Issuu

The Retro Issue

Driving Down Memory Lane

Drive into the last generation's muscle cars with some Vikings Page 7

We Never Go Out of Style

Vikings bring retro fashion into today's modern style Pages 13-14

Class of 2025

Flashback and looking to the future Pages 18-19

Thank you for 18 years of dedicated service to our students and school. Your heart for education has helped Vanguard become Waco’s Best College Preparatory School.

Bill Borg

Editors-in-Chief

Aria Cleveland & Madelyn Kim

Reporter

Grace Bergerson

Reporter & Business Manager

Sara Clark

Reporter

Charlie Stewart

Reporter

Jonah Sutton

Reporter

Selina Jung

Reporter

Susanna Merchant

Adviser

Gretchen Eichenberg

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 magazine that students can read to be educated and informed.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Vanguard College Preparatory School has a total student population of 292.

Vol. 51 No. 4

Vanguard College Preparatory School

2517 Mt Carmel Dr Waco, Texas 76710

254 772-8111

vanguard_review@vanguard.org

Sophomore Blake Balusek — with

CHEERS TO MR. BORG!

Congrats on 18 years at Vanguard and more than 50 years in education!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

HS Athletic Celebration

May 10

Toast & Adios

May 12

AP Exams

May 5-16

Dead Days

May 12-13

Field Day

May 13

Senior Exams

May 12-14

Semester 2 Exams

May 14-20

MS Awards Ceremony

May 21

HS Awards & Senior Recognition

May 22

Graduation

May 23

6:00 p.m. at Jones Concert Hall

From

the Editor

CROSSING THE FINISH LINE

The end of the school year is getting closer and closer, and you can definitely feel it. The hallways are buzzing with both nerves and excitement, finals and AP exams are creeping up fast and so is the promise of an exciting summer waiting just around the corner. For some of us, it’s not just the end of another school year — it’s the last time walking these halls, the last few moments in classrooms we’ve called home and the beginning of something entirely new.

This final issue of the Vanguard Review is all about looking back — remembering the little things, honoring what’s timeless and celebrating the stories that never go out of style.

The overall theme of this issue is retro and vintage, and we had a lot of fun diving into it. Inside, you’ll find stories that rewind time, from a look at classic, vintage cars to the mystery of plane crashes. We explore the world of thrifting, and how it’s become more than just a trend. We check out the vinyl records, which are spinning their way into a our generation again. And we break down

the classic fashion trends that are making a return.

Through these stories, we’ve tried to bring together past and present, showing how the things that defined generations before us are still very much alive. Because whether it’s a jacket from your dad’s closet or a record you found at a thrift store, some pieces of the past still carry their charm into today.

And of course, with graduation just around the corner, we’re proud to highlight the Class of 2025 — we are ready to take their next steps into the world. To the underclassmen reading this: Time moves faster than you think, and before you know it, it’ll be your turn to walk across that stage, and begin your own next chapter. Last but not least, after 18 amazing years at Vanguard, Mr.Borg is retiring at the end of this school year. Let's take a moment to appreciate his commitment to Vanguard and wish him the best.

We hope this issue takes you back, makes you think, and maybe even inspires you to dig out your dad’s old records or hit the thrift store this weekend.

Madelyn Kim Co-Editor-in-Chief

UP FOR THE CHALLENGE

The Viking Challenge team proved their general knowledge of history, literature, science and math, by reigning victorious in the Waco Rotary Challenge, placing 1st out of 13 and winning $1,000 for the school. "My favorite thing was being able to work as a team and to put all our heads together to answer whatever question that they threw at us," said John Luke Davis, who specialized in pop culture, science and sports.

Viking Challenge Team: (left to right) Patrick Nielson , Aria Cleveland, John Luke Davis, Sam Hunt and Owen Roos Sponsor Mirko Murillo (not pictured)

FINDING THE SILVER LINING

BY ARIA CLEVELAND CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Ihave this vivid memory from Mrs. Flowers’ middle school science class:

A student asked: “Do we have any homework we need to do tonight?” Her reply: “No, you have homework you GET to do.” This simple shift in perspective changed my entire understanding of the concept of homework as a whole and made me grateful to have a teacher and a school with a positive outlook.

Let’s say you’re having a bad day. Your mom yelled at you for not doing a chore, and you failed your science test. But someone says something as simple as ‘I know you can get through this’ or a ‘You’re doing great.’ It’s not much, but it’s enough to put a pep in your step and

a small smile on your face. While it may seem foolish, positivity is necessary to be happy and make other people happy — and it can be as simple as just saying something nice.

Sometimes I’ll hear kids comparing how bad their situation is — and I understand that talking about how great your life is might sound arrogant in that moment. But trying to be the winner of having the worst life is just sad.

I understand toxic positivity —the repression of negative emotions — but I don’t think that is as big of a problem as the overall lack of optimism in this world.

Positivity and encouragement are qualities I love to see wherever I go, and even if it doesn’t actually help the person it’s aimed at, the notion of people helping people for the sake of it — it's amazing. Even medicine stands up for positivity. Mayo Clinic published a study,

led by cardiologist Stephen Kopecky, that showed that people with a positive outlook who were at risk of a heart attack or heart problem, were one-third as likely to actually develop or experience a cardiovascular incident as those with a more negative mindset.

And it's not just kids. When’s the last time you heard a teacher talk about how good a class did and not how bad? I always hear teachers say: “The average for this test was a 67 percent. We need to do better class.” What about all the other times when the average was in the high 80s or even in the 90s? What I mean to say is that even teachers sometimes contribute to a negative setting.

I understand that sadness is an emotion that needs to be felt, and I am not telling everyone to suppress their emotions by pretending to be happy, but

BLOWING OFF NEGATIVE EMOTIONS DOES MORE HARM THAN GOOD OPINION

BY GRACE BERGERSON REPORTER

Be more positive. ‘Things are only going bad because of your mindset.’ ‘Things could always be worse.’ When someone is feeling down. They are commonly told these phrases because, at times, it feels like a positive approach is the only one acceptable in tough situations.

Some people believe that no matter what, things could be better with the simple change of a mindset. And that can certainly be true. Some people are simply optimistic, and positivity absolutely has its own place. But while being positive can be a good thing, it can also be incredibly toxic.

Toxic positivity occurs when comments undermine painful or difficult emotions with unrealistically positive expectations, according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America.

For instance, if someone is having a bad day, telling them to just ‘be happy’ or ‘think more positively’ likely will not make them feel any better about the situation. If someone is already struggling, providing support and lending a listening ear is more helpful than invalidating their feelings at that moment.

Everyone has had a moment in their life where the main thing that they needed was love and support. Maybe things could be worse, but in that moment, people should feel that they are allowed to feel badly. Telling them ‘things could be worse’ or to just ‘be pos-

itive’ invalidates their pain.

The viewpoint of everything focusing on having a positive attitude can cause people to suppress their feelings. Sometimes someone needs time to be upset or express their negative feelings to move on from a situation. Oftentimes, a little bit of negativity can also be a form of rationality. Some situations just cannot be fixed, and assuming they will go well can be very disheartening when they do go bad.

Understanding that things will not always be perfect is important, and a ‘too’ positive view can really cause someone to detach from the realness of a situation. Humans experience a wide range of emotions, good and bad, and all hold an important place in our lives.

RETRO

Drive into the last generation's muscle cars with a few Viking students

BY CHARLIE STEWART REPORTER

Whether built for speed and power or luxury and just looks, American-made, two-door sports coupes — also known as muscle cars — have defined the last century as many students dream of one day getting behind the wheel and screeching out of the school parking lot.

Two Vikings still appreciate the classic awesomeness of muscle cars — and are lucky enough to drive one every day or on occasion. The VR caught up with Blake Balusek and Landry Stewart to find out more about their cool rides.

Sophomore Blake Balusek has a 1991 Pontiac Firebird that’s “decently powered,” he said.

“It has 305 cu in the Chevy Small Block. Should make about 170 hp,” Balusek said The Firebird was made in 1967 with the first generation that was made just a few months after the Chevrolet Camaro to rival the American Ford Mustang. The first generation ran for two years till the year 1969.

to compete against other American muscle, mainly the Chevy Camaro and the Ford Mustang. The 3rd generation Firebird had a starting price just under 8,000 dollars.

The second generation ran from the year 1970-1981. The car had the Ram Air IV engine which could produce up to 370 horsepower and had a 0-60 time around 6-7 seconds.

“The elitists will tell you that you have to have a 350," he said, “but mine still makes the tires squeal so I think it’s fine. I’m thinking about eventually saving up to swap my 305 for a 350 or maybe an LS. I might swap out the transmission for a five speed too.”

They made roughly 300,000 second gen Firebirds according to Automobile Catalog.

“It gives me a little boost of confidence,” Balusek said.

Blake’s is the third generation. Its model ran from 1982 till 1992. The car was made

natural shine that highlights the red and white paint. The original price of the car is only $3,513 which is about $45,000 dollars in today's currency.

Pontiac stopped making the Firebird for a few reasons. The market changed preferences making them have to completely change the body style of the car from the 3rd to 4th generation. The parent company, General Motors was losing money and due to financial struggles they had to stop production of the Firebird. Pontiac completely stopped production of vehicles in 2010 due to financial problems.

Another icon in the muscle car world is the Chevrolet Corvette. The Corvette was first manufactured in 1953. Junior Landry Stewart’s family has a 1959 Corvette which is the first generation of Corvettes. The Corvette was made to rival American muscle with all the cars having a v8 engine.

“I think the car is cool, but it is very hard to drive,” Stewart said.

The car's shiny silver grille gives it a

The 1959 Corvette is the first of eight generations, all having major improvements from the last. “It was my grandfather’s,” Stewart said. “When he moved out of his house he gave it to my mom”

The iconic classy look is a favorite in many movies like American Graffiti and 2022 Batman. The car's round tail lights give it a sporty and classical look.

“I like driving it around even though I don’t drive it very often,” Stewart said.

The Corvette is still in production today with its newest car being the 2025 ZR-1. The ZR-1 has a top speed of 233 mph and a 0-60 in under 2.5 seconds. This is the first General Motors car that has rivaled Italian super cars.

Sophomore Blake Balusek poses with his 1991 Pontiac Firebird TransAm in his retro styled clothes. Photo by Aria Cleveland /VR staff In her sparkly black dress, junior Landry Stewart looks elegant next to her dad's 1959 Corvette, which she drives on occasion. Photo by Charlie Stewart/VR staff

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

FEELING THE VINTAGE VIBES

From his style to his hair and music, Blake Balusek embodies the retro comeback

BY ARIA CLEVELAND CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

No one embodies retro style more than sophomore Blake Balusek. From his '90s muscle car to his wide-leg jeans and favorite music, Balusek doesn’t just talk the talk – he walks the walk every day.

A 1991 open Firebird Trans Am rolls up to the school parking lot alongside the Mazdas and Chevrolets, coming to a stop with Bob Dylan’s voice pouring out of the speakers. Out steps Balusek with slickedback hair and a tasseled jacket, looking like someone from a 1970s movie star poster.

While you might think it was a family car, Balusek first saw the car sitting in his

neighbor’s driveway and knew he wanted to drive it one day.

“When I was 11 or 12, I begged this lady who was a neighbor of mine for an offer on her car, which had been sitting in her driveway for 15 years at that point,” he said. “I knocked and called quite a bit, but nothing seemed to come from it. Eventually, when I was 13 or 14, she called and said that she was moving and that if I could get the car off her driveway, I could keep it. She never ended up moving, but I got the car anyway.”

Gothic rhinestone cowboy look, first coined by Glen Campbell in his hit song “Rhinestone Cowboy, and has had a few influences throughout the last century.

“Although my current style isn’t based on anyone in particular, David Bowie is a fashion icon,” he said. “I think anyone even remotely interested in fashion should look at his eras and characters.”

Other 70s-80s musicians influenced Balusek’s style on theme with the other retro comebacks that have recently returned, like low-rise jeans and record players.

“Johnny Cash is also [one of my influences] with his ‘Man in Black’ persona,” he said. “Although it may not show, I also greatly admire Gothic fashion. Artists like Siouxsie Sioux, Robert Smith, and Rozz Williams are great fashion icons.”

Music has not just influenced Balusek’s clothing style but also what he does in his free time.

“I play guitar,” he said. “I’m not very good, but I’m trying to learn theory. My guitar is a 1961 Epiphone Casino which was my grandfather’s first electric guitar. I inherited it, and I love it.”

Balusek also takes pride in his music tastes which he has evolved from Imagine Dragons and Green Day to more niche bands and music genres, but he still has preferences like anybody else.

“I don’t really know why, but recently, I’ve gotten a lot more interested in music,” he said. “By recently, I mean the last three years. I’m by no means an expert. I have a lot to still listen to. I’m definitely biased towards some genres. I used to be worse though, but looking back my taste wasn’t very good either. I’m open to all types of music really. But some things I really can’t like. I really hate "Stayin’ Alive" by The Bees Gees, but some of their other songs are alright.”

In addition to his car, style and music, Balusek is also interested in academics,

"David Bowie is a fashion icon."

- Blake Balusek, sophomore

especially in history, which has contributed to his life and passions.

Balusek also recently discovered the

“I’ve always been innately interested in history,” he said. “I’ve always had a curiosity for it. When I was younger. I never really was interested in fantasy. I never read Harry Potter or anything like that. Instead, I’d read The Magic Tree House or anything historyrelated I could find in my elementary school’s library.”

Leaning against his 1991 Pontiac Firebird TransAm, sophomore Blake Balusek sports his two-tone wide-leg jeans and fringed leather jacket while his hair flows in the wind. Photo by Aria Cleveland/VR Staff

A NEW

BY GRACE BERGERSON REPORTER

FSPIN ON VINYLS

Gen Z vinyl collectors share their inspiration and favorite records

rom the early 19th century to this very days, the vinyl record has fluctuated in popularity, and today's teens are returning to this old form of media. Some might find physical media to be an archaic thing to have in the age of digital media, but nevertheless records have seen an explosion in interest.

A vinyl record is a round, flat music storage medium made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The sound is encoded in a groove on the surface of the record and it’s played on a turntable where a needle is placed in the groove, and as the record spins, the needle vibrates, converting into electrical signals that are amplified and sent to a speaker.

Vinyls first started becoming popular in the 1940s-1950s but reached their peak popularity in the 1970s. At the time, they were one of the easiest ways to listen to an album all the way through and listen to the entire discography of a specific music artist.

"He started collecting a while ago," Swanson said, "and I've just grown up with vinyls. My family has 100-200”

Sophomore Luca Meehan said he also was influenced into collecting by his family.

“I started collecting records since we’ve always had a record player and I recently began to really define my taste in music,” Meehan said. “Me and my family have around 20 vinyls but I only recently started collecting last year and I personally have around six or seven.”

The company RCA Victor launched the first commercially available vinyl long-playing record in 1930.

Despite there now being more accessible ways to listen to music such as music apps like Spotify or Apple Music, vinyl records have remained popular. In fact, they have been facing some sort of revival.

Stan Wojciechowski, owner of the local vinyl record shop Spin Connection, said the popularity of collecting may come in part from kids' parents.

Collecting vinyl records is also a way for people to continue to follow and support their favorite music artists. Even without a record player, they can serve as collector's items to display.

"Sometimes they have parents that appreciate it and maybe still do play vinyl and they try to pass it along to their kids," Wojciechowski said. "And if it's played on a decent system, there's nothing better."

But they are definitely discovering vinyls on their own too, Wojciechowski said.

"They're discovering them on their own and through their friends," Wojciechowski said. "What's cool about having an actual record in your hand, rather than just downloading it, is that you can read the back covers and learn some history about the band or get the lyrics and that kind of stuff."

Junior Henry Swanson said his dad's collection caught his interest.

“I think I have about 14 or so vinyls,” sophomore Ainslee Doughty said. “My mom got me a record player for Christmas a few years ago and I started collecting vinyls. I love the nostalgic sound of records so much.”

Freshman Brysin Verde is also a collector.

“I got into vinyl collecting because I’ve always liked music so I thought I should start collecting albums,” he said.

Everyone's collection looks different.

“There's not really any artists we collect, but we almost have all of The Decemberists albums so we keep looking for those,” said Swanson.

Emily VanCleave, junior, said she collects vinyls from several artists.

“I currently have mostly Cage the Elephant records," she said, "but I also collect Weezer, Modest Mouse and some other 90s rock bands."

Meehan said he also specifically buys vinyl records from certain music artists.

“Artists who I make a goal of collecting

multiple records from are Hozier and Lord Huron, as I am a fan of both their whole discographies,” Meehan said.

Another appeal to vinyl collecting is that many vinyls have multiple editions made with different colors, album covers and variety.

“I do seek out special vinyls just because it’s fun to have a vinyl record not the color black,” Verde said.

VanCleave said she loves to purchase special editions.

"I recently went to a record store in Fort Worth and discovered that retail-exclusive wax colors exist,” she said. “Now I seek them out if I can find them."

In any collection, there are also many favorites.

“My favorite vinyl is my Frank Ocean Blonde vinyl, because it’s one of my favorite albums,” Verde said.

Swanson has his top pick as well.

“My favorite record is "I'll be Your Girl" by The Decemberists,” he said.

Meehan said his favorite vinyl is RKS’s ‘How to: Friend, Love, Freefall.’

“It is my favorite indie rock album in the last few years,” Meehan said.

There are also vinyls people have hopes of adding to their collections.

“A vinyl I would like to have is Igor by Tyler, the Creator,” Verde said.

Swanson hopes to add the album "Songs" by Adrianne Lenker or "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" by Wilco to his collection.

“Every time I go to Austin we pick up a record so I'll get them eventually,” he said.

Meehan said he looks forward to getting M83’s ‘Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming’ twodisc record.

As bands have disbanded and pressed limited editions of vinyls, some have become incredibly valuable.

“Push and Shove by No Doubt is probably the most valuable,” VanCleave said. “It's the last album No Doubt released before their disbandment, and the special edition with the picture disc is no longer available.”

"Vinyls are a way you can kind of collect all the memories of your life," Wojciechowski said.

"You can grab an old album and when you hear an old song from way back, all of a sudden you're transported,” he said. “I can put a Beatles song on and I'm transported to my bedroom when I was 11 years old and I can remember listening to them and loving them. All that stuff comes back to you. Music has that power, all genres."

We Never Go Out Of Style

Vikings bring retro fashion into today's modern style

BY SARA CLARK REPORTER

Flashy colors, funky patterns and bold clothing are some words to describe the iconic style of the 80s and 90s. You might have heard your parents say “I can’t believe this is coming back in style” and you just roll your eyes and keep walking. But it’s true — The 80s and 90s fashion is coming back and some fashion trends at Vanguard can attest to that.

“The streetwear and 90s skater style really influences [my style]” Freshman August Ket said. With so many iconic fashion trends Ket describes how baggy jeans are his favorite trends. “They are awesome and I think it’s really cool that I’m seeing a rise in their popularity.”

But confidence is key.

“I really like baggy pants and a looser t-shirt alongside a cool pair of sneakers,” Ket said. “I feel more confident when I wear these because it makes me stand out a little more and I feel better in clothes I like that

Baggy jeans

Popular in the 1980s, baggy jeans, also known as wide leg jeans made there come back around 2020. Baggy jeans have made their way through skateboarding culture to rap culture to now every day life.

are different from everybody else.”

While the Internet might have an influence, parents do as well.

“I think 90’s alternative fashion inspires me a bit and my dad's old clothes inspires me a lot,” eighth grader Zoe Green said. “Most of the clothes I wear are actually my dad's old clothes from the 90’s-2000 or clothes I get at thrift stores.”

Baggy clothes tend to be a popular trend with the Vikings, Green describes the trends she loves.

“[I like] platform shoes because I think they look better than regular shoes and probably, jorts,” Green said. “I know people still wear jean shorts but I think more people need to wear JORTS.”

Accessories also can boost an outfit.

“I just feel most confident in clothes I like, the look of which usually means baggy clothing or a lot of jewelry, usually just a bunch of necklaces,” Green said You might have seen his leather jacket and cool car sophomore Blake Balusek describes his inspiration.

“Mostly as of now it’s mainly classic western wear, 50s-70s, but I’d like to have a more Gothic or glam look at some point,” Balusek said.

Jeans are popular for many students.

“I like pants.” he said, “I like to cover a lot of skin, but still have enough movement available to me i.e. wearing baggier stuff.”

Bell bottoms are Balusek’s favorite style of jean.

While the 90s are popular, so are the 60s.

“I get inspiration for my clothes from old pictures from either the 90s with the grunge style or from the 60s from hippies and their colorful outfits,” sophomore Luca Meehan said.

Confidence can be shown in clothing.

“I feel most confident in baggy clothes that embody my personality whether with graphics or colors that really pop,” he said.

Baggy jeans are the Viking favorite.

“My favorite throwback fashion trend is the re-emergence of flannels with baggy jeans from the late 90s and early 2000s,” Meehan said.

Flannels

Flannels were popular in the 1990s, fitting in with the popular grunge style. Flannels are coming back more recently for their versatility and comfort.

Continuing the 60s fashion, junior Owen Roos said

“My favorite throwback trend is the 60's granola style which heavily influences my style since it is heavily nature-oriented with an outdoorsy aesthetic,” Roos said. Colors can boost one's confidence if they match their palette.

“I would use a lot of color theory and layering to put together outfits,” Roos said. “Greens and tan colors really bring out the color of my eyes and hair which has definitely influenced my style.”

Temperature can also affect one’s style.

“During the summer when it gets warm, I have to be more creative with outfits wearing polos, Hawaiian shirts and linen shorts that give me more relaxed confidence as I enjoy my summer,” Roos said.

Jorts

In the 1980s, the hybrid of jeans and shorts came into play with 'jorts.' Also making their way through the grunge and rap eras, jorts have made their appearance in the modern era.

Neutral Colors

Coming into fashion during the 1990s minimalistic era, the idea of gender neutral colors became very popular. With the 2020s also being very modern, the idea of neutral colors fit right in.

Denim on Denim

Denim jackets and baggy jeans had a huge role in the 1990s they are coming back in style with modern twists to make the look more versatile.

PHOTOGRAPHY

VIVA SPRING BREAK

From old architecture to performances passed down through generations, the Vikings'

BY SUSANNA MERCHANT REPORTER

Grand artworks, fancy foods and big buildings are just a few of the many things that Vanguard students saw in Spain. On the 2025 spring break trip, high school students traveled overseas, staying in Madrid and Barcelona, and took some day trips to other regions of the country. The students rode by bus to Segovia, Toledo, Zaragoza, Figueres and Monteserrat during the visit.

1.The towering Aqueduct of Segovia is an ancient roman aqueduct that stands more than 90 ft. tall.

2.The Palace of Madrid is a great example of Baroque and Classical architecture still respected today.

3. The church La Sagrada Familia, designed by Antoni Gaudí in 1883, is still under construction to this day.

4. The group's tour guide Karim, all the way from France, was often heard saying “Hellooo, wakey wakey.”

5. A interesting sculpture stands outside of the Salvador Dali Theatre-Museum. The Theatre-Museum is filled with examples of surreal artworks, and even the building itself is art.

6. A bullfighting ring in Barcelona is now a shopping mall. Today, people can no longer watch the bulls, but they can shop, eat or stand on the roof and look down at a view of the city.

7. An alleyway with cobblestone streets and colorful buildings shines as the rain clears up.

8. The Cathedral of Toledo, with its Gothic architecture, is filled with many wellknown pieces of art.

9. A flamenco dancer strikes her final pose after finishing her dance. Flamenco is a big part of Spanish culture, incorporating singing, dancing, guitar and clapping for rhythm.

10. This roadside view shows a great portion of Toledo, Spain.

11. One of three Stradivarius violins is art of the Royal Palace of Madrid's extensive music collection. Just one of these violins can sell for over $20 million.

12. A bright and colorful stained-glass window is illuminated inside of the church La Sagrada Familia, designed by 19th century architect Antoni Gaudí.

LITERATURE BRAND NEW

Check out these romances that span the centuries, reviewed by VR staff with a passion for literature

THE JUST CITY

By Jo Walton

If you get lost in your thoughts thinking about the deep intricacies of human behavior, then you’ll love "The Just City" by Jo Walton, as it goes through the actualization of Plato’s Republic as a society fully intertwined with aspects of mythology, European history, and philosophy. The plot centers around people from across centuries who prayed to Pallas Athene (the Greek goddess Athena of wisdom) to live in the Republic, but as they try to make a hypothetical society into reality, they have to make choices that Plato never covered.

You may never love a book so much, so fast. It starts off quickly, especially with the switch to and from three perspectives of completely distinct characters. If you have been struggling to return to reading for pleasure, this book will get you out of your rut. It features philosophers from ancient to Renais-

sance times, such as Pico della Mirandola and Socrates (stylized Sokrates in the novel), while also including perspectives from the Greek god Apollo.

Reading this book fully immerses you in the moral conflicts regarding a society with all of its manual labor done by robots that seem to be developing themselves into types of artificial intelligence from the intertwining of the magic of the gods and technology. Walton also does not shy away from the more serious topics of running a society, such as death, conflict, love, crime, innovation and everything all governments have to take into account.

As the first in a trilogy, you won’t have to let go of the deeply intricate characters and friendships they form, which are compelling because they have genuine feelings instead of being artificial instruments to further a plot.

- Aria Cleveland

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS

By John Green

Popular young adult author John Green’s novel, "The Fault In Our Stars", was released in 2012. It shares the story of Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters, who are both diagnosed with cancer. This novel is one of the best out there. Being able to read what it is like to have cancer through Hazel's eyes makes the reader think more about what it is like to have cancer.

This book had some heart-breaking plot twists that truly got the reader to feel something. The way this book is written helps the reader understand what Hazel is really feeling. The way the emotions were present-

TRIED OR

ed truly makes the reader think more about how different things affect a person. The film adaptation did a really good job of making the movie come to life. The way John Green presents the emotions of the characters is so compelling. It has everything a book should need: laughter, tears and even a little bit of romance but not too much. The underlying message of hope was one of the things that made me enjoy reading this novel, as well as the way you could feel the same emotions as Hazel or Augustus. If you are looking for a read that will make you laugh but also pull at your heart, this would be the perfect novel for you. - Sara Clark

SENIORS

CLASS OF 2025: YESTERDAY

BY MADELYN KIM CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

... AND TOMORROW

From acceptances to taking one step forward, the Class of 2025 are ready to start a new journey

Kivan Andreas - McLennan Community College

Libby Attas - University of Arkansas

Lexi Barnett - Southwestern College

Katherine Bogan - University of Texas Arlington

Michael Cobb - Florida Polytechnic University

Kaydon Daniel - University of Texas at Austin

Zara Diaz - Texas A&M University

Jacie Grace Duncan - Tarleton State University

Jon Esparza - Texas A&M University

Holland Evans - Concordia University

Hutson Harper - Baylor University

Grant Herridge - Baylor University

Elizabeth Johnson - Clemson University

Sejin Joo - Austin Community College

Bentlee Keepers - Baylor University

Madelyn Kim - Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

Sean Kim - University of California Davis

Amy Kim - Purdue University

Lexi Latimer - University of Mississippi

Amelia Livesay - University of Arkansas

Katie Leigh Livesay - University of Arkansas

Ella Martinez - Auburn University

Ema Mathis - Oklahoma State University

Elle Morrison - Auburn University

Patrick Nielsen - Texas A&M University-Galveston

Kathryn Nguyen - Mclennan Community College

Marc Offill - Auburn University

Siwoo Park - University of Texas Arlington

Lucas Scala - University of Evansville

Aidan Schupbach - University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

Ben Sheppard - Baylor University

Townlin Starr - Texas Christian University

Jaycie Thornton - Texas Tech University

Grant Vest - Texas A&M University

Cat Williamson - University of Oklahoma

SPORTS

KEEPING YOUR HEAD IN

As technology evolves so does athlete protection and safety

BY JONAH SUTTON REPORTER

Every year, 3.8 million athletes suffer concussions, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). But protective headgear and helmets decrease the potential for severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) following a collision by reducing the acceleration of the head upon impact.

“The importance of helmets in sports can’t be underestimated,” said Antonio Mendoza, a D3 football player for Gallaudet University. “Brain health is of the highest importance and anything that we can do to prevent injury is important to the game. Any injury to the brain is a serious matter and can lead to even more serious

HELMETS IN HISTORY

issues. Helmets help us protect ourselves as they are designed to absorb the impact, making it less of a blow for the individual.”

While helmets have been used for thousands of years in battle armor, it’s just been in the last century that they have become an important or required piece of sports equipment.

3.8 million

athletes suffer concussions

each year.

The first record of a football helmet being worn was at an Army-Navy game in 1893 — and it was made of soft leather padding, according to the NIH. The NCAA began requiring football players to wear the leather helmets in 1939, with the NFL following in 1943. Later, plastic and metal were added to provide additional protection. At this time, the helmet industry was being dominated by Riddell, unlike now where there are multiple brands of helmets including Riddell, Vicis, Schutt and Xenith.

While helmets might seem like a simple piece of equipment, the construction of them

— National Institutes of Health

is very complex. They aren’t just one solid piece, but instead are made of multiple pieces that shift when they take contact. This spreads out the impact and the danger that comes from big hits.

“Helmets allow this by flexing in spots and giving some movement of the head against the pads inside,” Brad Schupbach, varsity football coach and Dean of students, said. “This flex gives somewhat of a cushion to prevent the sudden stop that can be dangerous for the brain.”

1893-The first-ever headgear is worn by George Barcly in a game CFB who wore earpieces and straps to protect his ears.

As time has passed, helmets have been

1943 -The NFL requires the use of helmets and a few years later, in 1949, they switched to plastic helmets.

1920 -Helmets become widespread but were just leather padding, being optional in games and practices

Photo by Annie Johnson/Bifrost staff

ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Lexi Barnett, '25, Varsity Softball

Vanguard Review: When did you start softball?

Lexi Barnett: I started playing softball when I was about four years old.

VR: What is your favorite thing about it?

LB: My favorite thing about softball is probably everything but I would probably say the girls I play with because I get to make new friends with every team I play with.

VR: Which has been your favorite team?

LB: I have played for about 10 select teams since I was 10 years old. My favorite team was probably my 12u-14u Waco Heat team. I loved all the girls on that team and all of my coaches.

BY SARA CLARK REPORTER

VR: How does being committed feel?

LB: Being committed makes me feel happy, knowing I get this opportunity to play at a higher level and not just end my career after high school. When I committed [to Builder Softball at Southwestern College] I felt relieved knowing I had found my home.

VR: What do you think before you pitch?

LB: Before I pitch, honestly, my mind goes blank, and I just hope it is a strike, but for the next pitch, if the previous pitch was not how it was supposed to be, I think about my corrections.

VR: What's your biggest achievement?

LB: My biggest achievement would probably be being able to commit for softball because that was always the end goal.

Mendoza wears a specially modified helmet made by AT&T. Photo by Gabriel Dominguez Photography

IN THE GAME

made with smaller pieces.

“The changes I have seen over my time have been more related to moving parts of the helmet, to better take on a collision,” Schupbach said.

The many parts move around, dispersing the hit lessening the effect on the head.

You might think helmets protect athletes mostly from hits against other players, but they mostly protect players from hitting the ground.

“The ground is the worst enemy for head injuries and there are not many sports that are not played on a surface area,” Schupbach said. “One example would be MMA fighting. You see someone get knocked out and fall. After they hit their head on the ground, most show posturing in their arms and legs. Now

"The ground is the worst enemy for head injuries..."

—

Brad Schupbach. Varsity football coach and Dean of Students

was this caused by the hit from a fist or the sudden stop of the ground.”

Many advancements have been made over the past 130+ years and now helmets are also being made to accommodate disabilities. Mendoza, who is a hearingimpaired football player, got to wear a new helmet this season, designed not only to protect the player but also to improve communication with the sideline for called plays.

“We partnered with AT&T and built a helmet that included a 5G chip, and a small display covering the right eye,” said Mendoza.

The coach has their own system which sends the play to the players on the field, which pop up on the display.

“The image shown looks like it is out in front of you, floating in space,” Mendoza said. “Coach calls a play on the sideline with a tablet, and it’s instantly sent into the helmet where it shows up on the display for the players to see.” This is

2002-Due to a study of head injuries, Riddell comes out with the revolution which was the first helmet in almost 25 years to significantly be remodeled.

just one of many ways helmets have improved beyond what we expected.

1962-The NFL requires the use of face masks for protecting their face but also improving the strength of the helmet.

ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Grant Vest, '25, Varsity Golf

Vanguard Review: What’s your favorite club in your bag?

Grant Vest: My favorite club is my putter because making a long putt is the best feeling.

VR: What type of golf ball do you play?

GV: I play any Titleist golf ball.

VR: Did you play any other sports other than golf?

GV: No, I just played golf because it is my favorite sport.

VR: What’s your favorite activity other than golf?

GV: I love hunting and fishing.

BY CHARLIE STEWART REPORTER

VR: Would you rather shoot a 71 with all pars and 1 birdie, an 86 with 16 bogeys and a hole in one, or shoot a 72 with 9 birdies and 9 bogeys?

GV: I’d rather shoot a 72 with 9 birdies because that would be so memorable.

VR: What’s your favorite golf brand?

GV: My favorite golf brand is Titleist. I love their hats.

VR: What’s your favorite par 3,4,5?

GV: My favorite kind of hole is a par 4 because I think I can birdie those the easiest.

VR: Do you think golf shoes matter as much as people think they do?

GV: Golf shoes matter a ton for balance to me.

2022-With the innovation of guardian caps, an additional padding that slides on top of the helmet to decrease the chance for concussions, they are being demanded for all NFL practices.