February Issue 2024

THE

TRINITY VOICE

February 2O24 Volume 26 Issue 4 Trinity Preparatory School 57OO Trinity Prep Lane Winter Park, FL 32792

NEW BEGINNINGS Feb. 3 marks the start of construction on the Nochur Sankar Science Center.

Read the article on page 5.

NEWS

The construction of the new Sankar Science Building will force on-campus adjustments.

Page 5

OPINIONS

An overload of club fundraisers can decrease their individual impacts.

Page 7

FOCUS

LIFESTYLES

The psychology behind the growing industry of dark tourism is explored.

What colleges look for in an applicant, explained by college admissions officers.

Page 1O-11

Page 14-15

SPORTS

NFL agents reveal an inside look at professional recruitment.

Page 22-23

Table of Contents

February 2O24

TABLE OF CONTENTS News

News Bites O4 Construction on Campus O5

Opinions

Changing Media O6 Lead Ed O7

Sports

Faith in Sports 21 NFL Recruitment 22-23 Bonded by Basketball 24

Puzzle 27

Focus

Cover Page O8

Field Trips O9 Dark Tourism 1O-11 The Perils of Planes 12

Lifestyles

Microplastics 13 Advice from Admissions 14-15 Self Love Tips 16-17 Coffee & Climate Change 18 All Abowt Bow 19 Health Expenses 2O

Jackson Napier

Cover Page

Lia Garibay

Page 13

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 November and January).

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Staff/Podcast

February 2O24

STAFF

Editor-in-Chief: Taylor Riley Managing Editors: David Steinberg, Karthik Stead, Carol Marques, Peyton Alch Layout Editors: Peyton Alch, Lucy Chong News Department: Zach Kleiman (Editor), Aarav Gupta, Sebastian Cabeza, Sofia Haddadin, Emily Lopez-Couto Opinions Department: Amanda Rose DeStefano (Editor), Sammy Lou, Nikhil Daniel Focus Department: Fay Zhao (Editor), Taylor Griffith, Mia Prince, Mila Taylor Lifestyles Department: Laziza Talipova (Editor), Iris Lei, Jack Aaron, Tavish Ward Sports Department: David Hull (Editor), Rahul Sivakumaran, Angel Berreondo Podcast Department: Mohil Kapadia (Editor), Gustavo Membreno, Nikhil Daniel, Social Media Online Department: David Bryskin (Editor), Julian Sealy, Ana Herrera, Olivia Agnew Graphics Department: Caden Liu (Editor), Lia Garibay, Maxi de la Fuente, Sam Miller Photo Department: Olivia Prince, Olivia Kortman (Editors), Ella Eichenholz, Jack Napier Fact Checking Editor: Jack Aaron Copy Editor: Sammy Lou Business Manager: Iris Lei Adviser: Erin Miller

3

Saint Talk This Month’s Podcast:

Blurbs by Mohil Kapadia & Gustavo Membreno Graphic by Caden Liu

Ep. 4 - From Farmer to Teacher Sit down with Rahul Sivakumaran as he talks with beloved teacher and mathematician, Mr. Donald Worcester about his blueberry farming background. Listen to them as they discuss his transition from his farming lifestyle to his teaching one.

Ep. 5 - Spiking Success Tune in to Gustavo Membreno as he talks with alumna Isabella Brady, captain of Davidson’s volleyball team, as she gives advice on balancing school, work, and athletics. Learn more about life as a pre-med student who’s breaking school records.

News

February 2O24

Spread by Sofia Haddadin, Aarav Gupta and Zach Kleiman Graphics by Sam Miller

NEWS BITES This Month: Month: By The Numbers

13

7

-3O°

The age of Willis Gibson, the first ever to ‘beat’ Tetris in the game’s 4O year history

The number of years Gypsy Rose Blanchard spent in prison after conspiring to murder her mother.

The Iowa caucuses were the coldest ever with below zero temperatures and widespread wind chills.

The Headlines

Statistics above provided by CNN and the New York Times

Harvard President Claudine Gay resigns following recent controversy A Japanese robotic spacecraft successfully set down on the moon on January 19 Floridians Protecting Freedom gathered enough signatures to add abortion on the Florida ballot in November 2O24

Valentine’s Day Fun Facts Nearly 25O million

More than 8 billion

roses are grown in

conversation hearts

preparation for

are manufactured

Valentine’s Day

each year

Oregon and Arizona both became states on Valentine’s Day, 53 years apart

Above statistics provided by GoodHousekeeping.com

February 2O24

News

5

A GROUNDBREAKING CHANGE Nochur Sankar Science Center construction will force adjustments on campus Article by Zach Kleiman Photo by Jackson Napier Marking the first step in a 15-month-long parking will not be guaranteed for juniors and driveway outside of the Student Resource journey, the Nochur Sankar Science Center sophomores due to faculty taking up spaces in Center (SRC) and Maughan Education Cenbroke ground on Feb. 3 in the administrative the parking lot outside the Race Athletic Cen- ter. In response, vehicles will be directed down parking lot. Projected to be completed in the ter and the Dickinson Activity Center.

Hubbard Field Way, around the roundabout, fall of 2025, the 35,000-square-foot building “There’s always been parking problems, and back up where students will eventually be will house enhanced learning opportunities especially during the second semester when dropped off and picked up in front of the RAC in the sciences, engineering and mathematics. sophomores are able to drive,” Nanus said. and DAC. However, the facility’s construction will cause “With class sizes growing, especially the reVehicles will then exit through the back of significant disruptions to campus activities. cord-breaking sophomore class, that will be- the student parking lot, which had previously With the administrative parking lot desig- come even more of a problem.” been blockaded. However, this new driveway nated as the construction site, the loss of 52 This strain on available parking will be is slightly less linear footage than outside the faculty parking spaces prompts the relocation amplified during evening athletic events, as SRC, as it eventually merges into a single lane. of faculty parking to Chapel Point, which has throngs of non-Trinity vehicles will face lim“It will probably become a little bit more been terraformed to adequately accommodate ited parking options. This situation is further congested,” Associate Head of School Dennis extra vehicles. exacerbated due to the baseball field parking, Herron said.

Despite efforts to mitigate lost parking spac- which was previously the secondary designated This situation may become a permanent es through the expansion of fixture on campus due to Chapel Point, the construcexisting regulations on tion’s staging area, where concrete surfaces, leaving materials and machinery no space for additional carare organized and stored, pool areas. complicates matters. GivBeyond affecting parken the necessity for the ing and traffic, the conconstruction crew to have struction is anticipated their machinery as close to to generate considerable the build site as possible, noise, particularly affecting the faculty parking spaces students in the SRC. behind Brokaw and Ellis “Students will be walkHall, which are typically at ing within 100 feet of full capacity, will be cut off [construction], so there’s from Trinity Prep Lane and going to be noise,” Head of therefore inaccessible.

School Byron Lawson said.

The challenge of limited With the goal of keeping available faculty parking disruptions to a minimum, is compounded by the ne- Three Board of Directors members, Head of School Byron Lawson, main donors, specific days throughout cessity for faculty to cross and two members of the development office ceremoniously hold shovels in anticithe year will be designatthrough heavy carline traf- pation for the Nochur Sankar Science Center groundbreaking. ed for no construction acfic from Chapel Point to tivities. Furthermore, the reach campus. overflow parking area, now being transformed majority of the construction is slated to occur “There’s a reason why Chapel Point is desig- into another staging area. during the upcoming summer. nated as the overflow parking lot,” junior ConParking and traffic control are interdepenMany details of the project remain in flux, nor Nanus said. dent, posing challenges for drop-off and pick- but the construction committee will likely The construction of the Sankar Science Cen- up when either encounters issues. need to adapt in response to unforeseen obstater will not only affect available parking spacBeginning the week after spring break, the cles as they arise. es for faculty, but for students as well. While Sankar Science Center’s construction will im“[Construction] will be difficult,” Herron seniors will have designated parking spaces, pede drop-off and pick-up activities on the said. “But [the facility] is going to fit right in.”

6

Focus

February 2O24

STOP THE SHORTENING

How short-form content has affected different types of media Article by Karthik Stead Graphic by Karthik Stead In the age of TikToks, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, short-form content has dominated the cultural zeitgeist as of late. The popularity of short-form content has spread its tendrils to all forms of media, particularly film, journalism and literature.

F FILM While the film industry is slow to adapt to modern trends, there are recent releases that prioritize appealing to current generations over creating a good piece of art. 2023’s “Saltburn” particularly tends to focus on creating an appealing aesthetic rather than having a genuine message. “Saltburn” takes place in the titular Saltburn estate, a large, opulent and beautiful set piece. This is the film’s biggest strength, credit where it is due, “Saltburn” looks great. But that is where the film’s positives stop, the film attempts to pose the social critique that middle and lower classes’ obsessions with wealth will continue to keep them entrenched in a system designed to keep them down. While that idea itself is interesting, the film’s way of going about it is sloppy at best. When the film exploded on TikTok, with videos about the film reaching millions of views. Short-form content encourages visuals-first films like “Saltburn”, as it places emphasis on how things look rather than what things mean. This is evidenced by the most popular genre of “Saltburn”-related videos. Edits. Edits are a genre of video that has existed before TikTok, but the genre has enjoyed major popularity on the platform. An edit is a mere seconds-long video, typically set to music, that is a collection of clips of a particular film, character or actor. Edits are a genre of video that are predicated upon their visuals. One of the most popular edits on TikTok being an edit of Jacob Elordi in “Saltburn”, with the video having (as of now) 8.4 million likes. The fact that videos purely focused on the visual look and aesthetic of the film are the most popular on the platform speaks to the nature of the film and its fans.

JOURNALISM As print media continues to crumble under the weight of digital and social media, newspapers are competing for readers’ eyes on an unprecedented scale. News articles nowadays tend to focus on short, eye-catching headlines that oftentimes have little to no actual news to report. Because digital news sites make their money off of advertisements, they are financially motivated to garner as many clicks and page views as possible. Due to this revenue model, dense investigation pieces that take more attention to read and write are seldom promoted on these platforms.

Examples of media discussion: including read times being highlighted, trope-based promotion, and looks-focused commentary

While this may seem like an innocuous shift in culture, it is important to remember that issues like the #MeToo movement, the Harvey Weinstein scandal and even Watergate were all brought into the public spotlight by journalists performing these long investigations. Those involved with these scandals would likely never have received the consequences they did had their stories not been brought into the public eye.

While major news events do sometimes capture the public’s attention, such as the ongoing conflict in Russia and Ukraine, these scandals rarely stay in the larger conversation. As news content becomes increasingly shorter, so does public awareness of these issues. When the conflict between Russia and Ukraine first began, it was covered extensively by every major news organization. But now, nearly two years later, it is rarely covered, despite the fact that the war is still ongoing.

It is imperative that investigations and long pieces of journalism do not fall away to quick gossip pieces.

LITERATURE For those unaware of the enigmatic community known as BookTok, this community of users and content creators focuses on posting TikTok videos about specific pieces of literature. These posts encompass all aspects of the reading experience, including reacting to certain parts of novels, reviewing books they have read, and recommending books.

It’s the recommendation aspect of BookTok that has grabbed the attention of the literary community, especially those who write novels.

Novels that were previously niche or moderately successful saw a drastic rise in popularity after going viral on BookTok. A concerning effect of places like BookTok, however, has been the recommendation of books based on their tropes. This trend especially pertains to young adult literature. Recommending books based on tropes has led to a rise in novels that base their identities upon their tropes, rather than their themes or plots.

CONCLUSION Media adapts based on how people spend their time and money. If we as an audience demand more thought-provoking and interesting content, the media will change accordingly. Watch challenging movies, read that long article, find a book because it seems interesting not because it has a trope you like.

Do not settle for mediocrity.

February 2O24

Opinion

7

FUNDRAISING FATIGUE An overload of club fundraisers can decrease their individual impacts

From August to December, the front of the selling and spread awareness. auditorium has been taken over by continuous “I feel that clubs are a great opportunity bake sales and fundraisers, driving students for kids to get to know the Trinity communiaway from participation. This phenomenon ty even more and not be required to do anycan be defined as “fundraiser fatigue,” or an thing,” Key Club President and senior Rhea unwillingness for students to continue do- Maniar said. “[Requiring] community service nating. The first semester of the 2023-2024 which requires passion, dedication and motischool year was filled with endless fundrais- vation, is really frustrating.” ers, including the candy cane sale, toy drive, Donation fatigue regarding too many fundholiday book drive, fundraisers for both Israel raisers is growing amongst the student body, and Palestine, Canstrucleading some to tion, Trunk-or-Treat, Can- “There are other avenues to en- avoid fundraiscer Awareness Week, Maui gage the community and to get ers altogether, fires fundraiser, SADD overwhelmed by Club’s Red Ribbon Week support for their [causes]. Each new choices. bake sale and more. Since of our clubs can do something “We can’t then, students have vocalhave fundraisers ized their concern with an more creative and unique.” all day, and I influx in events. think that might “The more fundraisers be something you have, the less each - Sebastiaan Blickman, Assistant that’s brewing one of them is special,” junior Head of the Upper School amongst people,” and student body vice president said Assistant to Connor Nanus said. “It’s going the Upper School to make people not want to donate anymore.” Head Sebastiaan Blickman, who oversees While involving more students in ser- clubs. “The conversations I’ve had with club vice-dedicated opportunities is a noble effort, leaders show me that they’re starting to think it seems as though it leaves students unaware about how to engage the students.” of where their money is going and dilutes Some club leaders have already taken to the funding for specific causes. A race to fundraise drawing board to create alternatives to tradionly decreases the value and amount of partic- tional fundraisers. For example, the Competipation in community service in the student itive Chess Club put on a school-wide chess body – especially for recurring fundraisers like tournament for students and staff to raise Rose Sale or Culture Fest. funds for the Boys and Girls Club.

“A couple of years ago when we would have “There are other avenues to engage the coma couple of big [fundraisers], you get a lot munity and to get support for their areas,” said more participation,” said Nanus.

Blickman. “Each of our clubs can do someOne reason for this overflow of smaller thing more creative and unique.” fundraisers is the new service element reThis semester, club fundraising should take quirement for all Trinity clubs. As a result, a different direction, focusing on community most leaders are turning to hosting sales on engagement rather than monetary gain. the school campus to raise money to donate “If you include student participation, I beto an organization. Since the business office lieve that you can get not only more people, takes care of the financial aspect of the event, but honestly make fundraisers a bit more spestudents only have to organize what they are cial than just bake sales,” Competitive Chess

Club co-leader and senior Jasur Talipov said.

More traditional service-oriented clubs are also seeing an issue with fundraisers on campus. Key Club, for example, is a club dedicated to service that connects students with projects to better the community. With waning support for fundraising participation, these clubs are worried about future participation.

“I’m worried that people won’t be as willing to give to the Rose Sale because there will be fundraisers going on at that same exact week,” Maniar said.

There is nothing special about donating anymore. Avoiding overwhelming students with fundraisers makes all the difference for what it means to be charitable. Engaging the student body requires steering students away from desensitization – where they no longer feel responsible for or connected to a cause.

Fundraisers should remind students of the difference they make by following up with results and focusing on the importance of the cause, not the cookies. Additionally, clubs should focus on activities or events that work to involve the student body and their participation, instead of a quick transaction in front of the auditorium.

“It becomes less about the cause they’re donating to and more about what they can buy,” Talipov said.

In order to restore the integrity of fundraisers on campus, students need to keep it special.

“When it comes to things like the Rose Sale for Key Club that happen every year and are kind of an institution here, people are going to be so desensitized to it that it’s not going to matter anymore,” Maniar said. “We’re just diluting the true meaning of service.”

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

February 2O24

Focus

9

SKIP THE LECTURE, TAKE AN ADVENTURE

Traveling promotes a different way of learning Article by Mia Prince Graphic by Caden Liu Junior Alexandra Rubin hiked tirelessly for an hour and a half under the blazing sun.

Navigating the eager crowds, jagged rocks and broken stairs made the journey feel perilous at times. However, the final view was all worth it to see the gleaming Parthenon in Greece.

The Trinity Prep Greece trip last summer was an opportunity for students to learn about historic monuments, the rich history of the country and eat new cuisine.

“It was another experience to be able to see it and really understand what life was like back then,” Rubin said.

Traveling for school trips gives students a break from everyday lectures in a hands-on learning experience. Reading about a concept and then seeing the technique performed allows students to grasp the concepts more effectively. Senior Sophia Taylor attended Art Basel in Miami with her class to learn about the different art concepts.

“Usually when you’re cramming for a test, you forget the information right after because you’re just reading something or just learning it for the test, so it’s harder to remember those topics long-term,” Taylor said. “These trips help a lot just because it allows me to remember all the art concepts that I saw.”

WYSE Travel Confederation showed that 57% of adults who took educational trips as children and teens attained a college degree or went on to do post-graduate work. 95% of

adults who traveled five or more times were more likely to graduate from high school, and nearly 63% of that group went on to graduate from college. The school trips help students decide what they want to do later in life and the career path they want to take.

“They brought me a lot of new skills that I would not have gotten if I hadn’t gone,” Rubin said. “It taught me a lot about different cultures, and it really brought me closer with people I never thought I’d be friends with.”

While traveling, students are immersed in new cultures, languages, history and newfriendships that they can learn and grow from.

“The friendships that I made when studying abroad [with] students from New York and Florida were special; we became like a family,” Spanish teacher Maria Gavilanes-Schmitt said.

“We depended on each other and the teachers were amazing. Everyone was so happy to be somewhere new.”

As well as creating friendships and bonds, students learn new life skills when adjusting to the lifestyle of traveling.

“Traveling gives you life experiences that require very little preparation time, things that happen unexpectedly and things happen when you travel,” Gavilanes-Schmitt said. “You don’t have your life planned out like when you’re in the comfort of your daily routines, so it teaches you to be prepared.”

Students do not have to travel across the

globe; a simple class field trip like AP Art students going to Art Basel can be just as immersive and educational. There they had one-onone experiences with the artists and studying their techniques.

“We did a street art tour and we got to meet a bunch of the street artists while they were painting their works on the walls and the buildings,” Taylor said. “That was awesome because usually when you see a piece of art, you’re disconnected from the artists themselves, but meeting these people allowed us to see the person behind the art.”

The class trips are not just for art classes but extend all the way to AP Literature classes.

They took a trip to a local theater and saw “The Comedy of Errors,” the play they had just finished reading. Actually seeing the play acted out allowed the plot to be ingrained in Taylor’s mind. According to a University of Kentucky study, people remember 10% of what they hear, 20% of what they read, and 80% of what they see.

“I remember the storyline of that book so well just because we took that field trip and we got to see it live,” Taylor said.

Field trips provide life experiences, learning new cultures, new cuisines and new languages. Hands-on-learning is a way many students learn and school trips are a way that it is incorporated into their everyday school life.

Focus

February 2O24

TOP DESTINATIONS 1. Auschwitz

Auschwitz in Oswiecim, Poland was the largest concentration camp operated

by Nazi Germany during WWII.

2. 9/11 Memorial

The National 9/11 Memorial is a part of the World Trade Center in New York City and was built to remember the lives lost in the 2001 9/11 attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

4. Chernobyl

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5

aku m Do

5. Catacombs

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enb 8. G

In April of 1986, a reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine exploded, causing billions in damage and killing 30 people.

venste e

Following the Cambodian Civil War in the years 1975-1979, over 1 million people were killed and buried in the killing fields by the Communist Party of Kampuchea.

itz 1. Auschw

7. Gra

3. Killing Fields

e

During the 18th century, Paris transferred the contents of its city cemeteries to the Paris catacombs. The catacombs stopped being used in 1833, and they are now home to over 6 million bodies.

6. Alcatraz

Alcatraz is an island prison off the coast of San Fransciso that is well known for its extreme isolation. The prison operated for 29 years before it was shut down in 1963.

7. Gravensteen Castle

Gravensteen castle in Ghent, Belgium was home to many atrocities in the centuries it was used as a prison and torture site.

3. Killing

8. Genbaku Dome

The Genbaku Dome in Hiroshima, Japan was the only building near the atomic bomb in 1945 to remain standing after the damage. It was turned into a memorial to honor the over 140,000 people who died in the bombing.

Fields

6. Alcatraz

4. Chernobyl

orial

m 2. 9/11 Me

February 2O24

Focus

A TRIP IN THE DARK The psychology behind the growing industry of dark tourism Article by Lucy Chong Photo Collage by Olivia Kortman Lou DeStefano’s arms were pressed firmly to tion. Most schools include field trips to con- huge role in the rapid growth of the dark tourhis sides by the many bodies surrounding him centration camps as a part of their Holocaust ism market. Younger demographics especially in the crowded elevator. As they all shook from curriculum to remind students that this part of make up a large percentage of these travelers; left to right, his mind wandered to the millions their history cannot be forgotten. in 2022 91% of Gen Z had engaged in a form of prisoners who had had to endure train rides “If there is anything Germany can share of dark tourism. under similar conditions for not mere minutes from its own experience, it is this: facing up Unfortunately, as the industry has grown, like him, but up to days at a time. to the grim truth of what took place is the dark tourism has become increasingly more In 2018, Trinity Prep parent Lou DeStefa- only path to reconciliation,” the Internation- commercialized, reducing the focus on these no accompanied his son on a field trip to the al Holocaust Remembrance Alliance said in a sites’ importance.

D.C. Holocaust Museum, where they entered Euronews article. “A past that is not examined “There’s a certain loss of significance when through an elevator meant to mimic the pris- fully... will remain a burden for the future.” things become commodified,” Podoshen said. oners’ train rides to concentration camps. This For other dark tourists, the experience is less “I would hate to see concentration camps or was not the first time DeStefano had traveled about education and more about satiating a sites of massacres become just mere tourist to learn more about the Holocaust, as years ear- curiosity about death. traps where they sell food and T-shirts.” lier he toured concentration Podoshen explained that camps in Germany. DeStefa- “Violence has become so commodified in our society. It’s so in the United Kingdom Jack no is one of many consumers common that it doesn’t have the same impact it once did. the Ripper tours have become in the growing market of dark a fun activity for tourists, intourism (tourism of places re- That’s one of the reasons why you see so much interest in stead of an experience used to lated to death and suffering), dark tourism...It is because we are trying to find answers as emphasize the horrible nature which is projected to hit U.S. of the crimes he committed, to why this is all happening.” $43.5 billion by 2031. which has led to a lack of reAssociate professor and flection over time.

- Jeffrey Podoshen, College Professor Chair of Business, Organiza“[Everything] has become tions, and Society at Franklin so accelerated that we don’t and Marshall College Jeffrey Podoshen ex“It’s a type of preparation for the unknown,” have time for contemplation like we once did,” plains that there is a wide variety of motiva- Podoshen said.

Podoshen said. “There’s this lack of reflection tions that drive people to take these types of Podoshen explains that this incentive is and…really deep contemplation, and I don’t trips. They include education, commemora- especially more prevalent in younger genera- think that it’s helping us as humans.” tion, historical significance, religion, feelings tions, who are inundated with images of viWhile there is a certain inevitability to comof fear and curiosity about death. olence online. Unlike past generations where mercialization when it comes to humanity, PoDeStefano, specifically, was motivated by his media was often edited or sanitized, people to- doshen believes if done correctly, dark tourism desire to better understand what these prison- day are exposed to firsthand recordings of war can bring back reflection without dampening ers went through and really place himself in on their Instagram feed. the meaning of these historical sites. their shoes.

“Violence has become commodified in our “One of the things that I’ve always advocat“It was hard for me not to cry… You’re society,” Podoshen said. “It’s so common that ed for is that these sites of death need to be thinking ‘How could people do this to other it doesn’t have the same impact it once did. preserved as much as possible,” Podoshen said. human beings?’” DeStefano said. “It forces That’s one of the reasons why you see so much “We need to not make it about selling stuff. you to be empathetic [and] have sympathy for interest in dark tourism and consumption… We need to make it about preserving: preservpeople that came before you.” related to death. It is because we are trying to ing the history, preserving the heritage.”

Similarly, in Germany, dark tourism has find answers as to why this is all happening.” become all about education and commemoraIncreases in violent media have played a

12

Focus

February 2O24

FLIGHTS FUEL EMISSONS Aircrafts cause carbon emission levels to rise Article by Taylor Griffith Graphic by Maxi de la Fuente Traveling to Paris sounds like a dream to most but after the long flights, car rides and other types of transportation this may no longer be that dream. According to the website Carbon Emission Levels, such levels have increased by 60% since 1990. In 2022, they hit a record high at 37.15 billion metric tons.

These greenhouse gases from all the transportation has caused the sun’s heat to absorb and be viciously trapped inside of the atmosphere.

Airplanes are one of the types of massive transportation that is leading to this.

“I view planes as a form of mass transit,” AP Environmental teacher Scottie Smith said.

“When people do an ecological footprint, they always add in the number of flights you take because compared to other forms of transit, it does emit a lot more gases and is more dam- tation with a less severe environmental impact. aging to the environment than other ways of “There are other means of transportation, transportation.” trains being one of them,” Patino said. “We see Carbon emissions released from flights re- this in Florida, where they’re developing trains main in the atmosphere for 100 to 300 years from Orlando to Miami. This certainly will afterward, which traps in heat and causes tem- slowly help with carbon footprints.” peratures to rise.

The trains in Europe It is important “The fossil fuels are finite, or non are an example of urbanthat we begin to ization and allowed for develop sustain- renewable, and we’re not going the rapid movement of able strategies to to have anymore. Coming up with people and goods without reduce the cardamaging. Another better solutions for running vehi- being bon emissions idea that has come up to being produced cles is going to be imperative in help lower the amount of into the atmo- the next 1OO years.” emissions being released is sphere before it electric aircrafts that prois too late. duce zero emissions. Al“But the realithough these aircrafts seem - Scottie Smith, AP Environmental Teacher ty is, it is a necesto have a good idea in theory, sary function of society, I think that is the trade they can cause other issues which overall lead off,” pilot and captain for FedEx Oscar Patino to climate change. said. “In the meantime, I think we should start “It has not yet been introduced to the combecoming aware of hybrid planes.” mercial industry, but I am certain that the In order to combat climate change, hybrid technology is there,” Patino said. “It takes a airplanes have been introduced onto the mar- while to get to the commercial side as far as ket. A hybrid airplane uses both traditional federal regulations are concerned.” fossil-fueled motors and electric motors. DeThe airports have a hard time switching to spite the convenience and availability of air- all electric aircrafts due to the costs of the batplanes, there are alternate modes of transpor- tery and the work that constantly needs to be

done on these electric aircrafts. Smith also has other options that she does to help lower her carbon footprint.

“They could lower their thermostat in the winter and raise it in the summer to reduce less fossil fuels in their homes,” Smith said.

Although this is a small change it will lead to a lower amount of carbon and emission levels.

Smith also has solar panels for her house which have helped decrease her electric bills. The solar panels reduce the greenhouse gas emissions greatly.

“They last for a long time and are very efficient,” Smith said.

Another way to reduce carbon emissions in the environment is by using metal water bottles, turning off lights when you’re not using them and keeping your tires inflated. These small changes will contribute significantaly to helping the environment.

Aircrafts emit the most greenhouse gasses out of all transportation and are the most common type of mass transportation used daily.

“The fossil fuels are finite, or non renewable, and we’re not going to have anymore,” Smith said. “Coming up with better solutions for running vehicles is going to be imperative in the next 100 years.”

February 2O24

Lifestyles

13

MINI MENACING MICROPLASTICS Article by Tavish Ward Graphic by Lia Garibay

A bottle of water, a piece of breaded shrimp, a pint of human blood. At first glance, there do not seem to be any similarities, but contained within, unable to be seen by the naked eye, could be hundreds of thousands of pieces of plastic.

Since the 1960s, the negative impact of plastic has been well-acknowledged, even if it has only gotten worse since then. What is less known is the abundance of plastics that are often much smaller than a millimeter, affecting not just ecosystems and wildlife but also humanity. As research on micro and nanoplastics expands, their prevalence in daily life and unknown impacts on human health are becoming increasingly concerning.

A little more than a week after 2024 began, researchers from Columbia and Rutgers University published a study that found nanoplastic concentration in certain plastic water bottles to be almost a quarter million pieces, 10 times to 100 times more than what was estimated previously. Around the same time, another study by researchers at the Ocean Conservatory and University of Toronto found microplastics in 90% of the protein food samples that they tested, including seafood, beef and several plantbased meat alternatives.

Emily Massey-Burmeister, AP Biology teacher, can see how microplastics have become a widespread issue.

“We can’t discount that plastics are the vessel for a lot of items that we purchase ... [and] that part of those vessels might be in our food,” Massey-Burmeister said.

This kind of contamination extends beyond food and drinks. Other items such as fleece

material have been found to contain these microplastics as well. When placed into a washing machine, a 2016 study by Patagonia and UC Santa Barbara found that fleece jackets re-

lease 1.7 grams of microplastic fibers into the local wastewater treatment plant.

“Fleece material...is made of little plastic fibers ... and the [wastewater treatment plants] can’t filter those out,” Massey-Burmeister said.

“So reclaimed water has those plastics in it,

and there are some studies that are coming out saying that we have agricultural crops grown for human consumption that have been found to have these [microplastic fibers] in them.”

Even the air has been found to contain these microplastics, and a study by the University of Technology Sydney found that humans could inhale up to 16.2 pieces of microplastic particles per hour, which is the equivalent of a credit card per week. Thus, while there are ways to reduce exposure to microplastics, such as refraining from heating foods in plastic containers, drinking filtered tap water, and choosing natural fibers such as cotton and wool when buying clothing, it seems relatively impossible to avoid.

Senior Grace Brady looked for a way to confront this problem last year in Independent Research.

“I tested how we can use algae to naturally filter out microplastics,” Brady said. “I tested the [plastic] concentration beforehand and then let it sit with both freshwater algae...and saltwater algae, then tested their concentration after a week and saw how the concentration of plastic particles decreased.”

Yet despite the amplified research recently, the consequences of micro and nanoplastics still need to be clarified. It may go down the path of other materials such as asbestos, which was initially believed to be beneficial before it was found to cause adverse health effects. At the moment, it seems like they can’t be avoided, and we will just have to wait and see what happens.

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Lifestyles

February 2O24

NAVIGATING A NEW ERA OF ADMISSIONS Article by Sammy Lou Graphic by Sam Miller

Sitting in her room on Dec. 14, senior Rhea Maniar awaits the early decision notification from Harvard. Waiting in nervous anticipation with her parents and younger brother, Maniar knows that Harvard defers a large number of applicants. A minute later, all these fears melt away, and everyone begins screaming and jumping in excitement and celebration over her acceptance.

Every year, a fresh wave of students are put under a microscope by admissions officers to determine if they are the right fit for the college. The many different aspects of the application, including standardized test scores, extracurriculars and academics, make it hard to pinpoint exactly what college admissions officers are looking for in a prospective student.

THE STANDARDIZED TEST According to U.S. News & World Report, over 1900 schools are test-optional or testblind for the fall 2024 admissions cycle, with California’s public universities omitting them entirely from the application process. Schools are shifting away from standardized testing due in part to ongoing debates about how racial and socioeconomic factors create disparities in test results. Multiple studies have shown a correlation between higher income and higher SAT/ACT scores.

After COVID-19 forced colleges to evaluate applications without standardized test scores, these types of findings have pushed many colleges to reassess the importance of test scores in their admissions processes in the post-COVID era. Grace Cheng Dodge, who worked in admissions at Harvard from 2002-2009 and 2012-2015, and at Wellesley from 2015-2018, shares her view on how standardized test scores are used in admissions.

“If a college says they are test-optional, then they are really test-optional,” Dodge said.

“Test scores [are] only used to corroborate the academic power of a student. If the transcript and recommendations show the same information that a student will be able to handle the academic rigor of the college and contribute something back in terms of adding to the school community, test scores tell colleges

nothing more than they already know.”

Since going test-optional, many elite schools such as Cornell University have seen an annual decrease in score submissions. According to Cornell’s admissions website, the percentage of first-year students submitting their scores in their application has fallen every year since Cornell went test optional, and it now sits at 53.3% as of 2023.

“The point here is that tests matter less than people think,” Dodge said. “The score doesn’t show anything as compared to years of high school grades. One’s test score is not the reason they will be a good fit for a college, and testing has never been a reason to admit a student.”

It is a common misconception that an excellent standardized test score can save a mediocre application. While it might seem like an outstanding test score can only help an applicant’s chances, it could end up hurting the application in some cases.

“High test scores are often misinterpreted by students and parents as a way to compensate for lower grades at school,” Dodge said. “However, to colleges, test scores that are much higher than a GPA should indicate, introduce even more questions. Is the student learning at school if the grades don’t seem to match the testing ability? Does the student refuse to do homework?

Does the student refuse to participate in class?”

THE PERSONAL PROFILE In today’s changing admissions landscape, students can take advantage of the opportunity to focus a little less on studying for the SAT or ACT and spend more time strengthening other aspects of their application. One way is to get teacher reccomendations that are more personal.

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Lifestyles

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Ex-Harvard admissions officer weighs in on standardized tests “Teacher recommendations that say a student got good grades and was the best test taker in class are not helpful because colleges already see this from the transcript,” Dodge said.

“It’s all about [figuring] out who a student is, and who they will be on a college campus.”

The non-academic aspects of an application are also very crucial in telling admissions officers who a student is as a person. Applicants need to highlight what they can add to a school’s community.

“A test score does not tell a college any of that,” Dodge said. “I would say all applications are

scrutinized for the non-academic aspects of the application. I really did not see applicants applying to Harvard and Wellelesly [who were] long shots academically. So admissions officers focus more on what students [would bring] to [a] campus.”

Trinity’s College Counselor Christine Grover believes that being able to contribute to a school’s diversity is an important focus point.

“They’re always looking for all different kinds of diversity,” Grover said. “They want to bring diversity of thought to the classroom, so it could come from where you [are] from to how you were raised to how you think.”

Finding extracurriculars in unique areas of interest is one way to potentially add to a school’s diversity. Maniar felt that one of her strengths was going off the beaten path and following her passions inside and outside of school.

“I think the strongest point in my application was doing what I really was interested in and maybe not spending so much time on things that I felt like everyone was doing,” Maniar said. “I think

what I did was follow my passions, see it all the way through and budget my time well to make sure I was splitting my time between in-campus stuff and clubs, but also pursuing out-ofcampus opportunities.”

THE FIT Students should keep in mind, however, that the application process is a “human one,” according to Dodge. The admissions officers review the applications, and then each one advocates for the applicants they think would fit well with their school. At the end of the day, if an applicant is not a good fit, they might get rejected even if they have high grades, lots of extracurriculars and a high standardized test score. Alternatively, if an applicant looks like a good fit, they could get accepted despite a low test score.

“It all comes down to fit with a college too,” Dodge said. “It’s no one’s fault if the school desperately needs oboe players next year and you play the French horn. You probably won’t get in, but that’s not a judgment on you or how awesome you are. That French horn player who gets in, who you think has lower grades than you might be a better fit for the college this year.”

The ultimate decision on whether or not an applicant gets into a college lies at the discretion of the admissions committee, so there is only so much that students can do. However, applicants can do a lot to convince admissions officers that they are a good fit by following their passions and letting that shine through in their application.

“Be the student that admissions officers fight for,” Dodge said. “Be yourself! Do what you love! Do what your school and community offer and don’t worry about what other kids have access to in their schools. If you do what you love, you will keep doing it and you will get good at it, and then you teach others and people look to you as a leader. But it all starts with finding something you want to do for yourself. That demonstrates curiosity, lifelong learning, self-awareness and love of learning.”

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Lifestyles

February 2O24

Article by Emily Lopez-Couto Graphics by Maxi De La Fuente Valentine’s Day is a holiday full of festivities celebrating love and appreciation for the people we care about the most. In addition to expressing gratitude for loved ones, it is important to take care of ourselves and show some self-love, something Trinity students often forget with their busy schedules and heavy workloads.

As winter exams approached in December, Guidance Counselor Rylan Smith reminded the student body to get more sleep. The moment the words left her mouth, laughter filled the audience, as if even the thought of her announcement was humorous.

Many students deal with the stress of balancing academics, athletics and other extracurriculars. Students face overwhelming pressure to get into a good college and build a competitive resume while maintaining a social life outside of the classroom. According to the National Council for Mental Well being, engaging in a self-care routine has been clinically

proven to reduce stress, increase happiness and themself until they care for their mind and help individuals achieve balance in different body. This is similar to the safety guidelines areas of their lives. on an airplane; it is vital to put on your oxySmith shares gen mask before tips on how stu- “I think before you can reach your fullest assisting somedents can devel- potential, whether it’s academically or so- one else because op healthy habits without caring that will help cially, taking care of yourself is the most for yourself, you make a difference important thing to do.” will not be able in their lifestyle. to help them.

-Dee Starling, Physical Education Teacher “An easy and “I think beimportant thing fore you can you can do is to form a habit where you take reach your fullest potential, whether it’s acathe first five minutes and the last five minutes demically or socially, taking care of yourself is of the day and do something for yourself,” the most important thing to do,” said Physical Smith said. “Whether it’s drinking water, or Education teacher Dee Starling, who teaches doing a quick workout, maybe cleaning your Yoga and Stress Management. room, small habits can be really helpful, and Here are some different aspects of self-care anytime you build in simple routines into your and tips for how you can incorporate them day, it can make a big difference.” into your daily routine.

Self-care is so important because a person will not be able to become the best version of

February 2O24

Sleep Sleep is critical for brain development, and without it, our body will not be able to function properly. Getting a good night’s sleep should always be a priority, especially for students, as they are still growing and need energy to focus at school and while engaging in other activities. In addition to getting enough hours of sleep each night, it is also important to get good quality sleep on a regular schedule so you feel rested when you wake up. Students sometimes forget that getting enough sleep is more effective than staying up all night studying. “If I don’t get a lot of sleep, I won’t be able to focus in class or be productive the next day,” seventh-grader Zara Ray said.

Sleep tips: ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊

Avoid caffeine before bedtime Limit screen time before you go to sleep Include physical activity in your daily routine Create a restful environment Drink some chamomile tea to relax

Exercise Exercise is scientifically proven to improve your mood, as it releases endorphins that make you feel happy. Focusing on physical health will result in positive changes to your mental health. Exercise can improve cognitive function which is important for everyone, especially students, as they are retaining a multitude of knowledge daily.

Exercise tips: ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊

Fit some cardio into your daily routine Set a step goal for each day Play motivating music while you work out Track how often you go to the gym

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Nutrition A balanced and healthy diet can be essential to your overall health and well-being, as the food we eat directly affects our mood and energy levels. “Making healthy, conscious decisions about nutrition has a bigger impact on your body and your mind than anything,” Starling said.

Nutrition tips: ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊

Don’t skip breakfast! It’s the most important meal of the day Drink a lot of water throughout the day Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables Exchange processed foods for whole foods

Positivity Positivity and confident self-talk can help build self-esteem and improve relationships. An optimistic attitude is often contagious and can brighten people’s days. Positivity is all about building yourself up to build others up because, as Starling puts it, “Before you can make a difference in the world, you’ve got to make a difference in yourself.”

Positivity tips: ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊

Start a gratitude journal Write affirmations on your mirror Write down your thoughts in a journal Practice mindfulness meditation

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Lifestyles

February 2O24

BREWING UP A CRISIS

How climate change is impacting your morning coffee Article by Iris Lei Graphic by Caden Liu

current farming techniques. This may also lead “Americans tend to think water doesn’t have Rising temperatures, water scarcity, habitat to a shifted market for large coffee chains. much value, but in reality, it’s one of the most loss and increased frequency of natural disas“Farming is reliant on stable systems,” precious resources we have,” Moretz said. “We ters causing the displacement of populations Moretz said. “We’re seeing farmers not able need to do better with managing our water… all come to mind when discussing climate to grow crops effectively or having to change and other resources more carefully, and make change. But not many people understand how their farming practices, [which] in turn leads sure we take care of what we have.” climate change will affect their daily coffee. to them losing money and not being able to Without cognizance about climate change The region suitable for growing coffee, known produce as much food for people.” in its entirety, there is a sense of detachment as the “coffee belt,” will shrink by 50% by 2050 The disastrous outcomes of climate change and inaction, both of which will continue to and no longer be fruitful due to rising tem- can already be felt worldwide, both directly negatively impact global food security. peratures, according “[The climate] is to the Inter-Amergoing in a downward ican Development spiral because there Bank, the largest aren’t many people source of developmaking efforts to rement financing for store it,” McElveen Latin America and said. “After a while, it the Caribbean. will be much harder to According to access certain foods.”

Verywell Health, apStarbucks has alproximately 80% of ready acted to breed the global populaclimate-resistant varition ingests caffeineties of Arabica coffee, ated products daily the only coffee species and 73% of adolesthey use. According cents in the United to CNN, the compaStates. Junior Stella ny aims to develop an McElveen shares her assortment of plants love of coffee with that mimic Arabica that 73%. coffee’s distinctive “I drink [coffee] smell and taste while most mornings and being hardier than Statistics according to a report by the International Coffee Organization in 2020. sometimes in the other coffee species, afternoon as well,” including Coffee robusMcElveen said. ta and Coffea liberica.

A January survey conducted by Statista and indirectly.

Climate change is delivered right to the dinConsumer Insights reports that 80% of daily “We are currently seeing countries suffering ner tables and daily routines of coffee drinkers, coffee drinkers in the United States consumed from…droughts and severe climate change and with it, a message of what could be lost if two or more cups of coffee in the comfort of and the overall effect it’s having on poorer peo- nothing is done to slow its progression. their homes during the week. Suffice it to say ple,” Moretz said.

“Whether people want to admit it or not, there are very few individuals worldwide who The impact of global warming on coffee [climate change] affects all of us in some way, would not be affected if coffee production was production and farming echoes future troubles shape or form,” Moretz said. “...We might not significantly reduced and prices increased. with food security. According to Moretz, the notice it today, but 10 or 15 years down the Alongside the global population of coffee crops most affected by global warming include road, [there] will be a major impact on how drinkers, the farms that are responsible for rice, corn and wheat--all of which are includ- we grocery shop or enjoy our environment.” producing this crop will be impacted. Biology ed in the carbohydrates Americans eat daily. teacher Bryan Moretz predicts climate change Water management must improve to safeguard will alter the water and carbon cycles, altering against food insecurity for future generations.

February 2O24

Lifestyles

BEYOND THE BOWS AND FRILL Ribbon fashion trend is aiding the reclamation of femininity Article by Ana Herrera Photo by Ella Eichenholz

inspired a community of womanhood, one that actively acknowledges and celebrate their fellow girls’ fashion choices.

“We’re all looking at these trends... it’s a way for us all to connect, especially women,” sophomore and Fashion Club co-president Grace Asher said.

Ironically though, the root of why this trend resonates with older generations, also seems to be it is the very mechanism promoting it, social media. Bows and ribbons offer a touch of youthfulness in a digitally altered world where young girls feel like they need to dress and act older based on external online influence. A virtual world that intensifies girlhood’s nostal-

the girly frivolity of it all. It is a notable switch from the styles of the past, where women From the thousands of francs spent on Masought to retaliate against rigid Western conrie Antoinette’s hair ribbons to TikTok’s coservatism, as seen with the “greaser girl” of the quette alternative to shoelaces, bows have tied 1950s or the “grunge” subculture of the 1980s themselves in the history of fashion. One of and 90s. The rejection of stereotypically “girly” the most prominent motifs of girlhood, ribstyles became a cultural phenomenon, sparkbons have reinserted themselves in the styles ing conversations about female empowerment of women and girls from the high fashion and defying objectification. However, eventurunways of Miu Miu, Simone Rocha, and ally this movement too of “not being like othSandy Liang to numerous social media posts. er girls” became another avenue for the male However, enlaced with this trend is a notable gaze, highlighting how even women’s efforts to shift in women’s self-expression compared to subvert societal expectations ended up compast vogues–one that highlights a longing for a modified and controlled by rooted misogyny. simpler nostalgia as well as a growing appreciaNow we are entering a revival of girlish ruftion of femininity and stefles and pink fashions, begreotypically “girly” styles. ging the question: how does The accessory dates as fashion morph and mark far back as 2600 to 2500 our ever-changing standard BC, as seen with the set of female style? of golden Sumerian hair “Fashion is always evolvribbons currently at the ing; it’s dynamic,” said Metropolitan Museum of Valencia College ProfesArt. In late 18th-century, sor Mandy Mahaffey, who hair bows captivated the specializes in women and French aristocracy sparked sexuality studies. “It’s both by, a mistress of Louis XIV, iterating elements of the Marquise de Fontange’s reculture within the ways we sourceful use of a dress ribdress and the ways we fashbon to tie up her locks and ion ourselves, the ways we avoid a scandal. consider our identities withRecently, this symbol of in and without culture, and girlhood has begun to rethe responses that we have to vert to its roots of sophispush back on said culture.” ticated feminine allure, Fashion served as a vessel Freshman Olivia Agnew ties a pink bow into sophomore Emma Hartung’s hair. Bows, of self-expression, using silaligning with the popular coquette aesthetic on Tik- a stylish yet classic accessory, are making a comeback in the world of fashion. houettes and fabrics to exTok. Along with TikTok, press womanhood. bows have taken over Insta“This push for feminine gram feeds with hundreds of tutorials on how gia– a time when the struggle of inadequacy textiles, fabrics, and bows, in many ways a to include ribbons in everyday outfits. Many women faced for the male gaze was absent. counter-narrative,” Mahaffey said. “You can be “The bows are just kind of for people more a woman in many ways and still capture this influencers have come up with their creative in high school,” sophomore and Fashion Club idea, but especially using traditional notions bow-adding approaches.

“I’ve also seen them clipped on people’s co-president Maiori Butz said. “We wish that of femininity and representing them on our skirts, specifically on the side,” junior and ac- we didn’t grow up as fast, and we want to bodies. Thus, creating these intricate, comgo back to where we didn’t care what people plex ideas… influencing the ways that women tive bow-wearer Cassidy Cruzada said.

On the surface level, Gen-Z’s current obses- thought about us…to enjoy being a girl.” think about themselves and about femininity Whether it be using ribbon as a makeshift as a whole.” sion with the visual flair of bows stems from a playful love of maximalism. However, it’s also belt or tying them to bags, this trend embraces

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Lifestyles

February 2O24

A DIET DILEMMA

America’s nutrition system promotes unhealthy eating habits Article by Angel Berreondo Graphic by Lia Garibay When most people think of the leading causes of death in the United States, cancer, COVID-19 and accidents are some of the most common answers. However, the most fatal of them all is also the most avoidable: heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease claimed the lives of just under 700,000 Americans in 2021. While cancer and unintentional injuries are not preventable, the World Health Organization holds that 80% of premature heart attacks and strokes are avoidable. A key to prevention is a healthy diet, which most Americans struggle with.

Stereotypes about Americans being unhealthy typically derive from overly large portion sizes, caloric-dense meals and cultural trends. However, America’s poor dietary habits are not only a preference issue, but also an economic one.

The cost of upholding a healthy diet is currently at an all-time high, as unhealthy foods are significantly cheaper than healthy foods. The price of a McDonald’s hamburger is $1.79 and is available in under 5 minutes.

Low prices and convenience lead consumers to enjoy their meals quickly and on the go, turning them away from spending time preparing, buying, and cooking a healthy meal.

One reason that healthy foods are more costly is because of government taxes placed on certain fresh produce. According to a report by the USDA on food taxes, “grocery taxes encourage households to consume more of their meals and snacks away from home, [and] may have unintended implications for consumers’ caloric intake and overall diet quality.” If fam-

ilies are more inclined to eat out rather than prepare meals at home, then unhealthy eating habits will form.

Health and Wellness teacher Dee Starling understands why keeping healthy eating habits is difficult, especially with such easy access to fast food.

“Fast food has gotten way too handy,” Starling said. “You can’t go half a mile without running into a drive-through.”

While consumers may be able to get a meal for cheaper, they aren’t getting the cleanest source of nutrition. Before the ingredients arrive at fast-food restaurants, preservatives and chemicals are added to several foods to pre-

serve shelf life and freshness.

Spanish teacher Malika Omawale has been a certified Health coach since 2016. Her philosophy on diet relies on the science behind healthy nutrition.

“Food is literally information for your cells, so if you’re putting in junk, your body is going to break down,” Omawale said.

One of the most commonly found preservatives in junk foods is sodium benzoate, which increases a consumer’s risk of inflammation, obesity, allergies and ADHD. However, not all harmful chemicals are easily recognizable.

In a 2021 study published by the Nation-

al Library of Medicine, Phthalates, which are minuscule chemicals in plastic items, often lead to a “disrupted arginine and proline metabolism, resulting in increased obesity among school-age children.” Commonly found in water bottles, fast foods, cooking oils and poultry, Phthalates are only one of many dangerous chemicals consumed by thousands every day.

Although this is a worldwide phenomenon, chemical issues in food in the United States are much more common as a result of looser restrictions, according to Omawale.

“The Food and Drug Administration allows [many ingredients] that are not allowed in other countries,” Omawale said.

Although against public opinion, traditional, sit-down restaurants are just as unhealthy due to large portion sizes. A report by the Journal of the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that nonchain restaurants for cultural cuisines like Italian, American and Chinese had an average caloric intake of 1,495 per meal. If consumers are eating about 75% of the recommended calories for a single day in one meal, then it leaves no space for healthy eating habits.

It may seem like there’s no way to avoid these unhealthy foods with a busy life, but preparation can make a difference in healthy eating habits. By planning meals and gathering fresh produce, Starling believes anyone can remain healthy.

“Establish your budget ahead of time and plan your meals according to that,” Starling said. “Even though you might not recognizes it, buying fresh fruits and vegetables will make a difference.”

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MORE THAN JUST A GAME

Athletes embrace faith as a source of motivation and purpose Article by David Hull Photo by Olivia Prince In the 2009 College Football National played tennis the majority of his life, but over complete tear in his ACL, causing him to miss Championship, University of Florida star the past few years, he has made the transition the majority of the football season. For somequarterback Tim Tebow caught the world’s to team sports including football and lacrosse. one who deeply loved the team and sport, the attention with an incredible performance, When asked about the switch, he stressed the injury could have been devastating for Rataleading the Gators to their second national importance of the brotherhood he feels when nasirintrawoot, but his beliefs helped him get championship in three years. Despite Tebow’s a part of a team. through the challenging time. one-of-a-kind athletic ability, his play on the Many athletes are solely focused on the “I got injured last year and that was pretfield was not all that caught viewers’ attention. game in warmups, but Ratanasirintrawoot ty difficult to deal with,” Ratanasirintrawoot Written on his eyeblack was the Bible verse, consistently takes the time to pray over team- said. “But just knowing that everything hapJohn 3:16, which would pens for a reason I came be searched 94 million to see the good in the times that same night. bad situations.”

For many athletes like Although Trinity is a Tebow, ranging from predominantly Christian peewee football to professchool, many athletes sional leagues, winning is around campus practice not their only goal while other religions. For exout on the field. Sports ample, senior Coby Bitcan play a crucial role in man’s involvement in the learning life lessons like Jewish community plays endurance and cooperaa major role in his life tion that apply to a variety both on and off the field. of beliefs. Some athletes, “Honestly, just being especially leaders and propart of that community fessional athletes, use the is really special to me stage to share their faith because there’s a lot of with others. School chaphistory that goes into it,” lain Rev. Russell Wohlever Bitman said. “I’m really participated as a runner in proud to be Jewish.” track and field while he Bitman has been a was in high school, and standout hockey player emphasized the positive After a spring football practice, sophomore Orion Ratanasirintrawoot (standing) and swimmer for most effects that being a part of prays over his team. of his life, while also para team can have on a faithticipating in other sports based student. mates before games and practices, hoping to like lacrosse. He said that he does not tend to “Even though [track and field] isn’t like foot- comfort them while also fostering a positive think about his faith while he is competing beball or basketball, there’s still a team element to team atmosphere. cause his religion has given him the tools he it,” Wohlever said. “What I love about track is “In team sports, you have to work as a unit,” needs to excel as both a player and teammate. you’re always trying to do your best and your Ratanasirintrawoot said. “I think speaking “Deep down my Jewish faith has instilled part for the team, so for me, that works out over my teammates and letting them know in me values such as teamwork, cooperation with my faith.” that they’re cared for, it matters a lot to me and and dedication,” Bitman said. “I think sort of Sophomore Orion Ratanasirintrawoot is important for team morale and the connec- unknowingly it has played a role in my particiturned to Christianity about three years ago tion everybody has.” pation in sports because those values are things and shares similar opinions on the role of reRatanasirintrawoot faced a difficult trial that I can incorporate both in the pool and on ligion in team sports. Ratanasirintrawoot had during his freshman year when he suffered a the field.”

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Sports

February 2O24

SCOUTING STARDOM Article by Laziza Talipova Photos provided by Andre Kirwan The tunnel rumbled as Stanford University’s former wide receiver, Andre Kirwan, surges forth with his teammates Terrel Owens and Bill Walsh, his heart pounding in rhythm with the thunderous cheers of the crowd. He was wearing the iconic red and gold jersey as he charged onto the field for his first game with the San Francisco 49ers and coach Bill Walsh.

The crowd could see his excitement out on the field, but few were aware of the strenuous recruiting process he had gone through to get there, a process he is now apart of as a current NFL agent.

Recruitment is the backbone of all professional sports. Its goal remains the same: to identify, acquire and foster talent that showcases athletic ability and aligns with a team’s aspirations. The process is fiercely competitive, where agents strive to secure the limited spots available for draft selections.

The scouting process, though tailored to the unique demands of each game, follows a similar trajectory. Scouts carefully analyze player performances, skill sets and project potential contributions to the team. However, CFL’s (Canadian Football League) Grey Cup recipient Andre Kirwan said that, along with ability, attitude and character play an important role in the scouting process.

And so it begins. Agents look for the country for college-level players, primarily juniors and seniors eligible for the NFL draft. However, the challenge lies in the limited number of spots available, with only 32 picks per round and seven rounds in total. This means that out of the thousands of aspiring players, only 300 plus are drafted each year.

Trinity Prep alum and University of Central Florida’s (UCF) tight end football player, Max Holler, sheds light on the unpredictable nature of the college football recruitment process.

“But, you know, it was always my dream to play at UCF,” Holler said. “And I always felt the Lord calling me to be there. And just being able to be a leader, you know, off the field, as well as when I got my opportunities on the field. It was a dream come true.”

As Holler reflects on his decision to not pur-

sue another year of college football, he provides ending up on the front page of the newspaper a glimpse into the personal considerations that for the wrong reasons,” Kirwan said. guided his choices. Despite not receiving offers Kirwan and Paul share personal experiences, from agents to play professional football, his highlighting how their background as a former perspective on moving on to new opportuni- football player at different levels aids in the reties provides the importance of self-awareness. cruitment process.

“I have not personally received calls, but I’m “You have to build relationships with teams not upset about that,” Holler said. “Because to be able to bridge the gap so that you can when I decided to not come back and play an- take a player and promote him to specific other year, I was ready to wrap it up.” teams,” Paul said. “Now, if you have a player While the industry can be cutthroat, not all that’s a little under the radar, the better relaagents adhere to high moral standards. Some tionships you have, the more help you’ll give resort to unfair tactics to secure players, but to that player.” agents like former offensive line for St. Johns The recruitment landscape comes with its University and current NFL agent James Paul set of challenges. The agent acknowledges the preaches the importance of ethical practices in cutthroat nature of the industry, with multiple the recruitment process. agents wanting the same players. Identifying “Unfortunately, there are agents out there unique talents and finding ways to stand out that don’t play by the rules and are not credible,” Paul said.

“And that’s becoming more and more prevalent. And so we find ourselves losing out to players because we won’t stoop to the level of other agents.”

To overcome the competition, agents focus on establishing warm connections with potential recruits early in their career.

Knowing the player’s high school coach, family members or trainers is an added bonus. This allows agents to present their character and values before approaching the player directly.

“It’s really important to know the character and the type of family unit that these guys come from, to know that you’re going to At the initial stage of the professional procedure, known as pro day, get guys that you don’t Andre Kirwan is photographed with his co-agent and Notre Dame have to worry about quarterback Jack Coan.

February 2O24

Sports

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Agents navigate the intricacies of professional recruitment among all the competition requires a combi- tract most agents. Kirwan believes that good sizing “bigger, faster and stronger,” agents nation of skill and perseverance. human qualities are the baseline for a success- stress the importance of players understanding The introduction of name, image and like- ful career and a positive attitude helps players their worth and staying humble. ness (NIL) also complicates the recruitment go far in life. Not only are ethical players im“Some of these guys are a little bit more process. Even playing college sports, larger portant to Kirwan, but recruiting the wrong temperamental, some of them are just straightschools with more money can heavily recruit. player can hurt your career and company. up spoiled, “ Kirwan said. “And so you’ve got Players also seek financial benefits even before “If you recruit the wrong character, it could to deal with a lot of their attitudes. But you entering professional leagues, making the in- take your business, the next thing you know, it just have to really show them who you are.” dustry more expensive for agents. can ruin your reputation,” Kirwan said.

The evolving landscape of recruitment, in“Players now are expecting a lot more fiKirwan, Paul and another agent signed a fluenced by the rise of social media, has transnancially, because now formed the dynamics between they’re being able to agents and players. Loyalty, once make money off their a cornerstone of player-agent rename, image and likelationships, has become scarce. ness,” Paul said. “So Agents now face increased combecause they’re making petition and must adapt their money in college, they strategies to effectively engage expect agents to pick up with potential clients. more of a financial cost Financial considerations play and burden to them to a pivotal role in recruitment, be able to train them for especially as players demand the NFL draft and prosignificant investments for previde them with housing.” draft training. Certain agents The globalization of highlight the financial challengsports has newfound rees posed by the expectation of cruitment strategies by providing extensive support to expanding the search for players. The delicate balance of talent. Leagues actively providing resources to high-poscout and recruit players tential prospects while avoiding from various places in overcommitting to those with the world, widening the lower draft projections is a condiversity of profession- Andre Kirwan and his co-agent went to the Hula Bowl to support and scout stant concern. al teams. According to wide reciever for the Houston Texans, Jared Wayne.

Oftentimes, the connection beNBA.com, The 2023–24 tween agent and player is not just season will begin with about statistics and the sport. Kir125 foreign players representing 40 nations former Notre Dame quarterback and Shrine wan had a heartfelt moment with one of his and territories on opening-night rosters.

Bowl champion Jack Coan. Coan has out- players. His recruit did not know how to tie a “Many players come overseas,” Paul said. standing humanistic qualities and is also a sub- tie right before a major interview, because his “Specific teams scout specific players, no mat- stantial player on the field with great potential. dad was never around to teach him. It dawned ter the place, and if that player has what it “It’s important to make sure that you’re re- on him then that his work encompassed so takes, teams will sign those players.” cruiting guys of high caliber and high character much more than what he had imagined; he In this era, technology has become a like Jack Coan, where he’s a class act,” Kirwan creates lifelong relationships and connections game-changer in the recruitment landscape. said. “He’s well-spoken. He’s very respectful with players while teaching life lessons along From newly advanced analytics to virtual and he cares about his reputation. Some of the way. scouting platforms, technology is an import- these guys, all they care about is the money.”

“And it was a precious moment, because you ant tool in assessing player performance, poKirwan emphasizes the unique challenge of realize that this is not a job,” Kirwan said. “It’s tential and even injury risks. dealing with players’ diverse personalities and a calling, it’s a passion. And if you don’t have Beyond the data and statistics, recruitment egos. Agents have to find a balance between that passion, then you’re not going to have that in all sports emphasizes outstanding human addressing the players’ goals and keeping them enthusiasm to shine through and these players qualities. Qualities such as leadership, resil- grounded. Especially when dealing with young won’t sign with you. But a lot of times we’re ience and sportsmanship are the traits that at- athletes catapulted into the spotlight. Empha- literally like second family to them.”

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Sports

February 2O24

ALL FOR BASKETBALL

Basketball brings together different age groups around campus Article by Olivia Agnew Photo by Olivia Prince Before, he could walk, eighth-grader Adam that out.” ers. The professional league helps the sport Agresta knew he was born to play basketball.

Although the rules are easy to learn, boys’ gain popularity and interest, including Quiros.

“My dad grew up playing [basketball], so I varsity senior captain Adrien Quiros said that “Players like LeBron inspired me when I was just always have a basketball in my hand,” he learning the skills and effort for basketball is little, and I still watch the NBA,” Quiros said. said. “I always had a passion for [the sport].” not easy. Quiros has competed at a high level, “It’s a topic I can talk about with my friends.”

Agresta’s love of basketball is shared by many playing varsity for 3 years and practicing and Sports fans tend to like the team near them other kids around the country. According to playing with numerous travel teams, for the or where they’re from. Agresta grew up in research done by Aspen Institute, basketball majority of his life and recognizes that there is Cleveland, Ohio, and automatically became is the most played youth a sports fan, falling in love sport in the United States, with the NBA after watchwith 36.8% of youth athing the Cavaliers. NBA playletes participating in it. ers were another inspiration Trinity’s campus reflects this for him to play. overwhelming popularity of “I actually grew up in basketball, with four differOhio. Cleveland was like ent boys basketball teams. a big sports town,” Agresta Along with 17 other players, said. “I grew up watching Agresta is part of the eighthLeBron and Kyrie and they grade team. inspired me to continue Although the passion for playing the game.” basketball does not extend Even beyond the large to the same degree to the numbers of boys on the girls’ game, senior varsity school teams, many more Girls basketball player Sacome out during break and mantha Male points to the lunch to play on the outside camaraderie afforded by a court. In fact, that court was team sport like basketball. resurfaced over the holiday “Basketball is how I met a break because of how often lot of my close friends, and it is used for both practice being a part of something and pick-up games. [bigger makes the sport speAgresta enjoys the casual cial],” Male said. pick-up games on the outWhile there are certainly side court because of the other team sports available camaraderie that comes even to kids, basketball’s rules Middle school and high school boys take time out of their day to pick up a game with informal competition. of basketball on the outdoor court. make the game easier to un“The team aspect and bederstand, and the sport does not require any more to the game than people think. ing with your friends can bring people togethspecial equipment. The game’s simplicity in “I don’t think it’s an easy game because it’s er,” Agresta said. “They can have an enjoyable regulations and equipment allows players of all way more physical than it seems,” Quiros said. experience with it.” ages to excel, according to eighth-grade head “There are a lot of rules that if you don’t pracbasketball coach Mike Davis. tice it, you’re not going to be able to play.”

“Boy’s basketball is one of the easier [and Unlike other team sports like lacrosse or more accessible] sports, meaning that all you swimming, basketball has had a well estabneed is a ball,” Davis said. “I think boys have lished and long-standing professional presence this natural competitive nature about them. with the NBA. According to an NBA study in And basketball is something that easily brings 2023, the NBA has around 1.7 million view-

February 2O24

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February 2O24

Puzzle

February 2O24 Puzzles by Karthik Stead & Mila Taylor

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Connections!

How to Play: Find a group of four items that have something in common, circle them to make a category. There are four categories total.

ACROSS

Grass

Bark

Dark

Toy

Prank

Room

Fib

Water

Lie

Trick

Stem

Flower

Illusion

Cover

Sit

Treat

DOWN 1. A Female Leader

2. Another word for customer

3. Ghostly/Non-Scientific

5. A Snow House

4. Able to move quickly and easily

8. Bishop Moore’s Mascot 6. Chamber of the heart 9. Atomic Number 7

that pumps blood from the veins to the ventricles

10. 2020 Christopher Nolan movie returning to

7. 2024 Lunar New Year

theatres

Zodiac

Black Panel, Red Panel

by Taylor Pitone & Karthik Stead

Answers:

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Photos

February 2O24

PHOTOGRAPHY EXPOSITION Sports

Olivia Kortman Lindsey Yared ’23 completes her clean and jerk at the The Villages’ meet on Wednesday, Jan. 10 during the girls weightlifting record-breaking season.

Olivia Kortman Eden Kiger ‘26 performs the cheer team’s new dance, “Pink Friday Girls,” in the winter pep rally on Friday, Jan. 26. Friday was packed with games and excitement for the last pep rally of the year.

Jackson Napier In the senior night game on Friday, Jan. 19 against Father Christian Academy, Jake Male ‘24 rises up for an impressive left-handed layup.

The back-and-forth game ended in a 56-66 loss.

Olivia Prince Senior Katie Kohm works on technique during Girls Varsity Lacrosse practice in preparation for their pre-season match on Feb. 5.