Vanguard Review OCT/NOV 2023

REVIEW The Vanguard

Vol. 50 No. 1

OCT/NOV 2023

OVERACHIEVER: BLESSING OR CURSE?

THESE GIRLS ARE ON FIRE Page 6

Iconic teacher quotes Page 11

FALL STUDENT POLL RESULTS Page 13

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.

October/November 2023 CONTENTS

NEWS

COVE R STORY

5 Movie Theater Mayhem New Cinemark theater policy 6 Girls On Fire Women firefighters make big sparks F E AT U R E S

10 Lunch that Packs a Punch Meal prep makes lunch a treat

OVERACHIEVER: BLESSING OR CURSE?

11 Legends of their Time Iconic teacher quotes

Photo

12 Backpack Attack Students express their personalities 13 Student Poll All your Fall faves by the numbers

PAGE 8 -9

SPORTS

14 Very Superstitious Athletes share their game day rituals 14 Athlete Spotlight Amelia Chen 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

A look into the method behind the madness — and happiness — of trying your best.

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. 1

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

In the spirit of all things that weigh on the minds of overachievers, Juliet Indergard, senior, created this digital illustration.

A VC PS P U B L I C AT ION OCT/NOV 2023

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Fall Break

October 6 & 9 Enjoy your time!

WELCOME TO THE NEW REVIEW

A

Quarter 2 Begins October 10

Halloween Dance & Haunted House

October 21 8:00 PM High School - In the Gym Middle School - Jaworski

HOT College Fair

October 24 6:30-8:30 PM Baylor Hurd Welcome Center

BU Homecoming Parade October 28 8:00 a.m.

Halloween Extravaganza October 31 @ school Costume contest and candy

Caritas Canned Food Drive Nov. 1-Nov. 17 Bring cans to school for local food bank — and compete in class competition

VCPS 50th Gala & Celebration November 11 Syreford Manor

Thanksgiving Break November 20-24

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From the Editor

OCT/NOV 2023

staple of academic journalism since 1973, the Vanguard Review started out with typewriters and newspapers. Over the years, media has evolved into an everyday tool in most people’s jobs and lives. Even though these things change, the mission of the Vanguard Review has stayed the same. It is always our goal to supply the student body with current news and hold our reporting to the highest journalistic standards. For the school’s 50th anniversary, the VR is celebrating with the launch of a redesigned news magazine.

In this issue, our staff has pushed the limits to find answers to questions our readers want to know. If you are interested in women taking charge, then take a look at our first story where we explore the roles of women in a predominantly male field–firefighting. This story looks at the challenges and strides these women have made to get to the positions they are at. It is truly touching story that shows young girls another path that they could take for their lives.

You’ll find a new age limit policy has been put in at the local Cinemark theater in Madelyn Kim’s article. See what the theater and our students have to say about the new restriction.

Open up to the middle and find our take on overachievers. Read about peoples opinions on how they balance their lives and if overachieving is a blessing or a curse. Next up is Landry Stewart’s take on how to meal prep. Learn how you can make your meals easy and nutritious.

Further along you can read about some of the most iconic quotes from some of our favorite teachers. Whether it be life lessons or needing collateral for borrowing a calculator, these quotes will stay in the minds of students for years to come. Next up we have a display of student expression through backpack pins. Read the meaning behind these additions and how they add color to an everyday object.

Our staff has worked diligently to ensure a quality publication for the readers.

The team has worked in and outside of the classroom and we were able to expand our skills that being writing or digital design.

We all hope you enjoy reading the first edition of the new Vanguard Review.

Editor-in-Chief

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M OV I E T H E AT E R M AY H E M

Teens sound off on new policy at Waco's Cinemark theater B Y M A DE LY N K I M R E P O RT E R

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enied. That’s the word students who want to go see an evening movie at the Waco Cinemark will hear if they try to enter the theater without an adult.

That's because of the policy put in place over the summer of 2023.

Junior Sejin Joo said he went to see an historical thriller — one of the biggest films of the summer — and was turned away after his ID showed he was only 17.

“I got denied entry into the building when I was going to watch Oppenheimer, and they told me that I can’t get in because of the new policy.”

More than 16% of students said they have been denied at the theater, according to the Oct. 2023 student poll.

“I was going to go watch the movie “Oppenheimer” around 5:30 p.m. and they started IDing me,” Joo said. “So I asked them, ‘What is this for?’ and they said that the policy has changed. And I think this policy is really stupid. At [other theaters], they don’t ID people. Over 18 to watch a

Cinemark's Waco location and were told by a manager that he is not allowed to provide any information about the policy to the media. The VR also contacted AMC’s corporate headquarters, but did not get any details.

"The age policy falls under our security protocols, and, as a company, we are not allowed to comment further on anything related to security measures," Caitlin Piper, Cinemark public relations representative, told the Vanguard Review.

Over the last year, the Waco Police Department took more than 80 calls from the Waco Cinemark, located at 2400 Creekview Drive.

"There have been 85 calls for service at the Waco Cinemark from Sept. 22, 2022 to Sept. 22, 2023," Cierra Shipley, public information officer for the "There have been 85 calls for Waco Police Top to bottom: A guy gets his ID checked service at the Waco Cinemark Department, told before entering the Cinemark Theater. the VR. "Those from Sept. 22, 2022 to Sept. 22, According to the theater's new policy, patrons calls range must be 18 or over in order to attend a movie 2023. Those calls range anywhere anywhere from after 6 p.m. Madelyn Kim / VR staff from a suspicious person or a suspicious person or vehicle vehicle to burglary."

— Cierra Shipley, to burglary. Not Junior Kaydon Daniel agreed.

Public Information Officer all calls resulted in a police “I think it’s unfair to employ a group report being filed."

Waco Police Department punishment because of a few awful kids,” Thirteen of the Daniel said. “It should be on a case by case calls made were due to basis, not an age basis.” "kid disturbance," "civil AMC Galaxy Theater, Waco’s other big movie? It’s dumb.” disturbance" or "civil disturbance of more movie theater, has a policy that requires The new curfew policy, which is posted than 10 people," according to Waco Police students to be 16 or over to attend a movie on Cinemark’s website, states: “No one 17 Department records obtained by the VR. after 6 p.m. and under will be admitted for show times More than 83% of students said they “I don’t think it is fair for us teenagers starting after 6PM unless accompanied by do not agree with the policy in general, to go through the restriction because it’s not a parent or legal guardian throughout the according to the VR poll. The policy is like going to the bar or drinking,” Joo said. movie. IDs will be checked. Policies apply to causing some teens to feel discriminated “The theater should be free to everybody every day of the week.” against the actions of a few are limiting regardless of time.”

Students report hearing rumors that everyone's rights.

Officials at Cinemark provided no the policy was put in place due to numerous “I don’t think the policy is fair because after-dark fights and disturbances at the not everyone is immature like that,” junior information about how long the policy will last. theater. The Vanguard Review reached out to Katherine Bogan said.

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NEWS

THESE GIRLS ARE ON FIRE Women firefighters make big sparks in a male-dominated field B Y GR AC E B E RGE R S ON R E P O RT E R

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nly 4.4% of paid firefighters are women, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In Waco, only 3 out of 211 are women. In honor of National Fire Prevention Month, the VR takes a look at female firefighters and their efforts to save lives despite the odds being against them.

“Historically, in the fire service, a female’s abilities were questioned mainly based on our physical strength,” Kathy Bossman, Omaha Fire Chief, said. “Many years ago, male firefighters did not think women were strong enough to perform the same physical tasks - using heavy duty equipment, lifting and moving patients. As we gain more females in the fire service, we have proven that we can do the work and have therefore gained greater acceptance.”

Unique Barnett, a firefighter for the Waco Fire Department, said she does not feel like she is treated differently.

“I do feel like when I first started, I did have to prove myself,” Barnett said. “I'm not sure if it's the ‘rookie’ aspect of the job or being a woman.”

McInaney said that it is the physical difference compared to the other firefighters.

“Realistically I won’t be able to lift nearly as much as they do, but I still can lift everything I need for the job,” McInaney said. “I workout consistently and aim to be as strong [and] fit as I can be with what my body is capable of. Everyone I work with

Photo

In the pouring rain, Waco firefighter Unique Barnett operates the pump of a fire engine at a house fire on Sept. 24 as executive deputy fire chief R. M Bergerson, assesses the scene.

Grace Bergerson / VR staff

Path to firefighting

Bossman, Barnett and McInaney have different educational backgrounds and "Our service to the public can consist got into firefighting through very different of very small acts of kindness when avenues. someone is injured and scared, or As a young adult, Omaha Fire Chief it can be a very dramatic lifesaving Kathy Bossman rescue. Both are memorable, and said she had never both are impactful for me." considered a career in — Kathy Bossman, Fire Chief, Omaha, Neb. the Fire Service.

“I did not know anyone in the field, has strengths and weaknesses. I strive to and had no exposure to it while growing improve my weak areas and highlight my up,” Bossman said. “I went to college and strengths ... Due to my small size, I can completed a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology squeeze into small, confined areas to retrieve with a goal of going to Physical Therapy a patient or open a door.” school.”

“I worked full time for one year at a PT

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OCT/NOV 2023

clinic after graduating, and decided I didn’t really want to work in that setting for the rest of my adult life. I considered other options, and decided to go to Paramedic school. I put myself through paramedic training, and our field training was all conducted by doing ride-alongs with the Omaha Fire Department Medic Units. I enjoyed every aspect of the training, and decided that I wanted to work as a Paramedic with the Omaha Fire Department,” said Bossman.

Barnett said that growing up, she “had no clue” she wanted to be a firefighter because she always wanted to be a lawyer.

Barnett had a Political Science degree from Sam Houston State University. She began volunteer work in her last semester, which inspired her to do something in which she could serve others.

“I actually decided to go into firefighting

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because of my dad, who is a retired police detective,” Barnett said. “He recommended it and had many buddies who were firefighters.”

Another Waco firefighter, Meghan Mclnaney, studied something completely unrelated before choosing firefighting as her career.

“I originally went to college for film and worked on sets for a couple years,” McInaney said, “but it wasn’t steady work.”

Big job, bigger rewards

Bossman said the most rewarding part of being a firefighter is having the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of those that we serve.

Kathy Bossman “Our service to the public can consist of very small acts of kindness when someone is injured and scared, or it can be a very dramatic life-saving rescue,” Bossman said. “Both are memorable, and both are impactful for me.”

Unique Barnett Barnett said she loves that her job doesn't feel like a job.

“Every third day I come to work, and I never know what will happen because no two days are the same,” Barnett said. “I love that we essentially get paid to help others and interact with the Meghan McInaney community on good and bad days.”

McInaney says one of the most rewarding parts of the job is getting to show kids fire trucks.

“One of the rewarding things about the job is how I can make a kid's day by showing them the fire engine,” McInaney said. “I love being a role model and positive impact for kiddos who may want to be a firefighter one day or making a kid feel safer with the equipment we have.”

Balancing fire and family

“It's by far the best job, in my opinion,” Barnett said. “This is a very physically demanding job so I can't stress the importance of staying active. Education is important. You can never be too knowledgeable and when you think you are, learn something new. Size isn't an obstacle unless you make it.”

“We also need women in leadership roles. We need diverse perspectives that will help us provide better service to the citizens.”

Each promotion has felt like a natural progression in her career, Bossman said.

While firefighting is a demanding job that puts peoples’ lives on the line every day, Bossman said it’s possible to have a family at the same time.

“I have been married for 24 years and I have two daughters,” Bossman said. “When my daughters were young, my work schedule was a little more challenging. I tried not to ‘over think’ about the dangers of my job, and how that could impact my family. I understood the dangers, but also trusted my ability to make decisions at emergency scenes that would not put myself or "One of the rewarding things about my crew in undue the job is how I can make a kid's day risk.”

Barnett does by showing them the fire engine. I not have kids, but love being a role model and positive said she is close to impact for kiddos who may want to her family.

“I think the be a firefighter." love and support — Meghan McInaney, Waco Fire Department that I get from them definitely helps me to keep going,” Barnett said, “but at the same time “I was hired as the only female in a we stress the importance of telling each class of 22,” Bossman said. “Several of my other that we love each other because we classmates went through the processes to don't know what will happen if something become Captains and Battalion Chiefs, and goes wrong at work.” it felt appropriate for me to do the same.”

McInaney said she is a “big family Bossman said she applied for the Fire Chief’s person.” position for several reasons.

“I have my parents, younger sister, and “I have a vision for a greater department, a baby niece (very adorable) who live in and I want to help us achieve those goals,” North Texas. I have a girlfriend who lives Bossman said. in Waco and I love them all very much,” said She also wanted to show the young McInaney. women in the department that we can be Work-life balance is important with successful at every rank. every job, but especially one involving some “Looking at the young women coming up of the things firefighters experience and see. in the ranks, if I did not go for the position “I separate the two worlds and flip the at this time, it could be another ten years switch when I go to work or come home," before another female is eligible to become McInaney said. “It’s a work in progress Fire Chief,” she said. “Finally, I wanted always and is never perfect. I visit North to show my daughters that women can be Texas to see my family when I can and set successful in male-dominated fields. We can aside quality time with everyone. I have a be successful, and still have families. We can very busy schedule, but try to put in time have hobbies. We can be volunteers in our for them, and I also have “me” time to community.” decompress/relax before I go back to work.

Bossman said she expects to see more My family and girlfriend know the kind of women entering emergency services fields. job I have and what may happen, but they “I think it is going to take a long time know I’m careful and I’m not alone. They to really raise the number of women in the want me to do what I love.” fire service, and we will likely never be the majority, but that is OK,” Bossman said.

Building future firefighters “We will have a strong presence in our Barnett’s best advice is to go for it. agencies and in the community.”

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FEATURE

OV E R AC H I E V E R : BLESSING OR CURSE?

BY A R I A CLEVELA ND & C Y N T H I A W E AV E R R E P O RT E R S

A look into the method behind the madness — and happiness — of trying your be

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“The word ‘overachiever’ simply means someone who achieves more than what was expected of that person,” Wisely said.

If the expectations are high and that person exceeds them, then that makes their success even more special.

Many times, there is a slightly negative implication associated with the word “overachiever.” This might be related to their insistence on perfection or their pressured life caused by taking on too many courses, extracurriculars or projects. But if the overachiever is “working harder than required and attaining more of what is expected,” Wisely said, then this “shows dedication and perseverance, [which are] attractive qualities in achievement if kept in balance.”

Many people might connect overachievers with academics, the library and other school-related activities, but that is not necessarily the case. While academics are a good example of those who are always punctual, precise and do all of the extra-credit assignments, other students display this quality in their sports and electives. Anyone can be an overachiever to some extent, as the definition of what an overachiever looks like is broad.

Overachievers are often portrayed as having a strained social life, but senior Maggie Winarick thinks there are positive results as well.

“I’ve gained great connections with the effort I put into things,” Winarick said.

She also admits that her time spent studying affects her socialization. Overachievers sometimes forget the importance of connections with others, and how the relationships they cultivate with other people can help them succeed.

— D R . LY N N W I S E LY, “Friends and family can be B AY L O R U N I V E R S I T Y helpful in helping one figure out how much of anything is good enough and how much is too much,” Wisely said. “Another way to The definition of an overachiever is try to balance is to create a time manageactually quite simple, said Dr. Lynn Wisely, director of Undergraduate Enrollment Iniment schedule, and then stick to it. In that tiatives at Baylor University, has a degree in schedule, block in classes and studying time, but also eating, exercise, sleep and time with educational psychology. ou know them: That neat girl in your math class who always turns in her work on time and always gets A+’s.

And then there’s that guy who sits behind you in history and always sets impossible goals for himself, trying his hardest to meet them.

Or maybe you’ve noticed that student who sits in the teacher’s favorite seat and always asks questions to be sure he gets the concept.

Or the girl who rakes in almost every ‘highest average’ medal at Awards Night.

They’re the “overachievers” and they always seem to be going above and beyond in every aspect of their lives, which is great — but, to some, it can be off-putting.

According to Sam Hunt, 8th grader, overachievers are “very focused” and may not know when enough is enough.

Everyone has probably encountered what they would describe as an overachiever. And more than 59% of students said they consider themselves overachievers, according to the Oct. 2023 VR student poll.

The Vanguard Review talked to some students who say they are overachievers to delve into the mindset behind the behavior or knew about them and got firsthand accounts about who overachievers are, tips for those pushing themselves to their limits, and fun ways we can all incorporate a bit of overachieving into our lives.

" T H E WO R D OV E R AC H I E V E R S I M PLY M E A NS S O M E O N E W H O AC H I E V E S M O R E TH A N W H AT WA S E X PE C T E D O F T H AT PE R S O N ."

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friends.”

Having a well-maintained group of friends can also make students feel supported when, for example, a test comes back with a big red “F” marked on it or the game of the season is lost.

Junior Esparza said he values his personal connections.

“To me, family time is really important because it reduces stress, especially from school,” he said.

Family can also help support and motivate a healthy environment for reaching whatever goal there may be, Wisely said.

Hunt, who was the winner of five academic awards last year, said he sometimes misses out on time with his family.

“If I’m working too hard on a project for school, I don’t really spend a lot of time with them,” he said.

At the end of high school, lots of students ask themselves if it was all worth it: the studying, the missed opportunities, the sacrifices, the life-altering decisions and how it all ended. A valedictorian may give a speech about the 15 minutes of euphoria it gave them to “win” — and then explain how many tireless hours they spent, the sleep they lost. and relationships they abandoned. But others who did not succeed academically will tell any student who will listen to stay in school and prioritize their grades before all else to lead a “successful” life.

Overachievers at Vanguard have varying opinions. Hunt said he believes it is worth it.

“It gives me a sense of accomplishment when I know that I’ve always done the best I can on stuff,” Hunt said. “I don’t think it’s really paid off quite yet, but it will probably pay off when I get into college.”

Academics are important, especially at a university-focused school, but it is also important to focus on what other things college admissions favor such as extracurriculars and volunteer hours.

Winarick runs cross country and currently holds the Vanguard girls’ record, and she was also named a National Merit Commended Scholar, demonstrating that it is possible to excel in both academics and sports.

Overachieving may seem like an all-or-

FEATURE ARE YOU AN OVERACHIEVER? TA K E T H E QU I Z!

1. You got a B on a math test you studied hard for and thought you aced. You: a.) Go to the teacher to discuss what went wrong. b.) You’re proud of your hard work. c.) Stuff it in your binder and move one.

est counselor for students transitioning to college, deals with overachievers regularly.

“See things in perspective and realize that we are all learning about ourselves, whether a teen or much older,” Wisely said. “Give yourself grace and learn how to forgive yourself.

Mistakes happen. We learn from them and we make better decisions as we do.”

The hardcore motivation to succeed and achieve excellence is unique to every person.

“Overachievers are persistent in their efforts to improve and [are] never — V R O C T. 2 02 3 S T U D E N T P O L L content with where they are,” Winarick said.

Another big part of ternship or even taking care of siblings when this way of thinking and living could be the influence of others, not just yourself. Parents they need it, overachievers can be found and family members can encourage their son anywhere, and these students have some tips from personal experience. or daughter’s overachievement — and help them manage it.

Winarick reminds students not to be phased by the negative connotation of “overFor some, it might stem from their family life, such as a parent’s encouragement and achiever.” expectations.

“Trying hard to improve at what you do or be the best you can be is never something “Friends and family can be helpful in helping one figure out how much of anything to be embarrassed of," she said. "Also, your achievements do not define you. Don’t let is good enough and how much is too much,” Wisely said. the bad performance or others reactions to it While perfectionism and overachieving make you see yourself in a worse light.”

Esparza focuses on how to become more can go hand-in-hand, you can be an overachiever simply by setting high goals for efficient.

“Pushing all of your assignments to the yourself and actually attempting to meet them, instead of getting everything right and last possible minute and doing all of them ‘perfect.’ can actually be more stressful than working on those assignments earlier,” he said.

“Perfectionism is the main reason why I became an overachiever,” Esparza said.

Hunt keeps his advice for overachievers simple.

There is a fine line between the words “high-achiever” and “overachiever.” The “Don't focus on things that aren't imterm overachiever makes it sound as if the portant,” Hunt said. “Spend time with more important things like friends, but don't take person has set too many goals or ones that are too high, whereas high-achiever has a time off of school.”

What is often forgotten is that overmore positive sound to it, just because of the implication that the person has set high achievers, as much as they do, are as human but still manageable goals. But just because as anyone, even if they appear to set impossisomeone is on top of their work and life, does ble standards for themselves.

Students who try to do everything all not mean that they do not struggle or make at once often forget that they are simply sacrifices to get everything done. human, and Wisely, as a part-time private none situation, but especially when college preparatory schools are considered, it is something that is expected of students. Even if it seems like nothing is enough, if it brings feelings of accomplishment and fulfillment, whether from four extracurriculars, an in-

MORE THAN 59% OF VA N G UA R D S T U D E N T S SA I D T H E Y CO NS I D E R T H E MS E LV E S OV E R AC H I E V E R S .

2. You have a big test, but your friend is throwing a huge party the night before. a.) You skip the party and study all night. b.) You stop by for about an hour then leave to go study. c.) You go to the party (obviously!).

3. How many big goals do you set each school year? a.) 3+ b.) 1-2 c.) None 4. How hard do you try to meet your goals and standards in your life? a.) My goals and personal standards are my top priority. b.) I give them good effort ;) c.) Not very hard 5. What motivates you to go to school? a.) Learning everything I can in order to make As on tests and excel in sports. b.) Hang out with friends and learn some stuff. c.) I lost my motivation years ago… :( 6. In class, you sit: a.) Front row, baby! b.) It doesn’t really matter to me. c.) I like to hide in the back and doodle.

7. What’s your stance on attendance? a.) I never miss, no matter what. b.) I don’t mind taking a “off day.” c.) If I don’t feel like it, I don’t go.

8. How important is it to you to win awards? a.) It’s my No. 1 goal in life. b.) A couple of awards would be nice. c.) Meh. It's whatever at this point.

9. The amount of effort you usually put in: a.) 110% b.) A respectable amount c.) Bare minimum 10. How many hours of day do you spend studying? a.) 5+ b.) However long it takes to get it done c.) Less than an hour

HOW 'D YOU SCOR E?

Mostly As: You're killing it, but don't forget to chill.

Mostly Bs: You're balanced, while still going strong.

Mostly Cs: You're doing your own thing and might want to step up your game. You can do it!

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FEATURE

LUNCH THAT PACKS A PUNCH Meal prepping makes bringing your lunch a treat, rather than something you dread to eat B Y L A N DRY S T E WA RT R E P O RT E R

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veryone has forgotten their lunch a time or two, at least. You go to grab your lunch and realize you forgot to pack one, and in a time crunch you throw together a lunch of chips and a soda. You go

“There is so much more development happening on the insides of the teenage body that we can’t see,” pediatric registered dietitian Lauren Sams said. “This rapid growth and development increases teenagers' needs for not only calories, but also a plethora of vitamins and minerals.”

Meal prepping on the weekends is a great way for students to fuel their bodies with all of the nutrients they need. The reality is “junk food” can have a place in a healthy and well balanced diet. A lot of people think that healthy eating is strictly healthy food, but Sams said it’s not.

“My motto is, at meals and snack time try to include a balance of the following,” Sams said. “Carbohydrates to feel energized, protein to feel satisfied, fiber to feel full, fats to stabilize your energy levels and whatever you’re craving — even if that is "junk food" — to make you feel happy.”

A common misconception is that you should only eat “super foods,” but Sams recommends getting a variety of foods from each food group.

A fruity yogurt parfait is the perfect dessert to “Especially focusing on getting finish off a lunch of pesto tortellini. fruits and vegetables from every Landry Stewart / VR staff color of the rainbow, as each color tends to pack a unique punch of to school and lunch time arrives, and you nutrients and phytochemicals to optimally remember what you packed. You lose your nourish the body,” she said. appetite and lunch is not as enjoyable. What Meal prepping is all about balance. The could have saved you? Meal prep. food people eat gives them everything they need to fuel their body with many of the Meal prepping on weekends things it needs to survive and be healthy. create meals or find recipes according is a great way for students So to your body and your bodies’ needs — to fuel their bodies with all and what you like.

Another benefit of pre-making meals the nutrients they need. is the ease. Instead of packing a lunch every morning, you just grab your plastic The goal of meal prep is to create unique, container, put it in your lunch box and go. fast and nutritious meals that can be stored Trying out meal prep is a great way to make in individual servings, taken on the go and a quick and nutrient-filled lunch that you reheated quickly. More than 51% of students will actually be excited to eat. said they pack their own lunch, according to the Oct. 2023 VR student poll.

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Pesto Tortellini Pasta Ingredients: 1 small pack of three cheese tortellini 1 6 oz container of basil pesto Directions: Cook the tortellini according to the package.

Once it is done, drain the tortellini and rinse in cold water until cool. Put back into the pot and add 1/2 of the container of pesto.

Place into plastic containers and store in your fridge.

Andouille, Corn, Zucchini and Red Pepper Stir Fry Ingredients: 1 pack of andouille, sliced 2 ears fresh corn 1 zucchini 1 red bell pepper Directions: Take the husk off the corn and wrap the corn in foil with butter, salt and pepper.

Place the corn in a 400° oven for 35 minutes.

Wash and cut all vegetables (can be cut any way that you choose) In a skillet on medium heat, add 2 tbsp of olive oil. Add in zucchini, red bell pepper and andouille. Let it cook until the zucchini is soft - about 20 minutes.

When the corn is done, cut it off of the cob and add it to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Once cooled, place in plastic containers and store in your fridge.

DIY Yogurt Parfait Ingredients: 6 oz. vanilla Greek yogurt Granola (any flavor) Any berries Directions: Put 6 oz of yogurt into a plastic container.

Add your favorite yogurt toppings (granola, berries, honey, etc.) Eat immediately or store in your fridge.

(Yogurt, then granola, and lastly berries, honey, or any other toppings)

FEATURE

LEGENDS OF THEIR TIME

Check out these iconic teacher quotes and the meaning behind them

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ueller … Bueller… Everyone knows that iconic line from the cult classic film “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” starring Matthew Broderick. But memorable teacher quotes aren’t just in movies and TV shows — they exist in real life, too. Nearly every teacher has a silly or memorable quote, something they say all the time for one reason or another. All of their students remember the one line whenever they think of that teacher. The Vanguard Review put together a few of our faculty and staff’s classic quotes, along with some art we think illustrates why they are iconic characters in the story of the school.

" T H IS R IGH T H ER E IS T H E B I L L B ORG WORST DRUG I H AV E EV ER SEEN." H E A D O F S C H O O L

"I T 'S T I M E FOR YOU R QU I ZZI ES." DAV I D FO T I H I S T O RY T E AC H E R

Before handing out quizzes, Foti often uses this goofy nickname for quizzes. “Teaching this year's 9th graders put me in such a happy mood,” Foti said. “This silly saying just popped out one day.”

"BOO H ISS. H ISS BOO." PAT T Y F L OW E R S S C I E NC E T E AC H E R

Forget to put your name on a homework paper or to bring your red pen to class? You’ll surely get a big “Boo Hiss” from science teacher Patty Flowers. “In my younger days, I went to a dinner playhouse and saw a melodrama,” Flowers said. She said there was a villain and every time the audience saw him, they were supposed to shout ‘Boo, Hiss.’

“It was a lot of fun and I really got into it,” Flowers said. During intermission, the villain got her back and actually came up behind her and scared her almost to death. “It made an impression,” Flowers said.

“I guess ‘Boo Hiss’ is my way of saying you did something you knew was not right, so think about it.”

I L LUS T R AT IONS B Y JAYC I E T HOR N T ON

In all his years of education, cell phones are the most negative force head of school Bill Borg has ever seen.

He even goes so far as to call them “a drug.” At every opportunity, Borg reminds students of how addictive and destructive technology and social media can be — and all of it is delivered through the cell phone.

“I consider anything that creates addictive actions to be drug related by definition," Borg said. "It's a comparison that I use as to the same thing is if you take a particular narcotic level of pain medicine and you take it long enough and on a regular basis, it will create dependency within your system. I think these things right here do the same thing to y'all.”

"I F YOU WA N T A CA LCU L ATOR , I 'L L N EED E L L E Y JOH NS ON COL L AT ER A L ." SMHAT H T E AC H E R Need to borrow a calculator from Mrs. Johnson?

You better have something to trade her for it.

It could be your pencil bag — or even your shoe that you agree to give up for the duration of the class. “The reason I say this is because I have a lot of students that don't bring their calculators to class,” Johnson said. “The school has been gracious in providing me with an entire class set of calculators that I have for students to use.

Unfortunately, students unintentionally take my calculators out of my classroom and don't bring them back. So, to ensure I get my loaned calculator back, students must give me something in return while borrowing it. I have had phones, shoes, makeup, lip balm and planners turned in for collateral while they use my calculator. ” AT T JA M E S " T H E GA M E ." M E NGL I S H T E AC H E R

If you haven’t thought about “the game” since 8th grade — boom, we got you! Every once and a while Mr. James decides to bring up “the game.”

The whole purpose of said game is to forget about the game. So every time you are reminded of it — like right now — you have to start over. “I first heard about "the game" at my part time job at a computer gaming center during college,” James said. “It is a mind game that everyone in the world is technically playing whether they know it or not.” The goal of the game is to forget that you know about "the game" and you lose every time you are reminded that "the game" exists.

“It is sort of like being reminded that you are breathing,” James said. “You then have to remind yourself to take your next breath.”

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TRENDS

BACKPACK ATTACK

Students express their personalities with creative accessories

B Y E M I LY VA NC L E AV E R E P O RT E R

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inos, astronauts, and David Bowie.

Accessorizing with pins, buttons, 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 or just collect them for fun.

The Vanguard Review asked students how they like to decorate their backpacks.

According to the Oct. 2023 student poll, of 166 students who responded, only 26.5% decorate

Tatum Sevcik, '27

Emily Flores, '24

David Bowie pin “I love Bowie and it reminds me of my best friend. Accessorizing my backpack shows a little of my personality and makes everything look cute. My backpack represents me because it shows the kind of music I like and where I’ve been.”

Atlas Sowders, '27

Rainbow peace sign and flag “I consider anything I can decorate a form of personal expression (my backpack, my locker, my room, myself), and [...] [these pins] represent me based on what (and who) I like and what communities I am a part of.”

Lillian Lowe, '24

Dinosaur playing bassoon button and green dinosaur keychain “I really like dinos, and I play the bassoon so it’s a win-win, and my keychain is my favorite color and a dino. I think the decorations on it reflect how much I like dinos. Not many people play bassoon, so I do feel like I’m the only one who owns that exact button.”

Lathan Dieterich, '25

Semicolon Pin “A semicolon is used as a symbol to express a period where somebody's life could have ended but continued.

I think this fits my life pretty well because I've had a lot of moments like that. The House of Leaves logo pin represents my love of reading, the Medusa pin represents my Greek mythology addiction, and the other ones represent my past issues.”

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their bags. This story explores those few students.

Junior Katherine Bogan enjoys putting accessories on her backpack to express herself and find a connection with someone.

“You might see other people with similar keychains or pins, and know that they are interested in the same things as you,” Bogan said.

Backpack accessories can show your individuality as well, such as Lillian Lowe’s

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dinosaur bassoon button. Not everyone has that same unique interest and the pin that goes with it.

Your backpack can also remind you of where you have visited, such as senior Emily Flores’ keychain from Little Tokyo, Los Angeles; Bogan’s Totoro pin from Nagasaki, Japan; and Alyssa Jones’ pin from the interactive art exhibition Meowolf in Grapevine.

Simple things like accessories on a bag can truly represent who you are and what you like. There are no rules when it comes to expressing yourself.

Emma Guy, '29

Hedgehog and astronaut keychains “They were given to me by two of my best friends. They aren’t really self-expression; I just have a habit of collecting them.”

Bear keychain “I don’t think it’s personal expression; I just think it’s really cute!”

Katherine Bogan, '25 My Neighbor Totoro pin and Tata (BT21) keychain “I really love Studio Ghibli films, so the My Neighbor Totoro pin symbolizes that! The Tata keychain represents Taehyung, a member of my favorite band, BTS! I chose both of them because both Studio Ghibli and BTS are a big part of my life.”

Marisa Kramolis, '26

Rabbit in a hanbok and blueberry tea cow keychains “Both of these keychains were given to me by friends. My friends mean a lot to me, and the things they give me hold sentimental value. I feel like my backpack represents my cre ative side since it is sewed by me, and since my keychains are specifically chosen for my backpack by me.”

Alyssa Jones, '24

“Colorful little aquatic creature” pin “I mainly got it because I thought it was cute, but also it's a fun memory of what a cool place it was and how much fun we had looking at all of the cool stuff."

PHO T O B Y S A R A C L A R K

STUDENT POLL

B Y E L L E N W E AV E R R E P O RT E R

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SPORTS

VERY SUPERSTITIOUS Athletes share their game day rituals and traditions B Y C A RO W I L L I A M S R E P O RT E R

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ame day. Waking up and immediately find your lucky socks.

Running through the gym while your classmates cheer you on, excited for you to destroy your opponents. Getting hype in the locker room with all of your teammates.

Then you finish by unleashing the magic from your teammates' hair as everyone rubs a lock of it before heading out onto the court.

Many of these athletes have a repeated series of precise actions or rituals they do before every game.

“Everyone touches mine and Shakir’s hair to unleash its magical power,” said senior varsity basketball player Dion Moradi. “We [also] listen to a three-six mafia song that cannot be named because it's inappropriate.”

Doing special things with your team is good for bonding and keeping a positive vibe.

“When we jam to that one song it’s kind of an overall team adrenaline boost since we’re all hyped up and yelling the lyrics together,” senior varsity basketball player Cooper Angele said.

The basketball players aren't the only ones who get fired up listening to music before games. The football players also have pregame music sessions on the way to their games, as well as after.

“We all turn up to some fire beats in the bus on the way to the game,” said sophomore quarterback Drew Howard. “Friday nights are just a different feeling. Being under the lights and feeling the cool breeze, it’s so hype. After our wins, we always turn up to some absolutely heat-clean tunes.”

Howard also has some personal rituals that he sticks to when it comes to games.

“I'm not a very superstitious person, but I do sometimes go along with it," he said. "If I play well while wearing tape or a towel, then I’ll do it again.”

Bur rituals can be as simple as having a team discussion or doing group stretches.

“I always warm my arm up with a receiver and get some holds in for the kicker before games," Howard said. "This is crucial, and if I don’t, I could negatively impact the team by forcing turnovers or losing momentum on offense.”

When playing a team sport, the last thing you want to do is mess things up for your team. Similar to the football players, the volleyball team has certain traditions in place to help them ease their nerves and get into the winning mindset.

“As a team, we all get together before the game and just talk about what we want to accomplish. We also pray before every game,” said junior Zara Diaz, a varsity volleyball player. “It helps us get in the mindset to win and the prayer is something Top: Together in prayer, the varsity volleyball team we just put in place this year but I like it." gets ready for a match against Brookhill. Crosby Being in the right mindset is very Davis/ Bifrost staff Bottom: Waving flags, the important in all sports. Playing a team sport means you and your teammates need varsity football team storms the field before a game against Mt. Calm. Haley Lekas / Bifrost staff to be in the same mindset.

“I think getting all together and being game.’ I've tested this theory so many times, and united as a team before the game helps us every time I have a nap before a game, I play really perform better because volleyball is a team well.” sport so it's important to see what everyone's The volleyball players are not the only ones who thinking,” Diaz said. enjoy praying their way to victory. The cross country Another common practice is resting up team also finds that group prayer helps them perform before it comes time to play. better and eases their nerves.

“Before every game I have to listen to “We always have a huddle with Coach Bowdoin Drake, and if I have time, I need to take a at the starting line," senior Danae Simmons said. nap," Diaz said. "I believe in ‘good nap, good "He gives us a pep talk and prays.”

ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT Amelia Chen, '26, Varsity Volleyball

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

PHO T O B Y S A R A C L A R K

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Vanguard Review: How long have you been playing volleyball?

AC: I started when I was about seven, I was playing club. I played club for [about] nine years.

the Baylor Life Center. My dad and I will pepper and work on drills like more individual skills that I can’t really do at practice and I’ve done a lot of lessons with a coach. It's just like individual training.

VR: How do you practice outside of school or club practice?

AC: Recently I’ve been going to a rec center,

VR: What position do you play?

AC: Libero

When trying to PR, the cross“I have these lightning bolt country runners tend to get pretty earrings and I wear them every superstitious. meet for track and cross country,” “I always seemed to PR when Simmons said. “ I try to do I had red Gatorade, so I started everything the same before each bringing some with me whenever I meet. If I don’t do something the go," senior Lillian Lowe said. "Now same, wear a certain bracelet, eat a I just have a jar of the powder red certain food, etc. then I’ll get in my Gatorade that I can just put in a head and probably not do as well.” water bottle, and sometimes I PR and The team also has a long-lasting sometimes I don’t. But last year I hit post-game ritual. more PRs than I’ve ever had in one “When we’re done, we always year. ” reward ourselves with chocolate Simmons said she also tends to milk, and this is something we’ve get superstitious when running, but done since freshman year,” Lowe said. she does it in style.

VR: Why volleyball?

AC: I was really young when I got into it, so I didn't really know what I was doing. I did play soccer at first but I quit because it was with all boys, so it was a little rough.

Volleyball is less contact, so I just started play with a club and I've loved it ever since.

VR: How do you balance school work, sports and your social life?

AC: It gets really rough, especially with the social life and sports, but I’m very productive so I’ll do everything I possibly can like the school work I can at school and I’ll work ahead on everything I can. I [also] figure out ‘When do I have a test, When do I have a quiz,’ so I can study ahead of time

and prepare for that. For sports, a lot of times I have to catch up on things. It does get difficult and I miss a lot of school, but I have to figure out when [to] put which one first.

Most of the time, it is school. But sometimes I have to put volleyball first. With social life, it's difficult because I can't hang out as much and can't go to as many events so I just hang out with friends less, that's a sacrifice I have to make.

VR: How do you feel about being one of the only sophomores on the varsity team?

AC: I have a lot of people I can look up to. The seniors are all leaders and I honestly feel like the age difference isn’t that bad and I'm used to playing with older girls, so it's really fun.

VR: What are your strengths and weaknesses?

A: I think one weakness I wish I didn't have is my mental game sometimes. I do get in my head easily and that is something I definitely need to work on. It's a big factor of the game. For strengths, I think I always have a positive attitude and I'm typically pretty excited. I have a lot of passion for the sport so that's something that I think is really useful.

VR: Do you plan on playing any other sports this year?

A: I'm playing club volleyball, so probably not.

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