Issuu

Life Forever Changed | 6

From abortion to lifting of mask mandates, Texas governor’s values not aligned with youth

How one senior’s life was altered in ways she could not imagine due to COVID-19

G. Skidmore, Creative Commons

Abbott out of touch with GenZ | 2 Fashion Forward | 4-5 Five students share how they found their own personal style

Vanguard College Preparatory School, 2517 Mt. Carmel Dr., Waco, Texas 76710

October 2021, Volume 49, Issue 1

The Vanguard Review A VCPS Publication

Shot or not? Vikings divided over FDA approved COVID-19 vaccine and whether shot is right for them

ty, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). While the vaccine was approved in late 2020 for emergency use authorization, which makes a drug available during a public health emergency, it had to go through more scientific trials testing to produce evidence of its safety and effectiveness in order to be officially approved. As of September 29, 2021 there have been 42.5 million cases in the U.S., according to the CDC. Currently, there have been a total of 392 million doses of the vaccine administered in the U.S. with a rate of 56.2 percent of the population being fully vaccinated. So far, 51.92 percent of McLennan County residents have Preparing for the jab, 7th grader Blake Balusek completes taken at least one dose of the shot and 44.01 his COVID-19 vaccine on June 18, 2021 at Walgreens. Around 65.3 percent of student said they have been vacci- percent are fully vaccinated, according to nated, according to the September VR poll. Photo courtesy of Our World in Data. Balusek family Nearly 73 percent of students said the FDA approval did not change their minds Landri Wheeler ‘24 about the safety of the vaccine, according to a Sept. reporter VR student poll. Students like sophomore Marshall n August 23, Pfizer-BioNTech’s Covid-19 Wray said they were already comfortable with it. vaccine was granted official approval of “The FDA approval of the vaccine has only use for individuals 16 years of age and strengthened my views on its safety as I was not older by the United States Food and Drug Adminis- particularly worried about in the first place,” Wray tration (FDA), a milestone health officials and gov- said. ernment officials hoped would spur more people to For others, the approval did not change their get vaccinated against the disease that has killed opinion on the aspect of its safety. 698,672 in the U.S. and 660 in McLennan Coun“The FDA approval has not changed my opin-

ion on the vaccine,” Annabelle Reese, sophomore, said. “With any vaccine, I feel that there is always some uncertainty that comes with it, and if someone does not feel comfortable getting it, they should not be pressured into it. I especially do not feel comfortable because of the strong government influence on science and health matters.” Some people have made the choice to get vaccinated whether they agree with it or not. “The FDA approval has not changed my view on the vaccine,” sophomore Haley Lekas said. “I believe it should be a personal choice and that it has not had long term testing for it to be mandated.” While Lekas believes vaccination should be a personal choice, she decided to go ahead with it. “I am vaccinated and I chose to do this because I have had COVID-19 before and I did not want to risk getting the symptoms as badly as I had,” Lekas said. “I did not want to miss out on a large portion of my sports seasons due to being extremely sick.” Reese is still hesitant to get the vaccine due to the uncertainty of long term effects. “My biggest concern is the long-term effects,” she said. “I may get it eventually but not any time soon.” Others have had their opinions strengthened and see this approval as another positive for getting it. Wray made the choice to get vaccinated on behalf of others. “I am fully vaccinated as of March 2021 and I will be getting the booster shot when available,” said Wray. “I got the vaccine not for my own safety but for my grandparents, stepfather and many other

people I see and meet on a daily basis who may be older, immunocompromised or unwell to fight the virus if they contract it.” Caroline Williams, sophomore, said she got vaccinated for her job, as an intern at an insurance firm. “I am vaccinated because of my job,” said sophomore Caroline Williams. “I work with people of all age ranges, including people over the age of 70. I got the vaccine to prevent spreading it to those people.” Government mistrust of agencies like the FDA and the enters for Disease Control (CDC) is one reason some people are more hesitant to get the vaccine. “I do trust the FDA on most things, but when it comes to COVID-19, I feel the input of the government officials is clouding a lot of the science behind it,” Reese said. “They have put so much money into producing the vaccine that they are doing anything to try and make back what they put in.” Wray said he trusts the FDA and does not think they are trying to use the vaccine as a way to control people. “I do fully trust the FDA to protect me and many other Americans from not just COVID-19, but many other illnesses and ailments” said Wray. “I do not believe people when they say things such as, ‘they’re trying to control us’ or, ‘They’re lying.’ My answer to those questions is simply, why? Why would they need to control us so intensively, if not for nefarious reasons, way larger than what we’re facing today in our current world?”

Dress code debate

Students question fairness of dress expectations at school

Isaac Saadi ‘22 editor-in-cheif

anguard prides itself on having the most relaxed dress code in central Texas, but recent modesty concerns from faculty and staff have left that precedent subject to change. After several students were “dress coded” in the first week of school, a rumor circulated that administrators were considering the implementation of uniforms which has left furor among the student body. “A big part of what brought me to Vanguard was the freedom to choose what I could wear in a unique way,” Dory Gonzales, senior, said. “If they took that away, it would take away the uniqueness of Vanguard and act as false advertising.” Senior Claire Civa said freedom on campus is important to her. “Vanguard claims to have so many freedoms and they promote them when you come to this school,” she said. “It holds true to most of them. For them to say that they’re taking that freedom away from you is completely unfair to the student body, as Vanguard has freedom as their main selling point to the school.” Bill Borg, head of school, quickly dispelled the rumor about uniforms, but said students would need to get on board with some basic standards of dress. “I wouldn’t say there’s going to be a uniform enforced, but there will be some potential address-

ing of what we can and can’t wear,” Borg said. “That’s standard with any school that expects a student body to manage itself. Vanguard very much runs the school that way, within reason.” When it comes to dress codes, the student body seems to have a consensus. “I am very grateful to Vanguard for allowing us to express ourselves through fashion while keeping dress code reasonable,” said senior Annah Brown. Aidan Latino, sophomore, agreed. “I think everyone can agree that the dress code currently in place is better than uniforms,” Latino said. Borg explained the Vanguard dress code, at its core, is to make for a better learning environment. “The intent of the Vanguard dress code is to allow kids to dress casually instead of in a uniform,” Borg said. “If they’re comfortable, they [might] be in a better learning environment.” As fashion has progressed, Borg has found it difficult to enforce the dress code while staying true to the new societal standards. “When our dress code was first implemented, students weren’t wearing different colors of hair and multiple piercings and facial hair,” he said. “There was just an understood expectation of decorum and it functioned, as a whole, pretty well. Now here we are in 2021 and that has changed some-

what.” Some students have expressed complaints about the concept of dress code being unreasonable. “I do believe that the dress code is to some extent unreasonable,” sophomore Taniya Degrate said. “I honestly do not see the problem with Heading to class on Sept. 28, students sport athletic shorts and t-shirts, items ‘spaghetti’ straps or that are out of dress code at most public schools. “A big part of what brought me being comfortable in to Vanguard was the freedom to choose what I could wear in a unique way,” senior pajamas.” Dori Gonzales said. Photo by Isaac Saadi / VR staff Borg said simple standards are not unhope we can keep it how it is.” reasonable at all. The VCPS dress code indicates that clothes “How you may choose to dress on your own should not be a “distraction to the learning envitime and how you may choose to be in classrooms ronment” and that does not sit well with sophomore with your teachers and your classmates and others, Emily Flores. I think that should be a little different thought pro“The dress code implies that clothing should cess,” he said. be appropriate and shouldn’t disrupt a learning But sophomore Karoline Horner doesn’t think environment,” she said. “What exactly would disthe dress code is unreasonable. rupt a learning environment? A woman’s chest? Or “Compared to other schools we have the best maybe exposed legs? Men have nothing that can dress code,” she said. “As long as people follow it, I ‘distract’ others from learning. It does discriminate Continued on page 8

2 opinion

The Vanguard Review October 5, 2021

n May 21, 2021, Greg Abbott issued an executive order that would ban mask mandates in schools. In the months to follow he signed a bill that would restrict abortion access after 6 weeks, and SB1, restricting early voting hours for many low-inIsaac Saadi ‘22 come and minority voters. editor-in-chief After our governor failed to react properly to Snowstorm Uri that disrupted the way of life for millions of Texans across the state, it seems that Abbott has been catering towards his own self-interest, rather than the greater good of his state to cover up for his shortcomings. His policies are out of touch with Gen Z, underscoring hypocrisy with Gov. Abbott, and as a result of his callousness millions are suffering. It starts with the mask mandates. An infringement on “freedom” of choice to wear a mask has led him to ban masks and vaccine mandates in school. While many students are not in control of their situation regarding their own health, Governor Abbott seems to ignore the vulnerable students and parents with preexisting health conditions in favor of catering to his political construct. The Texas Department of State Health Services as of September 20, 2021, reports that in the ‘21-’22 school year, there have been 126,687 positive student cases and 24,476 positive staff cases in Texas public schools. Compared to last year’s data, where schools were free to impose mask mandates despite vaccines being unavailable to the general public for the majority of the year, there were 148,197 student cases and 73,741 staff cases.

he United States’ full involvement in Afghanistan began on October 7, 2001 after the horrific attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon on September 11. America began with U.S. special operations forcAndrew Holze ‘23 es working with a local Afghan group called the guest columnist Northern Alliance. Since then, the U.S. has invaded Afghanistan and Iraq and stayed in almost continuous combat with terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda, the Taliban and ISIS. This war has cost nearly 2,461 U.S. personnel including military personnel and DOD Civilians all of whom were KIA (Killed In Action), according to a 2021 report by the U.S. Department of Defense. In addition, 20,746 U.S. soldiers and civilians were wounded which would forever change the lives of not just the victims but their families as well. Currently, Americans are asking “was this worth it?” and that question can be answered in many ways. As the U.S. pulls its troops out of Afghanistan, people across the world have watched as we have been humiliated due to dysfunctional leadership and a severely flawed evacuation plan as the reliance on the Taliban to get our people to the airport. After the deaths of 13 U.S. servicemen and women including Marines, a Navy Corpsman, and a U.S. Army Staff Sergeant, the execution of this evacuation has been clearly exposed as a massive mistake placing blood onto the hands of those in charge. As the evacuation progressed, Afghans who helped U.S. forces are being persecuted and violently murdered by an ex-

Our Policies 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.

Abbott: All politics, zero principles Masks have stopped the spread of the deadly in restricting access to abortions, to help him get revirus that has plagued our everyday lives and Ab- elected. It is now illegal to get an abortion after six bott has ignored that in favor of catering towards his weeks in Texas, with no exceptions for rape. To help cover his tracks and codify it into law, the law uses base that views this virus as a merely trivial matter. Unfortunately, the effects of COVID contraction exclusively a peer-based method (Sec. 171.207) to aren’t carried out in a vacuum, many times it goes report if anyone has had an abortion so private citback to the student’s family, as my little brother’s izens can sue and not the state of Texas, covering did with mine. My father had breathing difficulties what Roe V. Wade ruled was legal under: privacy. for nearly two months, my mother was unable to go If that wasn’t enough, the law rewards people for to her cancer therapy, and I missed nearly a month of telling if others have had abortions with $10,000 school all because of the possibility a student at my of taxpayers’ money that could be targeted towards brother’s lunch table didn’t wear his mask correctly. helping the poor. Yet when it is used under that These effects have been carried out on a wider scale context, under the scope of Abbott, it is viewed as now that school districts are unable by law to im- “communism.” The pro-life argument hardly applies when the pose mandates. What makes it even worse is that if a certain family is hesitant to get the COVID vaccine, very people he is trying to appeal to are fanatic gun they don’t have a means of protection against the owners, to which Abbott signed a law lifting permit restrictions on owning guns. virus. Abbott has In 2021 there were at least 82 even threatened to His policies are out of touch incidents of gunfire on school pull funding from with Gen Z, underscoring grounds, resulting in 21 deaths already underfundand 47 injuries nationally. The ed public schools hypocrisy with Gov. Abbott base in Texas (where COVID is and, as a result of his callous- conservative doesn’t pride itself on religion more susceptible and family. Instead, they twist to spread in low-in- ness, millions are suffering. those messages and use them to come/POC communities) if they dare to enforce protection. Our justify oppressing others. For being the party of small government, I find youth are political pawns in Abbott’s game to seek it despicable the ways in which Greg Abbott seeks re-election. Abortion has been a tenuous topic ever since to limit my generation’s freedoms in favor of his rethe verdict of Roe v. Wade. Recent Supreme Court election. Limiting what is taught in school, our bodappointee under Donald Trump, Amy Coney Bar- ies and our ability to vote, keeps his base coming rett, has surprisingly sided numerously against an- back to him while putting the future leaders of this ti-choice attempts to get rid of abortion. But again, country on the back burner. Governor Abbott has exploited people’s livelihoods

Afghanistan exit a massive mistake tremist regime willing to kill anyone who does not U.S. military to do what it is trained to do without comply with their agenda. tying their hands behind their backs. Watching the The complete denial of basic rights for wom- American flag come down from the embassy as Chien and the hanging of ex-ANA and ANP (Afghan nook helicopters land on the rooftops to evacuate National Army/Police) officers and soldiers have U.S. personnel looks far too similar to the evacushown that this withdrawal was a colossal failure. ation of the U.S. embassy in Vietnam and should The loss of life has been accompanied by the aban- prove gut-wrenching to any American watching. donment of U.S. equipment across the country rangThe memory of 9/11 and the countless lives lost ing from small arms to UH-60 Blackhawk helicop- that day should live forever in the minds of every ters and Predator Drones. American and act as fuel for the burning desire to The withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghan- avenge those killed barbarically, including our Afistan is not just a disaster, but it is also pointless. ghan allies and those killed in the attack on Kabul. The primary objective of the U.S. military is to proThough disgraced by the government as our tect the people of the United States. This objective president would not even look from his watch as was accomplished for 20 years, as another incident the bodies of our soldiers were carried back onto similar to the events of 9/11 has yet to occur during American soil, the sacrifices of the military will that time. The strategic stationing of U.S. troops in not be forgotten by the people of America. As the Afghanistan to keep the Taliban and Al Qaeda from suicide rate spikes among veterans who believe that being able to reall they have fought for After the deaths of 13 U.S. sergroup and attack is being thrown away, again was success- vicemen and women ... the execu- do not forget to reach ful and worth the to those you know tion of this evacuation has been out risk, as many veterwho served and tell ans would agree. exposed as a massive mistake ... them that the American Now that Amerpeople are thankful for ican soldiers have left the area, it is becoming a their sacrifices that have secured our freedom and stronghold for terrorists, as Al Qaeda is regrouping protection. and an offshoot of ISIS, ISIS-K, has formed in the George Orwell wrote: “We sleep safely in our region. I believe this could result in a repeat of the beds because rough men stand ready in the night savage attacks targeting civilians that occurred on to visit violence on those who would do us harm.” one of America’s darkest days in 2001. Those “who would do us harm” include the Taliban The American government needs to take action and Al Qaeda. Every American should remember to defeat our enemy and protect the people of the the motto of the entire U.S. military to show we United States, not with drone strikes that kill civil- will stand by each and every person stranded in the ians, but with boots on the ground and allowing the country: “no man left behind.”

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Things to

Consider

October 2021 poll results are in! Do you think the U.S.’s withdrawal from Afghanistan was the best decision for the country? Yes 16.2% No 29.6% IDK 54.2% Do you support refugees who fled Afghanistan coming to the U.S.? Yes 65.7% No 7% Not sure 27.3 Are you vaccinated against COVID-19? Yes 65.3% No 27.1% That’s private 7.6% Should COVID-19 vaccines be mandated/required for everyone? Yes 42.7% No 45.5% IDK 11.9% Do you agree with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s ban on mask mandates in schools? Yes 28.5% No 52.8% Mixed emotions 18.8% Are you aware of the global issues surrounding “fast fashion?” Yes 65.7% No 34.3% Was Simone Biles right to withdraw from the Olympics to protect her mental health? Yes 87.2% No 12.8% Have you ever struggled (either in a small or big way) due to the pressure of sports? Yes 65.3% No 34.7% The above results reflect the VCPS student body of 243 students. Polls were distributed electronically through Google Forms. Number of responses: 145

The Vanguard Review Volume 49, Issue 1, October 2, 2021 The Vanguard College Preparatory School Student Newspaper 2517 Mt. Carmel Dr., Waco, Texas 76710 vanguard_review@vanguard.org (254) 772-8111

Staff

Isaac Saadi editor-in-chief Delaney Trepinski assistant editor Brooke Jolliff senior reporter Landri Wheeler reporter & business manager Hope Hamblin reporter & business manager Gretchen Eichenberg adviser

Mission Statement 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.

Demographics Vanguard College Preparatory School has a total population of 251: 219 students and 32 faculty members.

people

The Vanguard Review October 5, 2021

Student Spotlight:

Teacher Spotlight:

Grade 10

History, Speech, Mock Trial, Debate

Evan Roos

Lyndsay Cole

On the flip side Sophomore Evan Roos shares his acrobatic ability Landri Wheeler ‘24 reporter

ack flipping through campus, sophomore Evan Roos does not spare a single moment practicing his new skills. “I started doing flips about a year ago, when I finally decided to commit to learning a back flip on a trampoline, encouraged by my father,” Roos said. “Before that, I had a few bad experiences with failing back flips, but after seeing videos online of professional flippers, I knew I could do it as well. For a month, I was searching for methods to learn a back flip, often not getting any results. I kept my dedication with a picture in my mind of the results I wanted. I am so glad I stuck with it, and after a month of attempts I finally landed my first back flip on a trampoline.” After accomplishing the first of many levels of a skill, it becomes addicting to upgrade your skills. “After my first back flip, I spent most of my time outside getting better at my flips and learning new tricks,” Roos said. “I had imagined that progress would be faster, but the slow progress wouldn’t discourage me from learning new things. A month later, I attempted my first back flip on a mattress, and although I didn’t land it that day, I had gotten past the initial fear, which is the hardest barrier to break when beginning to flip.” After three months of doing flips on large pads, Roos said gained the courage to try a back flip on a harder surface. “I put together a leaf pile,” he said. “After much deliberation, I mustered the courage to try, and I landed multiple back flips that day. Howev-

New teacher Lyndsay Cole said her most cherished life experience was the two years she spent teaching in the Czech Republic. Photo by Haley Lekas / Bifrost staff

Clockwise from top: Evan Roos takes off with his backflip approach on the grass in front of Jaworski during lunch. With precision Roos prepares to stick his landing. “To me, I find the most fascinating thing about flipping to be the fact that we are able to [do it], due to our creator,” Roos said. Photos by Haley Lekas / Bifrost staff and Landri Wheeler / VR staff

er, on the last flip that day, I failed, and although I wasn’t hurt physically, my mental confidence was damaged. I kept doing flips on pads, and my improvement was visible.” Roos said he learned that when struggling with confidence or courage it is important to have supportive figures in your life. “Three months later, in July, I found myself surrounded by many supportive friends from my church, and on the softest grass I’ve ever felt,” he said. “I don’t completely know how, but that day I gained the confidence to do what I had been capable of for months. That day, I did eight back flips, landing all of them.” With a strong backing from friends and family, people are able to go at their goals full speed, Roos said. “Since then, I have been continuously practicing my flips, and I have recently conquered the fear of a double front flip,” he said. “I’m hoping a double back flip will come soon as well, along with a double full.” Roos also takes time to tie the excitement and fears of back flipping to his growing faith in God. “To me, I find the most fascinating thing about flipping to be the fact that we are able to, due to our Creator,” Roos said. “He gave us bodies that can do nearly everything, and I find it so freeing to be able to explore the ability that we have been so graciously gifted.” Having a good relationship with God can give you an outlet to express your fears and to find cour-

age, Roos said. “My Christian faith is the foundation of my life, and I cannot imagine what life would be like without knowing this truth,” said Roos. “Every day I see evidence of God’s goodness in the world around me. Knowing the truth of Jesus shows me what our purpose in life is, and I grieve to think that most people don’t think that their life has meaning.” Roos describes how he works through his journey with God. “In my personal journey with God, I have been seeing his power as I lift all my worries up to him,” said Roos. “As I trust my problems with God, I see how he works things out around me.” Roos explains his point of view that more people do not look to God in times of need. “I am truly saddened by the idea that many people don’t have a relationship with our creator,” said Roos. “I often see people who are searching for healing and answers that can only be found in Christ, only to be let down by insufficient means that the world provides.” Roos talks about how he would like to share his experience with God to others. “I want to be able to share this life-changing relationship with people who have never had the chance to have it before” said Roos. “I would love to talk to people about God and share my experiences with them. I also co-lead Vanguard’s FCA group, where we meet to talk about God and improve in our own relationships with Christ.”

VR: What made you want to come teach at Vanguard? LC: I grew up in Waco and knew Vanguard’s excellent reputation. I think the small class sizes and rigorous curriculum prepare students for life after high school which is important to me. I also love the variety of activities available for students here. I felt like this was a place that would value my knowledge and experience and be the perfect environment for me to help students succeed long term. VR: What are some things you are passionate about? LC: I am passionate about those whom I care about, my family and friends. Traveling is also something I’m very passionate about. I’m also really into theatre, concerts and festivals, board games, trivia, Star Wars, Harry Potter and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). VR: What is your most rewarding life experience? LC: I try to take something out of every experience but my most rewarding experience would have to be the two and a half years I lived and worked in the Czech Republic. It challenged me personally and professionally, made me a better teacher and broadened my world view. VR: Where is your favorite place to eat in Waco? LC: Schmaltz, hands down. I’ve been going there since I was a child. Even when I lived outside of Waco, it was the one place I had to go every time I visited. VR: If you were trapped on a desert island what three things would you bring? LC: Assuming I can’t choose a boat or endless supply of food, I’d have to say a toothbrush and toothpaste kit, the Harry Potter book series and a packet of lighters because there is no way I could make a fire myself.

Fashion Forward

Students explore their individuality through style choices at school By Delaney Trepinski

hether it’s tennis skirts and sneakers or neon and knee socks, Vikings are finding their own personal style. After COVID-19 kept everyone cooped up and unable to fully express themselves, Gen-Z flourished in fashion. But, it can take some time and effort to develop your own personal style — and not everyone finds theirs at the same time. Viking alum Rachel Spross (‘14), a graduate of the University of Texas fashion design program, created the popular Instagram account “The Trendy Tomboy.” She said it takes time to find your personal style and that hers has evolved over

“

the years. “To me, fashion is art so it’s all about self-expression,” Spross said. Many young people follow rules on how to dress that influencers with high followings put out, but Spross encourages a different approach. “There are no rules,” she said. “Find what inspires you and start there. Your style will evolve as you do.” Spross also has a golden rule that she thinks everyone should follow. “Don’t worry about what anyone else says or thinks,” she said. “If you like it, wear it.”

Today, Spross works as a personal trainer at Crunch Fitness and she dresses for the job. “I definitely used to dress up way more when I was younger,” Spross said. “The older I get the more focused I am on comfort. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still fun to dress up every now and then but, I’m a big fan of athleisure.” She said she loves the 90s grunge vibes, but that some trends should stay behind. “When I was a freshman in high school these little tuxedo vests had a short moment in the spotlight,” she said. “I’m glad we’ve since left them behind.”

Don’t worry about what anyone else says or thinks. If you like it, wear it.

”

Five students — who come to class in very diverse styles of clothing — talked with the Vanguard Review about what they like to wear, where they get their inspiration and how their style is a reflection of who they are.

— Rachel Spross, ‘14 and UT fashion design major

Fast Fashion. What does it have to do with me?

uch of the fashion that is popular in this century, especially for teens, is considered fast fashion. Fast fashion can be defined as cheap, trendy clothing that samples ideas from the catwalk or celebrity culture and turns them into garments in high street stores at breakneck speed to meet consumer demand, according to goodonyou.eco, a website dedicated to providing sustainable fashion options. The workers who create the clothing, sometimes even children, are often paid far below minimum wage and work in dangerous environments. Fast fashion has also caused clothing to become a main polluter. The average consumer disposes

of 70 pounds of textiles per person per year, according to the Council for Textile Recycling, a big chunk ends up in landfills. “I hear it's not good because of the labor involved and how a lot of people burn money on items they don’t even end up wearing,” said sophomore Avery Schnautz. Being aware of stores that sell fast fashion can help minimize the effect on the ecosystem, and the child-labor and labor laws around the world. Some of the stores that sell fast fashion — where you or

your friends and families shop — include H+M, Zara and Shein, etc. The goal is for stores to hop on the latest trends and then when the hype has passed, discard all of the clothing.

The average consumer disposes of 70 lbs. of textiles every year. — Council for Textile Recycling

“I’ve heard about fast fashion quite a bit recently, but most of the remarks I’ve heard were quite negative,” said Atlas Sowders. One of the best ways to avoid fast fashion is

buying from second-hand stores. Avery Haynes, senior, said she tries to avoid fast fashion when she can. “I try to stay away from brands that are known to use child labor, such as Shein,” she said, “and I also try to buy second hand clothing when I can.” McKenna Lowrey agrees. “I’ve read about it and try to avoid it when I can, which is one of the reasons I’ve started shopping more at thrift stores.”

tly Prepp c e f y er

Sophomore Avery Schnautz said her style is constantly on the move.

“I would say my style changes depending on my mood,and even then it is really difficult to describe because it’s like various aesthetics put together,” she said. Schnautz said her style stems from things she has seen on social media. She has fun wearing things like pleated skirts, turtlenecks, and ripped jeans. “I get a lot of my inspiration from other creators on various social media platforms, all who have their own unique style,” she said. Shopping online usually results in Schnautz’s favorite fashion finds. “I shop a lot on amazon and on smaller online shops,”she said. “I love supporting small businesses.” Shnautz credits Vanguard’s dress code for helping her express her style. “I would say that the dress code here helped me explore fashion-wise because when I was in public school I wore basics most of the time,” she said.

Seventh grader Atlas Sowders takes style by storm each and every day, with neon hair and bright fashion choices.

shaking Ed h t g ar

“My style is what some people say is goth or alternative, and I guess I could call it that,” Sowders said. “I haven’t gone for any type of genre for how I dress, but it just happened to fall into those groups.” Some of her favorite outfits include: Chokers, denim, shorts, random black shirts and plaid pants. “I don’t actually have any inspiration for how I dress,” Sowders said.“I sometimes see random people online or in public, and I’m just obsessed with their style and go for something similar with my own twists.” But where does Atlas get such styles? “For clothing, I really only shop at Hot Topic and Spencers, with a few small things from Amazon,” they say, “These stores just generally have things that I like.” “When I was younger, I never really had a style,” Sowders said. “I grew up wearing uniforms at my elementary school, so I had no experience with styles until very recently. I still have no idea what I’m doing. I’m just going for what I like.”

bly Spor r e ty p

Sophomore Aidan Latino said he describes his style as chill or like a “simple but swaggy” type beat. “I mostly get outfit ideas from NBA players, music artists or NFL players,” Latino said. “I probably shop the most at nike.com or like Chinatown market or Adidas, any brands like those really.” His athletic vibe includes things like: Nike athletic shorts, LA Lakers jerseys and his Nike SB Dunks. Latino said his style over the years has evolved from long neon saggy shorts and saggy bright shirts to more fitted shirts. “Maybe a little loose because of how my body is built right now,” he said, “and I try to always match the color of my shoes with my shirt.”

Senior Avery Haynes said she would describe her style as minimalistic, but outgoing and colorful.

Now I just wear whatever I think looks cool.”

and Ecl c i r ect t c e i l E

“I can veer to the more edgy side or the more cutesy side sometimes,” she said, “but I’d say it’s generally somewhere in the middle.” Some styles you might see Haynes wearing around campus are her white Fila Disruptor shoes, oversized graphic t-shirts and Outdoor Voices exercise dresses. Haynes said she draws some inspiration from influencers on Instagram — people like Emma Chamberlain, Ava Jules and Kelsey Simone. “Most of the ideas that I get about fashion, though, are just from people-watching and noticing what other people are wearing,” Haynes said. “I feel like that’s the best way to see the most diverse and creative outfits.” Avery said she is known to shop at Urban Outfitters but also,”Free People and Zara, but I also am just always on the lookout for fun things so I have a lot of pieces from random boutiques and shops.” Everyone starts somewhere, and Avery shares her experience of style development. “My style has changed a ton,”she said. “I used to always be interested in it but I generally kind of bought what everybody else was wearing and wasn’t confident enough to wear anything outgoing.” “Back in middle school, the American eagle t-shirts with skinny jeans, jandals and the single pearl necklace was definitely a staple.

Junior McKenna Lowrey said she wears what feels good to her and tries to find herself in it, rather than getting inspiration from any one person. “I've always enjoyed the way that dresses and skirts feel,” Lowrey said, “and I find most non-graphic shirts kinda boring on me and those things shaped the way that my style developed.” Any day of the week, you can find Lowrey sporting long skirts, T-shirts with intelligent quotes and Doc Martens. Lowrey believes that clothes shouldn’t restrict movement. “I do believe that one should have full range of motion in whatever one wears though, so I tend to shy away from clothing that restricts my movement, '' she said. “Ranging from shorts and a t-shirt, to skirts, to dresses.” Lowrey explained her frustration in shopping. “I generally shop online for shirts as it is impossible to find the kind of shirts I

like to wear at most in-person stores,” she said.” I also try to utilize thrift stores when I can.” Lowrey said she has recently come into her own sense of style — and that she had no style when she was younger.

inimal M s s ist i M

6 feature Her Life Changed Forever

The Vanguard Review October 5, 2021

Senior Sage Suchecki shares how COVID-19 changed her family’s life and completely changed their future

Brooke Jolliff ‘22 senior reporter

hen senior Sage Suchecki’s dad was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 last January, she never dreamed in a million years he would not come home, and her life would be completely changed forever. “In January of 2021, my entire family, except for me, contracted the virus,” Suchecki said. “My dad was really sick so he had to be hospitalized. He had to stay in the hospital for about a month and had to be put on a respirator for three weeks, however he unfortunately ended up passing away on February 8.” The COVID-19 virus sounds like something you would only ever hear about on the news or in a movie. For Sage, however, it is her unfortunate reality — and it’s hard. “Since my father’s death, I’ve had to learn to help provide for myself and for my family, as well as not to rely on my family’s income as much as I used to.” Suchecki said. “My father’s passing has been very hard on my family, as it has been undeniably depressing. My family has tried to come together to help each other in any ways we can.” The loss of the kind hearted and high spirited Ron Suchecki has hurt the Suchecki family in more ways than one, their family has lost a true angel. “My dad was a very hard worker,” Suchecki said. “He would always put others before himself, even before his own health. He was a funny, crazy guy. Once when we were on a roller coaster, he was riding next to another kid and he yelled ‘Look, a pterodactyl!’ My dad had this really weird pterodactyl sound that he made and it scared the kid so bad he peed his pants.” Suchecki recalled many fun memories she shared with her father, including a funny moment from a Vanguard class trip. “On the 8th grade trip when we were at SeaWorld, he looked at Brooke Jolliff and me before the roller coaster even started and screamed really loud, scaring a kid who was sitting next to him. He also ran all around SeaWorld screaming at the top of his lungs, like he was a big kid. We even had to chase after him.” In January of 2021, when Ron contracted COVID, the rest of the Suchecki family was not

Photo by Brook Jolliff / VR staff permitted to visit him before being moved to the ICU. When the family could finally visit him, communicating with him was never the same as it once was. “We were able to visit my dad in the hospital,” Suchecki said. “We had to wear gloves, a gown, two masks, and goggles. He was sedated when I saw him and it was really scary - and still is. It almost gives me PTSD to think about it. It was really scary to see him because he couldn’t breathe on his own for 21 days when he was on a respirator.” She was able to hold his hand but said he could not directly communicate with her. She said he was unable to even hold her hand back. “Some doctors say he was able to hear us, some said he couldn’t,” she said. “I don’t really know which was true. Everybody wants to say he could hear us, but I just don’t know.” Friends and family joined the Sucheckis for a prayer vigil outside the hospital one day. Though she appreciated the gesture, it was also hard for her. “I don’t really like dealing with things in a big group like my family does,” Suchecki said. “I like to be alone and not talk to anyone. So that was good for them, but not for me. I just don’t like that. It actually made it harder to cope. It’s just not how I deal with things, but everyone handles things in different ways.” During her family’s ordeal, Suchecki was taking care of her grandmother who also had COVID at her home about 30 minutes outside of town. This time caused Suchecki to have to learn to provide for herself and the rest of her family. It also gave her a sense of purpose, she said. “I liked being separated from the rest of my family in a way,” she said. “I felt like I was taking care of someone instead of just sitting at home and moping around. Instead I had something I could do and feel good about helping.” When her father passed away, Suchecki said she felt very angry and frustrated. It distressed her that she couldn’t do anything to change what had happened. “I couldn’t do anything to change the outcome,” she said. “That’s another thing I hate about what happened. “You know, all the good stories you hear about everybody coming together and that

things are going to work out. That’s what you hope would happen, but it didn’t.” In the days following the prayer vigil after Ron Suchecki’s death, other families continued to help the Suchecki family in their tremendous loss. “People brought food over and things like that, which was very nice,” Suchecki said. “The morning my dad died, when we left the hospital, Brooke Borg drove immediately over to our house, not even knowing if we were going to be there. That was really sweet.” Later, the reality of losing the primary income earner of the family set in and people continued to step up and help the family. “Somebody paid for my entire tuition,” Suchecki said. “I don’t know who and I won’t ever know. That feels really great. My dad was our income, so I probably would have moved to another

“All the things I’ve seen have been very emotionally scarring, especially at the hospital,” she said. “One day I even saw a college student at the hospital who had contracted the virus, and only two days later they died. I haven’t been to a hospital since and I don’t want to go to one. I just feel mad at the world about why all this had to happen.” After that first, difficult month of trying to recover from the trauma and do school from home, Suchecki went back — but it was not easy to face the reality that was, being reminded of her father’s death every day. “It’s a struggle,” Suchecki said. “I’m reminded every day. And when people wear their masks wrong, it hurts. Because it could save a life to wear your mask covering your nose, rather than under your nose.” There are lots of things Suchecki thinks that

“What happened with COVID affected other people for maybe a few weeks or so, but this sudden virus changed my entire life until … forever,” she said. “It feels like my world is spinning.” — Sage Suchecki, ‘22 school if someone had not done that.” But it was still hard to get back into the rhythm and routine of real life. “The first month, I laid in bed and didn’t do much,” Suchecki said. “I would hang out with Haven Hobbs and she would just be there and we would drive around with music on blast so we didn’t have to think about anything.” Suchecki said it was hard to think about going back to school because she could not stand people feeling sorry for her and mentioning something about her family’s loss. She looked for help through therapy, Suchecki said, and gradually tried going back into society. “What happened with COVID affected other people for maybe a few weeks or so, but this sudden virus changed my entire life until … forever,” she said. “It feels like my world is spinning.” It is hard to forget all the things she had experienced, Suchecki said.

people can do to hopefully prevent other families from having to suffer from such a life-altering loss. “I think the school should keep enforcing the mask policy,” she said. “I also believe that getting vaccinated would be a smart choice because it reduces the number of people having to be hospitalized when tested positive for COVID. Clearly the vaccine didn’t help much in my family’s situation because it wasn’t around back in February but if it were, I feel like it could have made a difference.” Suchecki said she wishes people would stop downplaying the situation and saying things like “COVID is good for the economy” because they may not understand how harmful it really is to our community. “I seriously suggest that people shouldn’t argue with the precautions our government is trying to use against COVID, instead we should all try to abide by them to the best of our abilities. I do not agree with Greg Abbott’s repeal of the mask manContinued on page 8

sports

The Vanguard Review October 5, 2021

Athletes Under Pressure

Hope Hamblin ‘25 sports reporter

Finding ways to cope with the mental and emotional stress of participating in sports

merican artistic gymnast Simone Biles withdrew from the 2020 Olympic Games due to her mental health taking a toll on her physical ability to perform her best. Biles said on her Instagram story: “I didn’t quit, my mind and body are just simply not in sync.” The seven-time Olympic medalist decided it was too risky for her to return and compete again. She also stated on the same Instagram story she “had plenty of bad performances throughout my career and finished the competition,” but came to the realization she got so lost, her safety was at risk as well as a team medal. “I think the hardest thing for athletes to realize is that they are having some doubts or struggles,” Andrew Meyer, PhD, associate professor of sport foundations at Baylor University, who teaches graduate and undergraduate classes on sports psychology, said. “And, I think Simone Biles helped with this. We have to admit that it’s OK. Look around. It’s a very stressful world that we’re living in. And, like Michael Phelps said, it’s OK not to be OK. Mental struggle is part of life. We’re not meant to be perfect.” You don’t need to be a seven-time Olympic medalist to feel like your mental health is affecting your athletic performance — or that your performance is affecting your mental health. Sixty-five percent of VCPS students said they have struggled in some way due to the pressure of sports, according to the September VR student poll. “I’ve felt a lot of pressure with the sports I have participated in, because I want to [perform] to the best of my ability,” said sophomore multi -sport player KK Horner. Meyer said one of the biggest stressors he sees in student athletes right now is the emotional build up that has been taking place during the cancellations and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Athletes are dealing with unknowns,” Meyer said. “And I think that is causing a lot of emotional and psychological strife and stress, in an already

stressful environment, which is sports.” Horner said she tries to stop and look at the “It’s hard to find a spare moment to do any- big picture. thing for yourself,” said senior cheerleader Haydin “When I start to feel the pressure, I look at Davis. how far I’ve come,” she said. The added pressure of college preparatory Taking a step back in order to recover is someschool academics can make life even more diffi- thing Meyer recommends. cult. “Take a mental break,” he said. “Take a little “It is just physically and mentally exhausting bit of space. Take a day off or a practice off. Mayto do every day,” said sophomore volleyball player and track runner Elaina McCulloch. Some of the signs that an athlete might be struggling mentally or emotionally, Meyer said, are slipping grades; becoming withdrawn from friends; losing interest in things they love like movies, music, hanging out; making excuses about where they are or what they’ve doing; or any sort Clockwise from top left: Holding his personal devoof behaviors that are out of the tional book, “Jesus Calling,” ordinary. senior Walker Nall said he If an athlete finds himself or turns to his faith in times of herself in that position, it’s im- struggle. Photo by Isaac Saadi / portant to take action. VR staff Varsity VCPS volley“The first thing athletes have ball team members celebrate to do is realize there is a prob- after a big point. Sophomore lem,” Meyer said. “I think a lot of player KK Horner said she surus struggle with that, but athletes rounds herself with positive especially. Athletes are supposed team members for support. to just get out there, like Nike Photo by KatyLu Offill/Bifrost Staff. Seven-time Simone Biles says, and just do it. Don’t worry brought awareness to the menabout the pain. Get your anxiety tal health of athletes when she out of the way. Just go and per- withdrew from the 2020 Olymform because that’s what you’re pics. Creative Commons trained to do.” After recognizing and accepting that there’s be watch a movie that you loved when you were a problem, senior football and basketball player, a kid or listen to some music you like. Sometimes Walker Nall, suggests leaning on your faith. I think people don’t realize that it is possible to “Another suggestion would be to read the Bi- step away for a moment and not lose control of ble and search for a couple verses that confirm that everything.” you are good enough,” he said. With being in high school, we have expecta-

Athlete Spotlight: Dalton Latham

VR: What is your favorite/most valued memory with the Vanguard football team? DL: My favorite memory from high school was definitely our last game of the season sophomore year. Although the game did not end in the way that we had hoped, after the game I felt more connected to my teammates than I ever have been. It was a hard fought game with high emotions, and I will never forget the feeling of the adrenaline rushing through my body during that game. Everyone knew that the season was on the line, so the whole team was fighting their hardest the entire game. We lost, but that was the moment in my football career that stood out the most to me. It definitely had a huge effect on my passion for the game.

Photo by Hope Hamblin / VR and Bifrost staff

tions we are required to meet and responsibilities we need to take care of for our teachers, parents and coaches, so it might not always be an option to take a full day off. Try talking to them, and if they cannot give you the day off, take a short break. On the car ride home, relax and listen to music you enjoy, or when you get home, before you start your homework/chores, take a short break and do something that brings you peace and comfort. “Even if the break is only 10 minutes it helps tremendously,” McCulloch said. “I just need to take a small break for my mind to rest and catch up on what has happened that day and then I am ready to keep going and finish what needs to be done”. But if simple steps don’t seem to make a difference, it might be time to talk to someone about your feelings. “When you’re in high school, mom and dad are still pretty important figures in your life,” Meyer said. “But, sometimes mom and dad might be causing some of the stress and pressure, so turning to them might not be an option. Talking to a coach or athletic trainer might be an option. A trainer should have some general knowledge of what steps can be taken if an athlete is dealing with mental health issues.” Viking athletic trainer Tyler Harmon said he’s available to students who need help. If an athlete, or any student, is in immediate crisis, reaching out to a help line, like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, is important. It’s a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year service for anyone struggling with mental health concerns.

Hope Hamblin ‘25 sports reporter VR: What characteristic, in your opinion, is most important while playing football? DL: In my opinion the most important quality in all sports is determination. You can not improve in any sport unless you are driven enough to practice your technique. You can’t just do your job when a coach is watching. You have to learn to push yourself without making excuses. VR: What is one important lesson football has taught you that you will carry with you throughout life? DL: When I was in seventh grade at St. Louis, I was not very athletic. I would get tired easily during games. One game, I told my coach that I couldn’t play on kickoff returns because I was too tired and I was bad at it. My coach pulled me in close and said “don’t you ever tell a coach you can’t do something again.” He honestly scared the heck out of me, but I never forgot what he

said. I learned that I should always believe in my abilities and never make excuses to get out of something just because I didn’t want to do it. You are always capable of more than you think. VR: Describe a moment where you were happiest in football. DL: One of my happiest moments in football was my first touchdown in high school. I remember after that game I went home and watched the film of the play that I scored on and I was very happy. My cousin, who also played football, was at that game, and I was able to see him celebrating in the background, and that made my day.

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Dress code continued from Page 1 more against women as certain parts of their body can be seen as ‘distracting’ if showing too much of it.” Karissa Kuhl, sophomore, thinks dress code’s social implications discriminates against women and even promotes body shaming. “It indicates that women should cover up and feel ashamed of their own bodies,” Kuhl said. Borg said he does not view the dress code as discriminatory or geared toward any particular group, but that it is just to create some level of uniformity that allows the system to flow better. “I don’t think it’s true that women’s bodies are a distraction. I think it has to do with appropriateness, and that covers everybody,” he said. “The bottom line is that schools should be allowed to make decisions on how they expect their faculty and students to dress. Private businesses and government entities do the same thing. There is an expectation of what you will wear. You don’t get to go there and wear whatever you want to - you just don’t.” The decorum students are expected to follow has led to discussions on larger societal issues. “The dress code isn’t written to be unreasonable, but because of bigger societal issues, the way it’s enforced and applied to us makes it unreasonable,” 8th grader Melina Garman said.

Brown said it can be a challenge being a wom- their dress is inappropriate,” he said. “I understand an and expressing your identity in today’s day and that. There’s nobody out there picking at anybody. It’s a general understanding of some basic expecage. tations.” “I do think So far, there that society is “I do think that society is sexist and sexualizes have been no known sexist and sex- women part of the time ... But women need punishments for ualizes women to take responsibility for their own actions ... part of the time. There needs to be a balance between taking violating the dress code, and that’s a This makes life responsibility for their actions and rebelling problem for Mary very hard for against societal stereotypes because everyCampbell. women to have “The dress code to deal with sex- thing is more complex than taking one side.” — Annah Brown ‘22 needs to be enforced ism every day,” more,” she said. she said. “But “They keep mentioning what the dress code is, but women need to take responsibility for their own actions. If you think about it this way, you cannot I haven’t actually seen consequences for not folwalk down a sketchy street carrying buckets of vis- lowing it.” But Borg said there is no prescribed punishible cash and expect no one to rob you. You have to ment in place at this time. make smart decisions [...] there needs to be a bal“In general, I’d probably just say let’s don’t ance between taking responsibility for their actions and rebelling against societal stereotypes because wear that again,” Borg said. “If you don’t like it, everything is more complex than taking one side.” I don’t know what to tell you other than that I’m Another concern students have voiced is the sorry.” Senior Dalton Latham believes that students fact that they see some students being dress coded — and others not — when they are wearing the should be able to decide for themselves. “People should be able to make reasonable desame thing. Borg says that is not intentional. cisions on whether their clothes are appropriate or “It’s not a very easy thing for some people, like teachers, to mention to someone that they think not,” he said.

Her Life Changed Forever whose dad died,’” she said. “I didn’t like that. I don’t want to be the girl who lost her dad to COVID and that be my legacy.” In April, Suchecki got a job at Starbucks and that gave her a reason to get out and even gave her some hope. “It was really nice to work someplace where no one knew me and didn’t know my story,” she said. The future is uncertain, Suchecki said. In order to help the family, she has taken on more financial responsibility, like paying for her own gas and oth-

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-date in public schools either. However, I do agree that people should not be forced to get vaccinated even though it is making a huge difference in our country’s current state. But I do advise that people should believe and trust in science rather than have their own personal beliefs on a vaccine that they personally do not know much about.” Though her personal experience gave Suchecki a perspective that none of her peers had, it was hard to share that when she returned to school. “I know people were thinking ‘oh, it’s that girl

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er expenses, rather than getting an allowance. “I’m really excited to start fresh but I also have no clue what to do,” she said. “Money is a big issue. Right now, I think I’m going to Arizona State University online - and while that’s not really the college experience, it’s free for me through Starbucks. If I go somewhere else, it’ll be me paying for it on my own. I was already a very independent person, but this experience made me an adult at age 16. It’s scary to think about that, but it’s the truth. This definitely changed where I was going to be.”

It’s been almost eight months since Ron Suchecki passed away. But Suchecki is trying to make the most of her senior year and can often be seen smiling, especially when mentoring a younger yearbook student. “Being positive is just how I was raised,” she said. “And I guess that’s something my dad taught me when I was younger.”

congrats to ELIZABETH WATSON, ‘21 former Vanguard Review Editor-In-Chief She’s now writing for the

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and the VR staff could not be more proud! Vanguard Review is top-notch academic journalism