Presidential election results | 2
Senior screenplay | 4-5
Can’t we be civil? | 6
Find out who the student body chose for the next president of the U.S. — and if it was close
Behind the scenes of the seniors’ zombie apocalypse film
Now more than ever, listening and learning from those with different views is key
Vanguard College Preparatory School, 2517 Mt. Carmel Dr., Waco, Texas 76710
November 2020, Volume 48, Issue 2
The Vanguard Review A VCPS Publication
Taking issue
Gen Zers talk about their passions and the politics behind it
“Our generation, Gen Z, is the future and I think it’s always important, even if you’re unable to vote, to be aware of what’s going on politically within your country,” Rollins said. With the election at hand, students of Gen Z are becoming more expressive of their opinions and passions as tensions rise. “I’m very conDescribing the inspiration behind her painting “Weather Map Catastrophe,” cerned about the sophomore Maheen Shah conveys her thoughts about the environment. environment and race Photo by Delaney Trepinski / VR staff [issues],” Cooper Lacy, freshman, said. “I think eneration Z is the youngest and largest generation in American history compris- the environment is important because we’re seeing about 27 percent of the U.S. popula- ing the effects of it every day, especially climate tion, according to an article in the Business Insider. change.” Ben Lho, sophomore, shared his passion for Another common association with Gen Z is their passion for social justice. Born after 1996, the old- the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. “I would say that the BLM movement is one of est Gen Zers will turn 23 this year. They are racially and ethnically diverse, progressive and pro-govern- the most important movements that I have known ment and more than 20 million will be eligible to in my lifetime,” said Lho. “I think, at its core, it’s vote in November, according to a study by the Pew an amazing movement, but the people who just jumped on the bandwagon to preserve their image Research Center. “Young people are the future of the U.S. and are frustrating.” Who holds the office of the president is a big need to make their voices heard so that the country we inherit will be the best that it can be” Sarah Em- concern for freshman Karissa Kuhl. “I’m most worried about the presidential elecerson, senior, said. Nearly 76 percent of students think their gen- tion,” Kuhl said. “In my eyes, President Trump eration is more politically and socially active than would decimate the little integrity we still have ones before them, according to a Nov. 2020 VR as a country. Specifically regarding his stance on women and minority groups. He’s racist, sexist and poll. a white supremacist. That’s to say the least of his Senior Elisabeth Rollins agrees.
G
On their game
issues inside and out of his presidency.” Emerson said she is passionate about multiple issues at once. “As a member of the LGBTQ community, [these] rights are a huge issue that I am concerned about as some politicians are attempting to take away opportunities and rights from people,” Emerson said. “I am also concerned about the negative environmental impact the U.S. is currently making as the current administration has rolled back nearly 800 environmental protection acts and has continuously denied the seriousness of global warming.” Rollins’ concerns cover the spectrum, as well. “I am passionate about women’s bodily autonomy and Medicare for all so that no one goes bankrupt paying their medical bills,” Rollins said. “Also, making the immigration process easier and stopping the demonization of immigrants, as well as closing the ICE detention camps at the border.” But students aren’t just talking the talk, they are walking the walk. Emerson shared how she stays involved in her passions in an effort to make a change. “I work for an environmental conservation non-profit called EarthEcho and participate in educating classrooms around Waco about global warming and ocean conservation,” Emerson said. Rollins said educating herself is one way she gets actively involved in the issues. “I enjoy watching political debates on YouTube as well as videos discussing popular topics in politics,” Rollins said. “I like to read articles online, and I enjoy discussing politics with my friends and family.” Some students participated in an art project designed to get them thinking about political and social issues that are important to them. Freshman Avery Schnautz did a painting called “Finite.” Tim Reid, freshman, created a ceramic called “Up and Away.” Maheen Shah, sophomore, crafted a print called “Weather Map Catastrophe.” All the works are on display at climatecrisisartexhibit.org.
Karch Knoll ‘21 guest reporter
Esports makes TAPPS debut as two Viking teams gain momentum around the state
I
n 2011, a game known as League of Legends hosted its very first world championship in which eight teams from Europe, Southeast Asia and North America would compete in a horribly-lit backroom at a gaming convention in Sweden. Seven years later, in 2018, the same team would take on the Chinese, Invictius gaming in the finals. The finals reached a peak of over 200 million concurrent viewers - surpassing the viewership of the 2017 League of Legends World Championship, as well as the peak viewership of numerous worldwide sporting events including the Super Bowl. Esports is a competition among people who play video games. Similar to other sports, there is a regular season, sponsors, coaches, multimillion dollar facilities and even sports psychologists and nutritionists. Watched by millions, it is just as notable as traditional sports that people have been watching on TV for decades. There is an incredibly wide array of Esports, each with its own following and fanbase. If it’s a video game made within the last year, in which people compete, chances are
there’s some Esports scene for said game. TAPPS has jumped on the growth curve and has created an Esports competition for the first time. As it is still in its infancy, and the pandemic is still impacting schedules, there is some ambiguity to the teams competing and the format to win. VCPS teacher Lee Kuhl, who is an avid video gamer himself, is the Esports sponsor. The games competing this year will be Rocket League and League of Legends. Rocket League is very basic and is essentially a 3 vs. 3 match of soccer with cars, while League of Legends is more complex and is a 5 vs. 5 game in which both teams pick characters and work to kill their opponents and demolish their base from a top view. Both squads will play a regular season, starting Oct. 20, and will play teams in our district in order to qualify for State. VCPS has teams competing in both games. The League of Legends team has seven players: Archie Christian, Erik Knoll, Karch Knoll, Jake Lee, Taemin Lee, Lucinda Liu and Hai Nguyen.
“I get to play video games, and it counts toward a sports credit,” Nguyen said about why he joined the team. The Rocket League team has five players: Ethan Marsh, Keeton Matthews, Adrian Northcutt, Carter Oates and Aiden Perdichi. “You learn how to cooperate and work as a group to achieve a victory,” Taemin Lee said. So far, the League of Legends team has gone 3-1 and seems to be the clear second best team in the district. The Rocket League squad has gone 1-1 and was one goal away from beating one of the best teams in the country. (Top) Logging in for an esports competition, Archie Christian and Taemin Lee prepare to battle St. Pius X of Houston in a game of League of Legends. (Bottom) League of Legends is a teambased online battle arena video game developed and published by Riot Games where champions face off to destroy the other team. Photos by Lucinda Liu / Bifrost staff
Emily Coleman ‘21 business manager Gen Z is predicted to be remembered for their passion for social justice and advancing technology, according to Business Insider. Students have their own ideas about how they think their generation will be remembered. “I think personally that our generation will be defined by our skills with tech and ability to change,” Lacy said. “Unlike most people, we’ve all grown up with advanced technology like high end cell phones and fast internet speeds, which means we’re likely more experienced with them. I also think we’re very prone to and accepting of changes, whether it’s a change in trends or a change in society, we tend to adapt pretty well.” Lho thinks similarly. “I think that our generation will be remembered by the Coronavirus, the BLM movement and the exponential increase in technology,” he said. “These things are shaping our way of life and we will be remembered by these things.” The Coronavirus and the BLM Movement turned the world upside down. Students of Gen Z experienced these issues head on, and with that, they have grown in their passion for bettering the life that they have ahead of them, as well as the world around them. “I hope we will be well informed and politically active,” Rollins said. “I think a lot of times people will stand by because they think they don’t have any power. But you do have power, you have the power to elect officials who make the decisions. I think it’s negligent to waste that power and opportunity. I believe our generation is becoming more accepting of others, whether it be on issues of racism, different religions or differing sexualities.” Kuhl said she has hopes of her generation working for good. “I hope that with everything going on with COVID-19, Gen Z really takes a look at our world and decides to do something for the greater good,” Kuhl said. “Do something of true meaning.”
2 opinion Isaac Saadi ‘22 guest columnist
T
he air is colder, leaves are turning colors, your morals and views are coming under attack by your family and stress about our country’s future is taking over your mind. Election season is in full swing and as we listen to the polar opposite sides of the media and learn about each candidate, we tend to ask the question: how did we end up with such bad candidates? This is furthered by a study done by The Washington Post which showed that 61 percent of registered voters were not happy with their party’s candidates. I have grown up with the curse and blessing that neither of my immigrant parents were invested in politics, so I was able to make my own assumptions about different candidates and parties. I have noticed that identity politics has taken over voters so much so that people of either side of the political spectrum are afraid to vote for a candidate on the opposing political party despite views lining up. With each election, we realize how divided our nation is, advocating for a president we don’t even like, and yet very little changes in the status quo while they’re in office. We can see throughout history that our country has been the strongest when we were all united, like in the era of good feelings, Ronald Reagan’s presidency. But under today’s political climate, you are either seen as a white supremacist or an idiot who can’t comprehend basic facts. It is time we put our pride aside and confront the issues facing our country through moderate candidates because they provide realistic change to our country. We have seen throughout the primaries how di-
The Vanguard Review November 2, 2020
The case for the moderate: With extreme candidates, no one wins verse one party can lean, from candidates advocat- Green New Deal, or politicians who drive all their ing for socialism to candidates who have policies efforts to stop said change without ever reaching a less liberal than Republicans. Young people are median. After analyzing both candidates for the 2020 the face of the election and many of them tend to lean to the left and favor the radicals as a New York elections, I have come to the conclusion that they are Magazine article states that 60 percent of young in fact very similar politically. While they do have Democrats favored Bernie Sanders the most, while different policies, they do tend to remain moderate only 15 percent over age 50 had Sanders in their on their respective side but the media has blown out top three. The ultimate pick for the Democrats, Joe of proportion how far they lean to the other side. Biden, has led to a huge upset among the left, but we The issue with these candidates is that their reputation has long held both of them within their political need to analyze what went wrong. With a moderate candidate everyone can agree career and not their values as a president. Although the election is less than a month away, on, we can ultimately unite the country once and for I encourage you to all, but many tend choose between the two to overlook them in Sixty-one percent of registered candidates that actually favor of radicals. I voters are not happy with their stand a chance. Keep personally supported Tulsi Gabbard party’s candidate, according to an in mind for upcomelections: vote for in the primaries, article by The Washington Post. ing people and not parties. a congresswoman from Hawaii who served in Afghanistan. She en- Keep an open mind and look out for both Democrat compassed the perfect candidate: a deep love for and Republican candidates that best suit you. Reour country, advocated for policy that could actually member that our president isn’t chosen the summer work in practice and a strong leader. Republicans before the election, he or she is chosen during the supported her but her own party didn’t favor her. primaries. Take part in the early electoral process They favored wishful thinking from Elizabeth War- and make sure that candidate on the ticket come ren and Bernie Sanders for change that could nev- November is the one that will lead our country the er be implemented in America. We have seen what best. Because a house divided can not stand. Finally, radical approaches to policy have done with climate in order to learn properly, you need to take into acchange: nothing. We have either seen politicians count the other side’s perspective. drive all their efforts for unrealistic change like the
2020 Presidential Election: Vikings give Biden slight edge Which presidential candidate would you vote for on Nov. 3, 2020?
The Vanguard Review would like to remind students to get involved and make your voice heard on the issues that are important to you.
President Donald Trump 47.3% Sen. Joe Biden 52.7% Source: VR Nov. 2020 student poll
The Vanguard Review Volume 48, Issue 2, November 2, 2020
The Vanguard College Preparatory School Student Newspaper 2517 Mt. Carmel Dr., Waco, Texas 76710 vanguard_review@vanguard.org (254) 772-8111
Staff Listing Elizabeth Watson editor-in-chief Emily Coleman business manager Walker Nall sports reporter Delaney Trepinski reporter Gretchen Eichenberg adviser
Distribution and Printing Process The Vanguard Review prints 300 copies of each issue. The paper is made available to students and faculty at several locations across campus. The paper is sent through the mail to individuals, including parents and alumni, on the official VCPS mailing list. It is also available online.
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It is our mission to be the voice of the students of Vanguard College Preparatory School. We will endeavor in our roles as journalists to create a paper that students can read to be educated and informed.
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Consider November 2020 poll results are in! What do you think about the “mail-in” voting that is being offered due to COVID-19? Can’t be trusted 60.4% Perfectly reliable 39.6% Do you feel like Generation Z — our generation — is more politically and socially active than previous generations? Definitely 75.7% Not really 24.3% What are your general feelings about current politicians in these divisive times we are in? Negative 84% Positive 16% Do you feel comfortable using your individual platform and voice to discuss issues that are important to you? For sure! 39.9% I’d like to; feel tentative 44.4% No way 15.7% How important do you think it is to be respectful and listen to other peoples’ viewpoints? Very important! 93.6% Not that big of a deal 5.5% Only if they agree 0.9% What’s your favorite part about the fall/winter season? Celebrating the holidays 53.2% Great weather 29.4% Food and treats 14.7% Coffee and cocoa 2.7% What’s your favorite thing to do over the holidays? Lounge around 35.8% Sleep 24.8% Visit family 28.4% Eat 11% The above results reflect the VCPS student body of 219 students. Polls were distributed electronically through Google Forms.
Where’s Vegard?
Have an idea? Talk to us!
Be the first to find our viking inside this issue, and win a prize! Email us at vanguard_review@vanguard. org
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Editorials & Content The editorial board, comprised of newspaper staff members, determines by consensus the content of the paper. The Vanguard Review staff has elected to use this editorial policy to govern the activity of the paper throughout the 2019-2020 school year. We reserve the right to refuse any content. No offensive material will be permitted to print, and submissions may be edited for grammatical purposes.
Things to
Remember to wash your hands and wear a mask!
people
The Vanguard Review November 2 , 2020
3
Student Spotlight: Lucinda Liu Grade 12
A passion for fashion Outgoing Creative Passionate Delaney Trepinski ‘23 reporter
Lucinda Liu, senior, describes herself as an outgoing, creative and passionate person. She plans to attend college for arts and design as a major and business as well. “I hope to major in design,” she said. “but I would still apply to business schools since it’s more realistic for future jobs.” She is not sure where she will be in 10 years, but Lucinda said she wants to travel around the globe for college. She said she will apply to schools in the U.S., Britain or Canada. Wherever she lands, she hopes she will not be working at a boring job. “I hate doing the same thing over and over again,” she said. Lucinda is known around school for her tasteful style. “Chanel and Dior are my favorite,” she said “Their designs are so elegant and stylish.” But she’s also very down to earth about fashion. “A lot of non-designer clothes are also really
Photo by Delaney Trepinski / VR Review staff
good and not expensive at all,” she said. “I’m not picky on brands because they don’t matter a lot, and I don’t agree with bragging about having designer clothes.” She said that she loves all kinds of books, except school books. Lucinda recommends the movies “Inception” and “Interstellar.” “They are great science fictions with powerful visuals and provoking thoughts,” she said. If she could meet any celebrity, Lucinda said she would like to meet Lisa from the girl group “Blackpink.” A skill she would like to learn is K-pop and modern dance, if she has time. Lucinda has many extracurricular talents such as dancing, photography and playing the piano. She also said she hangs out with her friends outside of school but that she has “been grounded in the house for 200 days since the pandemic.” If she could go anywhere in the world, Lucinda said she would go to Melbourne, Australia or Vancouver in Canada. “They are wonderful cities for living,” she
said. “Gorgeous views.” If she could only have one meal for the rest of her life, Lucinda said it would have to be “hot chocolate and fried chicken tenders.” If she were stranded on an island, the three things she would want to have with her are: a bubbly drink, a music player and a pillow.
(left) On vacation in her favorite city, Shanghai, senior Lucinda Liu takes in the bright lights and the view. (above) Posing on the steps of an art gallery, Liu said she enjoys taking in the art and culture of her hometown of Beijing. Photos provided by Liu
~
4
APOCALYPSE ST
a classic senior tradition takes
Story by Eliza
Z
ombies stagger through the senior lounge as students exscenes. I like finding new angles and ways to shoot scenes and periment with fake blood and rehearse lines between takes. learning how to work a film set.” It might not be the average high schooler’s pastime, but that Indergard said that watching his script come to life makes it all the more special. For the first time in VCPS’ histothrough the camera has been an incredible experience. ry, the senior class is making a film for Halloween. “It’s different when you’re storyboarding, because then Traditionally, the senior class is responsible for the deyou’re just drawing stick figures to get a basic idea of how you sign and presentation of the haunted house each year, but the want the shot to look,” Indergard said. “But when it’s actually event was no longer feasible in its usual, indoor form. Consequently, the seniors found an alternative that could showcase “It’s different when you’re storyboarding because then you’re all of their individual talents. just drawing stick figures to get a basic idea of how you want “I wasn’t anticipating making a movie to make up for the haunted house, but I’m glad to be doing it,” said Brooks the shot to look. But when it’s actually being realized on camIndergard, the senior serving as the film’s director. “When era, you feel a kind of accomplishment that is so exhilarating COVID-19 hit, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to do much of anything related to film anymore, so I’m just glad and makes you excited for the next shot, take or scene.” that I still have the opportunity to do what I love.” Indergard, who plans to study film after high school, being realized on the camera, you feel a kind of accomplishsaid he was particularly interested in exploring themes of moment that is so exhilarating and makes you excited for the next rality through the film’s script and setting, which takes place in shot, take or scene.” a post-apocalyptic world. The cast that Indergard has assembled thus far is also “When writing the script, I took inspiration from other enjoying time in the spotlight. Additionally, some cast memcharacters in media that I find interesting or compelling and bers have multiple roles, both working in front of the camera then changed them accordingly to fit in the body of a 12th and behind the scenes. grade apocalypse survivor,” Indergard said. “I also find paral “I play the small role of Oscar and eventually I’ll be in lels and juxtaposition in film incredibly interesting and effeccharge of editing the movie,” said Adrian Northcutt, senior. tive, so you will see lots of both in this movie. I like characters “My favorite part of working on the film has been doing my that don’t necessarily fall into the categories of good or evil, but own stunts, and I’m expecting to express my own creativity in characters that gently straddle the line between the two - and the editing process.” what better setting to have these kinds of characters in than an Other seniors focus completely on their roles. apocalypse?” “I play Victor, the leader of the opposing faction,” Aidon The film features a cast of teenage characters divided Butler, senior, said. “I enjoy playing this character because he into opposing factions amid an apocalyptic setting. The charis very mean and bosses everyone around.” acters fight for survival among an array of the apocalypse’s Senior Erik Knoll, who plays one of the film’s ‘infected,’ ‘infected’ victims. Naturally, special effects play an important said he has also enjoyed his experience on set. role to bring the ‘infected’ characters to life, which the seniors “I just play a random zombie,” Knoll said. “It’s been fun have accomplished by learning to apply makeup to create realjust messing around, pretending to be undead.” istic wounds for the camera. Junior Claire Civa, who also plays a zombie, said she has “I am the head special effects and visual effects makeup had fun working with the seniors. artist,” Sarah Emerson, senior, said. “I do the makeup for the “I play the role of an infected zombie, and I love how monsters and the wounds for our main characters. I don’t usuI really don’t have any lines,” Civa said. “It is all just sounds. Even though I am a junior, it was really nice getting to “I wasn’t anticipating making a movie to make up for the haunted know some of the seniors and becoming better friends with them.” house, but I’m glad to be doing it. When COVID-19 hit, I wasn’t sure if I The movie has also given the seniors the opportunity to was going to be able to do much of anything related to film anymore, strengthen their bond during this difficult time. Humor takes and behind-the-scenes bloopers have so I’m just glad that I still have the opportunity to do what I love.” between certainly added a few laughs. “The funniest things that have happened on set are all ally get the opportunity to do a lot of SFX/VFX makeup and of the bloopers and mess-ups that keep happening when filmworking on the film has given me the opportunity to do someing,” Butler said. thing I enjoy but rarely have occasion to do.” Indergard agrees. Another important aspect of the film’s production re “The time between filming can get pretty crazy,” Inderlates to the videography and how to best capture the cast, but gard said. “And if the shoot goes on for long enough, people can the seniors are up to the challenge. They have worked with a start to get loopy. When people flub their lines or mistakenly variety of sets so far, including the senior lounge and other stuenter a scene at the wrong time, it can make for some pretty dents’ homes to add variety and depth to the film. good bloopers.” “I am the primary videographer,” Nathan Cobb, senior, The film is set for release during this school year. said. “I am in charge of most of the camera work for most of the
5
TRIKES AT VCPS
s on a frightening new twist
abeth Watson
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION Liam Dietz films a scene of four characters interacting with another, played by (from left to right) Nicole Robles, Kaylee Cooper, Madi Burch and Brooks Indergard. Photo by Elizabeth Watson / VR Staff
SOMETHING WICKED Civa, playing one of the movie’s ‘infected’ characters, glowers to the side of the camera. Photo by Nathan Cobb
TAKING THE SHOT Dietz (left) and Indergard (right) discuss the angle of a shot before filming in the senior lounge. Dietz, a VCPS graduate from the Class of 2020, returned to assist with the filming process. Both Dietz and Indergard are interested in pursuing film studies in the future, which is what brought them to work on this project. Photo by Elizabeth Watson / VR Staff
QUIET ON SET Between takes, Indergard (right) discusses lines with fellow seniors Cooper (left) and Robles (right) in the senior lounge. The characters in the scene are discussing the whereabouts of one of the movie’s protagonists. Photo by Elizabeth Watson / VR Staff
WHO’S THERE? Northcutt (left) and Indergard (right), both in character, hear a suspicious sound. Moments like this are crucial in building up suspense in a horror film. Photo by Nathan Cobb
A MOMENT OF LAUGHTER Seniors take a moment to laugh between takes. In many ways, this has helped the students grow closer amid their senior year. Photo by Elizabeth Watson / VR Staff
6 feature
Civility Delaney Trepinski ‘23 reporter
T
he political and social climate we are living in can cause many divisions in friends and families, especially for a young audience. In a world where so many people have conflicting ideas and viewpoints, it can be difficult or even scary to think about sharing the thoughts and opinions that make us who we are. That is why civility — listening, engaging, having conversations and trying to understand others — is vital as we navigate a heated election and social unrest. “I feel comfortable sharing my views on controversial topics, but I like to do it in a way that is not disrespectful or discrediting another person’s opinion,” said junior Haydin Davis. “I think that politics has become such a polarized environment and that it is important to have conversations with someone else, even though you might not agree. You never know; the person you are having a conversation with might change your mind.” But when it comes to having conversations about controversial topics, some teenagers find it intimidating to speak up for fear their disagreement with someone could cause an issue. In fact, nearly 45 percent of VCPS students said they would like to share their opinions with others, but feel tentative about doing so, according to a Nov. VR poll. Annabelle Reese, freshman, said she thinks politics are the most dividing topics currently. She said it is frustrating to not be heard when talking about these issues. “They are so divisive because everyone has different points of view and no one wants to hear other people’s opinions,” she said. Comfortable emotions and situations do not seem to follow politics, especially for sophomore Theodore Miller. He worries that talking about his views could cost him friendships if someone does not agree or has an opposite opinion. “I try to steer clear of the discussion,” Miller said. “Many people take these ideas far too seriously, risking the loss of relationships to prove a point. It is for this reason that I remain silent.” Reese said she feels comfortable talking about politics, but is careful not to offend anyone. That can be hard to navigate. “If not all the people I am around have the same views, then I do not feel comfortable,” Reese
The Vanguard Review November 2, 2020
Discussing politics and controversial topics can be tough, but respect and kindness go a long way
said. “I’m not very comfortable watch ing people argue about politics.” On the opposite end, there are those, like Dana Burton, senior. Who do not mind sharing their political views at all. “I feel comfortable sharing my opinions on controversial issues because not only is it a stimulating topic of discussion, but it’s important to expand my views and learn about others’ perspectives,” Burton said. “A great way to educate yourself and others is to share ideas.” However when sharing views, uncomfortable situations can arise, especially with family and friends. “Compared to my family, I have a liberal political stance,” Burton said. “Sometimes an excuse [they give] is that I’m so young or my sources aren’t reliable, but I believe my generation has an important, fresh perspective on many issues that were not recognized even a few decades ago.” Karoline Horner, freshman, said being more accepting of differences can help you get through an uncomfortable conversation. “It does not make me feel good, but I had to realize that it’s OK if other people have different beliefs than I do,” Horner said. “Everyone’s opinion has been shaped by their own life experiences,” Davis said, “so we shouldn’t judge people for thinking the way that they do.” “During this time it is more important than ever to be respectful and tolerant, and to be open-minded,” she said. “I think it is important for people to respect each other with respect to their opinions.” When arguing or discussing a topic it is extremely important to be respectful. “Just listen to them and show that we care about their opinions even if we don’t believe in what they are saying.” Reese said. “There is no reason to be unkind to someone. Show them respect and kindness.” Burton agrees. “Sometimes simple phrasing can make all the difference in the tone of a conversation or debate, such as “in my opinion” or “I disagree,” instead of telling someone they’re flat out wrong. Help someone change their views on something that is wrong by presenting facts rather than personal opinions.
Writing snaps Scale Poem
Art by Daphne Templin However, if it becomes clear that they’re unwilling to change, sometimes it’s best to accept it after realizing you tried your best to better inform them.” Miller suggests the following phrases when explaining a topic. “Respond with something like “I understand why you feel that way and respect your beliefs,” he said. “Then say, ‘This is how I feel…’” In a divided nation, one way to have hope is to be prepared and educated for the future. “I think a big reason why people are so much more divided on social issues than in the past is because there’s tremendously better access to news and information and more opportunities to voice opinions thanks to social media,” Burton said. “Honestly, no one ever has or will completely agree on one thing, which is what fuels the political climate, an essential part of our society. For the decades to come, there will be a lot of back and
forth between laws allowing or taking away rights as different political parties are elected into office.” Miller said he thinks a lack of civil discourse could lead to bad consequences. “I believe that if we can’t get things under control, people will turn to fighting to resolve conflicts, rather than simply discussing their views,” he said. What good comes from listening and learning from others? Horner said she believes many great friendships can come from having conversations about different views on subjects. Burton said she thinks listening is the key. “If everyone properly listened to and considered others’ viewpoints, there’d likely be a lot more compromise on solutions to these issues,” she said. Sometimes, just being heard is enough. “[When we take time to listen], people will feel heard,” Reese said. “Sometimes that is all people want is to feel heard and to be understood.”
We The People NOVEMBER PLAYLIST Easy listening and a few songs that scream for a better future for our country
Anonymous
There you are. Just lounging every morning, Blankly staring at the ceiling, Waiting to determine my fate once again.
Finally, you show me The blinding number that is less than last time, But not the one I want. Make it smaller!
I timidly approach you, Sucking in my stomach, Praying that today will be better, Which is all determined by you.
Why don’t you care about me? Don’t you want me to be happy? Just tell me what I want, And then I will be content.
I step onto your cold, flat surface. Your bright light stares into my eyes, Playfully teasing me as the numbers fluctuate, But I never find it funny.
I hate you. Your smug face mocks me, Lies to me, Hurts me.
I wait. I weight. I wait. I weight.
But then your face disappears, And the worst part is That you were telling the truth. Thank you.
Composed by Emily Coleman This is America / Childish Gambino
Blue World / Mac Miller
Harvest Moon / Neil Young
Break My Stride / Matthew Wilder
Revolution / The Beatles
This Feeling / Alabama Shakes
Heart of Glass (cover) / Miley Cyrus
San Francisco / Scott McKenzie
River / Leon Bridges
Light On / Maggie Rogers
Great Big Bundle of Love / Brenton Wood
Birds Don’t Sing / French Exit
Changes / Charles Bradley
sports
The Vanguard Review November 2, 2020
Upcoming Games VARSITY FOOTBALL Nov. 6 McKinney Playoffs TBA
7:30
CROSS COUNTRY STATE MEET Nov. 2 Waco ISD 8:00 HS BASKETBALL Nov. 17 Allen Academy Nov. 20 @Aquilla Nov. 17 Allen Academy Nov. 20 @Aquilla Nov. 23 Rapoport
7:00 7:00 6:00 6:00 4:00/5:00
MS BASKETBALL Nov. 1 @Aggieland Nov. 16 @St. Mary’s W Nov. 19 CTCS Nov. 30 TX Wind
5/6/7/8 5/6/7/8 5/6/7/8 5/6/7/8
*Home games listed in bold ANNOUNCEMENTS Congrats to the varsity tennis team for winning first place in the TAPPS State Team Tennis tournament. The team competed on Oct. 19-20 in Round Rock.
Congrats to the Viking Guard for their participation in the TAPPS 2020 Drumline Championships on Oct. 26 at La Vega.
The road to recovery
Overcoming disappointment and staying positive key in bouncing back from an injury
H
ow does an athlete stay positive after suffering from a season-ending injury? Recovering from an injury and being forced to go through the suffering of a potentially season-ending injury certainly takes its toll on the athlete’s state of mind. Depression, anxiety, disordered eating and substance use or abuse are some of the effects an injury may have on an athlete, according to a study by the NCAA Sports Science Institute. After suffering from an injury, an athlete’s confidence also begins to waver from the fear of injuring it worse than it was before. However, this fear also creates a drive for many athletes to come back even stronger than before the injury. During the fall season, injuries have come fast and unforgiving, as there already are many students walking around campus on crutches or in casts. Although these are all physically painful, many athletes describe the worst part of the injury as being the fact that they cannot contribute to their team. A common feeling after being injured is overwhelming guilt. Marlow Welch is a junior wide-receiver, who was looking forward to a promising season. However, it was cut short after an elbow injury that required surgery. “The feeling of knowing that you could help your team if you were healthy puts unnecessary guilt on yourself,” Welch said. Although these athletes may not be able to support their team on the football field or volleyball court, simply their attendance at a game boosts the confidence of their team. Haleigh Borg, a junior volleyball player, said she continues to support her team by her presence. “I travel everywhere and to practices, just stay supportive for them,” Borg said. The presence of an injured player shows the determination and will of the athlete to be back with their team to positively impact the game. The feeling of uselessness to the team and emotions of helplessness also arise during one’s recovery and injury. Viking running back and junior David Wyche said he is disappointed that he “couldn’t be [his] normal self and couldn’t help [his] team when they needed [him].” These injuries can rather place the athlete in a negative mindset. How can an athlete recover from
Athlete Spotlight: Alex Dietz
Photo by Walker Nall / VR staff
7
Walker Nall ‘22 sports reporter
injuries of such great magnitude? There are multiple tactics on how to look forward and break through the barriers put in place by injuries. One of the most effective forms of recovery is to simply have a positive mindset, according to Dan Pillow, a sports psychologist with the Henry Ford LiveWell system. It is very difficult to heal from an injury when the athletes are not thinking on the brighter side of their setback. After suffering from an injury, every athlete wants to be healed immediately and be ready to get back to the field or court tomorrow. However, this simply is not how the body works. Getting a check up on her sprained ankle, freshman volleyball The desire to be better still does not player Arabella Rosiles discusses her recovery protocol with cause one to automatically be back into athletic trainer Tyler Harmon in the VCPS training room. Photo by Walker Nall / VR staff the game. “No matter how you heal, it won’t injury also creates a problem. One of the main sethappen tomorrow or the day after,” Pillow said. backs for her is having to rebuild muscle lost from Welch said he acknowledges this and has be- her inability to constantly build muscle on her angun his path to recovery. kle. “I’m staying positive during this down peri“You have to build your strength back to be od [by] reminding myself that I will be back and able to play,” Borg said. able to help the team when they need it the most,” In professional sports, there are instances of Welch said. a player being sidelined due to an injury and then This way of thinking is what begins to fuel his later contemplating their entire future and whether confidence and efforts to be back on the field this or not there is a reason to continue in trying to get year to help his team to win, he said. better. These thoughts can be extremely dangerous Other forms of recovery can come from those and are not to be taken lightly. closest to a player. Wyche said his friends helped For example in 2010, a wide receiver for the him tremendously through a broken collarbone that Denver Broncos suffered a knee injury. He evenhas possibly ended his season. tually became despondent and difficult to reach. Recovering from an injury is significantly eas- A few days later he was found with self-inflicted ier when one is surrounded by friends and family wounds that, according to reports, led to his death. providing constant support. These accounts are rare. With the help of close “With the right personal care for the athlete, friends and loved ones, injured athletes can make you can find their favorite motivator and keep full recoveries. For this reason, an athletic trainer is them grinding throughout their rehabilitation pro- required by most leagues in order to restore players cess with little setback,” head athletic trainer Tyler back to as close to 100 percent as possible. Harmon said. “Everyone is different, so finding a In most sports, it is inevitable to avoid some motivator can be difficult.” type of injury. However, according to Pillow, when Finding people who continue to encourage you an injured athlete takes ownership of the situation, through an injury are crucial to “keeping a positive he or she ensures that the injury doesn’t have powmentality,” he added. er over them. This will help the athlete overcome Borg’s recovery time span is not the entire the mental aspect and get back on their feet. length of her season, but the lack of use from an
Walker Nall ‘22 sports reporter
Vanguard Review: What motivates you to participate in cross country? Alex Dietz: A combination of my desires to improve upon myself and perform well for our team and Vanguard, and the simple pleasure of going on a morning run.
VR: How do you mentally prepare for an upcoming meet? AD: Before a meet I get hyped with other runners and imagine myself succeeding to get pepped, but immediately before I run I get more calm, focused and determined.
VR: How do you get excited before a meet? AD: Being around other runners and getting hyped up with them is the main way I get excited for meets.
VR: Does the weather impact your performance? AD: Hot weather can drastically worsen my performance. However, cold weather and rain don’t affect me too much, al-
though mud can slow me down. VR: Why did you start running cross country? AD: I honestly started for the athletic credit and because my brother was doing it. Over time, I grew to love cross country, and I plan on continuing to run and improve through senior year.
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The Vanguard Review November 2, 2020
November Junior Staff Features
Girls on the field
A first for VCPS athletics, two girls join MS football team this season
T
Hutson Harper ‘25 junior reporter
Marc Offill ‘25 junior reporter
he middle school football team has started out strong this year, snagging Coach Hunter Edmundson his first win as the VCPS middle school head coach. The team is led by the two captains, Jaxson Burch and Boyd Estepp. This year, two girls — Sabeen Shawbaki and Melina Garman — have joined the team. This is a first for the Vikings, but anyone is welcome to the team. The girls are playing well, hoping to help the team get better everyday. Shawbaki is No. 23, playing the position of defensive end, while Garman is No. 21 at the position of nose tackle. The girls talked with the Vanguard Review about their experience on the team so far. “I’ve always been interested and never been somewhere that accepted girls on the football team,” Garman said. Shawbaki’s love of the sport was her motivation. “I decided to play because of my passion for the sport,” Shawbaki said. (above) Watching the action, Sabeen Shawbaki and Melina Garman, seventh grade, wait for their turn to go into Playing middle school football is a tough a middle school football game against Reicher on Sept. 24. (top right) Shawbaki said her teammates made her job. feel like she belongs. (bottom right) Garman said she has never gone to a school where girls were accepted on the “The toughest part about being on the football team. team is being sore after working out every Shawbaki said she finds it difficult to deal team, both girls said. day,” Garman said. with the impressions from other “It’s a team and everyone is cool and funny,”
“I feel accepted and like I belong on the team. Coach teams. is very supportive and treats me as a player and my teammates treat me like a friend.” — Sabeen Shawbaki, 7th grade
“I get a lot of hate from the other team because I’m a girl,” Shawbaki said. There are a lot of things to like about being on the football
Shawbaki said. “I feel accepted and like I belong on the team. Coach is very supportive and treats me as a player and my teammates treat me like a friend.” Garman agreed. “I feel treated the same and I feel included,” Garman said.
Halloween hauntings
Middle schoolers reveal their spooky — and not so spooky —costumes for school contest “Lucas Scott from One Tree Hill.” — Bella Tonkin, 7th “A Sourpatch kid.” — Harper Peel, 7th “Fun Dip.” — Allison Ressetar, 7th
“Terminator.”— Chris Xolalpa, 7th “A Hogwarts character.” — Grace Bergerson, 7th “A hippie.” — Toni Mickleburgh, 7th
Junior Staff 2020-2021 Willow Alexander Madlenne Braus Aria Cleveland Hope Hamblin Hutson Harper Toni Mickleburgh Marcus Offill Aiyana Pettes Jordan Young
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