Find out where students stand on the issues of the presidential election — and how they get their info on the candidates Page 10-11
Pause Before You [Political] Post Page 5
Chat, What is This? A Guide to Brainrot Page 8-9
Fall Movie Reviews
Cozy or Scary Vibes? Pages 14-15
5 Pause Before You Post Should you share your opinions?
16 Johnny Graham named head of school Board of Trustees selects North Carolinian to take top spot
8-9 Chat, What is This? A Beginner's Guide to Brainrot
10-11 The Issues Issue Where Vikings stand on the issues of the 2024 presidential election
12 Student Spotlight Senior Zara Diaz makes career moves with congressional internship
13 Running on Fumes Toxic scents captivate students through their chemical properties ... and nostalgia
14-15 Fall Movie Reviews A show for every vibe
16-17 Look Good, Play Good Can uniforms make or break player performance? Athletes weigh in.
Editors-in-Chief
Aria Cleveland & Madelyn Kim
Reporter
Grace Bergerson
Reporter
& Business Manager
Sara Clark
Reporter
Charlie Stewart
Reporter
Selina Jung
Adviser Gretchen Eichenberg
Lights, Animals Action Two Vikings compete in fair and rodeo events each season, giving their blood, sweat and tears to the sport Pages 6-7.
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.
Vanguard College Preparatory School has a total student population of 292.
Vol. 51 No. 1
The Vanguard College Preparatory School
2517 Mt Carmel Dr Waco, Texas 76710
254 772-8111
vanguard_review@vanguard.org
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the Vanguard Review presents results of the high school student poll. Cover design by Emma Guy, '29
Fall Break
October 11-14
Quarter 2 Begins
October 15
PSAT
Sophomores- October 16 7:45 a.m.
Junior- October 17 7:45 a.m.
Halloween Dance & Haunted House
October 19
High School- Gym 7:30-10 p.m.
Middle School- Jaworski- 7:309:30 p.m.
VPC Golf Tournament
October 21 @ Ridgewood @ 11:30 a.m.
Honor Roll Reception
October 23 in Bostick 8:00 a.m.
Open House
October 24
8:30-10:00 a.m.
BU Homecoming Parade
October 26
8:00 a.m.
Halloween Extravaganza
October 31 @ School
Costume contest and candy
Veteran's Day Pep Rally
November 1 [altered schedule]
Caritas Canned Food Drive
November 1- November 22
Thanksgiving Break
November 25-29
Welcome to the “Issues” issue of the Vanguard Review! With a heated presidential election next month — and many diverse issues on the line — we wanted to find out where Vikings stand. As our cover story, we polled high school students on the candidates and issues — and also researched where members of Gen Z receive their information.
Covering the election and issues is a tricky topic — and being divisive is certainly not our objective. As a student newspaper, our goal is to inform readers and report on students’ perspectives. As we near election season, the VR wants to remind everyone that we are all entitled to our opinions, even if they completely contradict our own—and no one should be treated differently based on them. We wouldn't shun someone if they told us they like sweet potatoes more than mashed ones. Politics, especially among students at and during school should adhere to the same concept.
But we couldn’t make this issue all about politics, even though it’s a hot topic. We
have such an exciting ride planned for you in this issue — everything from protecting your digital footprint to the announcement of our next head-of-school. We've included those fall essentials, like the fair and rodeo, creepy/cozy movie reviews and, of course, some fall vibes in our student poll.
Another topic seeing itself rise in popularity since last year is the concept of ‘brainrot.’ What is it, really? As someone who partakes in the occasional “erm, what the sigma?” I can attest that it’s not the most cultured trend, but it’s definitely a funny way to lighten situations or make someone laugh.
Along with my co-editor Madelyn Kim, we’ve put a lot of work into this first issue with a half-new staff that we are so grateful to have on board. Also, I’d like to personally thank 8th grader Emma Guy for creating our magnificent cover. The moment I saw it, I knew that it would be a fun and accurate representation of our cover story, the 2024 election.
While you read, think about your fall vibe: cozy or creepy?
Metal sculpture by sophomore Maggie Haskett Aria Cleveland / VR staff Aria Cleveland Co-Editor-in-Chief
With the rising temperature of the 2024 presidential election, social media is filled with political posts and opinions — but should you share yours?
BY MADELYN KIM CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Would you believe that what you share on your social media might backfire against you in important moments of your life? In 2017, Harvard University administrators rescinded the acceptances of about 10 students due to what they shared on their social media.
Harvard College, the university’s undergraduate liberal arts program, reserves the right to withdraw an offer of admission under various conditions including if an admitted student engages in behavior that brings into question his or her honesty, maturity or moral character, it released in a statement at the time.
The political climate is rising more and more as the election season comes closer.
Political posts are everywhere on social media, encouraging people to be more interested and involved in the political process. Surrounded by this atmosphere, when emotions are running high, adults and teenagers encounter countless political posts on social media and often like, share or comment on them.
As the 2024 election approaches, students and adults have to decide if sharing their political and other opinions on social media is worth the potential risk to friendships, college admissions and employment. Grace Bergerson / VR staff
According to the October 2024 VR poll, 15.1% of students answered that they have left a negative comment on someone’s political post.
Meanwhile, whether the shared comment or image was intended to be a funny political thought or meme, it could possibly offend some of the people who saw it.
"People who want to employ them or might just want to talk to them might be like, 'Whoa, that's kind of weird."
- Claire Williams, sophomore
"People who want to employ them or might just want to talk to them in general might be like, 'Whoa, that's kind of weird," sophomore Claire Williams said.
Social media has a big impact on how teens present themselves and has become a
necessary part of life in the technological era. When you share someone else’s post to your social network, you have the choice of just sharing a simple post or link to that post, or adding your own comment on how you feel about it as well. If you go one step further and comment your opinion about why this candidate is right or wrong, it could be offensive to your friends or people with opposing political views.
An Indiana University article titled “Political bias on social media,” revealed that a political post on social media has a major impact on the user’s social network and their exposure to low-credibility. But could it keep you from getting accepted to your dream school?
Hannah Van Dyke, director of college counseling, recalled the well-known case where when Harvard rescinded acceptances due to inappropriate content.
“Some colleges do look at applicants' social media during the application and scholarship process, especially to top-tier schools,” Van Dyke said. “When a student is applying early decision, the odds are higher that a college is looking at an applicants' online presence.”
Her advice? Always keep your public presence in check.
“Avoid sharing inappropriate content, review your posts and Google yourself,” she said. “Use social media to your advantage to highlight your talents and interests.”
It’s not just colleges that may check out your online presence. Employers also want to see the kind of public image their prospective employees project. The Professional Background Screening Association indicates that 96.1 percent of employers perform some sort of pre-employment background screening.
“We don’t prohibit expressing opinions on social media, but we do expect employees, as brand representatives, to be respectful of others’ opinions,” said Alex Eichenberg, executive vice president and director of human resources at Extraco Banks.
Eichenberg added that Extraco views employees as an extension of its brand and, therefore, cares how they project themselves in the community, in person and online.
“We want to ensure the prospective employee will represent our brand in the community in a responsible manner,” he said.
Eichenberg mentioned that a review of a candidate’s social media presence is a part
"Some colleges do look at applicants' social media during the application process."
- Hannah VanDyke, director of college counseling
of Extraco Bank’s screening process when hiring new employees.
“I personally encourage people to exchange ideas and persuade others to your point of view,” Eichenberg said. “That’s why we have the First Amendment. However, when people start attacking others who share different opinions as being “bad” or “evil,” the conversation becomes toxic and usually unproductive. If you can’t communicate your beliefs in a way that does not attack others, I think it is best to say nothing at all.”
Two Vikings compete in state level fair and rodeo events each season, giving their
BY SARA CLARK REPORTER
When dust flies in a rodeo arena, senior Ema Mathis wants to be right in the middle. A fierce competitor in the breakaway roping and barrel racing categories, there’s no place she’d rather be than in the saddle.
“I love to barrel race," Mathis said. “I think it’s the adrenaline rush. Walking down the alley and you can feel people in the stands, and then you just take off. Everything's just a blur, like, you almost go blank. Once you're done, it's just such a good feeling.”
Mathis is not the only one who enjoys the fair and rodeo adrenaline. Senior Lexi Latimer shows pigs for Hill Country 4-H. She has been showing pigs for four years and showed a steer for one year.
“I love the adrenaline you get before walking into the ring to show off the animal you have worked so hard to raise,” she said. “It is the best feeling in the world to shake a judge's hand and know that all your hard work pays off.”
Mathis said she’s been competing her whole life.
“I've never not rodeoed,” she said. “At two weeks old, my dad had me sitting on the back of a horse. But competing, probably about three years old.”
It’s that adrenaline rush and sense of accomplishment that Mathis loves.
“There's so much that goes into it,” she said. “A lot of money, a lot of time, a lot of patience. There's so much work that you have to put into it, and the reward at the end is just a great feeling. And even if you don't do good, you still learn a lot.”
The daily grind takes place every day after school.
“I ride every day after school, about five horses,” Mathis said. “Then I clean the
is staying mentally tough, Mathis said.
“It's becoming a lot bigger of a sport,” she said. “There's a lot more money going into it. There's so many different ways you can go. But mentally, I think your mental game is the biggest thing that can make or break you.”
Mathis said she works on her mental game by staying positive.
"I ride every day after school, about five hours. Then I clean the stalls after that and water and feed them all.'
— Ema Mathis, senior
stalls after that and water and feed them all. I've got about eight horses right now at the house that I feed and water every day.”
The most challenging part of competing
“I don't think I'm fully there,” she said. “But I read a book, and it was about golfing actually. But instead of being like, don't do this or don't do that — you have to think about what you're going to do. You trick your mind. Also, there’s running. Running helps because it teaches you to push through.”
The most challenging part, Latimer said, is the blood, sweat and tears that go into raising multiple animals.
“There are some nights you won't leave the barn until midnight,” she said, “and some mornings you need to be at the barn by 3 a.m.”
Mathis said her most memorable rodeo experience actually involves her dad competing in the tie-down roping
competition.
“My dad's made it to the circuit finals three years in a row now, which is a lot,” she said. “He had a chance to win it last year, and it was just really exciting to see him get so close to accomplishing his goals. He's 50, so he’s the oldest guy there. The Texas circuit finals is the toughest circuit to make and he's top five in the state.”
As for herself, Mathis said she is proud of training her barrel horse.
“There was a lot of trial and error and a lot of tears,” Mathis said. “I got to a point where I was like, I'm just going to sell him. And I went to a little clinic over the summer, and things turned around. Finally, it all paid off. I went to a rodeo in Fort Worth and we placed in the top five. I just felt really
"I love the adrenaline you get before walking into the ring."
—
good about it.”
Latimer’s best memories come from the friendships she has made in the livestock community.
“I show with a livestock team Hot Rod
Lexi Latimer, senior
Genetics and have made some amazing bonds with the kids I show with,” Latimer said, “We all live pretty far away from each other and three days before any major show, we all gather at something called a ‘layover’ and prep our pigs for the big upcoming shows. My show team is just like a second family to me. We are there to jump up and down when one of us wins, and there to hug each other if a show doesn't go the way we planned.”
Mathis said her most prized accomplishment is winning her first buckle on the horse she trained. Mathis was just 14 at the time. Latimer’s most prized possession is similar.
“Winning the breed champion and reserve breed champion at my county show and placing 7th in my class of almost 70 pigs
Earning 7th Place at a Houston livestock show, senior Lexi Latimer takes a moment to celebrate with her dad, David and pig Little Rig. Photo: Next Level Images
in Houston, all in the same year” Latimer said. “I won nearly 10K that year in prize money, as well as my first-ever belt buckle and banner.”
This fall, Mathis said she will be competing in Salado and Bryan. And while the HOT Fair & Rodeo no longer has Junior Circuit Finals, she will be there cheering on
"There was a lot of trial and error and a lot of tears."
— Ema Mathis, senior
her dad — and enjoying a funnel cake and some live music afterward. Latimer will show at the Hill County livestock show, as well as the San Antonio, Houston and Austin livestock majors — hopefully with a little bit of shopping afterward, she said.
BY ARIA CLEVELAND CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
What the skibidi toilet Ohio rizz are you doing? That’s not very sigma of you; you’ve gyatt to stop look-maxxing. If you have been on the receiving end of one of these sentences and found them confusing, you’re not alone. These potentially unfamiliar — or painfully familiar — terms are known as “brainrot” by the TikTok, social media and Generation Alpha community.
“I heard many of the terms associated with brainrot before brainrot itself. It started from weird memes I found on the internet that just seemed kind of dumb to me,” junior Kade Bounds said. Brainrot terms developed as a way to identify someone who spends hours online “doom-scrolling” (scrolling TikTok, Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts endlessly), or just filling themselves with content that “rots” their “brains” due to its sheer uselessness.
If you have only heard these words walking through the halls or student chatter, you might question their meaning and significance, so let this be a guide to you.
A word originating from the popular online video series about a war involving toilets with human heads, hence Skibidi toilet.
“I [was] first introduced to it because the little tiny middle schoolers and social media were going wild over this Skibidi Toilet cartoon,” sophomore Jake Attas said.
In context, kids will use this to mean both bad and good.
“I use it when someone is being weird, but me and my friends call it to each other, but it’s kind of weird–we act like it has mixed meanings,” 7th grader Sam Sirkel said.
"I almost always use "chat" when referring to a single person,” Attas said, “like ‘Chat, what the flip is this guy doing?’”
The word chat originated from
streaming sites when streamers would address their literal audience, who can only respond using the chat feature, as chat, in order to promote interactiveness. Now, it is used in real-life situations to ask the hypothetical viewers questions, mostly in disbelief or surprise.
Both sigma and alpha are characters from the Greek alphabet that have been used to represent multiple ideas or concepts over the years. Alpha is the first letter and has since been logically used for centuries
But freshman Vivian Spitzer-Hanks said she uses it to have fun.
“[I say] ‘erm, what the sigma?’ to make my friends annoyed.
Students are not all on board the brainrot bandwagon, however. Many, in fact, are annoyed — or do not acknowledge it at all. Bounds discredits its connotations and the social effects it has on him.
“I never have and likely never will start using brainrot terms,” Bounds said. “I can't give much of an objective reason many people would care about, but it has never made me think anyone is smart. I don't say things like "Chat, what is this?" or "What the sigma?" because it just seemed a little obnoxious to me.”
Bounds added that using brainrot could associate him with something that he would rather not be associated with.
to mean best or highest, notably in Alpha and Omega, a kids' movie from 2010 where wolves’ families are ranked from Alpha, highest, to Omega, lowest.
In recent years, podcast personality Andrew Tate popularized the term “sigma male,” a definition of how to be an “ideal man,” and since then, the word sigma has been used to describe people as good and its counterpart, beta as bad.
In brainrot terms, however, sigma is replaceable for the word ‘heck’ in most cases, but it can be used for both frustration and amusement.
“I say ‘What the sigma’ whenever I get stressed or I can't find something I need,” Attas said.
“It wouldn't be a big deal if I was,” he said, “but it would definitely change the way people look at me.”
Students’ discovery of brainrot came at different times and in different ways, meaning kids did not just wake up one day telepathically agreeing to start saying seemingly random words.
“I heard most of the terms associated with brainrot before brainrot itself,” Bounds said. “It started from weird memes I found on the Internet that just seemed kind of dumb to me.”
Spitzer-Hanks on the other hand, was influenced by those around her before knowing what brainrot was.
“My classmate Susie uses [brainrot] a lot, so I learned from her mostly,” she said.
The origin of brainrot terminology has students agreeing on one thing: it was caused by the Internet.
“There are a lot of kids these days who are on the Internet a lot,” Bounds said. “They are sometimes known as "Ipad kids. I think that is a reasonable explanation where the brainrot terms came from, but I understand that it is just an educated guess.”
Spitzer-Hanks thinks one specific incident really set it off.
“[I think it was] that one guy who did the silly dance to the skibidi song,” she said, referring to a video of a man dancing in front of a spread of food to the skibidi song.
Student poll reveals what students think about the hottest issues of the 2024 presidential
Which POLITICAL IDEOLOGY do you most identify with? If you were voting in 2024, who would you vote FOR PRESIDENT?
Where do you get your POLITICAL INFORMATION?
BY GRACE BERGERSON REPORTER
You’re scrolling on social media
and see an edit featuring the current two presidential candidates, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. The edit shows out of context quotes from each. If you're Gen Z, you totally get it.
Generation Z — kids born between 1997 and 2012 — is set to have a significant impact on the 2024 presidential election. And they are getting a lot of their information about candidates and issues from social media.
"I get my information from Instagram reels," sophomore Jake Attas said. "That's how I found out that Trump got shot at both times."
More than 23 percent of students said they get their political information from social media, according to the 2024 VR Issues poll distributed to high school students. Social media has become a major influence on people’s opinions regarding politics as candidates join common trends.
“There is polling evidence suggesting that many younger voters have been animated by Harris's entrance into the race,” said Dwight Allman, associate professor of political science at Baylor University. “She is not only younger than Biden or Trump but is also something of a standard bearer, female and of mixed race. Evidence suggests that these differences appeal, generally speaking, to younger voters, even while they may pose some challenges for her campaign in reaching out to older cohorts of voters.”
“The polling evidence so far likewise suggests that younger voters have, generally speaking, responded favorably to the V.P.,” Allman said
Fifty percent of Gen Z voters say they will vote for Vice President Kamala Harris in November, while one-third say they will vote for former President Donald Trump, according to the NBC News Stay Tuned Gen Z Poll of registered voters under 30.
The entrance of social media usage in the elections has greatly changed the overall atmosphere of the election.
“News-wise things pop up on my ‘For You’ page, like CNN or News Daily, stuff like that,” freshman Samuel Hale said. “There are news people on there that I have accounts for.”
Some students said they get their information from various sources.
“I usually get my news from social media or my parents,” freshman Brysin Verde said. “Instagram, TikTok and Twitter.”
Allman notes a difference in the climate of this year's election.
23.2%
of Trump, and to see Trump ramble about nothing on X.”
Candidates are also beginning to rely on endorsements from celebrities and influencers important in current pop culture. Many celebrities have been invited to rallies from both parties, and they have each received endorsements on platforms such as X, Instagram and TikTok.
Harris in particular has grabbed the attention of young voters due to her endorsements by famous female celebrities such as Billie Eilish, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift.
“Taylor Swift, in the immediate aftermath of [the] debate, posted on social media her endorsement of Kamala Harris,” said Allman. “The timing of this endorsement could hardly have been better for the Harris campaign, which leads me to suspect that there was some coordination between the Swift people and the Harris people, though that is simply speculation on my part.”
Source: VR Oct. 2024 poll
“I would say that one key difference in the climate of the 2024 presidential election from 2020, or even 2016, has to do with the fact that Kamala Harris, at 59 yrs of age, is 20 years younger than Donald Trump," Allman said. "Harris, in other words, seems to represent, among other things, something like a generational change in the eyes of many voters.”
Each of the candidates have created accounts on social media that many people within the younger generations see.
“I think it is absolutely hilarious,” said sophomore Atlas Sowders. “I doubt it's the best for their image, at least in the eyes of the older generations, but I think it's so funny to see Kamala HQ on TikTok making fun
But not everyone likes that.
“I don’t appreciate it when celebrities talk about their political views,” junior Landry Cole said. “Just sing your songs. When you tell your political views, if I don’t agree with it, it makes me not like your music.”
Freshman Conlee Felton agreed.
“I get my political views from and vote for whoever Taylor Swift is not voting for,” he said.
But 28 percent of students still turn to their parents for political information, according to the 2024 VR Issues Poll.
“My parents just try and give me their views and open me up to things so I won’t come out completely not knowing anything,” freshman Evan Ochoa said.
Sophomore Ellen Weaver agreed.
“I honestly get political information from my parents,” she said. “We talk about it over dinner, about what we like and don’t like about different candidates and different political decisions.”
BY SELINA JUNG REPORTER
The phone is ringing in the Waco office of U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (R). Representing the 17th Congressional District of Texas, Sessions’ staff is always buzzing, picking up phone calls from constituents. Many callers are veterans in desperate need of help, but who were told that they would have to wait longer by the Veterans Administration (VA). Staff members called the VA to see what was holding up the process. They pick up the phones and answer the questions from constituents over and over again. One of those congressional staffers was senior Zara Diaz.
“It was really stressful and busy, but I just had to push through to finish the work,” Diaz said.
Diaz was selected for a congressional internship last summer, where she worked in the Waco office but also got to make a trip to Washington DC.
Congressional interns assist staff members with administrative, legislative and communications work. Typical intern duties include answering constituent calls, scheduling tours, writing press clips, assisting the Congressman’s staff on research and legislation.
Diaz said she was interested in doing an internship because she hopes to work in some sort of politics or government in the future.
During her time on staff, Diaz said gained knowledges about politics and the government, and was able to witness first hand some of the major issues people around her experience.
"Dress professionally. Be confident. Make sure to study your resumé and be able to talk about each thing on it."
— Zara Diaz, '25
“During my time as an intern, [former president] Trump was indicted on 34 felony counts and there was also an attempted assassination,” Diaz said. “I was able to learn about all of his charges and learn about his case from highly experienced people. I also learned about the House being in session and how it worked. I learned about the storming of the Capitol and I worked with people who were there when it happened.”
Junior Aria Cleveland said she thinks Diaz is cut out for the job.
“I work directly with Zara as her student body vice president, and I think she is hardworking, detail-oriented and an amazing listener,” Cleveland said. “Zara makes other people feel welcome, seen and heard. She has this amazing quality of simultaneously being able to include everyone while not being overpowering or imposing-she is the perfect example of a good politician.”
Sophomore Jillie Duncan said Diaz has the personality for politics.
“She is very personable, nice, outgoing and fun,” Duncan said. “She knows how to bring up the energy and she makes other people want to go to the dance and games. Also she is good at hyping people up and making people feel welcome.”
Diaz gave some advice for students who want to do an internship in the future.
“Dress professionally,” Diaz said. “Be confident. Make sure to study your resume and be able to talk about each thing on it. Know what you're interviewing for, and also do some research on things they might ask you and what to prepare for.
Diaz said she encourages other kids to “go for it.”
“The worst they can say is ‘no’ and you will have experience,” she said.
Chelsea Ressetar, Diaz’s marketing teacher, said she is a natural born leader.
“She works well with adults and is accountable and great in front of an audience,” Ressetar said. “Also she has the admiration of the younger Vikings and is seen as brave. Many people are scared of public speaking and she knows how to engage an audience and is kind to all younger Vikings. Diaz found her voice and talent in speech class and is outgoing and tries many opportunities in and out of school.”
Throughout her high school career, Diaz has served as student body president (12th), student body vice president (11th), student body representative (9th - 10th), Voice of the Vikings (11th - Present), where she is a public speaking figure for all major school events, like pep rallies, assemblies, orchestra concerts, school wide announcements and varsity games. She is a Mountainview Mentor and has worked on the Cameron Park Zoo Crew and volunteered at the Iron Man Triathlon, both in 2023. She also coached Centex volleyball for the past two summers.
When she’s not working or volunteering, Diaz also likes hanging out with her friends, going out and being on her phone.
BY ARIA CLEVELAND CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
You walk into art class and see that trademark black cap on a slender, gray body. As you slyly grab it and twist off the cap, you hear your teacher shout from across the room: “If you inhale that Sharpie, you’re going to kill your brain cells!”
If you went to elementary school, you have no doubt heard the previous sentence either from teachers, parents or even friends — and the reality is, they aren’t wrong.
But certain strong scents, like permanent markers can be almost irresistible. Students have a few different theories on why we enjoy toxic scents.
"I would say a sense of nostalgia is the reason for liking a weird smell,” freshman August Ket said. “[If it was your] first time doing something and that smell was there, it can make you remember it and connect that memory to it.”
Science tells us that the chemical composition of the scents are what actually cause people to not be able to pull their noses away. Sharpies, glue, gasoline and even nail polish are what the U.S. National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) calls inhalants or “substances that produce chemical vapors that can be inhaled to induce a psychoactive, or mind-altering, effect.”
nylon, and polyurethane and as a solvent in paints, inks, adhesives, fragrances, coatings and cleaning agents, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Toluene is an aromatic hydrocarbon with narcotic and neurotoxic effects and, like all inhalants, has the potential to induce addiction pathology, according to the NIH.
The most severe health effects it has are most commonly apparent in those who purposefully abuse it, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
"Inhalants are substances that produce chemical vapors that can be inhaled to induce a psychoactive, or mind-altering effect"
— National Institute of Drug Abuse
In spite of their harmful properties, sometimes these toxic smells hold value to students in their memories.
"I love the smell of gasoline,” junior Brindley Ressetar said.
Ket agreed.
"It reminds me of when I was little and stopped at the gas station before going home,” he said.
"I would say a sense of nostalgia is the reason for liking a weird smell. [If it was] your first time doing something and that smell was there, it can make you remember it and connect that memory of it.""
There's a reason for that. A Harvard School of Medicine study found a high correlation between smells and memory. Neurobiology professor Sandeep Robert Datta said that smelling something from one’s past is “like a key being inserted into a lock.” So it is no surprise that the smell of Sharpie may bring you back to outlining your third grade art project.
— August Ket, '28
The specific addictive chemical is the solvent toulene, which stimulates dopamine in the brain in the exact region that most other drugs activate, too. That’s why we like, or even crave, the smell. Toulene, also known as Methylbenzene or Phenylmethane, Toluene is used to manufacture plastics,
Regardless of the pleasure they get, students mostly recognize the harmful effects of breathing in such toxic chemicals.
"If one constantly inhales Sharpie and nail polish, it could lead to constant migraines or something like that,” Ressetar said.
Ket agreed.
“I think that regularly inhaling toxic smells can be very bad for your health.”
Even though they have the same chemical attraction properties, different toxic smells are not always equally enjoyed.
"I don’t really like the smell of Sharpie and nail polish,” Ressetar said.
Ket said he has no connection to the scent of nail polish and therefore thinks it smells bad.
“It just smells like chemicals,” he said.
BY GRACE BERGERSON REPORTER
It’s sweater weather. In light of the autumn chills, the Vanguard Review recommends and offers these reviews for a few fan favorite TV shows and movies you can cozy up and watch on your couch this fall.
Rating:
The Dead Poets Society is truly one of the most touching pieces of film I have seen. It focuses on Neil Perry (Robert Sean Leonard), Todd Anderson (Ethan Hawke), and other students who return for another year at their strict boarding school, Welton Academy. There they learn many valuable lessons from their new English teacher John Keating (Robin Willaims) who teaches them to “seize the day” through poetry. Each of the stories with the characters feels very personal as the boys each discover who they truly are. Outside of their personal struggles, the boys figure out their relationships amongst each other, and they learn to find the people who love and encourage them to be their best selves. I loved the movie as I find everyone can find something to relate to good or bad. There are moments dealing with more serious topics and mental health, such as Neil’s story. There are also many light-hearted moments such as Todd finding his voice and confidence.
Rating:
Within the fictional town of Stars Hollow, a story full of relationships emerges in the show Gilmore Girls. Rory (Alexis Bledel) and her mom, Lorelai Gilmore (Laura Graham), work through the challenges of mother-daughter relationships as each strives to achieve their own goals. Rory is an overachiever, which many younger audiences can find themselves relating to. She often finds herself in the middle of drama between balancing her work, attempting to fit in at a new school, and relationships. Lorelai’s story clearly displays the difficulties of mother-daughter relationships as she struggles with both Rory and her own mother. The small-town setting allows the watcher to be taken into a small cozy setting, which is why I would recommend it as the perfect fall show.
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Coraline is one of the best-animated films I have seen as it has a very unique style with many Easter eggs, which makes it the perfect choice if a rewatchable film is needed. A girl named Coraline moves to a new house, but she discovers a mysterious door that leads her into a mirrored reality. The new world she is dragged into seems just a little too perfect, and it appears to remove all of the problems of her regular life. When she goes into the seemingly perfect reality, despite it being idealized, it feels oddly eerie and mysterious. The story itself puts into perspective how when things seem flawless, sometimes they are really not. Even if things are not perfect, sometimes the “perfect” fixes are not the way. The atmosphere of the film is ominous, but it also has a comforting feel.
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Gravity Falls is the perfect fall comedy despite being set in the summer, as it has a mysterious feel to it with many supernatural elements and twists that draw in the viewer. Twins Dipper and Mabel Pines go to visit their great-uncle, Stan, in Gravity Falls, Oregon. They quickly find that the town has more than it seems at first as they stumble upon the Mystery Shack. The Shack leads them to many adventures which draw in the viewer. Though there are some heavier scenes, there is almost always a moment to laugh out, creating a very lovable show. I love the relationships between the characters as they work together to solve the mysteries of the city.
BY SARA CLARK REPORTER
It's spooky season! Whether you are looking for a gory movie or a more physiological thriller, Vanguard Review has you covered. From classics like Halloween and newer gore such as Stranger Things, keep reading to get a deep dive into critics' reviews on your scary favorites.
Rating:
Stranger Things puts a new spin on scary, spooky and gory horror entertainment. The show takes a step back from the “slasher” side and focuses on psychological horror. In all four seasons, the main characters grow from middle school to high school and deal with mythological creatures from Dungeons and Dragons, such as The Demogorgon (season 1), The Mind Flayer (seasons 2 and 3) and Vecna (Season 4). I think Stranger Things is an amazing show, and while I do believe some seasons are better than others, overall, Stranger Things has great aesthetics. Personally, season three is my favorite because I love the summer feeling brought into the show. My favorite episode from season three is episode six, “E Pluribus Unum.” I enjoy this episode because this is when Robin (Maya Hawke), Steve (Joe Keery), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), and Erica (Priah Ferguson) discover the secret Russian headquarters being run underneath Star Court Mall where Robin and Steve work. I think this is a funny but intense episode with a lot of laughs but also a lot of “holding your breath” moments.
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
A Nightmare on Elm Street is the perfect mix of suspense and gore. I was constantly on the edge of my seat waiting to see when Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) would appear in Nancy Thompson’s (Heather Lagenkamp) dreams. Then again, this movie had the perfect amount of gore with Freddy killing as many people as it took to get to Nancy. This film had moments that made me think there was too much gore like the blood scene in Glen Lantz’s (Johnny Depp) bedroom, but overall, Wes Craven had a lot of creativity that he was able to bring to life.
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While Halloween sets a high expectation for many filmmakers to beat by creating characters such as Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis), the final girl of all final girls, it wasn’t my favorite. Halloween is a perfect movie for you if you prefer suspense over action. Most of the film is filled with Michael Myers (Nick Castle) lurking in the shadows with the movie's iconic theme song; however, there is not much gore. The original film also left me with many unanswered questions, such as why Laurie was his main target. Where did he go after he fell? And many more. I did enjoy this movie and the suspense it brought to the table, so if that's what you like, Halloween is the movie for you.
In this 1996 horror film filled with gore and laughs, I say Scream is a classic. Scream has a scary side with the murder of multiple high school students taking place in a small town. I enjoyed this film's “slasher” side, with the bloody stabbing sprees and the killer's end goal of killing Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell). However, this slasher has a funny side with the jokes from Matthew Lillard's character and one of the murderers, Stu Macher. In my favorite scene, Randy Meeks (Jamie Kennedy), a horror movie fanatic, explains the rules of surviving a horror film, the main rule being never to say “I’ll be right back.” Seconds later, Stu stands up to grab another drink from the basement, asking Randy if he would like one too. The last thing Stu says before going downstairs is “I’ll be right back” with a spooky tone. I find this scene very funny because it’s a good laugh in the middle of a tense part of the movie.
BY CHARLIE STEWART REPORTER
Team uniforms: They can make an athlete feel stylish, intimidate the opponent and even play better. In fact, 70.1% of Vanguard athletes say they play better when they wear good looking uniforms, according to an Oct. 2024 VR polls.
The varsity volleyball team has the newest uniforms — and the all-black uniforms with black numbering are a team favorite. Starting player, junior Landry Cole, said a team plays well when they look and feel good.
“I feel like I perform better in our new black sleeveless uniform,” Cole said. “Although what I'm wearing doesn’t necessarily affect skill, I feel it's more flexible to move in instead of the long sleeve jerseys which are extremely thick. I also don't have to worry about burning up in it in
27.2% of Vikings say the track and cross country uniforms need the next update
Source: VR Oct. 2024 student poll
a hot gym.”
Viking athletic director Jeff Young said he is dedicated to keeping athletic teams in style, but also has to adhere to a budget. The uniform budget depends on the sport, but they normally are anywhere from $2,0005,000, said Young.
“Once we signed a contract with Under Armor, we tried to get all the sports uniforms to the Under Armor brand,” Young said. “Once we do that, it will be on a fouryear rotation through the sports.”
Top to bottom: Football player Cooper Borg flexing after making a big play. Landry Cole/Bifrost staff Varsity Volleyball player Chloe Selke playing confidently in her new uniform. Charlie Stewart/VR staff Cross Country running Nate Cooper running in the Midway meet. Gabe Caputo/Bifrost staff
Vanguard Review: What do you consider to be your best sport?
Braylen Schupbach: I think my best sport is basketball. I have a lot more success in basketball.
VR: In football what’s your strong suit?
BS: I think my strong suit in football is catching and running
VR: If you had to choose one athletic super power?
BS: I would want to have super speed so no one could catch me.
VR: Who’s your favorite football player in college or NFL?
BS: My favorite NFL player is CeeDee Lamb of the Dallas Cowboys.
VR: Do you think you’ll be able to play sports in college?
BS: I think I’ll play football or basketball in college.
VR: Would you rather be: 7 '5 and slow or 5' 8 and fast?
BS: I would rather be 5’8 and fast.
Although the baseball uniforms are not yet four years old, many of the players believe they need new 'away' uniforms, as well as more than one hat option.
Viking baseball player, pitcher Holice Pegram, said he is mostly satisfied with the team's uniform, but would make a few tweaks if he could.
70.1% of athletes say they play better in stylish uniforms
Source: VR Oct. 2024 student poll
“I like our home uniforms, but not our road uniforms,” Pegram said.
Even if baseball does not need completely new uniforms, some players still think Vanguard should get them new hats.
“The thing that we need is a hat upgrade. I think we should have a white hat with a blue bill and an all blue hat. The past few years we have only had one hat, but I think we should have two different hats like most other high schools.”
Getting player input has proven successful, as Lady Vikings basketball coach Jeff Young allowed his players to design their own uniforms within certain guidelines. He said this was a solid team building experience, while also making the players feel more confident in their looks.
“I let my girls basketball team completely design their uniforms last time they got an upgrade,” Young said. “I am completely OK with allowing players to make all the uniforms but in the end it comes up to the coach.”
BY CHARLIE STEWART AND SARA CLARK REPORTERS
After a months-long search that was narrowed down to three qualified final candidates, the Vanguard board of trustees announced in an email on Wednesday, October 2 its selection for the next head of school.
Johnny Graham, currently head of school at Williamsburg Christian Academy in Williamsburg, Virginia, was tapped to
succeed Bill Borg, who in June 2025 will retire after 18 years of service at Vanguard.
Graham told the Vanguard Review one of the things that impressed him about Vanguard was the clean campus.
“Students seemed to take good care of their spaces,” he said. “I was highly impressed.”
Before joining Williamsburg Academy, Graham served as founding head of school
and CEO of Springdale Preparatory School in north-central Maryland.
Graham holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of North Carolina, a Master’s degree in educational leadership from George Washington University and earned his doctorate in educational leadership and innovation from Purdue Global.
While Borg was not involved in the search or selection process, he’s had a chance to visit with Graham and anticipates a smooth transition.
Students reacted positively to the news.
"He has a good reputation and if Vanguard hired him because of that then he is probably good," Cooper Peel, freshman, said.
"It's all about the relationship. I value every bit of student feedback. You are all the next leaders of our community."
"What I did, and [what] all good heads of schools do, is come into a school and try and learn more about the school, [by] talking to the students, learning about traditions and continuing what is already built," Borg said. "One thing students need to do is teach him and help him adapt to this new school. Anytime someone comes in new it is our job and responsibility to teach them about what Vanguard is about."
Matt Morrison, head of the board of trustees, said he thinks Graham is the right fit.
“Through his humble and servant leadership style, Johnny will continue to foster Vanguard’s mission of rigor, respect and responsibility,” Morrison said.
— Johnny Graham, newly selected Vanguard head of school
Freshman Conlee Felton agreed.
“I have not had a conversation with him yet, but he seems very qualified for the job of head of school and will fit our school well,” Felton said.
Graham’s phone policy is at the top of many students' minds.
“I can tell you any new leader does not develop any kind of preconceived policies,” he said. “I will spend my first year at Vanguard getting to know every facet of the community. So I don’t have a ready-made phone policy for students.”
As expected, students wonder how Graham will value their input.
“It’s all about the relationship,” he said. “I value every bit of student feedback. You are all the next leaders of our community.”
Graham and his wife Kim are the parents of four sons — Chris, 27, Julian, 25, Jeffrey, 20, and Ashton, 18 — and they have five grandchildren.
Outside of education, Graham said he enjoys flying fishing, reading and spending time with his family.
Vanguard Review: What’s your favorite cheer/stunt?
Melina Garman: My favorite stunts are one-mans and baskets for sure!
VR: Do you have a favorite uniform?
MG: I love our new blue uniforms. They are definitely my favorite
VR: If you had to cheer at a college what college would it be?
MG: UC Berkeley
BY CHARLIE STEWART REPORTER
VR: What’s your main position?
MG: I’m a main base.
VR: Do you like competition or football season more?
MG: I love football! It’s definitely my favorite part of the season.
VR: Do you plan to cheer in college?
MG: Depending on where I go, I would love the chance to.
BY SARA CLARK REPORTER
SOURCE: VR OCT. 2024 STUDENT POLL
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