Vanguard Review DEC 2024

REVIEW The Vanguard

Vol. 51 No. 2

DEC '24

The FOODIE Issue

Food For The Soul How a meal makes lasting connections Pages 8-9 Weird Food Combos We tried them so you don't have to Page 15

Vanguard Stock Market Challenge

Congratulations!

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

December 2024 CONTENTS

5 Reactions to Trump Victory Vikings share their opinions

STUDENT POLL Pg. 18 F E AT U R E S T O R Y

6-7 Misunderstood and

Overlooked

Homeless community shares warmth from the harsh winter despite misconeptions 10 In For a Shock International students share what American food and traditions 11 A Study On How To Study Find your groove to make the most of your personal studying style 12 Outside the Mainframe Sophomore Stratton McEachern 13 Road to Hollywood Viking alum plays role film now airing on Prime Video 14-15 Food Fun Make your favorite fast food sauces at home — and we tried some weird food combos so you don't have too 16 Food is Fuel Food or lack thereof can make or break athletic performance 17 Vanguard Wrapped S TA F F

The Vanguard Review Editors-in-Chief Aria Cleveland & Madelyn Kim Reporter Grace Bergerson Reporter & Business Manager Sara Clark

a school lunch with friends or a holiday meal with family — builds lasting connections

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 292.

Theres no doubt food people brings people together. In this issue, the Vanguard Review focuses on the connections people make over meals.

Vol. 51 No. 2

Reporter Charlie Stewart Reporter Jonah Sutton Reporter Selina Jung

Food For The Soul Gathering for a meal — whether

Adviser Gretchen Eichenberg

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

Photo By Sara Clark A VC PS

P U B L IC AT ION

DEC 2024

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From the Editor

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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

Final Exams Dec. 16-20

Winter Break Dec. 21- Jan. 5

Bill Borg Holiday Basketball Invitational Dec. 27-28 @ 10:30 a.m.

Quarter 3 Begins January 6

Peer Lunch January 14

TAPPS Dance Championships January 18

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day January 20

Open House January 21

SpikeDown Volleyball Competition January 28

played a roll — along with some pretty big Hollywood names — in the motion picture ‘Brothers.’

On a more serious note, I covered the topic of homelessness in the Waco community. This story is the most devoted I’ve ever been to any piece I have written — not only as a writer, but also as a person. I got an amazing opportunity to interview Jimmy Dorrell, founder of Mission Waco and a pastor of the Church Under the Bridge.

I personally got to connect with people who are experiencing homelessness when I spent time under the bridge. Interviewing and learning the stories about them was one of the most valuable experiences I have ever had. This story made me grow as a person and a reporter by opening a new perspective for me. I can say that this is a very special story for me. In the process of writing this article, I have decided that I want to be a volunteer of the Church Under the Bridge.

Since my first interview at the place with homeless people, I have been going on Sundays to connect with them.

Our team has put a lot of heart into this issue, and my co-editor Aria and I hope it fills you with holiday spirit and warmth.

Enjoy this fun issue of the Vanguard Review.

Madelyn Kim Co-Editor-in-Chief

C OV E R T O C OV E R

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his past Veterans Day, senior Ema Mathis published a book, “Ema the Patriot Cowgirl.” After taking Brad Livingstone’s World War II class, Mathis said she decided she wanted to write a book to educate kids about thanking veterans.

“It just really touched me and made me think I should do something to help inspire the younger generation," Mathis said, "and not just the younger generation, but anyone.”

Mathis added that she also wanted to show that her generation is different than what some people may think.

"My book is my way of trying to help make the world a little bit better of a place,” she said.

"Ema The Patriot Cowgirl" is available on Amazon.

Winter Glitter February 1

3rd Quarter Midterm February 5

Regional Mock Trial Competition February 6-8

Valentine Carnation Delivery February 13

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t’s that time of year again — when the warm smell of food starts to fill the air and remind us of the warmth of the holiday season.

Surrounded by the Christmas mood, this issue focuses on all kinds of food. Through the cover story, you can find out how food brings us together and how something as simple as sharing a meal can build bonds and create memories.

This issue is full of fun and interesting food stories as well. Do you have your own ‘weird’ food combos that you enjoy? Our VR staff members tried out several unexpected but strangely good food combos, like mac ‘n cheese and maple syrup.

This issue also covers ‘food shock’ and how international students experienced American food when they first arrived here, as well as their opinions on what Americans eat daily. And lastly, you can find out about food and drinks that fuel your body in our Sports section.

We are also thrilled to share a wide range of other stories. Starting off with an article about students’ reactions to the election as the result of the 2024 Presidential election revealed, and an interesting interview with Viking alum Brooks Indergard who recently

DEC 2024

Senior Ema Mathis and her book "Ema the Patriot Cowgirl" Kristi Bracewell

N E WS

MIXED REACTIONS TO TRUMP VICTORY

Vikings share their positive and negative opinions on the 2024 election results B Y C H A R L I E S T E WA RT R E P O RT E R

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n a tumultuous election that seriously changing border divided the country — young policies.” and old — Republican Donald The economy was J. Trump was elected the 47th another important president of the United States. He issue — and according defeated his Democratic opponent to the poll, nearly 30% of Kamala Harris, currently vice students said it was the president to Joe Biden, on Nov 5, most pressing.

2024.

Gas prices were at Trump won the electoral an all time high when college, earning 312 votes to Harris’ President Biden was in 226, according to the Associated office. In 2022 the gas Press (AP). Overall, Trump won prices reached over an 75,888,731 votes (50.2%) to Harris’ average of four dollars a 72,867,555 votes (48.2%), the AP gallon, according to the reported.

U.S. Energy Information High school Vikings voted 55.4 Administration. in favor of Trump, according to the “I'm excited to see Oct. VR student poll. But students gas prices go down since had mixed reviews of the official I’ll be able to drive soon,” election results. freshman Avery Walzel “I was absolutely hyped to see said. when I heard Trump won,” junior Sowders said the Holice Pegram said. “I expect most important issues America to be greater than it’s ever Donald Trump speaks at rally in Mesa Arizona October 9 2022. Photo by Gage Skidmore / were those regarding the been.”

LBGTQ+ community.

Junior Drew Howard agreed. Creative Commons “Trump has stated “I was absolutely elated when country before then.” that my rights as part of those groups mean I found out the news about Mr. Trumpity” Vivian Spitzer Hanks, freshman, nothing,” Sowders said, “and that I am less Howard said. experienced several emotions. than human in his eyes.”

“I was a little proud of America as a “I was absolutely Students watched the election results at whole,” she said, “because I was like, oh, various locations, like parties and at their elated when I found we are to the point where a black woman homes. out the news about Mr. can run and get to the final stage. But also, “I was watching at home with my the next four years are not going to be fun Trumpity.” brother,” Walzel said. because he has such extreme policies and Pegram said he was home with family - Drew Howard, junior they are going to end up hurting a lot of people.”

“He has such extreme Others were surprised.

"I don't care that much but am happy “I was really expecting it to turn out policies and they are he won because he is funny," freshman differently,” sophomore Evie Hansen said. going to end up hurting a Holly Haberle said.

“I’m definitely concerned.”

Others were disappointed and even The Vanguard Review asked students lot of people.” dismayed by the Trump victory. what they think was the most important - Vivian Spitzer-Hanks, “When it was confirmed he would be issue in the election. sophomore president, I cried harder than I have in One of the leading topics discussed years,” sophomore Atlas Sowders said. “As in the election was border security and a queer, transgender and female individual, immigration. In the Oct. VR poll of high too. my rights will be stripped one by one school students, 83.1% said the country “I was watching the election at home starting this January, and I don't know needs stricter border control. with my family, cheering on the best leader what I will do if I am unable to escape the “The most important issue was border any country could ever have,” Pegram said. control,” junior Matthew Clark said.

Sowders was home as well, and very “Trump is going to bring fear back.” upset.

But some students are concerned “On the night of the election, I was at he will take border security to an home staring at the election map until I extreme. cried myself to sleep,” Sowders said.

“He might make a lot of changes really fast,” Hansen said. “Like

Final results:

Trump: 75,888,731 Harris: 72,867,555

Source: Associated Press

DEC 2024

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F E AT U R E

MISU N D E RS T O O D A N D O

Waco homeless community battles harsh winter weather and misconceptions, as organiz B Y M A DE LY N K I M C O -E DI T O R I N C H I E F

A group of community members gathers at I-35 and Fifth Street to worship and get a hot lunch as a part of the Church Under the Bridge. Church Under the Bridge serves food, first aid and a Christian community.

Photo by Madelyn Kim

W

inter season — the air is filled with holiday spirit. Students and their families are excited to celebrate Christmas. At the same time, it can be the harshest time for those who have to spend the freezing nights on the streets alone.

“Winter is the hardest for me," said Julie, a local woman who has been experiencing homelessness since 2018, after her husband passed away in an accident. "I keep moving around to stay warm. And the shelters are full when it’s freezing and it’s not really easy to just stick around there.”

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OCT 2024

She carries her belongings everywhere she goes.

"Everything I own is in here," Julie said. "Blankets, clothes, some kind of food and old photos I can’t let go of. People look at me like I’m crazy walking around with my cart, and they think I have some sort of mental illness, but it’s all I have.”

And she does not always know where she's going.

“I don’t always have a destination, you know, I just walk," Julie said. "It helps me think, or not think, I guess. Sometimes I’ll go to Barnes & Noble to stay warm, but

people always give me weird looks so I only stay there for just a little bit.”

Weird looks are just some of the reactions homeless people get from people who pass by and have no idea of their story.

“They are usually treated as ‘bums’ and often [people] ignore them or speak slurs to them," said Jimmy Dorrell, co-founder of Mission Waco and pastor of Church Under the Bridge. "For example, they say ‘Get a job!’ and see them through the eyes of ‘pity,’ which is different from compassion.”

More than 28% of students said they have never even interacted with a homeless individual, according to the VR December poll. And more than 78% said that when they see a homeless person, they walk away.

However, 28.9% of students responded that the issue of homelessness is in the Waco community is “very serious.” and 63.5% answered that it is “somewhat serious.”

As of 2024, in the city of Waco, about 232 individuals are experiencing homelessness, according to the Heart of Texas Homeless Coalition.

"I think that homelessness in general is a problem, and while Waco has less homeless than big cities, it does seem to be growing,” said senior Kaydon Daniel.

The most common misconceptions and stereotypes towards people who are experiencing homelessness, according to Dorrell, are that they are lazy, unwilling to work, alcohol or drug abusers or irresponsible. These misconceptions impact the way homeless individuals are treated in the community.

“I'm glad there are plenty of local organizations that help with this issue,” said Daniel.

"It's not just about food or money. It's about someone seeing me as a person. "

— Julie, a local woman experiencing homelessness

In the city of Waco, there are several shelters and organizations for homeless people, such as Mission Waco, and the Church Under the Bridge.

According to Dorrell, many homeless suffer from mental health or physical

F E AT U R E

D OV E R LO O K E D

organizations work to change perceptions challenges, the rejection they often experience from many potential employers because of a previous prison sentence; the breakdown of their children's past, such as abuse, neglect, isolation at school, and lack of affordable housing and more — on the contrary of people’s misconceptions.

"Learn the truth about them. They are as different as you and me. They have talents, dreams, and abilities."

— Jimmy Dorrell, founder of Misson Waco

Top: Church Under the Bridge founder and pastor Jimmy Dorrell preaches an Advent massages to the community on December 8, 2024. Bottom: A survivor of Hurricane Katrina, Cynthia Montemayor has been attending the Church Under the Bridge since 2008 when her family became displaced . Photos by

Madelyn Kim

Mission Waco and Church under the Bridge has been addressing the issue of homelessness in the Waco community, as it emerged as a place that included and listened to them as priorities without judging, Dorrell added.

“I’ve been coming to the Church Under the Bridge since 2008," said Cynthia Montemayor. "There was a big hurricane in 2008 and that was harsh on my family. My sister wanted me to go to church with her and I found this on the news. My parents are Catholic, and I was going to the mass with them on Saturdays and coming here on Sunday. Then I chose to belong here."

Montemayor said she has boned with people from all classes, from homeless and poor,to middle class and some Baylor professors and even doctors.

"I think this is the biggest impact to see all of these people together, and getting so involved with the church," she said. "The biggest thing is, there is no judgment here. Our pastor Jimmy, he is so down to earth. You don’t call him pastor, you call him Jimmy. He’s got a big heart and is always looking out for everyone. He wants us to improve and expand."

Mark , a Church Under the Bridge participant, is currently homeless.

“They offered me what I needed the most, which was a caring relationship with someone or community, he said. "It’s made Waco pretty good. They have helped a lot of homeless people off the street, and their children.”

Dorrell said the main focus is to build meaningful relationships among the poor and marginalized, including the homeless, and advocate for them by including them in what they do and the principles of Christian community development instead of ‘relief.’

The organization has built programs that addressed the gaps, such as job training, basic mental and physical health services, social services at the Meyer Center and the My Brother’s Keeper Homeless Shelter.

“We created ways to mobilize the middle-class to understand the poor and Waco’s poverty," Dorrell said. For example, the Poverty Simulation and the Other Side of Waco Tour. So they could understand and support our initiatives.”

The Vanguard community also has been actively participating in Poverty Simulation, as well as encouraging students to collect cans for Caritas, a local food bank.

“It’s not just about food or money. It’s about someone seeing me as a person," Julie said. "I need food, yeah, but when you’re out here, people don’t even talk to you. They act like you’re invisible and that hurts more.

I used to have my husband and my cat and

28.9% of the students responded that the issue of homelessness in Waco community is "very serious."

Source: VR December poll

I never thought I would end up like this. I used to go to school 30 years ago, like other normal people did, you know. " Beyond the shelters and food, Dorrell said the core needs of the homeless population that are often overlooked by the public or local organizations are mental health resources, affordable housing, livingwage jobs and people who care for them.

“The most impactful ways that students can contribute to the issue are, well first of all, learn the truth about them," Dorrell said. "They are as different as you and me. They have talents, dreams and abilities. Also, participating in the Poverty Simulation or becoming a Mission Waco volunteer will be a huge support.”

OCT 2024

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FEATURE

FO O D FO R T H E S Gathering for a meal — whether a school lunch or a holiday dinner with family —

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

S

ophomore Miley Gonzales and her sister Dory had just picked up their lunch at Chipotle when Dory dropped her entire bowl in the parking lot, sending her meal of delicious chicken, rice and vegetables tumbling to the ground. In the end, the sisters end up sharing Miley’s bowl in the back of Dory’s trunk and talking for hours. Gonzales described how she felt this moment brought them closer together having fun conversations throughout the night.

Coming together for a meal — whether it’s a quick lunch with your sister, a large family dinner or grabbing food with friends at Bostick Café — provides a lot more than nutrition for the body. It’s also food for the soul as it gives people time to build connections and bonds with each other.

After a long morning of classes, sometimes people need time to spend time with friends.

“Lunch is a time for me to just Sophomores Katie Claire Schorncak, Maddie Dortilus, Cappy Starr, Leighton Chatmas, Ava take a step back from school, relax Martinez and senior Ella Martinez enjoy lunch together in Bostick Cafe. Sara Clark / VR staff and get to talk to my friends,” sophomore Katie Claire Schornack my friends because of the time that we according to the Natural Library of said. “I do think lunch creates bonds and spend together at lunch. It’s a time that Medicine. memories that I wouldn’t have otherwise.” we can relax and talk and not worry about Many friend groups around campus According to the Vanguard Review school,” sophomore Ava Martinez said. also eat together.

November/December student poll, 75% of Jessica Attas, CEO of Prosper Waco “I think eating lunch with friends is an students prefer to eat lunch with family and holds a master's in sociology and said there amazing way to spend time together during friends. is value in mealtime. the school day,” sophomore Atlas Sowders “I think eating lunch with my friends “Breaking bread with others – family said, “especially since a lot of us have aftercreates bonds and memories because being or strangers – creates space for us to come school activities and other things that make able to get together with my friends during together and see our shared humanity,” it hard to hang out during other times. I school for lunch gives me something to look Attas said. “We all have to eat to live and wouldn't be nearly as good of friends with forward to,” sophomore Annie Johnson said. [we] can find joy in the act of enjoying my friends if there were assigned lunch “I always like having fun conversations to delicious food.” seatings or something.” lighten the mood or distract me when I am stressed out from school.”

Not only does eating together give people a chance to step back it also supplies opportunities to try new foods Source: VR Dec. student poll “We talk about so many different subjects, and we share our foods sometimes, which builds trust and relationships,” Not only is food important but so are Lunch brings opportunities to have sophomore Maddie Dortilus said. friendships. conversations you wouldn't have otherwise Schornack, Dortilus and their friends Friendships provide important health had. eat lunch together almost every day. benefits, although the significance of “Lunch can totally help you make “I feel like I am definitely closer with these has only recently been appreciated,

75%

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of students say they prefer eating meals with family and friends

FEATURE

SOUL

ily — builds lasting connections memories and connect with people in ways you wouldn’t otherwise,” sophomore Crosby Davis said. “When you’re eating together, it’s like the perfect excuse to chill and chat without the pressure of doing something important.”

Food does build connections between friends and family.

“It’s a big thing in my house that we eat dinner as a family every night, especially during the school year," Martinez said.

"Sometimes when we have a lot going on it is the one time of day that we get to see one another and talk. My dad cooks every night and we all visit and help him prep the meal

before we sit down to eat.”

Sophomore Leighton Chatmas agreed.

“I strongly believe in eating dinner with my family as much as possible is super important,” Chatmas said. “For most families, it is pretty much the one time a day they can gather and share a meal and continue building connections.”

Connecting with your parents brings joy and connecting with siblings is important too.

“My family eats dinner together every night and I think it’s super important for everyone to sit together and talk about our days and if we did anything fun,” junior

“Lunch can totally help you make memories and connect with people in ways you wouldn’t otherwise.”

- Crosby Davis, sophomore

Ezri Horton said. “I love hearing about what my siblings did at school that day, and I like having that time with everyone to just talk and spend time with each other.”

Not only does the connection with parents matter, but connections with extended family matter as well.

“In my own family, we come together every Sunday dinner for ‘family dinner,’ no matter what else is going on in our lives,” Attas said. “Food and the act of coming together around a shared table is about tradition; it’s about gathering; it’s about creating bonds and memories that connect us, across generations.”

Sophomore Jake Attas, who is Jessica Attas' nephew, is part of that family dinner each week.

“It’s great to see my family every week, and despite us all living fairly close, we all lead different lives," Jake Attas said. "It’s nice to catch up with and hang out with them each week.”

The connections built by sharing meals can last a lifetime "My friends and I are all super close, we see each other every day and enjoy each A group of friends talking about their other’s company,” Horton said. “We all care morning in Mr. Murillo's room. Sara Clark / about each other as if we were a family and

we all have stuck by each other no matter what.”

Sophomore Evie Hansen agreed that lunchtime bring her closer to friends.

“I feel like when I eat lunch with my friends we get a lot closer and lunch makes up most of the time that I spend with some of my friends,” Hansen said.

Peoples' lives outside of school can be filled with homework, studying, extracurricular activities and athletics, so lunch is always a time of day when people can come together and relax. Not only can eating lunch with old friends create connections, but meeting new people can also build friendships.

“I think eating lunch with friends brings everyone closer together because we are all spending time with each other and talking and just having fun,” Horton said.

“I’ve gotten to know so many people that I wouldn’t have known otherwise.”

Not only do extracurriculars take up time, but not everyone has every class together.

“I have barely any classes with the girls I sit with, so it's great to connect with them when I don't usually get to during the day,” sophomore Maggie Haskett said.

There is also something about food that brings a sense of comfort. But what makes comfort food a comfort?

“My comfort foods usually involve something warm and sweet like a brownie,” Gonzales said.

People stereotype comfort foods as something you eat when you are sad or have certain feelings about something, but there is a science behind it.

Foods that are pleasant to taste can cause opiates to be released, according to a study by the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Similarly, when eating sweet, high-calorie foods, opiates and serotonin are released.

This can cause a mood elevation or prevent one’s mood from declining.

“My comfort food is my mom’s potato casserole because it has always been a tradition in my house that we make every holiday,” Chatmas said. “It is a recipe that has been passed down many generations, and it is one of my favorite foods my mom makes.”

VR staff

OCT 2024

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CULTURE

In for a Shock

International students share what American food and traditions surprise them — and what they miss about their culture back home

BY A R I A CLEVELA ND C O -E DI T O R-I N- C H I E F

A

s junior Selena Choi and Choi. entered the bustling “Everything is fast Chick-fil-A, she was hit food, has high calories with the overwhelming smell of and is either very salty fries and piping hot chicken. As or sweet,” Choi said. she bit into her mac-and-cheese Joo agreed, saying it side, the soft noodles mixed was very unhealthy. with the cheesy goodness and According to the World she knew she found her new Obesity Federation, favorite American food. the United States has Traveling halfway across the an obesity rate of 41.64 world to a brand-new country percent compared to would shock anyone, and the Korea’s 7.24 percent. international students not only And Joo, like have to get used to new people others, started to miss speaking a new language in his favorite foods from new places — but also new food.

Korea.

Students travel from Korea, “I miss Galbi China and Vietnam yearly to the most,” Joo said, attend Vanguard, but not many referring to a Korean have the chance to acclimate short-rib dish made themselves to American culture with a soy sauce before actually arriving here. marinade.

Junior Woojin Lee and junior Koo Kim enjoy their favorite Bostick cafe Many things came as a “I really miss American foods during lunch.

Aria Cleveland / VR staff shock to international students Korean cuisine, in the United States for the first Some foods that Texans especially especially the stir-fried time, especially customs that people who consider a staple seemed weird to Choi. octopus noodles,” Kim said. grew up with wouldn’t bat an eye toward.

“I don’t really like pickles or pizza,” she Choi agreed, saying that she missed all “The most surprising thing about food said. kinds of spicy foods. for me was side dishes,” senior Amy Kim Kim added that she thought hotdogs Kim arrived at Vanguard two years ago said. “I feel like it is common for people to were the worst. Lee, despite normally liking and was immediately shocked by things have one main dish with just one to two side new foods, couldn’t bring himself to like Americans see as a normal habit. dishes or sometimes with no side dishes at meat substitutes.

“I was shocked to find that there is a all in the US. In Korea, it is common to have “The worst food I’ve tried is vegan custom of tipping in America, unlike in rice, soup or stew and at least six side dishes hamburgers,” he said.

Korea where tipping is not common at all,” for every meal.”

Kim and Choi discovered some popular Kim said.

Junior Woojin Lee also thinks that some foods that lots of other students enjoy, Tipping is common in the U.S. and aspects of American eating are weird. including a Bostick Café favorite. is even seen as rude to not, but outside of “My the North American continent, especially Junior Woojin Lee also thinks that some favorite is in East Asian countries such as China, Chick-fil-A Japan, and Korea, it is considered an insult. aspects of American eating are weird. and macTo tip suggests that the employers don’t and-cheese," pay their workers enough. In addition to "There is always bread at every meal and Choi said. tipping, domestic and social differences also they eat dinner super early." surprised many students, including Choi.

“People wear shoes in the house, and “There is always bread in every meal,” he Similarly, Kim likes a fast food staple. they don’t separate waste for recycling said, “and they eat dinner super early.”

“My favorite American food is tater and [they] use large water bottles,” Choi Despite the common consensus that tots,” Kim said. said. “Also, since the U.S. is a multiracial American food was considerably less healthy Senior Sejin Joo came to Vanguard country, people accept others’ diversity than their childhood foods, international his freshman year and he had an initially much better than Koreans do.” students found some dishes hard to resist. negative reaction.

"One amusing difference between people Joo and Lee both agreed that their favorite “I thought that the food was super in America and Korea,” Kim said, “is their American food was barbecue, but some fast unhealthy,” he said. smiles. In America, it seems common for food restaurants didn’t make the cut.

The most recognized difference between people to smile with their teeth in photos, “My least favorite food is Bush’s Korea and the U.S. however, is the obesity but in Korea, it's not as 13.1% 29.8% Chicken,” Joo said. rate, and it was commented on by both Joo common.”

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DEC 2024

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STUDENT LIFE

A STUDY ON HOW TO STU DY Find your groove to make the most out of your personal studying style

B Y S E L I NA J U NG R E P O RT E R

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here is a science test this upcoming week. Would you study with your flashcards or do you draw diagrams?

Everyone has a different way of studying.

Finding out what type of studier you are can improve your studying skills and help you retain information efficiently and effectively.

There are even cultural expressions that reflect that idea, according to Dr. Hugh Riley, professor of psychology and neuroscience at Baylor University.

“For example, the Chinese expression that ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ — that you can convey a lot through an image,” he said. “You know the images sometimes help people visualize a concept.”

Riley points to several examples from his own experience to support how visual and auditory learning can impact comprehension.

“In the world of organic chemistry,

when I was first studying the subject 30 years ago, we did not have some of the technology that we have available today, where you can see on a computer screen an organic chemical molecule and rotate it and add methyl groups or hydroxyl groups or whatever and see how that changed the configuration of that particular molecule,” Riley said. “Today, we have that ability, and I think it enhances a student's understanding of how organic molecules are constructed and how they might interact with other organic molecules.”

In the world of calculus, students can now create an equation and then instantly see how that equation graphs out , so they also argue that the visualization of an idea really helps students understand that idea.

“There's a lot of research that talks about how people auditorily construct and organize material,” Riley added.

“If I ask someone to say the alphabet,

inevitably, they're going to 'sing' the alphabet,” Riley said. “They're going to run those letters together because that's the way the rhyme or the song goes that they learned in elementary school. And that has stayed with them.”

Riley said he thinks teaching really does facilitate comprehension.

“There's an old expression that if you really want to learn something, teach it,” he said. “There's a good deal of support for the idea that if you really want to do well or learn material, try to teach it to somebody else.”

Students need to keep an open mind when it comes to choosing a preferred learning style — it may not always be what you think.

“We've got to be careful about not mischaracterizing how well we learn something simply because it didn't match our preferred learning style,” he said.

FIND YOUR STUDY STYLE: THE Q UI Z! 1. You're preparing for an AP History class discussion. To get ready to participate, you: A. List events and people in chronological order.

B. Explain the information to your friends.

C. Draw timelines and mind maps that display the information.

D. Compare past events with each other.

21.4%

4. You have a biology cell quiz tomorrow. To prepare, you: A. Write out the definitions for parts of the cell.

B. Talk to yourself about the details of the cell.

C. Draw a diagram of the cell.

D. Connect the cell words with peoples’ names or something from everyday life.

2. You have a vocab quiz on Tuesday. To learn the definitions, you: A. Make flash cards.

B. Quiz your friends.

C. Draw the picture that comes to mind when you think of that word.

D. Associate with other words that you know already.

5. There’s an algebra test tomorrow.

You study by: A. Working practice problems from the textbook.

B. Making a quiz for your friend and grading it.

C. Drawing a mind map of all the equations.

D. Reciting songs that feature the equations on the test.

3. There’s a Spanish test coming up.

You study by: A. Creating a Quizlet and taking practice tests.

B. Explaining definitions and conjugations to someone.

C. Drawing the objects for words you want to remember.

D. Making a song using the vocab words.

6. You have an in-class essay coming up. To get ready, you: A. Write an outline for potential prompts.

B. Recite different topics and themes you can remember from the book.

C. Draw the characters from a book and describe their qualities.

D. Create connections between colors and certain themes from the book.

7. You've got a class presentation coming up. To put your best foot forward, you: A. Making flash cards about the details you need to highlight.

B. Practice presenting to family and friends.

C. Create a slideshow to accompany your presentation.

D. Associate the pictures on the slides with the information you need to convey.

8. Finals are coming up. To get ready in advance, you like to: A. Rewrite your notes on the topics that will be covered on the exam.

B. Lead study sessions with your friends.

C. Doodle on your notes to highlight important information.

D. Think about how certain topics connect with other topics in any given subject.

Go to Page 19 to get your personalized results!

DEC 2024

The Vanguard Review

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FOOD

GETTING SAUCY Make your favorite fast food sauces at home — and healthier

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

W

hat makes Chick-fil-A sandwiches, In-N-Out burgers or Raising Cane’s chicken fingers so good? Their sauces. Nearly 81.9% of students say they use sauces on their food according to the VR student poll.

Many restaurants have their secret sauce, but some people want to make those sauces at home. While you can buy Chick-fil-A sauce at the grocery store — and snag extra packets of the others — making it yourself with a few ingredients may be more costeffective and fun.

Raising Cane’s

Raising Cane’s Sauce is Vanguard’s favorite dipping sauce, loved by 49.7% of students, according to the student poll. Cane’s sauce has a tangy but smooth taste when paired with chicken tenders or fries. Cane’s sauce is made with mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, salt and garlic powder.

Recipe

½ of a cup of mayonnaise 1 ½ tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce 3 tablespoons of ketchup 1 teaspoon of garlic powder ½ teaspoon of black pepper ½ teaspoon of salt

Instructions

Combine the mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, garlic powder, black pepper and salt in a bowl and mix until well combined then let rest in the fridge for up to six hours before serving.

81.9% of students use

fast food sauces on their food

Source: VR Dec. student poll

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DEC 2024

Cane's Sauce is the Viking favorite — with 49.3% of students choosing it as their dip of choice

Source: VR Dec. student poll

IN-N-OUT

Chick-fil-A

Recipe

Recipe

Although In-N-Out sauce is not very popular among Vikings, it is loved on burgers from In-N-Out or even homemade burgers. Only 5% of students prefer In-N-Out sauce over Chick-fil-A and Raising Cane's sauce. In-NOut sauce consists of mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, vinegar and sugar to add a hint of sweetness.

½ cup mayonnaise 3 tablespoons of ketchup 2 tablespoons of pickle relish 1 ½ teaspoons of sugar 1 ½ teaspoons of distilled white vinegar

Instructions

Mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, sugar and vinegar in a bowl until well combined, then chill for 30 minutes to an hour before serving.

Chick-fil-A is notorious for selling its many sauces in places such as Walmart and H-E-B. The original Chick-fil-A sauce has become one of the most popular sauces loved by many Vikings, almost 50% saying they prefer Chick-fil-A sauce. Chick-fil-A sauce consists of barbecue sauce, yellow mustard, honey and mayonnaise.

¼ a cup of mayonnaise 1 teaspoon of yellow mustard 1 tablespoon of barbecue sauce 1 tablespoon of honey

Instructions

Combine the mayonnaise, mustard, barbecue sauce and honey in a bowl until well mixed and chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Photo by Sara Clark

FOOD

FOOD WEIRD COMBOS We tried them so you don't have to B Y JONA H S U T T ON R E P O RT E R

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f you ever look across the lunch table and see someone dipping their chips into an unlikely sauce or adding something very unusual on their burger — you might be grossed out. But the Vanguard Review staff says: Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it. We tried some weird food combos to help you find something new that may seem odd but still manages to hit the spot. Here are five weird combos we tried and what we thought:

Top Pick!

Hamburger + Peanut Butter

This very unexpected combo scared many away at first but if you stay and give it a try, it is well worth the risk. It tastes like a roasted peanut infused into a burger. The first few seconds it's like a classic burger until you finally get to the peanut butter which enhances the beef and adds protein. Forget ketchup and mustard — with peanut butter, this burger tastes like a complete meal.

Mac-n-Cheese + Maple Syrup This was a delicious delight that came out of nowhere. This mash up surprised us with how well it blended together. The maple syrup added a needed sweetness. One may only be able to describe it as a mac-n-cheese cookie.

Cheese Puffs + Soy Sauce

This unlikely combo might seem like a savory overkill of cheese and salt — and to many people, it might be. But the VR staff found that dipping Cheeto Cheese Puffs in soy sauce ended up resulting in a toasty flavor explosion similar to a Baked Cheeto and also not unlike a homemade grilled cheese sandwich. The umami flavor of the soy sauce paired very well with the cheese but we recommend dipping and eating right away if you don’t want a mushy experience.

Apple Pie + Cheddar Cheese

This retro combo left us here at the VR disappointed. While it does have a few redeeming qualities like its Danish taste, it fell short of what many people once loved.

While this once was a beloved treat for our parents, now unfortunately it's fading in the eyes of the newer generation.

Pringles + Whipped Cream

This treat was adored by us at the VR. The salt from the Pringle and the sweet from the whipped cream created a wonderful one-two punch of sweet and salty. It's two opposites that come together and mesh perfectly to make an amazing snack.

DEC 2024

Photos by Sara Clark

The Vanguard Review

13

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

OUTSIDE THE MAINFRAME

Stratton McEachern uses tech skills help the school and jump start his career B Y JONA H S U T T ON R E P O RT E R

S

into the school.”

McEachern said that in the future he wants to do something involved with helping people for good reasons.

“Just helping a company that helps people and implementing technology, but would eventually love to make my own products to help the world,” Stratton said.

While McEachern looks to the future, he has already accomplished a lot. His top is building something of his own, he said.

“My favorite accomplishment is building my 3D printer,” he said, “because of the dedication it took and I didn’t stop when it got hard but persevered and got it done.”

A Flowers' TA, McEachern Because of that he helps Mr. Flowers in many ways, especially with technology, “People know to ask him,” Mr. Flowers said, “Because they know I don’t have any free time until 8th — Joe Flowers, mod.”

Flowers had only Dir. of Technology positive things to say about his assistant.

“He’s a good leader, and applications.”

McEachern is the teaching assistant of Joe and he’s willing to try Flowers, head of the technology department. anything new," Flowers said.

And because of this he has many jobs to do.

Outside of technology “I go around the school fixing anything that is broken," he said. "I also help teachers and robotics, Stratton has with computers, projectors, printer issues other interests including his Christian faith. and anything else they need help with."

“I enjoy learning more As a member of the Berserk robotics team, McEachern recently helped his team about my Christian faith and being able to explore take third place at the Reicher McEachern spends any extra time he has how through our stressful Top to bottom: Sophomore Stratton McEachern works as the assistant to technology director Joe Flowers. James world God can help looking into technology trends.

"I also get to do my own projects," he everyone,” McEachern Scott/Guest photographer Competing in the Reicher robotics competition, McEachern's team, Berserk, said, "getting to research and study new said. placed third. Owen Roos/Guest photographer technologies and maybe implementing them ophomore Stratton McEachern has continued to impress vanguard staff members and peers among him as he cruises his way through robotics.

Stratton's interest in robotics comes from the ability to work with world changing technology, such as AI. “AI being able to be used in the medical field, scientific research, even shrinking your day to day workload, and things we have not thought of yet,” McEachern said.

McEachern first became interested in robotics and technology when he was in the 8th grade.

“It was in the advent of AI," he said, "because I found out about so many new devices and AIs that I began doing my own research on tech.”

Stratton believes in AI because he thinks, “AI will change for the worse right now but will soon realize how to change to make the world a better place with AI.” Within robotics, there are many different coding languages.

“The coding language I prefer is Python,” Stratton said. "This is because I have used it for almost all my projects and it is easy to use while also being available for most devices

“He's a good leader and he's willing to try anything new.”

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r

ENTERTAINMENT

ROAD TO HOLLYWOOD

Viking alum appears in a new blockbuster film airing on Prime Video B Y GR AC E B E RGE R S ON R E P O RT E R

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ays before his blockbuster film “Brothers” hit the big screen, former student Brooks Indergard, class of 2021, made a quick return to Waco and visited some different classes to talk about his experience in the film industry and life.

“I feel most rewarded by Brothers just coming out,” Indergard said. “That might sound like a baseline thing to be glad about, but it has been three years since I filmed it. It takes so many miracles for a movie to be made even when it isn't facing the constraints of working around COVID-19 and the strikes.”

COVID-19 set back many acting projects as many movies stopped in the middle of production. Some films that were finished were never released either.

“I'm just glad that the movie got to see the light of day,” Indergard said.

Brothers is Indergard’s biggest project to date as it consists of some recognizable actors such as Josh Brolin, Peter Dinklage and Glenn Close.

“I didn't share any scenes with Josh or Peter, but to work on a project of this scale and playing the young version of Josh's character was still crazy,” Indergard said.

“The director, Max Barbakow (director of the 2020 comedy Palm Springs), was also super down to earth and accommodating.

Him taking the time to work with me and my costar Aidan Cockrell made me feel so much more like I belonged and confident in my role within the project.”

Before getting into film and TV, Indergard said he acted in many different plays. He began his acting journey at the local Waco Civic Theater.

“Easily my most memorable experience growing up in Waco's theater community was my very first production at the Waco Civic Theatre: the musical Les Misérables,” Indergard said.

Indergard said the cast of Les Misérables is still very close to this day. In October, the cast met to celebrate the 10-year anniversary since the production of the play.

“It's also my favorite acting experience that I've had, theater or screen, and I don't know if I will ever top it,” said Indergard.

Indergard spent a semester at the Savannah School of Art and Design (SCAD), but ultimately decided his time would be better spent trying to work in the industry.

As fun as it may seem, the acting industry has many challenges. Indergard said he has faced many times of doubt throughout his career.

“I think a lot of doubt comes from a preconceived notion of what your life [and] career is supposed to look like, whether they're notions that others have given you or ones you've created yourself,” said Indergard.

Before being selected for Brothers, he even considered quitting. The callback ratio for actors, even well-known ones, is incredibly low.

With the circumstances, getting by in LA can be an incredibly difficult task.

Indergard said he has taken on a Clockwise from top: Brooks Indergard poses in front of his new movie poster from Amazon Prime number of strange jobs.

Video. Photo provided by Brooks Indergard Brooks “There was a time where Indergard, '22, visits with the marketing Class.

I wrote the closed captions for Archive photo workout videos,” Indergard said.

“I love writing. I'm a big drawer as well,” Currently, he has taken up dog walking.

Indergard said. “I used to play the cello and After leaving SCAD, Indergard met up I'm thinking of getting back into it.” in LA with an old friend from Vanguard, Indergard said he also views acting as Jackson Kelly who has made a name for a hobby despite it being his job. The only himself in the acting world. thing stopping it from truly being a hobby “I visited him on a whim, and it was is that he must be called to act rather than originally only going to be for a month,” something that can be done on the regular.

Indergard said.

Indergard said to get beyond this he has When the time came for him to leave, come to two truths. things changed. Kelly opened his doors “There are no "right" decisions, only for Indergard to stay. From July to early your own,” he said. “You're scared of making October, Indergard lived rent-free with the wrong decision, when really there isn't Kelly. Miraculously, the day before one. Everything ultimately works out in Indergard had to leave, he landed a place of the end. Even when it seems like all is lost, his own in Burbank, California. things just have a way of working out, in Outside of acting, Indergard has a few ways that you can't fathom.” hobbies.

DEC 2024

The Vanguard Review

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SPORTS

FOOD IS FUEL Food or lack thereof can make or break your athletic performance B Y JONA H S U T T ON R E P O RT E R

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ave you ever been waiting to finally get to play your favorite game, but you just have no energy when you play? Well, if you have, you would know it is very important to be energized. Many athletes don't realize this, but what they eat the night before and leading up to an event can majorly affect performance.

Before a sports event, it is very important to make sure your body has sufficient nutrients, according to Courtney Anderson, a nutritionist for Compleo Therapy.

“Carbohydrates are needed before a workout, game or competition for energy,” Anderson said.

Senior Aidan Schupbach said that he eats a diet of pastas and rice the night before games.

“For the carbs giving me more to burn when I'm sprinting,” he said.

Carbohydrates deliver the body glucose which the body converts into energy for running, jumping and more, according to Anderson.

Before a cross country meet, sophomore Jillian Duncan eats small amounts of proteins and sugars like oatmeal, fruits and protein bars.

“I eat these foods because they help me feel energized but not too full,” she said.

Along with having carbohydrates, it's important to drink plenty of water before so you stay hydrated through the whole event.

In the middle of the event, it is important to take in electrolytes, according to the National Center of Biotechnology Information.

"Electrolytes are essential for basic life functioning, such as maintaining electrical neutrality in cells and generating and conducting action potentials in the nerves

Top to bottom: Senior Aidan Schupbach said he eats a diet of pasta and rice pre-game.

Landry Cole/Bifrost staff Sophomore Jillian Duncan said she eats small sugars, fruits, or protein bars pre-race. Brindley Ressetar/ Bifrost staff

and muscles,” Anderson said.

After an event, the most important nutrient is protein.

“After the workout or game is the time to focus on protein in order to promote muscle recovery,” Anderson said.

This is because proteins help rebuild the muscles that are lost during the said event.

If an athlete were to not properly fuel themselves before an event many side effects could occur. The biggest short term consequences are reduced performance and increased injury risk. For everyone, but especially for younger people, a bad diet could lead to chronic diseases years from now. If an athlete were to properly fuel themselves with food, the results would be nearly complete opposites.

“When an athlete fuels their body well, they are able to maximize their athletic performance to their fullest potential while also avoiding injury and illness,“ Anderson added. “A diet adequate in protein, iron, calcium, fiber, etc. in your teenage years can proactively prevent disease 10, 20, even 50 years from now.”

While it may be hard to find out what's actually good or to make the food, it is worth it.

While a good meal can be many different things, they all should meet some requirements.

“Eating foods that make up a balanced meal for everyone, including athletes,” Anderson said. “A balanced meal contains a grain or starch, a protein source and a fruit or vegetable. Each of these food groups is important in their own way and provides their own benefit to the body.”

ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT Nicolas Douglas, '28, Drumline

Vanguard Review: What’s your favorite song to play?

Nicolas Douglas: My favorite song that I have played would be Storm. I liked playing this because it had the most variety in terms of how it is played. I also liked the rolls in this piece.

VR:Do you like playing in pep rallies or football games more and why?

ND: I liked playing at the football games more because it gave me more time to be able to socialize with drum mates. We also get to play more in the football games.

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VR: Do you want to be in a band in college?

ND: Maybe. I think it would be cool to play in a band, but I am undecided on which college it would be.

VR: Do you play any other instruments?

ND: I used to play piano, but at the moment it is just the drums.

VR: How do you deal with your nerves while playing?

ND: Honestly, I just look at my music and play the correct notes. If it does not work out then I will do better next time.

Photo by Landry Cole/Bifrost Staff

CAMPUS

ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT Crosby Davis, '27, Basketball Vanguard Review: Do you like volleyball or basketball more and why?

Crosby Davis: Basketball because I have been playing it for so long, but volleyball is a close second.

Photo by Sara Clark/Vanguard Review Staff

VR: What shoes do you wear for basketball?

CD : For the season, I just ordered custom Sabrina 2s, but for practice I go in between my Sabrina 1s and 2s.

B Y C H A R L I E S T E WA RT R E P O RT E R

VR: If you had the choice would you play your favorite sport at the collegiate level?

CD: I probably it's such a once in a lifetime experience to make it to that next level. It's just a ton of commitment, so I would actually have to make sure I want to do it.

VR: What do you think is strong suit in basketball?

CD: I would say just being aggressive down low.

DEC 2024

The Vanguard Review

17

STUDENT POLL

B Y S E L I NA J U NG R E P O RT E R

S O U RC E : V R DE C . 2 0 2 4 S T U DE N T P OL L

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GARRETT BEACH

Continued from Page 11

S O O O O, W H AT ' S YO U R S T U DY S T Y L E ?

Find out here and watch your grades soar!

If you answered mostly As, you’re a Writer.

You learn facts and concepts best through the act of actually writing or rewriting down the information you’ve learned in class and by reading books. You’re probably a great note-taker and friends may often ask to borrow your notes. Make lists, outlines, flashcards and anything that requires you to type or hand write the material because something about doing this makes an impression in your brain.

If you answered mostly Bs, you’re a Teacher.

Explaining to somebody what you learned is your ideal type of studying. You may be good at explaining to your friends or people who

couldn’t understand the class well. If you are alone and don’t have anybody to teach or talk about the material, you can put an object in front of you or you also can talk yourself out of it.

If you answered mostly Cs, you’re a Artist.

You learn the facts and concepts best through the act of drawing, doodling and creating a mind map or diagram of the information you’ve learned. You probably enjoy activities that use creativity. You may not even be an accomplished artist, but engaging your artistic side still helps you to memorize, study and retain information.

If you answered mostly Ds, you’re a Connector.

Connecting with the word or material that you’ve learned before in class is how you learn facts and concepts. You are probably good at making associations and relating with something. If you want to find another way to connect, you also can make a song.

DEC 2024

The Vanguard Review

19

REVIEW The Vanguard