The vista issue 1 2016 17

The Vista NOTRE DAME ACADEMY*3535 W. SYLVANIA AVE.* TOLEDO, OH 43623*VOL 67 ISSUE 6*Oct. 7, 2016

Promoting Good Mental Health All Year Long LAUREN SASALA Mental illness has been increasing in teens for many years, and the school theme for the year "Mental Health; Mercy and Healing" will work to address the importance of good mental health.

Beginning the year with the community read of the book Stop Pretending was only the beginning of the discussion of mental health and has provided the opportunity for open conversations to be held. The book is a collection of poems written by a teenage girl whose sister is dealing with mental illness.

"I think the book gave a good perspective on how mental illness affects so many people," junior Hannah Rubel said.

With 50 percent of all mental illnesses beginning by age 14, there is no better time to have conversations about the importance of maintaining good mental health.

"The book gave good insight, and we were able to discuss the different emotions that were in each of the poems," freshman Mia Rose said.

The book was a way to introduce the issue to faculty and students.

"It begins to address mental health but does not fully address the subject," principal Mrs. Kim Grilliot said.

Mrs. Laurie Stewart’s presentation, “Making it Cool to be Kind” provided a day of interaction between students to help encourage students and gain confidence.

“The presentation was so interactive and each activity we did helped us grow together as a Notre Dame community,” senior Kenzie Kaseman said.

Students can actively participate in discussions about mental illness during Minds Matter club meetings. Photo by Grace Collier. 

More than 2/3 of Americans suffering from mental illness.



8 million Americans do not receive adequate treatment for mental illness.



1 in 5 youth experience a mental disorder at some point in their life.

“The skits, videos and personal stories really applied to the girls here at Notre Dame which made them relatable ,” senior Onyx Fuller said.

With a full school day dedicated to conversation about mental illness and how to help others who are struggling, it provided a starting point for the rest

of the school year.

“I really got a chance to relate to everyone on a deeper level,” Onyx said.

To continue the theme, different events will be occurring throughout the school year to help in better understanding mental health.

Continuing in January, all departmental areas will be planning presentations and inviting guest speakers to address more areas of mental health and illness.

"Mental health is not something we should keep brushing aside; it is just as serious as any physical ailment, there is help out there for those who need it," senior Allison Fritsch said.

Another way students can actively participate in the promotion of good mental health is by joining the "Minds Matter" club at school.

With meetings every second and fourth Monday's of the month in room 105, this club provides a support system to those struggling with mental illness, or those who want to know more about it. Club discussions aim to inform about different mental illnesses, give strategies for coping and to examine ways to lessen the stigmas and stereotypes that often times assumed with mental illness.

“We strive to create a place where we can learn about these issues and apply what we learn to be more tolerant, kind, helpful people,” Club moderator Mrs. Laura Gallaher said.

"It is vital for all of us to have a greater understanding of mental health so that we do not judge others but develop a caring and thoughtful approach to the topic," Mrs. Grilliot said.

In This Issue: Page 6 Sr. Mary Ann Profile

Page 5 Need for stronger rape penalties

Page 7 Cinderella Preview

-2-

News

New Faculty, Staff Members Join the Nest Ashley Keane NDA’s changes are helping the community grow, especially with Fitz Commons, the new dance studio, and three additional faculty members.

This month, Fitz Commons will be finished with glass doors and walls. The dance studio will be completed with the addition of mirrors.

The studio will be used for hip hop, dance team, musical, play, and other artistic groups. It has a door that directly connects backstage to help those in musical and play that need quick costume changes.

Notre Dame welcomes three new faculty members including Mrs. Michelle Kusina, mathematics teacher; Mrs. Janey Molnar, front desk receptionist; and Mrs. Kristin Schank, guidance counselor.

Mrs. Kusina moved to Toledo from New York because she had graduated from college and wanted to be with friends.

She met her husband Jim in Toledo

Mrs. Kusina Mrs. Molnar Mrs. Schank and has been married for thirty years. They have three children including Jessie, who is a graduate of Notre Dame.

She has an embarrassing, funny story that she feels girls can really relate to. "A police officer pulled me over for not having my lights on at night. I cried until he let me go with a warning. My advice is do not be scared and do not cry," Mrs. Kusina said.

Her favorite part about Notre Dame is all the opportunities and good memories. "You don't realize it until after you leave how much it matters," Mrs. Kusina said.

Mrs. Molnar recently was married

over the summer to her high school sweetheart, Mike. She currently works as the receptionist in the main office.

If she could star in her own movie, it would be about traveling because she hopes her and her husband can see many places during their lives.

"I was on pep team and loved getting the student body excited to join together for fun," Mrs. Molnar said.

Mrs. Schank graduated from Notre Dame in 2002 after playing basketball and being on student council. She met her husband, Kenny, at the University of Toledo.

A fun fact about her is that she moved to Providence, Rhode Island, and lived there for five years with Kenny. Then, they decided to start a family back in Toledo. Her two children are still young, and they love to smile, especially baby John who is four-months-old.

"I am looking forward to meeting all of you and helping your journey at NDA," Mrs. Schank said.

Kill ‘em With Kindness, Not With Subtweets Emily Pawlecki Girls at NDA are often commended for their ability to respectfully exchange different viewpoints during informed discussions in the classroom. Recently, however, the element of respect seems to be left behind as girls take their opinions to social media.

There is nothing wrong with sharing opinions via social media, but the manner in which this has been done is raising concerns.

Arguments on social media outlets, particularly Twitter, have become a frequent occurrence. “I see opinionated fights on twitter over social issues or politics almost every other day, and they often involve girls from NDA,” senior Diyepriye Ngo said.

Students represent NDA both inside the classroom and online and disrespectful fights reflect poorly on the values of tolerance and acceptance that are taught at Notre Dame.

In any class that involves discussing controversial issues, teachers make it clear to students that disrespectful and degrading comments will not be tolerat-

ed. These expectations do not change when students take their opinions to social media.

“I have the same expectations for students behavior in both in class and online discussions. What you post is a representation of you as a person so if you state your opinion in disrespectful ways or degrade others personally, it reflects poorly on you as a person,” Social Studies teacher Mrs. Amy Kasperzak said.

It is important to recognize the line between sharing an opinion and forcing it on others. Not everyone is going share the same beliefs and sometimes it is best to agree to disagree. “Social media should to be used to connect with friends, not disconnect from people who you might disagree with.” freshman Caroline Jarrell said.

Drawing out arguments online solves nothing. Almost every Twitter fight will end in a couple people blocking each other, a few more getting muted, and many people becoming upset.

People grow through personal

conversation, not by having opinions thrown at them on twitter. “I think most people choose to be argumentative and overly aggressive with their beliefs on Twitter because they know they can’t backup their facts in person. My opinions on any social or political issues have never changed because of comments I’ve seen on Twitter.” senior Bridget Reed said.

The best way to avoid conflict online is to think before posting. What is hastily put on social media can end up offending large groups of people in short amounts of time. Arguments escalate quickly, and even if the post is deleted it will be remembered through screenshots and subtweets.

With easy access to hundreds of people on social media, it is easy to overlook the value in personal interaction; taking discussion off social media and reserving it for face-to-face interaction is a better opportunity for education and growth.

“If you wouldn't say it in person, don't say it on social media!” senior Julia Spencer said.

Sports

Emily Pawlecki The Notre Dame athletic program has partnered with SportsLeader, bringing changes in the experiences of Eagle athletes.

SportsLeader is Catholic-virtue based program with the mission of creating leaders and teaching values within athletic teams.

“NDA is the first school in Northwest Ohio to join SportsLeader and the first Catholic all-girls school in Ohio to incorporate SportsLeader” said athletic director Gary Snyder.

The four main elements of the program are Virtue, Ceremony, Mentoring, and Catholic Identity. The main focus for this year will be Virtue and Ceremony.

Some teams choose a new virtue each week to discuss, while others have chosen one virtue to focus on for the season.

"Discussing the virtues has definitely brought our team closer together, it gives us motivation to work hard and accomplish our goals,” junior cross country runner Lauren Myers said.

“We hope that these values will be conveyed to our student athletes through activities, traditions and events because we know that sports teach more than skills!,” sports ministry director Mrs. Aimee Parks said.

The seniors on each team will also be participating in two ceremonies based on the idea of positive affirmation.

These include a Father-Daughter Jersey Night where fathers of senior athletes give a testimony to their daughters athletic experience before presenting her with her jersey. Also, a Mother-Daughter Letter Ceremony, in which the senior athletes write letters to their mothers thanking them for their support.

Senior soccer player Grace Petrie enjoyed her jersey ceremony, "it was a unique way to get our dads involved in the program,” she said.

Each year, four student athletes are selected to attend a conference featuring speakers on leaderships, social media, and equality. “It showed me effective ways to become a leader within our community," senior swim team member Gwyn Ledrick said.

Sports Snapshot

Building Leaders While Building Champions

-3-

The varsity golf team practices putting before their round. Photo by Lauren Sasala.

Flag Football to Fight Cancer Lauren sasala Notre Dame will be facing St. Ursula in a flag football game in the first annual "Breast Cancer Bowl" taking place on Saturday, October 8th.

All of the profits from the game will be donated to Mercy Mammogram Assistance Program that assists women's center at local hospitals.

"The purpose for having this game is to be able to raise money for a good cause, but also be able to have fun. Any game against St. Ursula always brings a lot of competition and it should be a good night," senior class president, Sarah Ohlinger said.

The game will be played at St. Francis de Sales high school football field at 6 o'clock, where St. Francis football players will be coaching St. Ursula and St. John's players will be coaching Notre Dame's team.

"This will be a great way to bring the four same sex catholic schools together, since there are not as many events to be able to do that anymore," Sarah said.

Around 20 seniors from Notre Dame will be participating in the game, however, any athlete playing a fall sport will be unable to play in the game.

Practices will be taking place with St. John's football players to help organize the team into different positions.

"It will be exciting to play alongside classmates. Not many of us play flag football so it will be a learning experience and help us work together really well," senior Melanie Faltys said.

Notre Dame will be having a "whiteout" while St. Ursula will be having a "pink-out" with all of the t-shirt sales also being donated.

"It is such a creative idea, and should be a lot of fun for the players and anyone who comes to watch," senior Kirsten Thieman said.

The game will be played Saturday, October 8, from 6-8pm.

Two Athletes, Two Mistakes, Two Reactions

Crosstalk

Ahead of the Race Elizabeth Pierson

One of the most successful athletes in the world is swimmer Michael Phelps, celebrated for his 28 Olympic medals, 23 of them gold. While he has much to celebrate in his life, it was not always so easy.

Diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder as a young boy, he turned to swimming and found his success there. As he began to win races and medals, fame became hard to manage. Suddenly, he wasn't in the top headlines for being the best swimmer.

Phelps had received his first DUI in November of 2004.

He was pulled over by Maryland State Police for drunk driving and running through multiple red lights and stop signs. On September 30, 2014 he received his second DUI. Phelps told USA Today, “I sent myself down a downward spiral.” He later explained that he has to get his behavior under control.

After his second DUI, Phelps checked into rehab at The Meadows for 45 days in the fall of 2014. When he checked out of rehab, he said his life became freer and happier.

He is the “happiest he’s ever been” according to USA Today.

His 18-month court-ordered probation ended, and he is now located in Scottsdale, Arizona with his fiancé and baby, Nicole Johnson and Boomer Roberts. He moved there to train under his mentor and longtime coach, Bob Bowman who Boomer was named after.

After the Rio Olympics, Phelps seems to be on track now that he has a son to take care of and a wedding to plan. He has a new success beyond the swimming pool. He realized his mistakes, apologized for his bad choices, and accepted the consequences. He is a true champion.

The Vista Staff Volume 67 Issue 1 The Vista is a publication of Notre Dame Academy by the students of Journalism II and III. The office is located in room 113 of the school.

Unsigned editorials represent a majority vote of the newspaper staff.

Editor in Chief: Lauren Sasala Assistant Editor: Grace Collier

In Over His Head Hannah Dailey

Over the summer, U.S. Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte made a mistake that would change his career forever. He and three other teammates falsified a claim that they were held at gunpoint and robbed by a man impersonating a police officer.

This little white lie had large consequences.

In actuality, the four members of the swim team vandalized a bathroom in a gas station on the way home from a party. As they were about to leave, security guards chased them and ordered them to pay for the damage. It was later discovered the guards had pointed guns at the swimmers.

Lochte and the other swimmers were charged for filing a false police report. Lochte was also quickly dropped by all of his major sponsors, including Speedo and Ralph Lauren, and reportedly lost at least $1 million in deals.

At 32 years old, Lochte's career may be coming to an end.

He won one medal at this year's Olympics in Rio compared to his performance in London where he won five medals.

However, things may not be completely over for Ryan Lochte. He was recently signed to a partnership with Pine Bros. cough drops and is competing on this season of Dancing with the Stars. During his first week on the show, protesters disrupted his dance routine.

Lochte choked under pressure, which is hardly what one would expect from an Olympic athlete. Unlike Michael Phelps, Lochte made no real effort to amend his mistakes.

Phelps, who was involved with drugs and was arrested for drunk driving after the 2012 Olympics, completed a rehabilitation program.

The lesson to be learned from Lochte is that while someone who makes a mistake and asks for forgiveness deserves a second chance, someone who takes a bad choice as a joke deserves consequences.

Editor’s Corner Hello NDA! Time is flying by as we are already weeks into the school and Fall is finally upon us! It is time to bring out the flannels, boots, and everything pumpkin spice!

I hope the school year has been off to a great start for all of you!

I am so proud to present the first issue of the Vista for the 2016-2017 school year.

Adviser: Mrs. Julie Sells First Year Reporters: Hannah Dailey Emily Pawlecki

Ashley Keane Elizabeth Pierson

The year will provide many different news topics and we will work tirelessly to bring the news to you.

Here’s to a great school year!

Lauren :)

Opinion and editorial

-5-

You Can Change

Stronger Rape Penalties Needed While an average 288, 820 people are victims of sexual assault each year, the need for stronger penalties against rapists has never been greater.

Innocent lives become victims of rape causing many emotional, social, and psychological harm that are very often lifelong.

Rape is something so damaging and irreversible, and yet some sentences being given for this crime are only a short 3 months.

“Some sentences being given for this crime are only three short months.”

When this happens, the victim is suffering for a greater period of time than the rapist themselves, which perpetuates the false idea that rape is the victims fault.

Rape is never the fault of anyone except for the rapist themselves, and they should be held for responsible for their actions.

Without stronger penalties, it makes rape appear to be less serious than it actually is. This gives society the idea that rape can occur on a regular basis and it is an acceptable behavior.

However, this idea is continually false as rape is perhaps one of the most inhumane, serious and damaging actions that a person can experience.

Every two minutes an American is sexually assaulted; the time to fight for stronger penalties is now.

When rape is perpetuated continuously as an acceptable act, it creates the risk of more cases of rape to occur because rapists are aware that the consequences are not consistently harsh.

It also spreads a negative message to younger generations with false teachings for what is acceptable when interacting with one another. This raises the likelihood of an increased number of sexual assaults as well, unless a stronger message against rape begins now.

Without adequate jail time, a rapist is more likely to repeat the crime and harm yet another.

Too many people have already been deeply affected by the horrendous act that rape is, and there is no better time than the present to push for more strict sentences to bring some justice to those harmed by rape.

This graphic is dedicated to Taquairius McDonald, an 11-year-old boy at Whittier Elementary School in Toledo who committed suicide in August due to bullying.

Think before you speak, and always stand up against bullying.

the World at School; You Can Change Grace Collier What do solid color socks and leather shoes have in common? Besides being worn on your feet, both are protested against at NDA. Many students ask “what is wrong with socks with logos?” Or “Why can't we wear our cute canvas shoes?”

I will answer these questions with a question. What is wrong with solid color socks, and why can't we wear cute leather shoes?

The point isn't that there is something wrong with the socks with logos, and it's not that the canvas shoes aren't cute. The point is that NDA has uniforms for a reason. For more than one reason, actually.

Uniforms are convenient. When you wake up in the morning the hardest clothing decision you have to make is whether to wear a blue or a grey shirt, or blue or grey socks. They also make sure that everyone is dressed appropriately and looks professional.

Uniforms can help ensure that everyone is equal. Nobody has to worry about not having nice or expensive clothes to fit in with someone else. Nobody has to worry that they will be teased because of their clothes, or look different because of what they wear.

Of course, one could argue that this takes away students individuality. However, NDA preaches about sisterhood, and being one big family. A uniform does not need to limit the ways in which you can be yourself, it simply sets a guideline so that everyone has the same rules to follow.

While your canvas shoes might be cute, there is nothing wrong with leather shoes.

Some leather and canvas shoes look very similar, and leather shoes are more often sturdier.

While wanting to wear socks with logos is completely understandable, it seems like a pointless fight to be against solid colored socks. They are only socks, and NDA has set the rules for good reasons.

There are so many better and more worthwhile things that NDA girls could do to make the world a better place.

Feature

Campus Ministry Makes Service and Retreat Changes Ashley Keane Beginning this school year, Campus Ministry is changing service hour requirements and class retreats, and the door is always open to students with questions or who want to talk.

Many students are confused about the changes to the service hour requirements as well as about the Kairos retreat switching from the seniors to the juniors starting this year.

These changes were made to help students grow in their faith lives and apply it to future years. Putting the Kairos retreat in junior year will better equip the girls for senior year.

Kairos will take place in June during exam week as noted in the planner. It will be the teacher's decision on whether or not to still schedule exams for classes. If they would like to still have them, they will have to be taken before the retreat week sometime in the end of May. Retreats bring the class together in unity and help them grow in faith. This can then benefit their last year together at Notre Dame.

Some Notre Dame Girls helped with The vocations and discernment retreat that was previously in junior year will help seniors more as they prepare to enter the independent college world.

"I am blessed to get involved with faith in this school especially to see our girls continued growth in different Campus Ministry activities," Pastoral Core Team Service and Retreat Leader Mrs. Faye Smith said.

Our Notre Dame girls always have time for service in the community and at school. Girls are always willing to help out when new opportunities arise.

They like to help out with smiles on their faces.

"I enjoy helping people because I feel I am a working steward showing the love and ways of Jesus Christ. It is a goal of heart to show joy. The best thing to be is a child of God," sophomore Ava George said.

Changes to service hour requirements were made so girls can volunteer at new places and get more work done. It helps their faith grow in a new active way rather than stay reserved.

Freshmen need 30 hours total with five on campus, sophomores need 30 hours at any locations, and juniors need 20 hours at any location.

The biggest change is that the seniors will be required to get 20 hours from a location approved by Campus Ministry.

"The locations are changed to make seniors incorporate more faith in action while they take the class. In the future we hope to have those classes go to the approved sites to help the girls expand their borders and get more involved in their community," Mrs. Smith said.

President Reflects on School History Hannah Dailey

With the recent annual Founder's Day celebration on September 30, this is a time to stop and reflect upon the history of Notre Dame Academy.

In 1850, Hilligonde Wolbring founded the Sisters of Notre Dame in Germany to serve the poor and disadvantaged. Years later, in 1904, Notre Dame Academy was founded near downtown Toledo to educate girls in the community.

Sister Mary Ann Culpert, Notre Dame Academy President, is one of the best people to talk to when reflecting on what it means to be an NDA girl.

Sr. Mary Ann graduated from Notre Dame Academy in 1975, and started her journey to becoming a Sister about a year later.

This is Sr. Mary Ann's twelfth year as President and has been a member of the Notre Dame community for over 40 years.

To her, the most inspiring part of the Founder's Day story is that “Hilligonde was not afraid to respond to a need when she saw it."

NDA President Sr. Mary Ann Culpert She admires Hilligonde's trust in God's providence, and that even though Hilligonde believed in herself, she still relied on God. Sr. Mary Ann's time as a student at NDA was not unlike the experiences students partake in today. "I loved my time at NDA," Sr. Mary Ann said, smiling. She was a Senior Class Officer in Student Council and enjoyed the intramurals played between class levels, especially basketball. Her favorite parts about being an Eagle included the ener-

gy of being an all girls school, the school spirit, the teachers and the classes.

Her favorite part about working at the school are "the girls."

Sr. Mary Ann said she loves watching the girls absorb the school spirit and discover what it means to be women of vision throughout their time as students.

She enjoys seeing how the girls make a difference in the world once they graduate.

She said she sees graduates changing the world all the time, sometimes even in quiet ways as mothers or teachers.

"Being an NDA woman means giving back to the community," Sr. Mary Ann said. This connects back to the Notre Dame history of serving the less fortunate.

According to Sr. Mary Ann, the students of NDA should continue to spread the Founder's Day message by being the best version of themselves and by not being afraid to change the world.

"It starts with one person, and it starts with us," Sr. Mary Ann said. One girl can change the world.

Arts and Entertainment

-7-

Cinderella Waltzes to NDA Stage Grace Collier Have you ever wondered what it would be like to see Cinderella go to the ball right in front of your eyes? Wonder no longer, because Cinderella is coming to NDA this fall.

Director Mrs. Trish Sanders said she is "very excited to bring Cinderella to the students," and also said that NDA will be the first to do this version of Cinderella in Northwest Ohio.

This version of Cinderella just became available, and has an empowering and feminist angle not seen in other versions.

Senior and student director Abigail Griffith said that the character of Cinderella is “a good role model who wants to give girls an opportunity.”

Senior Gina Case, who plays Cinderella, said "Cinderella is lovely, funny, independent and just so much fun." She added that the character will have a lot of development and dimension.

According to Mrs. Sanders, the show

Seniors Makenzie Guenther and Josie Kennedy prepare for the show. Photo

by Rachel Canales. will have "more humor and heft, but will keep the songs everyone loves.”

Abby said she is excited because the show will be "a good kind of different," and has a "light hearted feel with a powerful message."

The familiar magical scenes will also appear, including the transformation of a pumpkin into a coach, and animals into humans.

Abby said "changing three dresses on stage, creating a carriage out of a pumpkin, and a lot more magic,” are some exciting things to look forward to.

The show will also include “a lot of waltzing,” according to Gina, and the cast is enjoying the “fun challenge of adjusting to the new style.”

The show will be very inspirational, and have a focus on changing the world.

According to Mrs. Sanders, the fairy godmother tells Cinderella to “go to the ball in the name of every girl who wants to change the world she lives in.”

The show will add a great message to an already great story, and Gina reminds the audience to “keep their eye on the humblest of people. They make the biggest difference.”

Cinderella will be performed in Notre Dame Academy's Performing Arts Center on October 21, 22, 28, 29 and 30.

Tickets will be available beginning on October 7 at showtix4u.com .

How Are You Watching TV Today?

Elizabeth Pierson Everyday more and more people are tuning into Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon prime and ditching regular TV Netflix, Hulu, and other entertain providers have really stepped up their game with creating shows and movies on their own. Some of Netflix’s Originals include: Fuller House, Orange is the New Black, and Stranger Things. A few of Hulu’s Originals are: The Mindy Project, The Path, and Difficult People. A couple of Amazon Prime’s Originals contain: Transparent, The Man in the Castle, and Bosch.

With one of the famous 90’s shows, Full House, came the spin-off series today named Fuller House that only premieres on Netflix. In the spin-off, the plot is now where the sister’s live together and help provide for all their children. But of course they still bring that warm, cheesy feeling of what family truly means. And at the end of the day, there is always a lesson to be learned.

“I love to watch Netflix because it gives me a variety of shows and movies to watch whenever I want to watch them,” said junior Alexis Woodby.

Senior Megan Turi watches TV on the Netflix app on the iPad. Photo by Eliza-

In one of Hulu’s Originals is the Mindy Project.

The Mindy Project is a spin-off series from the popular sitcom, The Office.

This fun comedy series is all about how Mindy is trying to find her perfect happy ending. But of course, there are obstacles and stumbles along the way.

One of Amazon Prime’s Original Shows is The Man in the High Castle This historical show is about taking history and alternating it to see how things could’ve been.

The creators took an interesting take on what could’ve happened if the Allies lost in WWII, and Japan and Germany took over the U.S. This whole series will keep you guessing as to what is going to happen next.

All of these movie and TV networks cost around $10 a month; and you can have separate accounts on one main account.

For example, one person could be watching a Netflix show on their iPad while another person on that same account could be watching a Netflix movie on their computer.

Viewers can take these networks anywhere, as long as they have an account and wifi!

“It's relaxing just to sit at Starbucks, do my homework, and have Hulu on in the background,” said senior, Courtney Ramm.

All of these different network providers started in 2005 or 2006 with unlimited options of which shows or movies to binge on.

Within just a couple of years these entertainment providers have been becoming more and more popular today.

-8-

Backtalk

Everyday Eagle Emily Pawlecki

Roving Reporter: What do you do with your friends on a Saturday night?

Elizabeth Pierson “Go out to dinner,” Junior Sophia Williams said.

“Stay in and watch movies,” Junior Olivia Shuff said.

“My husband and I go out to dinner,” Mrs.

Senior Link Leaders teach freshman the importance of a good box of Timbits.

Michelle Saunders said.

“We like to gossip,” Sophomore Dearrah Dunbar said.

A Picture Is Worth a 1000 Words

“Go out to the movies,” Sophomore Ahnia

Grace Collier

Logan said.

When was the last time you had photos printed out? How many pictures are on your phone? How many pictures have you deleted so you can take more pictures?

In ten years time, the most photographed generation will have no photographs. We are making pictures too important, and not important enough at the same time.

In one sense, we often forget to live in the moment. Instead we take 50 pictures of our dog or our food, when we could be petting our dog and eating our food.

At the same time, we take thousands of pictures over the course of maybe only a month, only to delete most of them so that we can take another thousand pictures the next month.

Back in the “olden days” all pictures had to be printed to be viewed. This resulted in all those cute photo albums we enjoy to page through, with pictures of us as babies or even our parents as babies.

Today, photo albums are all digi-

tal.

But what happens when your phone stops working? What happens if your storage app goes away, or computers in the future don't use flash drives?

When you think about it, all of your pictures could disappear in seconds, and you'll wish you had printed them.

Our generation will not have photo albums to show our children. We won't have pages with scribbled notes or captions, only a small phone with too many pictures to scroll through one by one.

The good news is, we aren't doomed. You can still get pictures printed at a lot of stores, and there are even apps on your phone that will send or print your photos for you.

It is high time to start putting pictures in frames to hang on our walls or set on our dressers. There is a reason the phrase “a picture is worth a thousand words” exists.

Next time you take a picture of something, don't forget to do something special with it so you can look back in ten years time and show the next generation all the cool things you did.

“Eat food,” Freshman Dakota Sutton said.

“Hangout and listen to music,” Junior Riley Harper said.

“We go out to the mall,” Freshman Aadya Davis said.

“Go to church with my mom,” Sophomore Megan Del Vecchio said.

“We get ice cream,” Freshman Erynn Carpenter said.

“We usually go out on an adventure,” Junior Ahniya Jones said.

“Spend the night at my friend’s house,” Sophomore Ava George said.

“We usually go to the mall or stay in and watch Netflix,” Junior Victoria Fullwood said.