Vanguard Review Dec/Jan 2023-24

REVIEW The Vanguard

Vol. 50 No. 2

DEC/JAN 23-24

JOE FLOWERS

THROUGH THE ERAS PAGES PAGES 10 10--11 11

Vanguard Stock Market Challenge

Congratulations!

From humble roots and a heart for education, to 50 years of educational excellence as Waco’s Best College Preparatory School.

December/January 2023-24 CONTENTS

NEWS

COVE R STORY

5 Tidings of Comfort and Joy 7 ways to get involved during the holidays 6-7 Academic AI:

Naughty or Nice?

AI integrates into the classroom as students and teachers debate its place in the classroom F E AT U R E S

9 Murder at Christmas Manor

A holiday mystery by Grace Bergerson 10-11 The Flowers Eras Five decades in, Joe Flowers talks about changes in technology 14 Changing with the Seasons Navigating the highs and lows of the winter months 15 Inked Up Tattoos becoming more accepted as many young people wear their individuality on their sleeves 12-13 Heads Up Concussions can sometimes take weeks or months to heal S TA F F

The Vanguard Review Editor-in-Chief & Business Manager Landri Wheeler

Reporter Grace Bergerson

Senior Reporter Caro Williams

Reporter Sara Clark

Reporter Madelyn Kim

Reporter Emily VanCleave

Reporter Aria Cleveland

Reporter Cynthia Weaver

Reporter Bella Tonkin

Reporter Ellen Weaver

Reporter Landry Stewart

Adviser Gretchen Eichenberg

PAGES 12-13 A SEASON OF SPARKLE All you need to know about formal dress trends for the upcoming Winter Glitter.

MISSION

About the Cover

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 279.

Vol. 50 No. 2

The Vanguard College Preparatory School 2517 Mt Carmel Dr Waco, Texas 76710 254 772-8111 vanguard_review@vanguard.org

Inspired by The popular Eras Tour, our cover reflects the many eras of technology director Joe Flowers as he celebrates 50 years of service to the school.

A VC PS P U B L IC AT ION DEC/JAN 2023-24

The Vanguard Review

3

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Final Exam Dress Up Days

December 11 - Christmas PJs December 12 - Santa's Workshop December 13 - Wacky Wednesday

Final Exams

December 14, 15, 18, 19, 20

Fall ESports Championship December 16

Vanguard Basketball Tournament December 28 - 30

Winter Break

December 21 - January 27

Quarter 3 Begins January 8

Student/Faculty Holiday January 15

Qtr 2 Honor Roll Reception

From the Editor

H A P PY H O L I DAYS FROM THE REVIEW

D

id you enjoy the first edition of the new magazine? Well, get ready because not only do we have features, tributes and Christmas sprinkled throughout, but we have also made the decision to expand our publication by four pages so that we can touch on even more stories that our student body wants to know about. This could not have been possible without extreme dedication from our staff reporters, artists and our adviser. I hope you enjoy a small look into what the Vanguard Review has to offer.

If you want to learn more about how you can make someone's holiday go a little better, get your inspiration from Tidings of Comfort and Joy. Reporter Cynthia Weaver showcases seven different charities that you can give your time and resources to during the holiday season. In the spirit of caring, take a look at our student spotlight Angelo Nelson covered by Ellen Weaver.

See how his kindness affects the people around him and what his peers have to say about him.

Interested in how AI has been heavily implemented into our day to day life and how it will affect us in the future? Take a look at Aria Cleveland’s article Academic AI: Naughty or Nice? She touches on the positive technological advancements that AI has made and how it is affecting high schools in our country. On the contrary, learn about how AI could be impeding on students' learning abilities and integrity.

Are you tired of a run of the mill Christmas tale and want something more mysterious? Check

out Grace Bergerson’s take — it's a Christmas short story with a twist. You will be transported into the Everglen Manor with the narrator and discover the mystery of what happened to its residents.

With our formal season right around the corner, get a sneak peak at what styles and trends are most popular in Landry's Stewart's story Season of Sparkle. Speaking of trends: Do you think peoples' perception of tattoos have changed? While 30 years ago they may have been seen in relation to danger or lower class, they are becoming more accepted now. Some Vanguard students and alums share their experiences.

In the spirit of celebrating the 50th anniversary of our school — which is happening during the wildly popular Taylor Swift Eras Tour — we have to look at who has been here since the beginning: Director of Technology Joe Flowers. So, "Look What You Made Me Do" and learn about Mr. Flowers eras. See what he has experienced during his time at Vanguard.

Do you find your mood slipping during the winter season? Find out how the season can affect your moods in Emily VanCleave’s story. Whether you've had one yourself or know someone who has, take a look at Sara Clark’s article on concussions. She explains what a concussion is, the symptoms a person can experience and how long it can take to recover.

This issue took a lot of time in and out of the classroom. We have had so many people helping out and this staff has put in a lot of effort to make it the best it can be. Thank you to everyone who makes these publications special and we hope you enjoy our December issue of the Vanguard Review.

Editor-in-Chief

January 18

Peer Lunch January 19

Winter Glitter

January 27 High School - Knox Hall Middle School - Jaworski

WWC Assembly February 7

4 The Vanguard Review

DEC/JAN 2023-24

Left: "Self Portrait," a charcoal drawing by McKenna Lannen Right: "Wildfire," an acrylic painting

by McKenna Lannen

N E WS

TI D I N G S O F COM FO R T A N D J OY

7 ways to get involved in local charity organizations during the holidays B Y C Y N T H I A W E AV E R R E P O RT E R

E

specially during the holidays, your charity can provide a joyful and festive experience for others in unique ways. Whether it be from the warmth and love a blanket brings to the surprise and happiness of opening up a shoe box full of toys, your compassion makes a difference in other’s lives.

According to the 2023 December Student Poll, 61.8 percent of students at Vanguard agree that volunteering in the holiday season is important to them. You can build relationships with new people that you meet by volunteering and boost your self confidence and social skills when you interact with others and help the community. Here are some fun ways you can help local nonprofits or communities in special ways during the holiday season.

1. Spreading the Warmth

During the cold winter months, having warm blankets and clothing to snuggle up in is especially important. For some children, Christmas is spent in the hospital, instead of on vacation or at a loved-one’s house. To show your love and care for these children, you can donate cozy items such as blankets, hats, and socks to children’s hospitals, such as the local Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center. If you want to buy different items, the Baylor Scott & White Children’s Center has a wish list of things they want posted on their website. From baby stacking toys to teenage art supplies, the items on this list are much needed and appreciated. If you want to help out but do not have the time to shop for toys, online donations are equally welcome and will benefit children just as much.

2. Pay a Visit

During the holiday season, not all have someone to share the festivity with. You have the opportunity to make someone’s day at a local nursing home or assisted living facility by stopping by and spending time with them. Want to get creative? Write some fun Christmas cards to give out or bake a batch of cookies to share. You can also play an instrument for the resident’s entertainment, play games with them, or read to them. Any kind gesture counts, no matter how small. Consider paying a visit to assisted living facilities in Waco such as Heartis Senior Living, Providence Village, or the Delaney at Lake Waco. Call head or contact them on their websites to find visiting hours.

3. Reuse, Recycle, Regift

You are cleaning out your closet, and you find something unneeded anymore, or no longer valuable to you. In the spirit of giving, consider donating it to a nonprofit such as the Salvation Army or Mission Waco’s Clothesline. The Salvation Army thrift store, located at 4721 W Waco Dr, is here to provide cheap and easily accessible clothing, goods, and other household items to those in need around Waco, and they are always looking for donations. Mission Waco’s Clothesline shop, located at 1817 Franklin Ave., has the same mission along with a voucher center. This is where those who are transitioning out of homelessness can go and redeem certain furniture or clothing with vouchers received from another Mission Waco center. Donations can be made from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays, or 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. As you are collecting items and donating them, just remember: your trash is another’s treasure.

4. A Box of Love

While some may take for granted something as simple as Christmas gifts, not everyone has that luxury. Operation Christmas Child, run by the Samaritan’s Purse organization, makes sure that children around the world have the opportunity to receive toys and other gifts– in the form of a shoe box! The process is simple: Pick out a shoe box (any normal sized shoe box will do or buy them online from their site: www.samaritanspurse.org/ operation-christmas-child/pack-a-shoebox/). Next, print out a label online and attach it to your shoe box, then pack the box full of games, toys, sports activities, or light books, making sure while you do this that the box is not too stuffed or heavy. You are also encouraged to send in the box a picture of yourself and a note to the recipient.

Finally, take the shoe box to a local drop off center- the main drop off center in Waco is Highland Baptist Church or you can search your zip code on the site- where it will be shipped to a child around the world and make their Christmas.

5. Festive Furry Friends If bringing comfort and love to an animal waiting for a home warms your heart, consider making a donation to one of Waco's animal shelters or rescue

centers. Fuzzy Friends Rescue, located at 6321 Airport Road, is always looking for donations of much-needed items — like pet food, dog and cat toys, blankets, food and water bowls, leashes and much more. They update their "wish list" every Wednesday and it is posted on the Fuzzy Friends website. To find out what they need, visit: www.fuzzyfriendsrescue.com/donate/ wish-list/. The Waco Humane Society, located on the Circle at 2032 Circle Road, also has many needs as the weather turns cold and local animals need care. For inperson volunteer opportunities, you can sign up on their website.

6. A Little Goes a Long Way

While most people have nice clothing, jewelry, or games on their wish-list, for some, it might be soap, a pair of socks, or Kleenex. Living on the streets is very tough, especially in the cold winter months. Bring a little holiday spirit to someone you pass by by handing them a care package-filled with most of their basic necessities. Items such as Chapstick, hats, band aids, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and countless others are much appreciated. If you want, add a note of encouragement or a gift card to an affordable restaurant nearby. You can also make multiple of these little packages and keep them in your glove compartment! While it may not seem like a lot, this small act of kindness can go a long way and bring relief to those experiencing homelessness.

7. A Feast for All

Help children and families in your community enjoy a Christmas meal by volunteering at a local soup kitchen or food pantry. During this holiday season, set aside some time to help at Caritas Food Pantry, located at 300 South 15th Street, where you will be able to bag fruits and vegetables or stock shelves. This branch of Caritas is a food distribution center in Waco which helps fulfill, for some families, their greatest need at the time: food. If you do not have the time to volunteer but want to contribute, think about donating online at https://www.caritas-waco.org/ donate/. Another local food organization is Meals on Wheels, located at 501 W Waco Dr, which is dedicated to giving the elderly and homebound food if they cannot get it another way. Sign up to volunteer at https:// mowwaco.org/volunteer/, and enjoy a fun experience of meeting new people and serving your community.

DEC/JAN 2023-24 The Vanguard Review

5

NEWS

A CAD EMI C AI:

As AI integrates itself into everyday life,

BY A R I A CLEVELA ND R E P O RT E R

I

n the era of rapid technological advancement, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into our daily lives is becoming increasingly pronounced, and nowhere is this impact more profound than in high schools across the nation.

As AI continues to permeate various sectors, its transformative influence is now shaping the educational landscape, offering students an unprecedented array of tools and opportunities. From personalized learning experiences to innovative teaching methods, AI is redefining the traditional classroom setting.

In fact, AI is getting so integrated into the community and making its writing appear more human that you probably did not even realize that this introduction itself was written by ChatGPT 3.5. Yes, you read that correctly. We asked ChatGPT to write the intro of this article — and it did so perfectly.

More than 93 percent of students said they have used some form of AI, according to the Dec. 2023 VR student poll, and 76.9 percent of students believe that AI can do some jobs better than humans.

AI has its good and bad sides — and as the world of AI is evolving exponentially, students are faced with decisions about how to use it ethically.

Cheating is amongst the primary concerns of teachers who are experiencing first-hand the introduction of AI in students’ lives, and consequently, its potential temptation to use it to complete an

"You can do better than a machine," Allman said, "an algorithm that is scourging the Internet to generate content.”

Online shopping companies and other websites have been accused of using AI to spy on their customers to individualize ads, promote their products, or notice patterns in Internet use. Senior Tim Reid agrees that AI does spy on us, but not for the privacy-breaching reasons that it is accused of.

“Some corporations do use AI and data analytics to track consumer behavior and preferences, aiming to personalize marketing strategies," Reid said. “While this can be perceived as ‘spying’ to an extent, it's often part of data-driven marketing efforts. The ethical concerns arise when this data collection is done without proper consent, leading to privacy violations and potential misuse of personal information.”

Tenth grader Woojin Lee admits the severity of AI and its surveillance of technology users.

“I believe that AI is spying on customers because AI can track what the customer bought or is interested in.

That is spying,” he said.

Another con is its possibility to increase the unemployment rate as it inevitably replaces some currently human jobs. Dr. Greg Speegle, a computer science professor at Baylor University compared this with the IBM situation in the 1980s when word processors "Students need to have confidence in were invented and who worked in their ability to do work. Regard it as those manufacturing and a kind of a party trick." repairing typewriters — Dr. Wendy Allman, were not needed Honor Council sponsor anymore.

“They had a policy essay, math worksheet or science homework. [...] that they would never fire anybody,” he English teacher and Honor Council sponsor said.

Dr. Wendy Allman explains why she thinks IBM, to combat this, brought in people AI can be bad for students if used in the to train their unnecessary employees in wrong way. other areas of technology.

“Students need to have confidence in “I was part of a project that was their ability to do work,” she said, “Regard it going to IBM places and teaching them as a kind of party trick.” programming skills in order to help them She wants students to keep in mind one move from the dead-end typewriter world important thing. into the very open-ended programming

6 The Vanguard Review

DEC/JAN 2023-24

world,” he said.

He explained that those who embraced the advancement of the world were able to integrate back into the workforce seamlessly with the training provided.

Reid looks at this problem from a different angle and claims that AI could actually create jobs.

“While it may lead to job displacement in some sectors, it can also create new job opportunities, especially in the fields related to AI development, maintenance, and ethics," Reid said. "Additionally, AI has the potential to increase efficiency and productivity in various industries, leading to economic growth and new avenues for human employment.”

Lee thinks of this situation a bit differently.

“AI replacing humans is not good as the population is rising and more people need jobs,” he said.

Of course, not all workers displaced

by AI will be able to reclaim their lives financially or socially, but because the world is still evolving, they have the opportunity to learn something new or release their

N E WS

NAUGH T Y OR N I CE?

students and teachers debate its place in the classroom

creativity to follow a lifelong dream.

Freshman Tatum Sevcik disagrees with the notion entirely.

“I don't think AI would take over the workforce in general, and I think the direction it's going is a beneficial one,” she said.

Still, people worry about AI in relation

Do you think AI could ever completely replace human workers/thinkers?

26.8% YES 73.2% NO

Source: VR Dec. 2023 student poll

to students being tempted to cheat. For example, Quizlet’s AI, dubbed Q-Chat, can change itself while the student is studying to personalize the study session.

Lee disagrees and says that using AI with correct discretion is completely morally

ethical. their training has taught them to do, but “I don't think it is cheating because that does not mean that there are not errors it provides information the same way as in there. So it is really important that the Google, ChatGPT is just faster and more humans involved are able to discern when direct,” he said. the machine is wrong and to be able to Sevcik confirms Lee’s opinion. prevent it from just doing whatever it says.”

“I have tried it, and I don't think it's He has checked its accuracy with cheating," she said. "It can ask questions relating to computer science. application questions which can help with “I periodically go on Chat GPT and ask further understanding [materials]." it a question that I typically ask my students AI has the capability of helping in my undergraduate class to do. It has yet to students study more "While it may lead to job efficiently. displacement in some sectors, it can “I have used Quizlet’s also create new job opportunities, AI and especially in the fields related to ChatGPT,” Lee said. "We AI development, maintenance, and can use AI to ethics." shorten our — Tim Reid, senior / homework and robotics team captain study time.

Using AI in school is not always bad. I believe that it get it right,” he said. could enhance students because it helps Reid uses AI as the captain of the awardthem understand what they might not winning robotics team, Berserk. have in class.”

“The Bambu Lab X1-Carbon Combo 3D AI also has the possibility of Printer [...] does an Al inspection of the first reorganizing and analyzing data faster layer of a print so I don’t have to,” Reid said. than humans could ever dream of doing “My printer also has a spaghetti detection manually, and this could change how feature. Spaghetti in the 3D printing students interact with science and community is when a print fails halfway economics classes going forward. through, but the printer doesn’t know that “AI can analyze vast amounts of and keeps going and turns your print into a data quickly and accurately,” Reid said. spaghetti monster. So if my printer detects “In various fields, including education, spaghetti, it will stop the print before healthcare and business, AI can process data turning into a spaghetti monster.” to identify patterns, make predictions, and Sevcik, a coder for Berserk, also uses a inform decision-making. This can lead to type of AI . more informed choices, improved efficiency “I use it to help with programming,” she and innovative solutions to complex said. problems.”

AI taking over jobs is a relevant topic as Lee also supports AI’s ability to handle more and more examples show themselves information. in current jobs such as data-entry clerks “We [can] use them as an advantage by organizing databases which the investment storing or organizing data that is hard to banking company Morgan Stanley is already manage by hand,” he said. doing.

While it is easy to imagine that a “Obviously AI will replace some jobs just supposedly objective entity could not make as computers have replaced jobs throughout mistakes in subjects like math and science, history,” Speegle said. “Whenever we make Speegle said they absolutely can. technological improvements, we are going to “Computers make mistakes all the have certain tasks that instead of being done time,” Speegle said. “They do exactly what by people, we can do them quicker, more their coding tells them to do or exactly what efficiently and safe by machines.”

DEC/JAN 2023-24

The Vanguard Review

7

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

WHO CARES?

Angelo Nelson cares as he spreads kindness around the school community B Y E L L E N W E AV E R R E P O RT E R

O

n a cold and rainy day, 6th grader Malia Mattson struggled to open her umbrella while climbing out of her car. She juggled a handful of books as she tried to protect herself and her papers from being soaked by the downpour. Before she knew it, freshman Angelo Nelson came to her rescue.

“It was raining outside, and I was trying to get out of my car. Angelo opened the door for me, held his umbrella above me, and carried my books for me until I was able to get out,” Mattson said. “I was so impressed with how nice he was. He was just so kind to me.”

This is just one of many examples that go to show the kind-hearted person Angelo

especially when we’re celebrating my birthday,” Nelson said.

“And I want all of you guys to have fun with me on my special day. I asked for cans to donate [to] little boys and girls that can’t afford food while I could simply buy food whenever I wish.”

Freshman Luca Meehan shared about Nelson’s generosity.

“On our trip for the One Act competition, he bought a "He is caring, he is kind... bunch of cookies and let everyone I got to see his smile, his have some,” Meehan said. positive attitude and his Nelson said he thinks that willingness to be kind his kindness helped and help others. That was “has people get perfect." through hard — Patty Flowers, Science teacher times and stress” and thinks that “it Nelson is. He is well-known throughout will encourage people campus as the one who will go out of his way too.” to help or hold the door for everyone. His Nelson’s small acts small but meaningful caring acts are wellof kindness can have a known throughout the school community. big impact on others.

Science teacher Patty Flowers described “I left my laptop and my theater binder Nelson as “a really, really neat student.” in Jaworski and Angelo brought them home “He is caring, he is kind,” Flowers said. with him and put them in my locker before "I particularly remember in seventh grade, school started the next morning,” freshman every time I came into the school, he held Caroline Abel said. “It was a very kind thing the door open for me and he would say, “May to do and I feel like everyone should strive to I help you, Mrs. Flowers?” or “What can be like Angelo.”

I do to help you?” I got to see his smile, his Nelson said that he has been inspired by positive attitude and his willingness to be MrBeast, a philanthropist and YouTuber kind and help others. That was perfect.” who is popular for his expensive challenges Nelson explained that he strives to be a and donations. caring person because he does not want to “He donat[es] large portions of his make mistakes that he cannot fix. money and always keep[s] a smile on his Nelson invited all of his classmates to his face, showing that he actually cares about birthday parties; but instead of asking for what’s going on,” Nelson said. “[This] made gifts, he asked his friends to bring cans to me want to be just as successful as him so I benefit the annual Vanguard can food drive could also donate and help people around the hosted by Student Council. world.”

“I never, ever like to exclude people,

8 The Vanguard Review

DEC/JAN 2023-24

Angelo Nelson, freshman, celebrates a point on the MCC tennis courts during the 22-23 school year.

Bifrost staff photo On a sunny day, Angelo Nelson enjoys playing four square with his friends during lunch in front of Bostick. Ellen Weaver/ VR staff

SHORT STORY

MU RDE R A T C H R I S T MA S MA N O R A

A HOL I DAY MYST ERY BY GR ACE BERGERSON

lone. I had been separated from those I entered the mysterious manor with. The only sound that could be heard was the rain hitting the window and the creaks with every step I took. Fear could not describe the way I felt. There was something more off-putting. Something even I was not aware of. Going into this, deep down I knew it would go this way.

The Everglen Manor clearly has residents, as it does not appear to have ever been abandoned. Everything has always been looked after and cared for, but the odd thing is that no one has ever been seen exiting the estate other than on Christmas Day. Even then, the lord of the house has never once shown his face. To enter a mansion such as this is a death wish. The others were people from the town I would normally have never spoken to, but when they said they wanted to see the Master of the Everglen house, curiosity took over. Turning back now would not be an option.

I continued down the empty halls that were lined with garland. The house was decorated just as it would have been on Christmas Day. Between two columns on the left side of the hall, hung a painting.

The “painting” was just a blank canvas with a small nameless plaque below it. Compared to the dark colors that decorated the manor, this was quite unsuitable. Something was supposed to go here. Perhaps a portrait or a custom art piece that had not yet been delivered? I could not stay to ponder these possibilities. I had to continue on and find someone.

I walked to the end of the hallway.

Something was off. I rushed down the ominous hallway when suddenly I heard a blood curdling scream. The scream was coming from behind me. I rushed back toward the canvas, but this time a painting replaced the empty space.

The painting showed a gruesome scene, the scene of a murder.

I glanced down to see blood. My knees locked up. The girl in the painting was one of the ones I entered here with, only recognizable by her unique auburn hair and the shoes she was wearing.

The girl had disappeared inside the painting.

A few moments later, a boy appeared.

When he noticed what had happened, his eyes widened full of fear and shock.

“W-what happened?” he whispered. I could not answer his question. What I glanced down to see blood. really happened or more, how did My knees locked up. The girl this happen?

He followed me down the in the painting was one of the decorated halls for a little while ones I entered here with, only longer until I noticed I no longer heard footsteps behind me. The recognizable by her unique was gone and a new painting auburn hair and the shoes she boy had appeared. Another victim was wearing. had been taken, but why was it not me? I looked for a few more After passing the empty canvas, I had moments before deciding to move along. become more tense than I had been before.

Another painting, this time it was in

the library. This one had a couple in it—the other two who had joined us. The tragic painting fit in with the theme of a library.

It was carefully drawn as an old painting.

The scene showed a war, but instead of two warriors it was the couple. In the midst of everything, they looked pale and fearful as if they knew what was to come. Three people were taken away. Was anywhere safe?

I wandered around trying to find the exit, but it was nowhere to be found. I came across the last painting in a grand hall, but this one was different from the rest. It was me in the painting. The people who had been taken were there because they were not welcomed into the mansion by the owner.

But then how did I survive?

I glanced down at the name plate below the portrait. It read “Head of the Everglen Manor: Eurydice Everglen.” That was it. I was the one who made the others disappear.

DEC/JAN 2023-24

The Vanguard Review

9

FEATURE

THE FLOWERS ERAS B Y L A N DR I W H E E L E R E DI T O R-I N- C H I E F

Five decades in, Joe Flowers has seen dramatic advances in technology, but values people the most

W

elcome to the Flowers Eras Tour! Being director of technology for most of his 50 years, Joe Flowers has witnessed dramatic technological advancements including computers, the Internet, wireless phones, artificial intelligence (AI) — ­ the stuff wildest dreams are made of. But all wires, codes and networks aside, he said it's the camaraderie that has kept him here.

"Vanguard is like one big family where everyone — students, teachers, administrators, coaches, parents — are all in it together, aiming for the same things," Flowers said. "It's a very supportive place where we all work toward common goals,making learning fun, getting along with each other and helping everyone grow."

Flowers opened his tour in 1973 with the opening of the school serving as chair of the math, science and tech departments. As Sparks flew in technology, Flowers moved his focus fully to that department where he is still the director of technology. He handles all IT support, runs multimedia and computer science classes and assists with the robotics team. Flowers, alongside his wife Patty, have spent a combined 95 years at the school.

His colleagues and student shared their thoughts with the VR. “Among Mr. Flowers' many achievements, his greatest impact lies in his influence on fellow educators, including myself,” associate head of school Zach Seifert said. “He readily offers his wisdom and guidance to both new and experienced teachers, and his wealth of experience is a source of profound respect. I am personally indebted to Mr. Flowers for his guidance and unwavering support, which have played a pivotal role in shaping my career in education,” Seifert said.

Senior Juliet Indergard said that helped her figure the specific types of media she wanted to work with and how that would help her in her career.

10 The Vanguard Review

DEC/JAN 2023-24

Head of school Bill Borg said that Flowers has been very impactful to him during his time here.

“I would say the most impactful thing about him for me is the history that he had with the school,” Borg said. “It's a unique thing for someone to start with the school when it opens its doors, the first day of school and have been with that school for 50 years.That let me know that the historical knowledge that he has was invaluable to me because he could tell from the beginning of the school days to now and speak on the ups and downs.”

Some of the students and faculty had some words to say about who Flowers has been to them.

“He is a mentor to me,” senior Marshall Wray said. “He helped sprout my love for 3D modeling and really got me more into it. He is incredibly supportive and overall a great guy.”

Senior Karissa Kuhl said that he is always a very kind person and willing to work with her schedule.

Seifert and Borg both shared their favorite memories with Flowers throughout the years.

“I will say that nothing compares to our Friday lunches at Whataburger,” Seifert said.

Borg said his favorite memory with Flowers is visiting his classroom.

“I always like when I wander around to the different classrooms and every time I go into Mr. Flowers' class, it's always about what the students are doing,” Borg said. “He always wants to show what the students are doing, not just well, I have them doing this. The growth of what they are doing since I came in 2007 has been exponential.”

Flowers said he's proud to be part of a school that puts people first.

"Vanguard is the kind of place where everyone gets the encouragement they need to find out what they're great at," Flowers said, "and start on the road to reach their full potential."

"Are you Ready For It?" Flowers is in his "Reputation" era as he pulls out the leather jacket and his getaway motorcycle for a dress up day. "It was a throw back to the 60s dress up day and that was my interpretation," Flowers said.

In their timeless costumes, Joe and Patty Flowers enjoy an enchanted school dress up day.

“I dressed up as a daring Indiana Jones and Mrs. Flowers was dressed as Doc from "Back to the Future.”

Flowers was "The Man" in his "Lover" era when he married his sweetheart Mrs. Flowers with paper rings. “It was a small and simple wedding with our close family.”

In a "State of Grace" at a teacher's lunch, Flowers spends time with the newly introduced head of school Bill Borg. “That was back when Mr. Borg first came to Vanguard and we just enjoyed getting to know each other,” Flowers said.

Flowers had fun this Halloween dressed as Jason from "Friday the 13th." “I thought I'd have a little fun and dress up as Jason," Flowers said. "I had the mask and chainsaw and had fun scaring some of the students.”

In his 1989 era, Flowers dresses up as Doc from "Back to the Future." There is no doubt that he has style and he can put tech and dress up together. “I wanted to incorporate technology in my costume so I dressed as the crazy Doc,” Flowers said.

"This Is [Flowers] Trying" and it paid off because the school was recognized in 1977 as one of the first schools to learn on computers. Flowers shared his knowledge of the advancing technology with his students. “That was back when we first got to start teaching with computers," Flowers said. "I believe that was the PDP.”

FEATURE

DEC/JAN 2023-24

The Vanguard Review

11

FEATURE

A SEASON OF SPARKLE All you need to know about formal dress trends for the upcoming Winter Glitter B Y L A N DRY S T E WA RT R E P O RT E R

I

t’s formal season — and soon your dress of choice will be hitting the spotlight as you walk through the doors of Winter Glitter 2024.

This season is full of everything from Barbie pink to metallics and corsets to classics, and everything in between. The Vanguard Review presents an overview of this season’s trends on formal wear.

“For this upcoming season we're going to see a lot of golds and silvers coming back in, hot pink is still there because of the Barbie movie,” said G2 by Georgios assistant manager Lina Lopez. “Dress trends often follow normal everyday fashion trends, just with extra accents like ruffles and floral prints,” said Lina.

Color wise, burgundy is set to become the new neutral, according to the fashion website Who What Wear. This deep red accentuates every skin tone and is perfect for the winter months. The classics, black and white, can always be found in many different variations.

You can always spice up a timeless dress with “silk, corsets, and sequins,” Lopez said.

The corset, floral, silk and ruffle trends are coming back from past generations such as the 80s and 90s, making for very fun designs and bright colors.

As for styles, the popular formal dress brand Jovani is preparing for the upcoming formal wear season by creating glamorous embellished silhouettes in one shoulder,

12 The Vanguard Review

DEC/JAN 2023-24

strapless, such as a ball gown with an empire waistline. One shoulder and strapless dresses have been very popular for many years, they are becoming a new “basic.”

“I think that tiered dresses will be very popular this year,” freshman Katie Claire Schornack said.

Freshman Jillie Duncan describes the colors she thinks she will see this year.

“I'm expecting to see a lot of bright colors at Winter Glitter,” Duncan said.

The dresses this year are expected to be timeless, elegant and full of sparkle.

THIS SEASON IS FULL OF EVERYTHING FROM BARBIE PINK TO METALLICS AND CORSETS TO CLASSICS AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.

FEATURE

BEAUTIFUL IN BLUE Jovani’s 26094 is a beautiful dress. Timeless in style, design and color, it is still such a fun dress.

Its whimsical design is stunning and perfect for Winter Glitter.

SOON YOUR DRESS OF CHOICE WILL BE HITTING THE SPOTLIGHT AS YOU WALK THROUGH THE DOORS OF WINTER GLITTER 2024

MAGNIFICENT IN MAGENTA

GORGEOUS IN GOLD

The Sherri Hill 55196 is a stunning dress that can be worn two ways. The dress features straps that can be worn draped off the shoulder or on the shoulder giving you two different looks. The sparkle in this dress is like no other. It is the perfect mix of timeless and trendy.

Sherri Hill’s 55214 is another dress coming back from the 90s. The highlow silhouette mixes elegant and fun for the perfect Winter Glitter party dress. The strapless corset bodice gives the dress its timeless aspect. This is the perfect way to have beautiful photos and have the best dancing night ever.

PRETTY IN PINK PRETTY IN PINK Sherri Hill’s 55642 is a great dress to make a statement with the very trendy big sequins coming DRESS back from FUN the 90s. The strapless HEADLINE HERE mini dress silhouette makes the dress Dinos, fun and perfect for astronauts, andsomeone David Bowie.

Accessorizing with pins, buttons, with a bright personality.

keychains, patches, etc. can be a fun way to stylize your school bag or show self-expression to others. You might have a set aesthetic for your accessories . expression to others. You might have a set aesthetic for your accessories

PHO T O B Y L A N DRY S T E WA RT/ V R S TA F F

DEC/JAN 2023-24

The Vanguard Review

13

FEATURE

CHANGING WITH THE SEASONS Navigating the highs and lows of the winter months B Y E M I LY VA NC L E AV E R E P O RT E R

W

ith the coming cold weather of winter, the days get shorter and sunlight becomes more scarce.

This lack of light can affect our mood and make everyday tasks more difficult and less enjoyable.

According to Mental Health America, 5 percent of Americans experience seasonal depression, most of them young adults and older.

The proper term for seasonal depression is seasonal affective disorder (SAD), according to psychologist Kim Zander, who has a Master of Science in Educational Psychology and is a licensed professional counselor.

It is important to know that seasonal depression is not ‘just a mood.’ It is more than a feeling of sadness that occurs in passing,” Zander said. And symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Only 10 percent of 153 students said they feel sad and depressed during the winter, according to the Dec. 2023 poll.

The cause of this mood change is due to lack of sunlight, which raises melatonin

symptoms frequently interfere with the quality of your daily life, you should talk to a psychiatrist or psychologist before making any major decisions.

Some also experience low moods during the late spring and hot summer. These symptoms are opposite to those of winter depression, such as insomnia, irritability, anxiety, weight loss and a decrease in appetite (Mayo Clinic). Similar to winter depression are the theories as to what causes it. Increased sunlight leads to lower melatonin production and your sleep-wake cycle is thrown off. High temperatures, extreme heat, and higher pollen counts are also possible factors affecting your mood, according to VeryWell Mind.

Junior Lathan Dieterich is happier in the wintertime, as the summer and hot weather make him “feel depressed and gross since [he] can’t go outside without being super sweaty and mosquito-covered.”

If you experience low moods during the winter, don’t fret! There are several ways you can boost your spirits. Opening the curtains on days when the sun is high in the sky can help reduce fatigue, promote better sleep and even The cause of this mood change is dopamine production. due to lack of sunlight, which raises facilitate Lightboxes are artificial melatonin levels in the brain. The lamps that can trick the brain pineal gland produces melatonin into making mood-boosting when it is dark, causing you to feel chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine. Getting more drowsy at dusk.

D through sunlight — VeryWellMind vitamin or certain foods can also help, according to Zander. levels in the brain. The pineal gland Due to the fatigue and laziness one may produces melatonin when it is dark, causing feel in the cold, motivation can be difficult you to feel drowsy at dusk. Light enters the to come upon. Setting definite times to do eyes in the morning, stopping melatonin activities and scheduling your day to involve production. Because winter days are shorter, other people can prevent you from backing people may rise before dawn or go home at out of activities or feeling isolated and sunset. This change disturbs the circadian withdrawn. Zander recommends “calling rhythm and causes the symptoms of SAD. a friend or family member to go do [those There is also a link to the lack of serotonin activities] with you.” in the brain which occurs with depression, Lifestyle changes such as these can bring according to VeryWell Mind. about positivity with depressed feelings: Though you may feel tired, lazy, sad, etc. getting regular exercise, implementing during the winter, it does not always mean a reasonable sleep schedule, and eating a that you have a depressive disorder. If your healthy diet that includes ample fruits,

14 The Vanguard Review

DEC/JAN 2023-24

vegetables, and protein, as suggested by VeryWell Mind.

When Sophomore Owen Roos is in a bad mood enhanced by the season, he thinks it is “crucial to take some time to do things that make you happy and spend time with others which really brings some joy and warmth to the season.”

Mood changes based on the seasons are not always dismal, though. Most students, according to the poll, tend to feel lazy and tired or even cozy and happy with the change in season.

Sophomore Charlotte Smith says that during the winter, her mood changes cause her to sleep more and get slower with her work. Freshman Atlas Sowders also feels more tired and melancholy, which leads to laziness. “[Mood changes] don't tend to affect school, although I do sleep a lot more and that may sometimes get in the way of homework or studying," Sowders says.

Other students find the chilly season to feel more calming and relaxing.

Senior Evan Roos describes the upcoming season as “cool and cozy” and a time for relaxation and an invitation for happy memories to be made.

“These fall and winter months are lovely; they remind me of my nostalgic early childhood in Missouri, of playing and relaxing with extended family, and of sitting around a campfire singing songs with my grandparents and cousins.”

Owen Roos considers the holiday season as something that does not control his mood.

Instead, it is something that conveys an emotion like a painting. To him, winter is calming and pure.

“The winter months, though they can evoke a feeling of gloom and emptiness, I think more fittingly represent a romantic painting.”

The winter season can be depressing, tiring, or even calming and cozy. However the short days and longer nights affect you, there are ways to make the most of this season. Making time to connect with others and to do things that will make you happy can certainly benefit.

TRENDS Once considered a mark of rebellion, tattoos are becoming more accepted and many young people now wear their individuality boldly on their sleeves B Y C A RO W I L L I A M S R E P O RT E R

S

enior Lydia Wollard had been preparing for this day for as long as she can remember — getting a tattoo is a tradition in her family. As she sat down in the chair and looked around her, she felt excited and nervous all at the same time.

As Wollard felt the first prick of the needle, she relaxed and thought about the end result: a specially designed piece of art that will reflect her personality for the rest of her life.

“I got a tattoo because all of my other siblings got tattoos when they were 18, and since I was little I wanted to get a tattoo when I turned 18,” Wollard said.

Tattoos are no longer just an irremovable burden that eliminates opportunities for success — they are a legitimate creative form of self-expression.

More than 80 percent of students think tattoos are fine/cool, according to the VR Dec. 2023 poll, while 19.6 percent still think they are weird and even inappropriate.

“My tattoo is a sword that my dad drew and I love it,” Wollard said.

“I was going to get a more complicated version of it, but I ended up going with a simple version and I'm glad that I did.”

A tattoo is a permanent mark or design made on the skin with pigments inserted through pricks into the skin's top layer, according to the Mayo Clinic.

It is known to be painful and can be accompanied by other health risks.

“I knew that it was going to be painful but I didn't expect it to be very painful...it kind of just feels like I got sliced," Wollard said. "It feels like a really, really bad sunburn.”

Though it might sound like an unnecessary risk, it can provide extra confidence or display someone's interests to potential friends passing by, but it can also help with grief and loss. A tattoo can be a way to commemorate lost loved ones and friends as it serves as a permanent reminder of them. Either way, a tattoo is one way for a person to display what is important to them or help understand some of the psychological aspects of another person, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Like Wollard, many young people are excited to step into the ink world the moment they turn 18. Pew Research Center conducted a survey on August 15, 2023, and discovered that 41 percent of people 18-29 they interviewed have tattoos, and 22

percent of those people have more than one tattoo.

Dahbin Shim, '23 grad, has one of her own.

“I just have one tattoo on my ribs," Shim said. "It’s been around eight months since I got it and no regrets, so far so I guess that’s a good sign.”

While Shim only has one tattoo, another '23 grad, Natalia MartinezGil has more.

“I have 16 tattoos,” Martinez-Gil said.

“The first one I got when I was 15 or 16, and I got it done in Spain. It is small so it was not a huge deal. I got my most recent tattoo done two weeks ago.”

Another recent grad, DJ Broadway, also sports multiple tattoos.

“I have eight tattoos in total,” Broadway said. “I believe I got my first in April of this year and my last in August.”

Tattoos are more accepted across the United States and other parts of the world now. They can be seen on any kind of person no matter what they do or who they are. More than 72 percent of students think they are more acceptable today than they were when their parents were in high school.

But getting a tattoo is a serious thing and might have some repercussions.

“Not going to lie as soon as I sat down in my car to drive back from my appointment, I felt immediate regret but it went away the next day and since then, I haven’t really felt any semblance of regret. Most times I forget I even have it,” Shim said.

Only having one tattoo that is not easily noticeable makes it harder to regret, but someone with many tattoos in visible areas might have a few regrets when it comes to their ink.

“Sometimes I might regret the placement but I never seriously regret it,” Martinez-Gil said. “It is more like I regret not getting it like two millimeters to the left. Other than that I don’t regret the design or the meaning or anything like that.”

Senior Jake Lee also has a couple of tattoos.

“I have tudo passa [which means] “everything passes” tattooed on my forearm,” Lee said. “I also have ars longa vita brevis [which means] “art is long, life is C O N T I N U E D O N PAGE 19

DEC/JAN 2023-24

The Vanguard Review

15

HEADS UP

SPORTS

Concussions are a form of brain injury that can take weeks or months to heal

BY SA R A CLA R K R E P O RT E R

I

t was the second game of the 2022-2023 football season against Holy Trinity.

Freshman Owen Peters took a blindside block to the head. Even though he had a bad headache, he kept playing through the pain because he thought he was OK. “After the game, I had one of the worst headaches I ever had, so I went to the doctor," Peters said.

That is how he found out that he had a concussion.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

More than 24 percent of students said they have suffered concussions, according to the December 2023 VR student poll.

Between 1.7 and 3 million sports- and recreation-related concussions happen each

“When we have a quick turn of the head, the leading theory is there is change in the local environment of the brain tissue leading to change in the chemicals in the brain and inflammation.”

— Allison Mighell, MD

Feeling out of it after a hit to the head?

Here are signs you may have a concussion

Light and sound sensitivity

Appearing dazed

Memory loss Nausea Confusion Dizziness Vision disturbance Loss of balance Clumsiness

Headaches

Loss of consciousness Source: Centers for Disease Control

year. Around 300,000 of those are from football, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Allison Mighell, MD, an emergency medicine physician at Baylor Scott and White in Temple, said most concussions are seen in sports where you have a high risk of being directly hit in the head or

landing on your head.

“These sports include football, hockey, lacrosse and soccer,” she said. “There are other sports and activities as well that are common including bike riding and skateboarding.”

Peters said his freshman year, during his first football season, he had two concussions.

“I had terrible headaches, [and I was] very

ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT Hutson Harper, '25, Varsity Soccer B Y M A DE LY N K I M R E P O RT E R

VR: How long have you been playing soccer and what position do you play?

HH: I have been playing soccer since kindergarten, so I've played about 11 to 12 years. I play center-back.

16 The Vanguard Review

VR: How are you feeling for this season?

HH: I'm super excited for this season.

We got a lot of great new freshmen and a lot of excellent players returning too, we DEC/JAN 2023-24

have the potential to go far this year.

VR: What's your favorite thing about playing soccer?

HH: My favorite part of playing soccer is probably the team aspect. I get to make many friendships through soccer and the vibes of the team are always great.

VR: Who is your favorite soccer player and

SPORTS

“I had terrible headaches, [and I was] very sensitive to light and noise as well."

“When we have a quick turn of the head, the leading theory is there is change in the local environment of the brain tissue leading to change in the chemicals in the brain and - Owen Peters, sophomore inflammation,” Mighell said.

“This inflammation can change blood flow and use of energy in the sensitive to light brain and this is how we get the symptoms and noise as well,” Peters said. of a concussion.”

Common symptoms of a concussion are Mighell said the most important step headaches, confusion, difficulty in memory, after having a concussion is preventing a having a difficult time focusing, and feeling second concussion. dizzy, Mighell said.

“Because of this, we will recommend Although many patients might not not going back to sports until you are exhibit all the symptoms, senior Haley completely back to your normal after Lekas experienced two of the five when a the concussion,” Mighell said. “You can softball accidentally hit her during practice return to doing light exercise that has a in her junior year. lower risk of hitting your head. Doctors “I would have bad headaches,” Lekas usually recommend decreased time looking said. “It would be hard for me to concentrate in class, and it was hard for me to “It would be hard for stay awake.” me to concentrate in More than 23 percent of class, and it was hard students said they are not fully for me to stay awake.” aware of what a concussion is, - Haley Leakas, senior according to the VR student poll.

Lekas was one of them at the time of her first concussion. She at electronics (TV, cell said that after her second concussion, she phone, screens) to decrease the stimulation started grasping the concept when taking to the brain as well. To help recovery, you anatomy and philosophy class with Coach can focus on getting good rest, taking your Lefebvre. She also asked questions with her time with assignments and taking time off doctor which contributed to her knowledge of concussions.

what's your favorite team?

HH: My favorite soccer player is Rashford and my favorite team is Manchester United.

VR: Tell about your most successful season in soccer.

HH: Our last season was our most successful season. We made it to the state playoffs, and the team worked so well together.

VR: Are you planning to join any sports in college?

HH: No, not really, I might join like an intramural sports team, but I don’t think I’ll go play anywhere in college.

VR: You’re taking four AP classes. How do you balance sports and school work?

HH: To balance schoolwork and sports I really just use all the time that I have at school with study mods and things like that. Then I never really have too much to worry about at home.

VR: What is your hobby outside of school?

HH: I would say my hobby outside of school is either volunteering or reading. I do a lot of both throughout the year and they're both pretty fun.

Between 1.7 and 3 million sports related concussions happen each year. of sports.”

Vanguard’s Athletic Trainer Kiyo Shimosawa, said for concussions, recovery time would depend on the severity of the injuries.

"Everybody's brain is different," Kiyo said. "They have different memories, and they have different developmental backgrounds. For healthy individuals, if it's very mild symptoms, we would say one to two weeks of recovery. It could last more than a month or you could be expecting half of a year or longer."

VR: What's on your pre-game playlist?

HH: I don’t really have a favorite song because I switch around what I listen to so much, but some of my favorite songs right now are "Spotless" by Zach Bryan and "Everywhere, Everything" by Noah Kahan.

VR: What do you eat to power up before a game?

HH: I honestly don’t eat before games that much. If coach has something, I’ll eat it, but there’s nothing specific really that I eat before games.

DEC/JAN 2023-24

The Vanguard Review

17

STUDENT POLL

18 The Vanguard Review

DEC/JAN 2023-24

INKED UP Continued from page 15

short” tattooed on my shoulder. I got them done because these sentences were impressive at the time.”

Getting a tattoo done while you are still in high school can attract a lot of judgment from people who don’t approve. There also might be some regrets as well.

“I usually regret it when I get it, but I do not regret it now,” Lee said.

The designs and placement of tattoos are a very important part of the process, whether they are sentimental symbols or impulsive sketches they still require a design and an idea.

“I have one that is an infinity plus one.

It is a family tattoo and it is matching with my brother’s, it was also the first one I got,” Martinez-Gil said. “Me and my brother got them at the same time. It represents a stage of my life regarding my family."

Many individuals are still wary of tattoos and tend to disapprove of them. Whether they associate them with the typical rebellious stereotype or think the design is weird they still have some issues with it.

“I one hundred percent think people judge me because I have tattoos,” Martinez-Gil said. “It is so messed up. When I am wearing short sleeves or anything like that,

I can tell how people think differently about me. They assume things about me and then they talk to me and find out I am actually a nice person.”

Lee has also experienced backlash during his time in South Korea.

“Most Koreans do not like tattoos, and someone cursed at me because I had a tattoo,” Lee said.

Similarly, Broadway also feels judged for his ink, but with the judgers also come some admirers, he said.

“People definitely judge me for my tattoos, but that’s OK,” Broadway said. “I notice some people give me weird looks once they see my tattoos...but the majority of the time someone says something, they’ll compliment my tattoos.”

While some feel harshly judged, others feel as though they aren’t really judged as much.

“To be fair most people don’t know I have a tattoo because it’s hidden for the most

part,” Shim said. “I will say that when people do see it they usually are just surprised by the fact I have one instead of judging me per se.”

Another source of judgment from a tattoo might be the parents of the tattooed individual. Whether they support or are against the idea it must be hard to see your child go under the needle.

“I have a tattoo on my chest that is like four lines vertical and one horizontal line crossing it, so it looks like five tally marks,” Martinez-Gil said. “My mom was like ‘What the heck?’ She did not like it at all. She was going kind of insane about it, but she got over it.”

DEC/JAN 2023-24

The Vanguard Review

19

REVIEW The Vanguard