opinion. 33

My Turn(er) “It must be exhausting always rooting for the anti-hero.”

A

fter two months of anticipating the start of the year put together with the nerves of school starting, it’s time for my first column.

I spent all summer trying to come up with a name for my column. Three months later, I still didn’t have the slightest idea of what I wanted to do. I spent weeks with so many tabs of The Journal Rewired up on my screen trying to learn how to best write a column. The vast variety of topics kept me thinking.

Finally, I ended up deciding I would analyze a lyric from a song each issue. As someone who loves music of all types, I only saw this to be fitting.

So here we are. Now it’s my turn(er).

Since senior year started, I’ve felt a wide range of emotions. Before school even started, there was so much anticipation for my new classes, teachers, etc.

Once school started, that excitement skyrocketed.

Looking into colleges, future careers and different clubs I can partake in when I do

34 opinion.

by Gretchen Turner, Editor-in-Chief go to school makes me want May to come so much quicker than it is.

However, even with all of my enthusiasm, there was a part of me that is convinced I’m doing it all wrong.

Taylor Swift’s song from her album “Midnights” called “Anti-Hero” has a lyric that says “It must be exhausting always rooting for the antihero.” As I’ve started applying to colleges, my “anti-hero” has become louder and more prominent in what I do.

Even before this year, my anti-hero has given me problems. Whether it’s caused me to close myself off from my friends or made me think I need to be more reserved to go further in my life, it’s kept me from taking full advantage of what life has to offer.

In terms of The Journal, my anti-hero has definitely brought up issues along the way. There have been instances where I’ve loved a spread I designed or a story I wrote, but then a little part of me said

“My antihero is done determining my path.”

Gretchen Turner, Editorin-Chief

“It’s not good enough,” and I hated looking at something I was once excited about.

More recently, the application process for Editor-in-Chief came quickly. So, I sat down to write my application and poured all of my ideas onto an arguably long Google Doc. Everything I’d been thinking about for the past three years was there. After it was done, I shared it with Mr. K and left it. That’s when the trouble started.

The nerves and the nagging from my antihero were so intense, I was convinced that Editor-inChief was so out of reach.

However, I shut it off for my interviews and used it as a driving force to get to where I am now with my position on staff.

Just like in Swift’s video, I’ve been listening to the whispers from my anti-hero for far too long. I’ve let them influence how I live my life, and it’s time I take those thoughts and use them to my advantage, just as Swift did. My anti-hero is done determining my path.

art by Sal Lynch

Journal Address

“

It is a critical element of our school safety and a building wide expectation that students wear their ID and lanyard on their neck at all times.” This message was written in a ParentSquare message on Aug. 8. by Assistant Principal John Morse.

Only being about two weeks into school, this gave many students the impression that wearing their ID would be strictly enforced this year.

But after a few warnings and classroom checks, lanyards are so obsolete that a majority of the time the lunch cashiers don’t even hold up their scanner because so few students are wearing their IDs. Just like IDs, SHS has proposed many crackdowns on rules this year and not followed through as they said they would. While, of course, students don’t want to be punished more,

This is the opinion of the editorial board of The Journal proposing rules that aren’t enforced is diminishing the power of future rules because students expect they won’t be imposed then either.

Another example of a new policy this year is the phone policy where teachers turn a sign in their room to denote if phones are allowed or not. While this can depend on the teacher, many are not consistent about flipping their sign.

The dress code was also touted as a pressing issue that would be disciplined if violated. However, many students walk around with no sleeves despite that being the only point emphasized around

dress code by Principal Amy Boone in the beginning-ofthe-year video.

Parking passes have also been noted as required in SHS weekly emails since the beginning of the year, yet as of Aug. 25, according to Officer Heather Crowder, no one has received a parking ticket.

These rules are supposed to make the SHS environment better, whether that be by keeping students safe by identifying them, or creating a more comfortable environment with dress code. These policies not being enforced raises the question: Do we need all these rules if we can function fine without them?

Administration should enforce rules if they are going to be put in place. If they aren’t going to be enforced, why put them in place at all?

opinion. 35

photos. editor: Darcy Leber

‘Red’-y to play

by Darcy Leber, Salem Ortega-Morales and Gretchen Turner 1

3

SHS football held their home opener against the Perry Meridian Falcons on Friday, Aug. 25. The Cards fell 40-10.

36 photos.

5 2

7

6

8

4 1. Sophomore Jeremiah Stanovic starts to fall in the endzone as he scores a touchdown. 2. Junior Malachi Kennedy gives assistant coach Isaiah Cousins a high five after coming off the field. 3.

Sophomore Gavin Cummins throws the ball to Senior Uriah Stearman in an attempt to score. 4. A defensive player tackles the Perry Meridian quarterback. 5. Stearman breaks a tackle while running towards the endzone. 6. Cummins passes the ball off to Stanovic. 7. Stanovic runs down the field before getting tackled by a Falcon. 8. Senior Calvin Miller waves the Cardinal flag while running out onto the field before the game. photos 1,2,3,5,6 and 7 by Darcy Leber. photo 4 by Salem OrtegaMorales. photo 8 by Gretchen Turner

photos. 37

1 3

4

e h t g s n i e c h a s F la F 2

38 photos.

5

ith w ad rds e h Ca o -t he d a 2. T e t h g. 2 n we y, Au m a a e sd t l e l 6 a Tu b n 8 ey l o -1. l l vo ntra p 3 S H Ce n to S e Th nklin out o Fra me ca

9 1. Junior Arianna Neese celebrates senior Macy Chafin’s 1,000th career assist.

2. Neese passes a ball backwards in an attempt to send it over the net.

3. Junior Ryleigh Hamilton attempts a block against Franklin Central’s middle hitter. 4. Chafin sets her 1000th career assist during the first set. The team then stopped the game to celebrate her. 5. Hamilton goes up for a slide hit. The Flashes missed the block and she scored a point for the Cards. 6. Junior Paige Mayer goes up for an outside hit against the block from the Flashes. 7. Mayer stands in a defensive position ready to serve-receive. 8. Neese tosses the ball to serve. 9. Mayer goes up for a hit. photos 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 9 by Darcy Leber. photos 5, 6 and 8 by Gretchen Turner.

7

photos. 39

want more content? check out the journal rewired for more!

Q&A with Macy Chafin

A warm welcome

After playing volleyball since seventh grade, senior Macy Chafin has played as both a right side hitter and a setter.

However, Chafin decided that setting was her true passion and decided to pursue that position. During a tournament on Saturday, Aug. 12, Chafin reached her ...

Most aspiring teachers work in schools to be able to work with students in a classroom, but being restricted to the classroom gives them a limited opportunity to form a connection with their students. On the other hand, being a school counselor allows for a ...

National night out

Back to basketball

On Tuesday Aug. 1, the Perry Township Police Department hosted National Night Out. The event was held at Homecroft Elementary School ...

SHS has a longstanding tradition of basketball. With the 12th largest fieldhouse in the nation, basketball has always been an integral part of ...