2024 December

THE

TRINITY VOICE

December 2O24 Volume 27 Issue 3 Trinity Preparatory School 57OO Trinity Prep Lane Winter Park, FL 32792

CHECKMATE ON CAMPUS

Sixteen students play concurrent matches with chess grandmaster Aryam Abreu Delgado.

NEWS

Amid national food safety outbreaks, The Grille remains committed to ensuring health standards. Page 6

OPINIONS

On-campus fundraiser pause limits student service.

Page 8

FOCUS

LIFESTYLES

Teachers share experiences that inspired their career.

Zyn nicotine pouches are rising in popularity, posing health risks.

Page 1O-11

Page 15

SPORTS

Social media has both positive and negative impacts on the world of sports.

Page 25

Table of Contents

December 2O24

TABLE OF CONTENTS Lifestyles

News

Zyn 14 Christmas Decorations 15 Local Holiday Travels 16 Babysitting 17 Clubs 18 Income Affects Scores 19 Antarctica Melting 2O Commentaaron 21

News Bites O4 Election O5 E. coli Outbreak O6

Opinions Letter O7

Lead Ed O8

Focus

Cover Page O9

Mental Health 22-23

Teacher Inspiration 1O-11 Influence of Fast Trends 12 Teenage Fandoms 13

Basketball 24 Social Media 25

Sports

The Trinity Voice is a member of the Florida Scholastic Press Association and the National Scholastic Press Association.

The Trinity Voice is produced by the newspaper/journalism class at Trinity Preparatory School of Florida. Editorials represent the opinion of The Trinity Voice writer and are not necessarily the views of the administration, faculty, or Board of Trustees of Trinity. The Voice welcomes letters to the editor and freelance articles or photography. All submissions become the property of The Voice. Please send all correspondence to 5700 Trinity Prep Lane, FL 32792. The Voice may also be contacted via phone at 407-671-4140 and via e-mail at voice@trinityprep.org. For information regarding the purchase of advertising within The Voice, contact us by one of the methods mentioned above. The Voice is a monthly publication during the school year (with the exceptions of September and January).

VOICE@TRINITYPREP.ORG Jackson Napier

Page 12

THETRINITYVOICE.COM @TRINITY_VOICE @THETRINITYVOICE “THE TRINITY VOICE”

Natalie Baron

Page 18 Eden Kiger

Page 15

Staff/Podcast

December 2O24

3

STAFF

Editors-in-Chief: Peyton Alch, Carol Marques

Non-Print Editor-in-Chief: David Steinberg Managing Editors: David Hull, Zach Kleiman, Amanda Rose DeStefano, Lucy Chong Copy Editors: Aarav Gupta, Jack Aaron Layout Editors: Laziza Talipova, Fay Zhao Social Media Department & Broadcast: Ana Herrera [Editor], Olivia Agnew, Sarah Currie News Department: Sofia Haddadin (Editor), Krish Gupta, Janav Ramprakash, Sami Haddadin Opinions Department: Nikhil Daniel (Editor), Ashwin Anand, Karl Loiseau

Focus Department: Mila Taylor (Editor), Mia Prince, Taylor Griffith Lifestyles Department: Sammy Lou (Editor), Bowen Dong, Aarav Gupta, Jack Aaron, Lila Choudry

Tune into this month’s edition of Pardon the Interruption with David S. ‘25, David H. ‘25, Thomas B. ‘26 and Jack A. ‘26 as they discuss the start to winter sports, college football, the Premier League and more.

EYE

Sports Department: Emily Lopez (Editor), Ben Kleiman, Thomas Bonos Podcast Department: Gustavo Membreno Graphics Department: Caden Liu (Editor), Maxi de la Fuente, Natalie Baron Photo Department: Jackson Napier (Editor), Aksel Williams, Ally Williams, Julia Hoskins, Eden Kiger Fact Checking Editors: Taylor Griffith, Mia Prince Business Manager: Jack Aaron Adviser: Erin Miller

PHYSICIANS of Central Florida

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Leaders in Pediatric and Adult Eye Care www.eyephy.com Maitland

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News

December 2O24

NEWS BITES

Spread by Sami Haddadin Graphics by Caden Liu, Photos by Julia Hoskins

Sankar Science Center: The Monthly Update “Exciting times. If all goes according to schedule, we will have exterior walls up the first week in December.”

- Mr. Lawson, Head of School

This Month: By The Numbers

7.6

43

212

The amount of money in billions that the James Bond films have grossed at the global box office.

The number of monkeys that escaped from a South Carolina medical lab on Nov. 6.

The amount of money in millions in potential economic damage after fake Warhols, Banksys and Picassos were sold at an Italian art market.

Source: AP News

Saint On The Street: What Is Your Favorite Holiday Movie?

“The Nightmare Before Christmas” - Pierce Bryan, sophmore

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” - Mrs. Massey-Burmeister, social science teacher

“Home Alone” - Beckham Brunner, junior

December 2O24

News

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ELECTION T NSION Article by Krish Gupta Photo by Julia Hoskins

Tensions, polarization and the stakes of the nation’s future were at an all-time high. Democracy was on the line. As the clock ticked down, votes were counted. From immigration to the economy to climate change, the presidential candidates clashed until Donald Trump was declared victorious on Nov. 6.

In an attempt to foster political awareness and engage students in one of many important civic duties, this iconic battle was also mirrored on Trinity’s campus with a mock election organized by Voters Club, led by senior Amanda-Rose DeStefano and junior Nikhil Daniel.

“Mr. Lawson had said previously to me that he wanted something like that to happen on campus,” Assistant Head of Upper School Sebastiaan Blickman said. “I think it is an opportunity for kids to practice and learn about how to vote.”

This faux election was generally met with positive feedback, with students and faculty praising it as a meaningful learning experience that encouraged engagement. “[The mock election was] a great thing to do,” AP Government teacher Brandon Burmeister said. “I think it’s incredibly constructive and an incredibly valuable experience, and I think it went well.”

The results themselves, with Harris receiving 168 student votes in comparison to 109 for Trump, partially reflected local trends. However, the national election saw Trump’s victory, with discrepancies in surrounding counties.

“Orange County was overwhelmingly for Harris and so too was here at Trinity Prep,” Blickman said. “Seminole wasn’t, Osceola wasn’t [and] Polk wasn’t.”

Voter turnout, however, was almost identical, with Trinity’s turnout just 0.58% above the national turnout.

“The voter turnout [was] mirrored almost perfectly,” Blickman said. “The write-in candidates or the third-party candidates and their percentages [were] mirrored pretty well.”

With close to 158 million voters making their voices heard nationwide during the past few months, the election also highlighted deep divisions within the country.

“The elections have been getting more di- political sector also contributes to the spread visive every cycle,” Burmeister said. “It was of opinionated information.

“Social media has made it to the point where incredibly divisive, and I think that has to do with the candidates running ... Anytime Don- people that get most of their news on TikTok or X or Facebook are living in a different world ald Trump is on a ballot, it’s polarizing.”

This disagreement among Americans high- than I’m living in,” Burmeister said.

This transmission of biased content, in lights not only increasingly differing ideologies among political parties but also the grow- addition to students’ inadequate historical knowledge, hinders their abilities to base ing influence of social media on the election.

“Ultimately, what social media does as far as their decisions on factual information, further the dialogue is, it exacerbates the polarization deepening political polarization.

“I think there’s a lack of basic historical of the American public,” Burmeister said.

It is no secret that social media has become understanding for many young voters about one of the deciding factors in presidential elec- the cyclical nature of American elections,” tions including this one. Whether it’s TikTok, Burmeister said. “Before people draw into the Instagram or Facebook, political candidates ideas of nationalism, isolation and integration, attempt to influence the election results by we need to take a step back and look at the using these platforms to reach younger voters. history and the experiences that America had “I feel like social media sways one way or before with many of these same issues before another,” senior Wilder Judelson said. “I’ll be we make an evaluated decision.”

However, courses such as AP Government scrolling on TikTok and there’ll be a highlight reel of Donald Trump’s recent campaign ... It’s assist students in better understanding these knowledge deficits and the election. appealing to that younger generation, “[AP Government] has definitely inwhile the actual thing at stake is formed me about the policies at stake, the economy and how the US the amendments and how this would is going to come together change the economy in either way,” rather than separate.”

Judelson said. “I’ve never been that Judelson’s decision to vote involved in politics until AP Govwas also partially affected by ernment, so it’s introduced me to social media platforms, with those things.” their pervasive nature playing a Overall, education plays a key role large role in shaping his perspecin preparing students not only for futive of the candidates and election. ture careers and lifestyles but “Social media definitely also for participation influenced my in civic activities. decision [to “At its core, vote],” Juschools were delson said. designed to pre“All around pare students for the internet civic engagement on TikTok [and] to be memand Instabers of the civic gram, you see society,” Blickman advertisements said. “We have a duty and people postto teach them civics, ing bias toward one government and to side.” have them understand The prominence history [and] ecoof these digital nomics.” platforms in the Senior Jake Hickok holds up the sticker he received after voting for the first time.

News

December 2O24

SERVING UP SAFETY

The Grille commits to food safety among national outbreaks Article by Sofia Haddadin Photo by Julia Hoskins, Graphic by Caden Liu A customer walks into a McDonald’s expecting to buy a Quarter Pounder for $6.39, but this simple burger ended up costing much more: their life.

As of Nov. 5, an E. coli outbreak has affected at least 90 McDonald’s customers, led to 27 hospitalizations and killed one after eating the McDonald’s Quarter Pounder, in which its prewashed, slivered, raw onions have been the culprit of spreading a deadly strain of the disease. Certain types of fresh produce have been affected across the country, including packaged salad greens, cantaloupe and other raw fruits and vegetables, which are at a higher risk of contamination.

“Fever, diarrhea and abdominal pain are the most common symptoms seen in these two pathogens,” said Dr. Christopher D. Cooper, infectious disease specialist. “Some patients with listeria can get meningitis, causing headaches, a stiff neck and altered mental status.”

This outbreak affects more than just the fast-food industry. The Boar’s Head Listeria outbreak resulted in 59 hospitalizations, including 10 deaths across 19 states, a factory shutdown and a government investigation. From E. coli to Salmonella to Listeria, the food industry is going through a whirlwind of food saftey issues.

Amid the recent rise in outbreaks, food safety is a critical concern. As a result, Trinity Prep’s Grille staff has put new protocols in place to prevent health issues on campus.

They work diligently to ensure the quality of food provided to students, maintaining strict adherence to health protocols. One key way this is done is through continuously taking the temperature of, known as temping, foods.

“The main thing is temping,” Grille Head Chef Chris Behrens said. “That’s the most important and the first thing the health problems

are going to come from.”

In light of an increased push to ensure food safety, Metz Culinary Management, which oversees The Grille’s food service, has recently instituted new equipment to assist with accurate temperature monitoring. This addition includes a new $1,000 thermometer that automatically logs food temperatures periodically, giving the staff one less thing to worry about.

The thermometer is scheduled to be installed

over Thanksgiving Break. Before its use, The Grille staff regularly checked and logged temperatures throughout the day to maintain safe food standards for faculty and students, but this only applies to manipulated produce.

The Health Department does not require a temperature check for whole cherry tomatoes but does for sliced tomatoes since they are manipulated. Manipulation not only impacts temperature recording and logging but also opens up a pandora’s box of health issues.

“The more manipulation you do, the more places there are for things to go wrong,” said

Don Schaffner, a professor of food science at Rutgers University, in an NBC article.

The Grille staff understands that E. coli is a particularly dangerous pathogen because of its very low infectious dose, taking only a few cells for someone to become very sick. Maintaining a safe temperature at 41 F or below for all refrigerated foods, including fruits, deli meats, cheeses and other raw products is essential to ensure food safety around the clock.

With an increased number of E. coli outbreaks tied to produce in the last 15 years, The Grille utilizes multiple methods to ensure incoming produce is free of contaminants.

“We have a sink in the back, and it has the chemical wash for fruits and vegetables,” Behrens said. “So we use that with watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapples, apples and strawberries. We wash it all.”

Ensuring food safety also involves staff expertise and training. All Grille managers hold food handler certificates, emphasizing commitments to following safety procedures.

The certification maintains The Grille’s consistent approach to handling, preparing and serving food to students and staff in a safe manner. Frequent informational emails sent out by The Metz Company regularly update The Grille staff on any supply changes or food safety concerns, prompting them to discard any contaminated batches before they are used.

“If there are recalls, I will take [batches] out,” Behrens said. “We’ve had one since I’ve been here in over seven years ... I had to throw away a case of romaine lettuce.”

Regardless of recent food safety scares, experts say not to stop eating all foods linked to outbreaks, but to be more mindful of what you eat and to stay up to date with news regarding food safety issues.

December 2O24

Opinions

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RE: LANGUAGE OF PRIVILEGE Letter by Miles Johnson I write in response to the article “Language of Privilege” by Karl Loiseau, which appeared in The Trinity Voice. I am grateful to have been interviewed for this article and thankful it included a representation of my perspective; however, I found it necessary to address an incorrect portrayal of my statement.

My quote was, “It’s encouraging; it can also be upsetting for some people who may not share the hardship of the people that speak AAVE.” A quote, without showcasing the context in which it was spoken, has derailed the intention and inflection of my words that were to further a positive and teachable dialogue about AAVE. AAVE is a dynamic, culturally eclectic dialect with a rich historical underpinning. What I tried to convey in the interview was uniqueness and the added value it brings about to language and culture, not blame or exclusion of those who engage in this variety. For the sake of clarity, what follows are my original responses to Karl Loiseau’s interview questions with the intent of giving a more comprehensive understanding of my perspective: Why is AAVE so popular?

AAVE holds its own in terms of rhythmic quality, grammatical sophistication, and organic links to Black art forms like rap, hip-

hop, and spoken word. It is not an anytime, anywhere language that happens; it is a form of creativity, identity, and strength. Its widespread appeal comes in the form of the language’s dynamism and expressiveness among other things which are vital to shaping mainstream culture.

Where have you seen AAVE used on campus or online?

I have seen AAVE in colloquial use among conversations, mostly through memes and social media trends. While some may not take the time to consider its cultural origin, that simply opens a door for an education in it.

Learning the roots of AAVE and the context in which this language is used allows people to approach it in ways that are much more authentic and respectful.

Does AAVE usage by a non-Black person involve cultural appropriation?

In my head, it is a question of intent and context whether it falls into a category of cultural appropriation. Appreciative usage, while knowing the origin of it, can be a form of respect. Careless use, though-especially for profit and trend-is risking cultural importance regarding AAVE. What does that say to the Black community with non-Black usages of AAVE?

It reflects the huge popularity of Black culture but can be quite an emotional rollercoaster. Sure, it is great to see AAVE appreciated, but at the same time, it can be dispiriting when one finds its use lacking insight or acknowledgment of its cultural and historical origins.

AAVE itself is not a slang nor trend; it is born of the resilience of Black communities as a linguistic system. It emerged during slavery when African linguistic traditions mixed with English to form one powerful tool for cultural expression and identity.

It was linguists like Geneva Smitherman (“Talkin That Talk: Language, Culture, and Education in African America”) and William Labov (“Language in the Inner City: Studies in the Black English Vernacular”) who recognized its legitimacy as a rule-governed dialect and presented its historical and social importance. This letter should make my point of view clear and give readers a chance to discuss AAVE with thought and respect. I would be grateful for the opportunity to collaborate on further discussions, which can allow for a deeper understanding of this topic.

The Letter to the Editor expresses a response to a Trinity Prep article. Please send comments to voice@trinityprep.org.

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Opinions

December 2O24

OUT OF SERVICE

Fundraiser pause hinders students’ ability to make a difference

In an editorial last February, The Voice fought for something to be done about the “fundraising fatigue” on our campus. A semester later, the school, in classic Trinity fashion, has overachieved.

Student fundraisers have been almost entirely paused. The moratorium came in response to worry that fundraisers had become too frequent — practically every week — and lost their potency.

“As an institution, as tuition has become more expensive, the concern is that families and/or students [felt] compelled to participate in all of these events,” Head of Upper School Dr. Tracy Bonday said. “It [became] sort of a, for lack of a better phrase, nickel-and-diming of people.”

The scope of fundraising events is now limited to just those with an established history, such as the sophomore student council’s campaign for cancer awareness or the senior student council’s Canstruction. Going forward, the administration hopes students take a more service-based route.

“If we go back and look at our mission and our goals of what we want to educate students to be able to do when they leave here, there’s a reason to create a different level of exposure,” Bonday said. “What we deem [to be] service work … isn’t necessarily just ‘I get to come in jeans and pajama pants.’”

Of the fundraisers we still have, most include a competitive aspect, which is fun but does nothing to further service. In fact, this year’s cancer awareness week centered wholly on rubber ducks — a step down from previous years, when cash collection was bolstered by information about the cause.

By letting these somewhat gimmicky events slide on the basis of tradition, the school has created an unfair double standard. Furthermore, the lack of a clear policy confuses students about what is still on the table. Bonday, however, believes the nebulousness will help avoid unnecessary strife.

“There aren’t specific criteria of why something would or wouldn’t [be allowed],” Bonday said. “I think we’re trying to not get in a situation where we’re constantly having to go, ‘This one sounds good. This one doesn’t’ … I don’t think I want to be pitting student organizations against each other for that.”

Ambiguity does not solve conflict; it invites it. Flatly rejecting most fundraisers signals to students not that they must put more thought into how they serve, but that the service they are doing is unwelcome.

Senior Sallee Rosen is the vice president of the Florida Junior Classical League, a statewide organization for Latin students. In September, eight member schools across the state decided to host sock drives for homeless communities.

Though Rosen had the option to run the drive within Trinity’s Latin Club, she was prevented from taking it to the broader student body, shrinking her pool of possible donors tenfold.

“Every other school was able to do it except for our school,” Rosen said. “Putting a hard stop to the service we’re allowed to do … It just feels weird.”

Humanitarian projects like Rosen’s do not involve a direct transaction but are still discouraged under the blanket moratorium. In the school’s eyes, any effort expecting students to donate results in undue pressure to contribute. Concern over families feeling slightly uncomfortable should not override concern for the less fortunate.

If a student sees a fundraiser happening and feels compelled to help, it does not mean the organizers have done something wrong. Rather, it means they are living out Trinity’s mission statement by being an “ethical, resilient leader” who “selflessly shar[es] the best of themselves.” “[The moratorium] comes across as not trusting the student body to … help out the community,” sophomore and treasurer for Trinity’s UNICEF Club Everest Lochbryn said. “I think it prevents a lot of good from being achieved [and] a lot of money [from] being raised for good causes.”

The administration worries for our education’s sake, too: Families could be less likely to

give directly to the school if they continue giving to individual causes.

“Trinity itself is a nonprofit organization that has needs to fundraise as well in order to support our programs and our new buildings,” Bonday said. “Constantly having students going out and supporting their organizations potentially has implications on the school’s ability to do larger-scale fundraising on behalf of our own needs.”

It is indeed important for the school to support its own endeavors, but we cannot use that as an excuse to step away from service.

Enhancing our facilities and helping the underprivileged are not incompatible. Instead of choosing between them, we should be grateful that we are in a position to donate at all.

Despite these misdirected priorities, Trinity has worked hard to provide school-sponsored service occasions. Just last month, the Sophomore Day of Service yielded 25,000 packaged meals for the hungry. That is a great start, but one day of forced service means little if not followed through with contributions students are truly passionate about.

Some students have found great ways to involve our community more directly than donating. For example, Voters Club has made a tangible impact by fostering civic engagement through voter registration drives and political discourse. The middle school Builders Club has for years worked on individualized holiday gift baskets for families in need.

The administration should work harder to highlight these successes as viable fundraising alternatives. At the same time, they must understand that such efforts require resources not immediately available to everyone. If a dayslong competition or off-campus event is not feasible, a simple sock drive still helps. Any effort to serve the community is commendable, and students should never feel otherwise.

Fundraising fatigue is a real problem. So let’s fight the fatigue — not the fundraisers.

The lead editorial expresses the opinion of the Trinity Voice editorial staff. Please send comments to voice@trinityprep.org.

December 2O24

Focus

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1O

Focus

December 2O24

TEACHER TIMELINE Article by Fay Zhao Graphic by Fay Zhao & photos courtesy of Ann Skippers, Thomas Berry, Gregory Wedel, Romina Jannotti

Mrs. Ann Skippers

Skippers, 22 years old student teacher, is surrounded by her class in December of 1992.

When we have a question, we often turn to our teachers as a source of thought and inspiration. While they seem to exude knowledge in their subject and life, they were once our age and discovering the world. Ever wonder who their inspirations were?

Here are five teachers and how they found their passion in teaching: For eighth grade English teacher Ann Skippers, it was at 8 years old in Mrs. Beverly Goldstein’s classroom when she decided she wanted to teach. Goldstein always found a way to keep her engaged despite Skippers being often ahead of the curriculum. When Skippers reflects on why she became a teacher, she always looks back to Goldstein.

“It was a moment when I was sitting at my desk,” Skippers said. “It was 1978, [Goldstein’s] desk was up at the front of the blackboard. I was looking at her desk and thought I wanted to make someone feel the way she made me feel. I wanted to honor what she did by doing what she did … She gave me this love of being in school that ebbed and flowed.”

In becoming a living legacy of Goldstein, Skippers fell in love with teaching and the synergy that occurs behind the discussions and interactions in a classroom.

“My drive is to teach students how to learn and what to learn, regardless of the subject,” Skippers said. “It is more important to always be curious, and always embrace the learning process and understand how your individual brain works.”

Mr. Thomas Berry Berry comes from generations of teachers: his grandmother taught Latin and history, his parents math and his sister chemistry. His mother ignored her mother’s advice of not becoming a teacher, and he followed suit. After all, Berry’s best memories were at school.

“From the time I was 5 years old, I spent every minute of every day at the school and just loved it,” Berry said. “It was a pretty small school, but I had 300 big brothers and sisters.”

Berry was working on his math Ph.D. when he realized that the main thing he loved about graduate school was the intro calculus classes he taught to teenagers. He found exitement in working with students.

“Every day is different and exciting,” Berry said. “Everybody’s always thinking about the future … Life can get stagnant for a lot of people and that never happens in schools. There’s always motion.”

Most of all, Berry was drawn to the relationships he developed with colleagues and students, some dating back to the ‘90s. One student in particular from Berry’s very first class kept in contact with life updates, despite never liking math.

“She always loved writing, and even though I’ve never been an English teacher, she started sending me things that she was writing,” Berry said. “And so I ended up helping edit two or three of her first published books. [I was] able to help her even 15 years after, knowing that she would come to me for help in finding what she really wanted to do with her life.”

That student was Brigid Kemmerer, now a five-times New York Times bestseller for Fantasy Young Adult novels including “A Curse so Dark and Lonely” — a past summer reading book for eighth grade. It is relationships like these, coupled with the school atmosphere, that keeps On the left is Berry in costume for a play in 1988 and the right is Berry coming back.

Berry posing for his 9th grade cross country picture.

December 2O24

Focus

Five teachers tell their origin story

Mr. Gregory Wedel

Unlike Berry, social science teacher Gregory Wedel did not originally plan to be a teacher. Although he always loved to read history and literature, he was pursuing a pharmacy major in college before changing to a double major in history and English. During that time, Wedel was soundmixing for a Christian band called “Blanket” with their guitarist and songwriter who eventually earned a couple of Grammys for mixing Taylor Swift’s first three albums. They also won the Gospel Music Association’s Talent Search Wedel poses for the Southeast. Although teaching initially supplemented his band work, his passion for history with two of his and teaching remained constant even after their disassembling. former students “It is a love of content, but that’s also a combination of a love of teaching, sharing that knowledge on their graduaand those intrinsic rewards you can get from students,” Wedel said. “It also keeps me young. I have tion day. found I’ve been maximizing my aura this year.”

Mr. Kyle McGimsey

In the photo, McGimsey talks about his Latin class in a 2014 interview at school.

Latin teacher Kyle McGimsey always had a love for linguistics, from mastering Latin since he was young, to self-teaching himself Greek and even learning Sanskrit and the Gothic language. McGimsey also had a passion for Taekwondo. When middle school football did not work out, he found the perseverance behind mastering Taekwondo moves to be incredibly fufilling. Although Taekwondo taught him the harsh realities of failure (some wooden boards just can’t seem to break), when he became an assistant instructor at his local Taekwondo gym as a high schooler, this sport also revealed another passion: teaching.

“That really opened my eyes to the fact that I enjoyed showing people how to do something,” McGimsey said. “I found it rewarding when people hit a milestone. I found it really joyful ... I made the decision of combin[ing] those two things and go into teaching.”

With the combination of these two passions, McGimsey transferred the skills he learned from teaching the hook kick to translating Caesar’s courageous battles. In taking the chance on a random opportunity, McGimsey found the career perfectly suited for him.

“It’s a perfect storm of both, because I do enjoy the teaching, it really wouldn’t matter what it is, but I enjoy the topic so much that I think those two things combined somehow [make] the sum of those things bigger than the parts.”

Science Department Chair Dr. Romina Jannotti did not discover her love for her subject until college. After completing her Ph.D. in molecular pharmacology, Jannotti took a break from her research with radioactive and neurotoxic chemicals and returned to also her favorite part of graduate school: teaching.

“I enjoy seeing little light bulbs blinker on, and I love when someone asks me a question about how this applies to my daily life,” Jannotti said.

Through teaching AP Chemistry to inexperienced sophomores to her time as adjunct biology professor at Keiser University, Jannotti wanted to foster a learning environment of curiosity — one which she lacked in her own high school experience. She found that she was able to create an exponential effect in shaping young minds, something that research could never do.

“A couple of years ago, I was in an American Chemical Society meeting, and a guy tapped me on the shoulder, and it was an ex-student of mine who was now a chemistry professor at UC Seattle,” Jannotti said. “ That’s the stuff that drives you like, ‘okay I’ve had an impact on someone.’”

Jannotti’s main drive is to impact society as a whole through her role as an facilitator of science.

“All citizens and consumers need to be well versed in [science],” Jannotti said. “That’s what keeps me coming back into the classroom because I know that it’s not just the teaching part. I have an impact on how people function in society.”

Dr. Romina Jannotti

Although these teachers pursued different passions and followed different paths, each of these them arrived at the same destination: a passion in profession, education and people, uniting in a central message for a love for what they do.

“Try it all,” Jannotti said. “Don’t be afraid to fail. I failed chemistry when I was in high school. Just because it doesn’t sink in the first time, doesn’t mean that you won’t find someone else down the road who speaks to you at a different frequency that will make sense … Don’t give up. Do things that seem like [you] in your heart.”

15-year-old Jannotti dissected her first cat in anatomy class.

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Focus

December 2O24

NEW TRENDS, NEW SPENDS Article by Taylor Griffith Photo by Jackson Napier

As sophomore Ilaria Bali scrolls through her makeup, and most of them are from Drunk to climate change and environmental degraTikTok page, she sees the influencers promot- Elephant,” Mogallapu said. dation. The sustainable aspect of using water ing a new lip product called Summer Fridays.

People buy these products because of the bottles is not effective when they are highly Even after having more than 10 lip products, trend that is introduced, but once this trend manufactured to meet the demands of overshe excitedly goes to Sephora to purchase the dies down the product becomes unused. consumers. However, there can be reasons why new one.

“Sometimes I don’t use a lot of my products people buy more than one water bottle.

“I usually get a new lip product when it and they really are just for looks,” Mogallapu “I use them in rotation based on which one comes out and I buy it right away if there are said. goes best with my outfit,” Earl said. good reviews on it,” Bali said.

Not only are excessive makeup and skincare As trends change and new products gain According to website Zero Waste Week, products wasteful, but other trending items popularity,old products are left unused. Hy120 billion units of beauty droflask was extremely packaging made from papopular in past years but per, plastic, glass and metals now has lost its luster, become waste. leaving old water bottles The influence from othto waste as collectors move er popular celebrities has on to new trends. The unmake the overconsumption necessary buying of prodof beauty products grow. ucts, such as the Owala Lip products are not the can lead to an impact on only thing that is facing a you and the environment. popular demand, makeup Water bottles are supposed and skincare products conto help the environment tinue to grow. As the influby being an alternative to encers push their products plastic water bottles, but onto social media, younger now these metal water kids become influenced to bottles are creating new buy these. Young kids try to issues. be in the current trend and According to website the ones that are not get the Jack Central, suppliers are feeling of being left out. making too many of the Freshman Anjali Mo- Sophomore Ilaria Bali uses multiple lip products a day, including the trending Summer same water bottle to keep gallapu has been obsessed Fridays. up with the market and with skincare and makeup these high manufacturproducts since she was a young teenager. prompt overconsumption in young people. ing increases more carbon emissions. Instead “I became obsessed with makeup and skin- Owala water bottles became a popular prod- of buying multiple of the same popular water care because when I was younger I used to uct with teens as they blew up on TikTok. As bottle, using one or two reusable ones is more watch YouTube tutorials and wanted to follow these water bottles grew in popularity, people beneficial for the environment. Overconsumpthem,” Mogallapu said. began to buy multiple at a time. tion leads to many negative impacts on the According to the website Resolve, social me“I have a huge obsession with Owala’s be- environment but can be changed if people are dia is catering these brands towards younger cause they are so colorful and they look really able to limit the amount of products they buy. age groups like those from 10-12 years old, nice,” sophomore Bella Earl said “I bought my “A lot of people get influenced by people to making this follow them as they get old- first one last year when I saw how viral they buy these products, and I do too but people er. Brands push these products towards the went on TikTok.” have to be aware of what they are buying and younger age groups because they know that Although water bottles encourage sustain- not just doing it to be trendy,” Mogallapu said. they will be buying them. Drunk Elephant, a able practices, buying excessive amounts can popular skincare and makeup brand, is one of have the opposite effect. the brands that has been trending leading to According to NBC News, metal water botthis overconsumption. tles emit greenhouse gas emissions, biodiver“I have about 15 products of skincare and sity loss and pollution. These categories lead

December 2O24

Focus

13

FASCINATED BY FANDOMS

Article by Mia Prince Graphic by Maxi de la Fuente

Fandoms aren’t just fan groups but become a place where people can create and show off their talents. Junior Chloe Nieves Ramos created a dance group called Charisma Crew, where they do covers of K-pop songs and submit their dances to competitions. Doing this gave her a secure group of friends that she could always depend on. It created a group of people she could always rely on. Not only did this group give her friendships but it also gave her a chance to create and choreograph her own dances as well as edit dance videos to enter into dance competitions. All her friends and dance group all stemmed from fandoms.

Fandoms are art forms for many and are a way to express passions and portray them in a new light. We are so used to seeing art in a painting or a drawing but for many it is expressed in a collage or page about a show or artist.

“I do follow a fan page of Zach Bryan called Zach Bryan archives,” sophomore Victoria Moore said. “I like how Zach Bryan and Megan Moroney’s songs tell a story and display emotion or situations that I can relate to and I can connect to others who agree with me through the fan pages.”

Fandoms are a way that people can connect and share common interests, allowing them to form new friendships and feel as if they are a part of something. Many times people feel isolated and alone but creating a platform online builds a community where people can connect and form friendships.

“They’ve helped me so much, through so many struggles, they’re my best friends genuinely so when people judge that from an out-

side perspective it looks really shallow on their part because in reality they don’t know much about the inner workings of that fandom,” Nieves Ramos said.

Tumblr is a popular social media platform that is used for fandoms. The platform allows followers to see what is trending and what might interest you or see other people’s posts and feelings on topics that interest others.

“What I like about the fan page is I can see the news about [Zach Bryan] and any recent updates,” Moore said. “I also enjoy seeing the stories of his content and sometimes there are also leaked songs that come out and get” Another practice that can unite fans is merchandise. The creation and sales of merchandise allows people to have a physical sense of their fandom.

K-pop groups have albums which contain CD’s in them that have small cards within them that are trading cards or used as collector items. It is similar to baseball cards except for a player it is an idol on the card.

Not only do fandoms unite people but at times they can also help advocate for social or political change. Social media is often used to promote political changes people want to see, but fandoms can be another way. A majority of the time, people in the same fandom have similar views and can use that fandom as an example of change.

“I also think that artists can influence changes around the world and issues that are also relevant to me and topics that they can have a positive change in is always exciting to me,” Moore said. “I like knowing someone I enjoy listening to and watching perform has

the power to make such a big change.”

A big example of influences that social media had with fans is through the popular franchise Star Wars.

Despite the positive social and political impacts fandoms can have, they can sometimes prompt toxic behavior.

Star Wars fans objected to an Asian-American woman in the Star Wars universe. Kelly Marie Tran was bombarded by sexist and misogynist social media messages. Fandoms created a rally in 2018 called #RallyforRose to spread awareness about allowing Asian Americans to play leads in big franchise movies.

For many, this is the only way they feel they can get their voices heard. Those who are sometimes hidden by the shadows now have a way to express their feelings and suggestions in the world. Fandoms also have the power to get the word out about different causes to donate to.

“A lot of idols start campaigns for mental health, where they donate to a lot of organizations and they publicize that people should donate,” Nieves Ramos said.

Recently the idol named Kevin from the boys, is a Korean Canadian and he recently spoke out about the election and used his platform to get his message out to his fans.

According to the website, Pop Culture, “Fans spend their time developing, experiencing and advocating for alternative worlds.

Who better to initiate change for a better society than those who spend a great deal of time reimagining worlds.”

14

Focus

December 2O24

A NEW ZYNSATION

Nicotine pouches gain popularity among teens Article by Gustavo Membreno Graphic by Natalie Baron A small white pouch tucked discreetly in the upper lip has become the latest concern for parents and educators across America. ZYN, a smokeless nicotine product, is rapidly gaining popularity among teenagers while flying under the radar of most adults. Unlike the visible clouds of e-cigarettes or the telltale scent of traditional tobacco, this new nicotine delivery system is virtually undetectable– and that’s exactly what has health experts worried.

The tobacco-free nicotine pouch ZYN is the flagship product of a multinational tobacco giant, raking in billions and reshaping the future of smoking as we know it. The pouches come in flavors like mint, coffee and “Mango Tango.” They are typically sold in tin packs of 15 units and vary in strength from 3 to 6 milligrams of nicotine.

According to a meta-analysis of the nicotine pouch market, the global industry was valued at $5.4 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $119.2 billion by the end of 2034.

The FDA and CDC recently released data from the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) on youth tobacco use. Nicotine addiction among minors has been rising in alarming numbers since 2021– the first year that questions on nicotine pouches were added to the survey. While e-cigarette use has shown a decline among teens, the number of middle and high school students who reported in the survey having used nicotine pouches in the last 30 days has significantly increased from 0.8% in 2021 to 1.8% in 2024.

It is easy to point the finger at Swedish Match, the Stockholm-based tobacco manufacturer of ZYN. We could also blame Philip Morris International who acquired it in 2022.

However, the true culprits of this new Zynsation are “Zynfluencers,” social media users who promote ZYN products on their platforms.

“I’ll sometimes see Zynfluencers on Reels that advertise their favorite ZYN flavors, even though I’m obviously under 21,” junior Olliver Polsinelli said.

“Zynfluencers” make videos and posts about ZYN on TikTok and YouTube and talk about it on podcasts, often reaching millions of young followers.

The ZYN Phenomenon in High Schools The rise of ZYN has not gone unnoticed in high schools across the country. According to its parent company, ZYN was originally intended as a smokeless nicotine replacement for adults 21 and older. However, its social media presence has launched unofficial marketing campaigns for underage users.

“I’ve seen people using ZYN in the bathroom, even during sports practice,” Polsinelli said.

“It’s so small that teachers don’t notice.”

The rise of ZYN has created new challenges for school administrators enforcing disciplinary policies. While the student handbook prohibits “drugs, alcohol, tobacco products, etc,” ZYN products are technically tobacco free but are derived from tobacco leaves which makes the classification muddled for disciplinary infractions.

Enforcement is particularly challenging due to ZYN’s discrete nature. Schools have implemented measures like cracking down on gum usage, as gum packets can be used to conceal ZYN. However, it’s difficult to catch individual usage.

“There are no visible changes really,” Assistant Head of School Sebastiaan Blickman said.

“You don’t get the red eyes, the sleepiness, or manic behavior.”

Health Concerns for Teens Health professionals are concerned about its impact on developing young brains. Although ZYN may help smokers quit, the risks posed are on the same level. The University of Nebraska Medicine reported nicotine use during adolescence has been shown to impact learning, attention span and proneness to addiction.

“Nicotine can affect brain development in teenagers, potentially leading to long-term cognitive issues,” said Anesthesiologist Dr. Virgil Sanchez from HCA Florida Osceola Hospital. “It’s also highly addictive, which is particularly dangerous for young people.”

Moreover, recent studies show that longterm use of nicotine pouches may lead to oral tissue decay which can increase the risk of oral cancer. Participants in these studies also experienced gum recession exposing the roots of their teeth.

Looking ahead As ZYN continues to gain popularity, it’s crucial for students to stay informed about the risks associated.

“It’s easy to think ZYN isn’t a big deal because it’s not as obvious as smoking,” Polsinelli said. “But anything that can mess with your brain and health isn’t worth it. There are better ways to deal with stress or fit in.”

With school policies still catching up to this new nicotine trend and social media continuing to fuel its popularity, the ZYN phenomenon shows no signs of slowing down.

“Unfortunately, you guys are like the test subjects for pretty much all these products,” Blickman said. “Kids get targeted with the most media, the most influencer content, the most suggestive ads.”

The question remains whether awareness of its health risks will be enough to counter its growing appeal among young users. For now, students like Polsinelli continue to see its presence in their daily lives, a reminder that the next generation of nicotine products doesn’t need smoke to spark concern.

December 2O24

Lifestyles

WHEN ‘T S THE SEASON Finding the perfect time to Deck the Halls Article by Lila Choudry Photo by Eden Kiger

“If you leave your decorations up for too While both sides agree on its powerful influence, opinions differ on whether this impact is As the air cools and leaves turn crisp, many long, it loses its importance,” Matusiak said.

For them, a cherished part of the Christmas ultimately beneficial or overwhelming. holiday lovers find themselves facing a festive Early decorators, like White, often feel it’s a dilemma: finding the perfect time to decorate decorating experience is being able to decorate positive force. for Christmas. Some families lean toward an together as a family.

“It encourages people to start celeearlier start, eager to bask in the brating and get in the holiday spirit,” festive glow for as long as possiWhite said. ble, while others prefer to wait unIn contrast, late decorators worry til closer to the holiday, cherishing that early exposure to holiday decorathe anticipation. Each perspective tions can diminish the excitement as brings its own joy and traditions, rethe season approaches. Seeing homes flecting the diverse ways we choose and public spaces decked out well beto celebrate the season. fore the holidays can lead to a sense of Ultimately, the timing of holifatigue or make the actual celebration day decorating is a deeply personal feel anticlimactic. They argue that pacchoice, shaped by traditions and the ing the process preserves the anticipaunique ways families embrace the tion and ensures the holiday retains its season. But, for those who favor an signature charm. early start, the holiday spirit begins “By the time Christmas rolls around, right after Halloween.

I don’t feel the joy anymore,” Matusiak “Normally, we start decorating said. around November 1st,” said freshWhether you prefer to adorn your man Madison White, an advocate home early in November or wait until for early decorating. “Decorating just before Christmas, the goal remains for Christmas makes me happy, so the same: to cultivate an atmosphere I love to start the Christmas season filled with warmth, joy and connection. right away.”

“Although we decorate early, we can This eagerness that extends beadd to it throughout the season and enyond aesthetics reflects a desire to joy it even more!” White said. stretch out the joy of Christmas, alThis sentiment captures the essence lowing the festive spirit to permeate of the holidays — each moment is an early decorators’ lives well before the opportunity to enhance the experience, holiday rush. creating lasting memories that brighten The anticipation of Christmas the season. fills many people with excitement, It’s not about when the decorations and each early decoration acts as a go up; it’s about the memories made Freshman Madison White’s beautifully decorated tree brings her countdown to the joy to come. around them. Each ornament hung “I believe that decorating earlier family early holiday cheer when they decorate as early as one and the strings of lights draped serve as lengthens the season, making me week after Halloween. Not all families decorate for the holidays as early as the Whites, opting to wait until after Thanksgiving. a reminder that the heart of the season happier overall,” White said. lies in shared moments — cozy nights, On the other hand, those who “Thanksgiving time is when my siblings are laughter and traditions that bring us togethprefer to wait until after Thanksgiving argue that delaying decorations enhances the distinct back from college, so we can all decorate to- er. So, whenever your tree goes up, let it be a gether as a family,” Matusiak said. backdrop for all the joy that comes from being specialty of the holiday season.

Social media plays a significant role in shap- together and celebrating the little things that Freshman and supporter of late decorating Sophie Matusiak suggested that anticipation ing decorating habits, driving trends and in- make this time of year so special. spiring individuals to transform their spaces. adds to the magic of the holidays.

16

Lifestyles

December 2O24

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS?

Travelling locally is still a joyful time this holiday season Article by Julia Wu Graphic by Caden Liu When the holiday season pops up in your mind, you might think of powdery snow and cozy fireplaces. Although there are more swimming pools than fireplaces here, the sunshine state is a very merry place to travel. So, bring your sunglasses and SPF to visit these local sites to celebrate the holday season Florida-style!

Zipline at the Canyons

Erica Keckley, substitute teacher and owner of the Wildlife and Waters travel agency recommends visiting The Canyons to enjoy the adrenaline rush zipping down from 1,100 feet above ground.

Cozy up at Gaylord Palms Experience, ICE!

Black Bear Wilderness Hike in Sanford

Economics teacher Caralyn Saldarriaga enjoys the Black bear Wilderness hike, consisting of a 7-mile loop around northwest Seminole County.

Gaylord Palms Experience, ICE!, has unbelievable artistry with over 40 world renowned sculptors carving a winter wonderland into ice. Zoom through this year’s Elf theme in chilly tunnels with Buddy the elf!

Enjoy the Christmas Festivities at Disney World

Spend a day at “The Most Magical Place On Earth” during the jolly Christmas season and watch shows like Minnie’s Christmastime Fireworks and Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays to get you in the spirit.

Explore White Sand Beaches at Longboat Key

Eighth grader Molly Johnson gets needed relaxation in Longboat Key, a small island west of Sarasota. Here, you can explore adorable towns and beaches before visiting the tree lighting at the town center.

December 2O24

Lifestyles

17

PLAYDATES TO PAYDAYS

MS student rakes in steady income as a babysitter Article by Avani Suri Photo courtesy of Maggie Rose Zissman

and it is usually a week long so there I would Maggie said. “It was in the middle of winter and it was snowing and all of that and I had While most eighth graders spend their week- make $1,000 in just one week.”

Financial freedom is one of the main advan- never been in snow before, so it was a new exends and holidays hanging out with friends or relaxing, Maggie Rose Zissman is busy earning tages of babysitting. Maggie and other teen- perience for me.”

Whether it’s a fast weekend trip or a famiup to $1,000 a week through babysitting while age babysitters frequently have lower fees than ly vacation, Maggie enjoys the chance to she also balances her a growing career as a connect with the children she looks after brand ambassador. while making money and experiencing Maggie began babysitting after she things she otherwise wouldn’t have had became closer to the younger kids at her the opportunity to. previous school, The Jewish Academy of Beyond babysitting, Maggie has shown Orlando. Since then, she has had a signifan entrepreneurial spirit by pursuing icant salary as a teenager, gained valuable brand partnerships with Bubble, a skinlife skills and even had the opportunity to care company. This partnership has altravel while babysitting with the families lowed her to further develop her abilities she helps. and expand on her leadership.

“I found a good connection with a few “In February, my friend and I created a of them, and they kept saying, ‘Maggie, ‘Get Ready With Me’ account on TikTok can you please babysit me?’” Maggie said. [where we did our skincare and makeup While taking care of a 5-year-old and and getting ready for the day] … Bubble a 7-year-old, she quickly discovered that reached out and offered me the opporbeing a babysitter involved more than tunity to become a brand ambassador,” just playing games and hanging out.

Maggie said.

“It’s really a sense of responsibility beMaggie is already beginning to develcause parents trust me with their kids,” op a large variety of abilities that will be Maggie said. “They’re not just like a lituseful to her in the future. Babysitting tle toy, they’re a person that needs to be and marketing have taught Maggie a lot cared for.” about responsibility, problem-solving Her parents, Heidi Zissman and David and communication.

Zissman, are proud of how much she has “Babysitting teaches you so many learned through babysitting. things that you can implement into a “When she gets her money, she’s real job in the future, including cleannot just going out and spending it all In November 2023, eighth grader Maggie Rose Zissman traving up after people, cooking food and on whatever,” Mr. Zissman said. “She’s eled to San Diego with the family she often babysits for. learning how to communicate with saving a lot of it and wants to at some point buy a car. It just shows a sense of maturi- older ones, which make them desirable choices other people that are both older and younger for families. than you,” wrote Mallory Reid in the article ty that’s preparing her for the future.”

While Maggie is making $15 per hour, the “Why Babysitting is the Best Job to Have as For Maggie, it’s not just about earning money — it’s about taking care of the kids and average rate of an experienced babysitter is a Teen.”

This expands on the idea that Maggie can showing leadership. In the process, she has also $20 per hour, according to Sittercity, a website about the average cost of babysitters per hour benefit from these important lessons in her fulearned the financial aspect of babysitting. ture professional career.

“My monthly earnings fluctuate depending in certain areas.

Maggie’s hard work has paid off with more “[Babysitting] is really good practice to on how much or little I babysit that month,” Maggie said. “I charge $15 per hour and on than just extra cash. Maggie has traveled with manage my time and learn those skills at such average generate approximately $300 per the families while babysitting, including trips a young age,” Maggie said. “So then when I’m month, but it can sometimes range between to Utah and San Diego as well as an upcoming older and more in my future, I’ll have those skills locked down.” $250 and $1,000. When I’m on vacation with trip on a cruise during winter break.

“I was there for a week for both [trips],” family [I babysit for], I charge $200 per day,

Lifestyles

December 2O24

A NEW GENERATION OF CLUBS Article by Sammy Lou Graphic by Natalie Baron

Investing, fashion, origami, dance — there’s a club for that. Decades ago, schools dictated the kinds of clubs that were available for students to join. Most every school had the usual set: math club, chess club and Key Club to name a few. Now, schools — from middle schools to universities — are seeing a whole new range of student-created clubs that cover even the most niche interests.

The new variety can be seen clearly in college clubs. Cornell University boasts over 1000 student-led clubs, including some unusual ones like the Squirrel Watchers Club and even the Squirrel Watchers Watchers Club. Noted for its student involvement, The Ohio State University has over 1400 student-led clubs and organizations, offering everything from a breakdancing club to a cats and crafts club.

Trinity has 56 upper school clubs, which is impressive given the relatively small student population. The school has encouraged its students to further their passions through clubs and makes it easy for them to start one. Senior Yussuf Chakfe has noticed that Trinity’s variety of club offerings has grown over his five years at Trinity.

“There’s definitely a lot more clubs,” Chakfe said. “I think that’s a good thing. There’s also clubs that I wouldn’t expect to exist, which I think is cool, like their concept is a little more niche. So I think that garners more and caters more to everyone.”

Many students have started their own club to pursue their special interests and passions.

Junior Jack Borgman co-founded the Game Development Club when he realized that one did not already exist. “[My co-founder and I] just saw that there wasn’t really a club towards game development, which is an interest that we both share,” Borgman said. “There was a general programming club that was more for tutoring and that sort of stuff. So ours is more of a niche that we just enjoy a lot.”

Students are also using the opportunity to create clubs that have personal meaning to them.

“I’m just going to use the autoimmune club as an example,” Chakfe said. “My sister has an autoimmune disease, which is not extremely common. So I wouldn’t expect that to be a club, but that is a club. So I just feel like everyone can find a club that relates to them or that’s meaningful to them.”

Director of Student Activities Sebastiaan Blickman is impressed by the service and giving aspect of some of Trinity’s new clubs.

“The one that I’m most impressed with or excited about is the Happiness Project,” Blickman said. “[The founder’s] goal is to spread happiness, and I didn’t really know how that was going to work, but the way the club runs is really, really tight and fun. And then I would also say the middle school mentorship is really great. They work really closely with Ms. Smith to try to develop mentors for the middle school.”

Clubs are even expanding beyond academic and community service themes. Several students have started non-academic clubs to bond over a fun activity. One such club is Chakfe’s Biking Club, which he started with his friends.

“Biking club gives me an excuse to bike

more and bike with my friends and just share biking with everyone,” Chakfe said.

The creation of so many new clubs does result in some overlap. Another downside to having a lot of clubs is that they have to compete with one another for members and program coverage. Senior Adi Burgos has encountered some new challenges as the president of Key Club.

“It’s a little bit frustrating to try and plan events when there’s so many clubs happening, because it takes away opportunities from pre-established clubs,” Burgos said. “The voter registration drive used to be something Key Club would do, but now there’s a voter club that does it.”

Blickman sees both sides and hopes to help students navigate this new landscape of student clubs.

“The rationale is that if there are people who are passionate about an area, to give them the platform to explore that is a win,” Blickman said. “But you’ve got one side that really wants to keep the traditional [and] one side that wants the uniqueness and the opportunity to create their own … We’re trying to explore what’s the best way for clubs to exist for the development of our student leaders and also for our school, community and culture.”

Still, the overall consensus about the increase in club variety seems to be positive. Despite the challenges, Burgos views the creation of clubs as a valuable opportunity for all high schoolers.

“I love that at Trinity, you’re able to do something that you’re passionate about, and if your passion can be furthered by starting a club, then you can go ahead and do it,” Burgos said. “There’s no one holding you back. I think that’s super cool.”

December 2O24

Lifestyles

MO’ MONEY, MO’ (CORRECT) PROBLEMS Students from affluent families tend to have higher standardized test scores

Article by Emily Lopez Graphic by Caden Liu Standardized test scores reflect three things for a student: natural talent, dedication and how much money their parents make. But unfortunately for students all over the world, socioeconomic status is not a choice.

While standardized test scores may be beneficial in indicating a student’s knowledge or ability, they also highlight disparities in resources and opportunities. A study conducted

by Opportunity Insights at Harvard University found that children from the wealthiest 1% of American families were 13 times more likely than the children of low-income families to score 1300 or higher on SAT/ACT tests.

This issue is becoming more prevalent as many colleges and universities are moving away from the test-optional policies that were adopted during COVID-19.

According to the College Board, the U.S. and 85 other countries use students’ SAT scores as a determining factor in admissions decisions. Director of College Counseling Christine Grover believes that there are better indicators such as the students’ academic record for how well they will do at a particular college.

“How [the student] has done in high school is the best indicator of how they will do in college as opposed to one test, one time, one day,” Grover said. “If you instead look at that student’s high school transcript, it will show years of data of how well they have been doing.”

Many students feel pressure to earn perfect or near-perfect scores on the SAT and ACT, which is often impossible without access to the right resources and the time to take advantage of said resources.

“Standardized tests cannot be gamed quite as easily as many people think,” SAT and ACT tutor Tim McDermott said. “Students still need to be willing to dedicate time and effort to learning the material in order to reach their optimal scores.”

Organizations like Khan Academy are atempting to bridge the socioeconomic gap that impacts standardized test scores. Research conducted by the College Board shows that

students who studied for 20 hours with the free Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy achieved an average score gain of 115 points.

Although this resource has been proven to be helpful, one-on-one tutoring is often significantly more beneficial than testprep resources that are made available to the general public, but it is also much more expensive.

“Because tutors understand not just the content but also the format of the test, they can advise their students on strategies on time management and develop study plans tailored to students’ individual needs,” McDermott said.

Not only are students impacted by the availability of test prep, but other, less conspicuous factors can play a major role.

For example, students from affluent families typically have highly educated parents who understand the value of higher education and who themselves attended prestigious colleges and universities.

“Parents [of wealthier families] are often more knowledgeable about the admissions process and are less constrained by financial factors.” McDermott said.

These parents are typically able to allocate funds for multiple test retakes, which is proven to improve students’ test scores. A study conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that on average, students’ scores improved by 90 points when they retook the SAT. While it is evident that retaking standardized tests like the SAT and ACT are beneficial, it can be expensive — around $60 — per retake. Many parents are not able to afford for their children to take the tests more than once, limiting their opportunities.

That being said, money is not the only factor that can affect a student’s performance. Students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may have familial commitments that limit the time they are able to dedicate to their academics.

“If you’re a student that needs to work after school to feed your family or go home to take care of all of your siblings, because both of your parents are working, you’re not going to have the hours and the accessibility to prepare in the way you might need to,” Grover said.

These socioeconomic factors greatly influence students’ performance on standardized tests, which in turn affects their college admissions opportunities.

“The advantage of higher socioeconomic status is not merely a matter of finances but also of awareness, support and connections,” McDermott said.

Lifestyles

December 2O24

ANTARCTICA SN W MORE

Rising temperatures contribute to Antarctica’s greening landscape Article by Aarav Gupta Graphics by Caden Liu The population of Antarctica has just exceeded 100 million residents. Its climate has practically been converted into a tropical paradise. What was once known for its white crisp snow, intense winds, icy sheets and deserted lands is practically unrecognizable today. It’s a place to vacation, watch the sun illuminate the sky and gaze at the crystal blue oceans. It’s paradise like no other, but at what cost?

Recent satellite images have shown a complete transformation of the world’s coldest continent. According to a study by scientists at the universities of Exeter and Hertfordshire in England and the British Antarctic Survey, plant life has increased more than tenfold in the past decade. Vegetation covered less than 0.4 square miles of Antarctica in 1986 but reached almost 5 square miles in 2021 — just over three decades later. Another study by the World Economic Forum found that 150 billion tons of glacier are being lost annually.

Not only does Antarctica’s rising temperatures affect its landscape but also plays a role in biodiversity and albedo, a measure of the reflection of solar energy from the surface of the earth. As albedo increases, the climate becomes cooler as more sunlight is reflected.

“The melting of the ice caps … dilutes the saltwater concentration in the oceans,” science teacher Emily Massey-Burmeister said.

“Another thing that is altered is the fact that having massive expanses of a lighter color on the pole region causes this phenomenon called albedo to be high.”

The melting glaciers enter the ocean which influences the currents of the water. Artificial ecosystems can be created when the original direction of the oceans are altered.

“As the ice melts because of the hot water, it

makes cavities and when that water comes out, it’s going to increase sea levels,” science teacher Scottie Smith said. “Antarctica is the whole circumpolar portion of the southern seas and that’s going to be a significant problem because the water in the seas spins.”

The direct exposure to sunlight has affected the rate of Antarctica’s rapid melting, including the melting of permafrost.

“Permafrost and partially frozen ground that thaws out has pockets of air trapped in it,” Massey-Burmeister said. “Releasing the CO2 and those other greenhouse gasses causes even more warming.”

The melting of ice also contributes to the growth of vegetation where lush beds of green moss grow abundantly.

“Permafrost can hinder the ability for some things to set into those ecosystems,” Massey-Burmeister said. “Not having frozen ground is going to allow things to root in better into the system.”

Similarly, the warming up of Antarctica’s climate will expose the continent’s surface.

“At one time when [Antarctica] was part of Pangaea, there were plants and animals on it,” Smith said. “Potentially if the land is uncovered again and as it becomes warmer, you could have primary succession occur with the light ends and grasses and so forth.”

Until individuals begin to take the situation more seriously and come together as one, society will remain at a crossroad.

“People often treat science like a belief system,” Smith said. “Data numbers are hard to argue but because people don’t

want to believe that driving two cars to school is a problem ... people don’t want to take accountability for their own actions.”

However, there is still hope to prevent Antarctica’s glaciers and permafrost from melting.

“Students can educate themselves because I think there’s a lot of misinformation that is out there about climate change,” Massey-Burmeister said.

There are many little accommodations everybody can make that would go a long way in helping save our environment.

“Be a good environmental citizen,” Smith said. “Turn the light off in your closet [or] in your bedroom when you’re not in there. If it’s cold outside, put on a sweater … You don’t have to waste a lot of electricity to be comfortable. And yes, humans have to use resources … don’t be wasteful.”

In order to preserve the structural integrity of the atmosphere, international corporations and governments must reduce current fossil fuels emissions.

“The atmosphere is a common resource meaning that one nation can’t make enough change to have any substantial effects,” Massey-Burmeister said. “It has to come from a lot of different nations and different corporations taking a stand and implementing effective ways to limit greenhouse gas emissions.”

The ability to end the planet’s rapid warmth lies in the hands of the people, however if proper precautions are not enforced, temperatures can exceed current records causing disastrous outcomes in the near future.

COMMENTAAR N Aura Oracle

Aura. Need I say more? I will. We’ve heard of auramaxxing. We know about negative aura.

But here comes a new fad heading towards Nanus Nation. Aura Ranking.

In this bodacious blurb of mine, I plan on doing two things: make administration chuckle and rank the aura of faculty.

1 million aura points: Nurse White Healer of boo boos and provider of ice packs, Nurse White is a heavily underrated point-getter. Out on the dangerous blades known as grass, in the thunderdome known as The Quad, we have all borne witness to Billy the middle schooler sustaining a code red, ice pack-deserving injury. But in a lickety-split dash to the scene, Nurse White is ready and prepared for whatever scenario shoes without any traction leave for her.

6.02 x 10^23 aura points: Barry Everybody knows him. We all love him.

Ladies and gentleman, give a warm round of applause (inside voices, please) to Mr. Barry.

Whether you’re an avid fan of security guards riding golf carts around a campus the size of a large swimming pool or an eager driver waiting to be let out of the pit of cluster and despair (the parking lot), Barry is a friend to all.

With an amiable personality, Barry gracefully protects the streets of Trinity day and night, rain or shine. No matter your GPA or favorite type of french fry (waffle-cut for life), Barry will make your day with his unconditional wave and resolved dedication to our school’s security.

Infinite Aura: Chris from the Grille The man. The myth. The legend. Chris.

Coming from a Jack, I can attest that he is in fact a Jack-of-all-trades. Indisputably, Chris is the boss of breakfast burritos, folder of quesadillas and master of extraordinary small talk.

To achieve the rank of infinite aura, one must truly embody the essence of a demure yet delightful outlook (i.e. literally just Chris).

Honorable Mention - Coach Sukup Every Saint’s dream is to spend their entire life playing matball, dodgeball and kickball and, most of all, getting paid for it. But only one man gets to stand atop the height of humanity: Coach Sukup.

What he lacks in hair follicles, he more than makes up for in his massive calves and daft dad jokes.

My dear colleagues, I challenge you to use your inquisitive minds for good. Don’t go around comparing teachers in a degrading way, but instead, use your aura-radar to uplift and complement fellow saints.

Commentaaron and Lifestyles

STRANGER D

21

NGER

Americans are a little too friendly Article by Yizhao Chen Photo by Eden Kiger Yizhao is an exchange student spending a year at Trinity through the ASSIST program. In this column, she documents her unique experiences and observations on American Culture.

My first lesson in American culture was that friendliness is treated as an Olympic sport.

The enthusiastic smiles, greetings and “How are you?”s are tossed around, regardless of whether it’s a friend or a stranger. At first, I was charmed. Even the cashier at Publix wanted to know about my day. Coming from Austria, where we tend to be a little more reserved, this was like walking into a giant hug.

But after a while, the hug started to feel a little empty. “Good, thanks,” I replied to the cashier. As I expanded on my answer, the cashier just stared at me blankly, not bothering to process what I had said. I’m sure that even if I had said, “I’m doing great! Contemplating murder,” she would have kept smiling at me.

Then the conversation would end — just like that. The person who asked would go on with their day, and I’d be left wondering if they really cared about the answer at all. Did they want to know how it was really going? Or was it just part of the social script?

In Austria, friendliness isn’t immediate. Like the panini line in the Grille, it develops over time. If I were to ask the cashier in BILLA (an Austrian supermarket) checking out my schnitzel sandwich how their day was going with the same vigorous energy as the Publix cashier does, all I’d receive in return would be a confused glance and awkward silence. In fact, they’d probably think I was part of some hidden-camera show. It’s not that Austrians are deeply mistrusting, but customarily, you just don’t open with a question about someone’s day unless you’re willing to hear a sincere answer. We simply don’t pretend to care about things we don’t.

Here, I’ve been offered more “How’s it going?”s than I can count, but when I pause to answer, I’m often met with a quick “Good!

Okay, talk later!” before anyone even hears what’s actually going on in my life.

Maybe it’s the cultural difference, or maybe it’s just that Americans value positivity so much that small talk becomes a performance.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for being nice! But here’s a tip from Austria: friendliness without depth is like an empty Starbucks tumbler: it looks nice, but it’s better when it’s filled with something real.

“... friendliness without depth is like an empty Starbucks tumbler: it looks nice, but it’s better when it’s filled with something real. real.”

- Yizhao Chen, Sophomore

22

Lifestyles

December 2O24

UNWELL: Article by Mila Taylor Graphic by Maxi De La Fuente

According to the CDC, in 2023, around 40% of American students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, especially among girls, LGBTQ+ students, and students of color. With suicide being the 3rd leading cause of death for adolescents from 15-19 years old, this national youth mental health crisis is alarming. It would be naive to assume that Trinity’s student body is immune to these same challenges.

Assistant Head of School Tresa Wilson, who leads the school’s wellness department, is working with guidance, the nurse, and academic support to implement a wellness initiative to address the well-being of the student body to recognize the mental health crisis. The school has prioritized the wellness initiative because so often when students focus heavily on school, grades, and extracurriculars, it can be easy to overlook mental health.

“In the Western world, we have created an environment with the goal of college acceptance, being even more so here than in most other places,” psychology teacher Michael Brown said. “The pressure comes at the expense of other things like a healthy lifestyle, rest and positive social interactions.”

Many teens flounder to find ways to cope with the stress of being a student and a teenager. Brown explains how many negative coping skills may worsen mental health.

“I also highly doubt we have positive coping strategies; generally that look like distracting yourself with the sport you’re playing, the work you’re doing, or just endless scrolling,” Brown said. “That’s how we treat most of our diseases, which isn’t ideal.”

Many teens have found refuge in social Trinity’s wellness initiative aims to provide media, where Gen Z has amplified the con- students with the resources they need to thrive versation around mental health with posts and as young adults, including locking up phones memes shedding light on mental health issues. for lowerclassmen and middle schoolers. WilThat said, Assistant Head of Upper School Se- son says that Trinity has taken steps towards bastiaan Blickman said social media can be a prioritizing student mental health by followdouble-edged sword regarding mental health.

“I want to teach people ways outside of “The popularity of the topic has seemingly created this the classroom they can positively influnever-ending conversation ence their life. Because when we get oldaround [mental health] that I don’t know if it existed pri- er, the stresses only get worse. I feel or, and that’s a good thing… like, now, if we tap into this early on, because the stigma is starting to erase itself,” Blickman said. it will help better our life.”

“The bad is, that if you’re constantly talking about mental - Eva Wasyliw, Junior health it could lead you down a path of focusing only on negative things.” ing the school’s strategic imperative. The straFurthermore, conversations around mental tegic imperative aims to nurture the whole health on the internet have lost their sensi- student beyond their academics. Although tivity. The dialogue has become so loud, that wellness encompasses many aspects including poor states of mental health have now become spiritual, physical, and social, it’s the emotionromanticized, with many idealizing their men- al aspect that is often lost. tal illnesses, creating unrealistic portrayals of Some students have responded to this need mental illness. among the student body by forming new “The allure of negativity, packaged in aes- clubs. Junior Eva Wasyliw noticed the stress, thetically pleasing edits and shared experienc- anxiety and burnout her peers were facing and es, captivates young audiences, blurring the started her club, “The Happiness Project TPS.” lines between universal emotions and genuine She hopes the club will help students find a mental health symptoms,” the Nationway to cope with the stressors of school and al Library of Medicine said. growing up.

December 2O24

Lifestyles

23

School initiative takes aim at mental health “I felt like there was nothing at TPS specifi- logue about these topics. liw hopes that clubs like hers help students cally that dealt with [stress],” Wasyliw said. “I “People think they have to bottle up their feel more comfortable addressing the topic of think it’s just really interesting as well, that I emotions at Trinity because they will be judged mental health. can help create a positive environ“I want to see more people just be more ment and a comfortable space for “It’s clear Trinity wants to help when you excited about school and everything because students.”

I feel there’s so many negatives that we tend Wasyliw said that in her first go to them but sometimes they don’t to focus on,” Wasyliw said. “I want to teach club meeting, students focused know how to help, and as students, we people ways outside of the classroom they can on stress management, by writing positively influence their life. Because when need to better understand how to we get older, the stresses only get worse. I feel down negative thoughts or things that cause stress on a plate. Stuexpress the help we want and like, now, if we tap into this early on, it will dents then took those plates and help better our life.” need when we go to them...” smashed them. Wasyliw said that many students expressed how re- Madeline Mcbroom, Senior lieving that exercise was for them.

Clubs like The Happiness Project give students a safe space to relate to other stu- for it,” McBroom said. “Trinity’s environment dents who might be feeling the same way. is highly competitive and I feel as if the presBlickman feels that the level of student en- sure is to be the best.” gagement in activities like clubs or sports is a While teachers and staff dedicate themselves good sign of positive mental health, and the to helping students, many students don’t alschool attempts to monitor involvement in ways go to an adult for help. Efforts from the extracurriculars. Clubs and extracurricular school are not always discussed in classroom activities are vital to students’ well-being, as or advisory settings, and with the current some address the topic of mental health direct- construction, the guidance department ly, while others offer ways for students to cope was moved to a less-trafficked part of with the stress of day-to-day lives. campus.

Gen Z has heightened discussion surroundBlickman and Wilson stress the iming mental health, creating dialogues that may portance of advisory when it comes to be foreign to older generations. Occasionally creating trusting relationships between there is a gap in understanding between adults students and teachers. Advisories allow and students. students to reach out to a trusted adult “It’s clear Trinity wants to help when you go when needed, and advisory activities atto them but sometimes they don’t know how tempt to sculpt those relationships. to help, and as students, we need to better unBoth students and staff need to be willing derstand how to express the help we want and to have open conversations surrounding need when we go to them,” Senior Madeline mental health, and both parties McBroom said. “For example, there are times I must be willing to put in the go to staff or admin to decompress and collect effort. Nevertheless, Wilson my thoughts, but sometimes they try to solve says that the wellness dethe problem when that’s not what I need.” partment is finding more Mental health resources are readily available, ways to reach student as the counseling department is open to those voices. Students are more who need assistance, and advisors function as than their grades, classes, support systems for their students. McBroom and extracurriculars, and said that the resources provided by Trinity Trinity as an institution are not utilized by the student body enough. must also create sincere Yet, this problem is not specific to Trinity; dialogues when it comes to throughout Gen Z, competitive academic cul- mental well-being. Wasyture in high school can discourage open dia-

24

Sports

December 2O24

FORCE TO FINESSE

Basketball has begun to favor flair over physicality Article by Ben Kleiman Photo by Julia Hoskins In today’s fast-paced world where there eled the playing field, allowing smaller, agile is no time to stop, grabbing food on-the-go teams to compete with dominant teams that and getting same-day deliveries has become once depended solely on their strength. the new norm. Basketball is no different. The Undersized rosters can compete with bigger sport known for the physicality of players like and more physically dominant teams because Shaquille O’Neal and Tim Duncan, admired of speed, agility and chemistry. for their height and aggressive nature, has tak“We’re pretty small, but our team chemistry en a pivot to a completely different game. The is very important,” Bokkisam said. “It doesn’t game has evolved into a high-speed sport where deep three-point shots and flashy plays are typical, matching the quick speed of modern life.

The shift toward a less physical style has changed how the game is played and watched. Players have begun to favor finesse over physicality, showing a clear tradeoff. To prioritize player safety, the league has introduced tighter rules on contact and a greater focus on keeping athletes healthy for longer careers. As a result, the game now includes more cautious plays and restrictions on rough contact. Varsity boys basketball player Rishi Bokkisam stresses the importance of these changes.

“The most important thing in basketball is not getting hurt,” Bokkisam said. “Decreasing things such as contact cause[s] less injuries, leading players to play for a longer period of time.”

This softer approach is not just about keeping players healthy. It’s a calculated move to make the game a more skill-oriented sport.

Removing rules like the hand check, which happens when a defender initiates any contact with an offensive player with their hands or arms, has reshaped the game, pushing teams to rely more on speed, spacing and shooting over pure physical play. Many traditional fans feel that this style abandons the sport’s roots.

For basketball fans like sophomore Eren Agsak, the high-scoring style is mesmerizing and makes the game more action-packed.

“I like the fast-paced [style] because there’s Varsity basketball player Rishi Bokkisam warms more action,” Agsak said. “I do wish it was a up for a game against the Innovation Bulls with little more physical.” a three-point shot. This high point shot has Others argue that the shift in style has lev- become increadingly popular at all levels of the

really matter what size you are, and most of these guys have been playing together for four or five years.”

With less focus on scoring and defending, players with quick shooting abilities can make a much larger impact on their team. For one, modern NBA players like Stephen Curry have build their careers on the three-point shot.

In the 2015-2016 NBA season, Curry changed the approach to basketball. He made a record 402 three-point shots in a single season, breaking the previous record by a whopping 116 three-point shots made. From that season on, three-point shot attempts have skyrocketed.

According to Basketball Reference, the average number of three-point attempts per game in 1979 was just 2.8. In 2019, that number increased to 32, which amounted to an increase of over 1,000%.

While the three-point shot has made the game more accessible to people who are not as athletically gifted, Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach Eric Schneider said it damages a player’s progression. “[It’s] detrimental,” Schneider said. “Everybody goes out to the three-point line when they should be working on their [shooting] form.”

Though former players and coaches worry that the emphasis on shooting has shifted basketball from its traditional skills, Schneider still sees the basics of basketball at work.

“People are still setting screens to get each other open,” Schneider said. “I don’t think it’s all just about the flashy moves.”

Some feel that modern basketball leans more toward flair than fundamentals, but core skills like dribbling, passing, rebounding and defense are still essential. Each generation brings something new to basketball.

The 1980s emphasized teamwork and spacing on the court, while the 1990s were defined by intense physicality. Today’s game has shifted from the physical play of the past to the game of the future, focused on high-powered offense, speed and skill.

Sports

December 2O24

BUILDING A BRAND

How social media has transformed the world of sports Article by Thomas Bonos Graphic by Natalie Baron When a video of high school football star Marcus Stokes using a racial slur resurfaced on Instagram, he lost everything: his scholarship to play Division I football at the University of Florida, his opportunity to play anywhere else and his reputation, which was tarnished in the eyes of college football coaches and greater football fans.

Social media has transformed not only the world around us but also the world of sports.

Athletes can use it as a tool to highlight and showcase themselves while also building a personal brand. While social media can open up opportunities for athletes in the world of marketing and college recruiting, it serves as a double-edged sword, as these platforms can potentially harm athletes in more ways than it can help.

“Social media is great in the world of sports because it opens up opportunities ... helping athletes on and off the field, but it also affects the same student-[athletes’] physical, mental and emotional well-being,” said Trinity Prep college counselor and former admissions officer at the University of Florida Matthew Lisko.

With the loosening of regulations in the NCAA, college athletes have relied more on social media to market themselves as players and influencers looking to build their brands.

Student-athletes, either in college or applying to college, will likely benefit from Name, Image, and Likeness’s (NIL) profound impact on collegiate sports. College atheletes now use social media to help further define their brand, and profit from the increase in attention.

Junior McKenna Hawley, who recently committed to the University of Central Florida (UCF) for softball, considers the effect social media will have on her college career.

“I think increasing my social media presence to build a brand and market myself as a student-athlete beyond the field will become vital as I enter college because promoting UCF and myself more will open up more opportunities such as NIL deals,” Hawley said.

Sports programs and organizations advertise

not only their players but the team as a whole.

By advertising teams on social media, organizations can profit further from partnerships and deals, similar to athletes.

“Running the girl’s soccer Instagram account has increased our outreach on campus and brought more fans and support,” Junior Caroline Ahl, who runs the girls varsity account said. “It highlights not only individual athlete success but also team success on a more public scale.”

Athletes also use social media as a tool in college recruitment. Posting highlights and game films on platforms like Twitter or Instagram allow athletes to connect with college coaches or scouts, making the process even more streamlined. Hawley sees social media as critical to her recruitment to UCF. “Whenever I finished a game or tournament, I would tag the UCF [softball coaches] on Twitter and talk to them about the games and how everything is going,” Hawley said. “[Social media] plays a huge role because that’s how coaches initially see and start following you.”

Marketing oneself and posting highlights with hopes of getting noticed by a college coach or scout often go hand-in-hand. As an athlete posts more beneficial highlights or pushes the better parts of their personality, scouts can gain more insight into how the athlete is on and off the field. Varsity Tennis Head Coach Martin Harach sees social media as a powerful tool in both areas.

“You are your own business,” Harach said. “If you’re posting the right things on [social media], good highlights and even showing that you are doing community service or helping people, you’re someone a coach wants to have on their team.”

With the benefits of having an increased presence and personal brand that all can see, athletes have a greater responsibility to themselves and to

the organization they belong to by posting appropriate content that promotes their image. “[As an athlete] you’re under a magnifying glass within social media; if you mess up, you’re not only messing yourself up or your future, but you’re messing up the image of the university and people who are a part of the program,” Lisko said.

College counselor Katherine Dunagan has seen firsthand how damaging just one post can be to a student-athletes’s reputation and chances of being admitted to the school.

“I think people forget that your social media is a footprint, and it’s out there,” Dunagan said. “You don’t want to engage in something that you feel is cool at the moment but could be offensive to certain groups of people ... it could come back to haunt you later ... such as the example of Marcus Stokes.”

Harach requires his players to sign a contract at the beginning of the season that includes guidelines regarding social media use and how players should conduct themselves on social media platforms.

“Limiting social media use is to protect the athlete,” Harach said. “Anything that’s done through social media should be kept under one umbrella so that we can market them the best way possible.”

26

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December 2O24

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December 2O24

Puzzle 27

Puzzles by Mila Taylor

ACROSS

DOWN

3. apple tablet

1. Japan’s active volcano

5. a feeling of

2. upper chamber of the

deep-seated resentment or

United States Congress

ill will

4. name of the Christmas

8. a way of approaching a

snowman

problem or making prog-

6. The Princess _____;

ress toward something.

popular 2001 film

9. UF mascot

7. a club, or association

10. ____deng; beloved

formed by people with a

pygmy hippo

common interest or purpose.

28

Photos

December 2O24

PHOTOGRAPHY EXPOSITION Life on Campus

Julia Hoskins

Julia Hoskins

On Nov. 19, (pictured left to right) seniors Aiden Stillman, Danika Senekal, Wilder Judelson and Victoria Hill signed their letters of commitment to continue their athletic career in college. “I am super excited to play D1 baseball for UVA next year,” Aiden Stillman said. “It really is all coming together.”

On Nov. 20, varsity boys’ soccer team competed against Seminole High School in an unfortunate loss of 4-2.

Center defensive midfielder Gavin O’Brien passed the ball against defenders.

Ally Williams

Aksel Williams

Chloe Nieves-Ramos (center) starred as Nicholas “Nick” Bottom in “Something Rotten: The Musical,” which ran from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2. It is a comedy about two brothers competing against the famous William Shakespeare.

Justin Holcomb, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, gave a sermon during All-Saints Day chapel on Nov. 5. He preached about the guidance of faith during times of fear and anxiety.