Vanguard Review / OCT 2024

REVIEW Economy

Gun control

The Vanguard

Vol. 51 No. 1

OCT '24

Environment

National security

Abortion

immigration

LGBTQ+ RIGHTS

inflation

The

ISSUES Issue

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

Vanguard Stock Market Challenge

Congratulations!

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

October 2024 CONTENTS

NEWS

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

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 F E AT U R E S

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.

S TA F F

The Vanguard Review Editors-in-Chief Aria Cleveland & Madelyn Kim

MISSION

About the Cover

It is our mission to be the voice of the students of Vanguard College Preparatory School. We will endeavor in our roles as journalists to create a magazine that students can read to be educated and informed.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Vanguard College Preparatory School has a total student population of 292.

Reporter Grace Bergerson Reporter & Business Manager Sara Clark

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the Vanguard Review presents results of the high school student poll. Cover design by Emma Guy, '29 A VC PS

Vol. 51 No. 1

Reporter Charlie Stewart Reporter Selina Jung

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.

Adviser Gretchen Eichenberg

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

P U B L IC AT ION

OCT 2024

The Vanguard Review

3

From the Editor

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

PUT TING OUR ISSUES ASIDE

Fall Break

October 11-14

Quarter 2 Begins

W

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

elcome 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?

Aria Cleveland Co-Editor-in-Chief

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

4 The Vanguard Review

OCT 2024

Metal sculpture by sophomore Maggie Haskett Aria Cleveland / VR staff

CAMPUS

PAUS E B E FO R E YO U P OS T

With the rising temperature of the 2024 presidential election, social media is filled with political posts and opinions — but should you share yours?

B Y M A DE LY N K I M C O -E DI T O R-I N- C H I E F

W

ould you believe that “Avoid sharing inappropriate what you share on your content, review your posts and Google social media might backfire yourself,” she said. “Use social media against you in important to your advantage to highlight your moments of your life? In talents and interests.”

2017, Harvard University It’s not just colleges that may check administrators rescinded the out your online presence. Employers acceptances of about 10 students also want to see the kind of public due to what they shared on their image their prospective employees social media. project. The Professional Background Harvard College, the Screening Association indicates that university’s undergraduate 96.1 percent of employers perform some liberal arts program, reserves sort of pre-employment background the right to withdraw an offer screening. of admission under various “We don’t prohibit expressing conditions including if an opinions on social media, but we admitted student engages do expect employees, as brand in behavior that brings into representatives, to be respectful question his or her honesty, of others’ opinions,” said Alex maturity or moral character, Eichenberg, executive vice president it released in a statement at the and director of human resources at time.

Extraco Banks.

The political climate is Eichenberg added that Extraco rising more and more as the views employees as an extension of its election season comes closer. brand and, therefore, cares how they Political posts are everywhere As the 2024 election approaches, students and adults have to project themselves in the community, decide if sharing their political and other opinions on social media on social media, encouraging in person and online. people to be more interested and is worth the potential risk to friendships, college admissions and “We want to ensure the prospective employment.

Grace Bergerson / VR staff involved in the political process. employee will represent our brand Surrounded by this atmosphere, in the community in a responsible necessary part of life in the technological when emotions are running high, adults era. When you share someone else’s post manner,” he said. and teenagers encounter countless political Eichenberg mentioned that a review of to your social network, you have the choice posts on social media and often like, share or of just sharing a simple post or link to that a candidate’s social media presence is a part comment on them. post, or adding your own comment on how "Some colleges do look According to the October 2024 VR poll, you feel about it as well. If you go one step 15.1% of students answered that they have left further and comment your opinion about at applicants' social a negative comment on someone’s political why this candidate is right or wrong, it could post. be offensive to your friends or people with media during the Meanwhile, whether the shared opposing political views. application process." comment or image was intended to be a An Indiana University article titled funny political thought or meme, it could - Hannah VanDyke, “Political bias on social media,” revealed that possibly offend some of the people who saw it. director of college counseling a political post on social media has a major impact on the user’s social network and their "People who want to exposure to low-credibility. But could it keep employ them or might you from getting accepted to your dream of Extraco Bank’s screening process when hiring new employees. just want to talk to them school?

“I personally encourage people to Hannah Van Dyke, director of college might be like, 'Whoa, counseling, recalled the well-known case exchange ideas and persuade others to your that's kind of weird." where when Harvard rescinded acceptances point of view,” Eichenberg said. “That’s why we have the First Amendment. However, due to inappropriate content.

- Claire Williams, sophomore “Some colleges do look at applicants' social when people start attacking others who share media during the application and scholarship different opinions as being “bad” or “evil,” process, especially to top-tier schools,” Van the conversation becomes toxic and usually "People who want to employ them or Dyke said. “When a student is applying early unproductive. If you can’t communicate your might just want to talk to them in general decision, the odds are higher that a college is beliefs in a way that does not attack others, I might be like, 'Whoa, that's kind of weird," think it is best to say nothing at all.” looking at an applicants' online presence.” sophomore Claire Williams said.

Her advice? Always keep your public Social media has a big impact on how presence in check. teens present themselves and has become a OCT 2024 The Vanguard Review

5

F E AT U R E

LI G HT S , A N I M A L S , AC

Two Vikings compete in state level fair and rodeo events each season, giving their

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

W

hen 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 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 "I ride every day after school, trick your mind. Also, there’s running.

Running helps because it teaches you to about five hours. Then I clean push through.”

The most challenging part, Latimer the stalls after that and water said, is the blood, sweat and tears that go and feed them all.' into raising multiple animals.

— Ema Mathis, senior “There are some nights you won't leave the barn until midnight,” she said, “and some mornings you need to be at the barn stalls after that and water and feed them by 3 a.m.” all. I've got about eight horses right now at Mathis said her most memorable the house that I feed and water every day.” rodeo experience actually involves her The most challenging part of competing dad competing in the tie-down roping

6 The Vanguard Review

OCT 2024

Top: Getting a good luck smooch from her cow Curly, senior Alexis Latimer prepares to compete in a livestock show in Ft. Worth.

Photo courtesy of the Latimer family Above: Senior Ema Mathis races around a barrel at a rodeo in Ft. Worth. Photo courtesy of Ema Mathis

F E AT U R E

C TI O N !

r blood, sweat and tears to their sport 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."

— 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 Rounding a barrel, senior Ema Mathis competes with her horse RD at a winning her first rodeo in West, Texas. "I love to barrel race," Mathis said. "I think it's the buckle on the horse adrenaline rush," Mathis said. Photo: Camvision Productions she trained. Mathis was just 14 at the time. Latimer’s most prized possession is good about it.”

Latimer’s best memories come from the similar.

“Winning the breed champion and friendships she has made in the livestock reserve breed champion at my county show community.

“I show with a livestock team Hot Rod 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.

OCT 2024

The Vanguard Review

7

FEATURE

CH AT, W H AT I S T H I S? A Beginner's Guide to Brainrot

8 The Vanguard Review

OCT 2024

FEATURE

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

W

hat 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.

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.

Sigma/ Alpha/Beta 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

Skibidi 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.

Chat "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

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.

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.

“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.

OCT 2024

The Vanguard Review

9

THE ISSUES ISSUE

WHERE DO VIKINGS

Student poll reveals what students think about the hottest issues of the 2024 pres B Y V R S TA F F

Welcome more

83.1%

16.9%

10 The Vanguard Review

Friends

Candidates

Unsure

Unsure

Yes

Social media

45.9% 43.5%

10.6%

Which ISSUE is most important to you?

Source: VR Oct. 2024 high school student poll

OCT 2024

Abortion

Stricter control

What do you think about BORDER SECURITY?

39.3% 40.5% 20.2%

Should there be more GUN CONTROL?

Economy/ inflation

28%

1.2%

Should ABORTION be legal?

No

Unsure

7.1%

43.9% 28% 23.2% 3.7%

National Security

65.9%

Yes

No

Should FEDERAL TAXES be increased?

9.6%

Parents

55.4% 34.9%

Yes

Trump

6.1%

News sources

Other

28%

No

Moderate

15.9%

Other

Liberal

50%

Harris

Conservative

If you were voting Where do you get Which POLITICAL in 2024, who would your POLITICAL IDEOLOGY do you INFORMATION? most identify with? you vote FOR PRESIDENT?

13.1%

29.8%

21.4%

STAND?

sidential election

Gen Z turns to both social media, parents for info on the issues B Y GR AC E B E RGE R S ON R E P O RT E R

LGBTQ+ rights

8.3%

Gun control

Immigration

Y

ou’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.”

Climate

%

INFORMATION STATION

3.6%

14.3%

9.5%

of Trump, and to see Trump ramble about “The polling evidence so far likewise nothing on X.” suggests that younger voters have, generally Candidates are also beginning to rely on speaking, responded favorably to the V.P.,” endorsements from celebrities and influencAllman said ers important in current pop culture. Many Fifty percent of Gen Z voters say they celebrities have been invited to rallies from will vote for Vice President Kamala Harris both parties, and they have each received in November, while one-third say they will endorsements on platforms such as X, Instavote for former President Donald Trump, gram and TikTok. according to the NBC News Stay Tuned Gen Harris in particular has grabbed the Z Poll of registered voters under 30. attention of young voters due to her endorseThe entrance of social media usage in ments by famous female celebrities such as the elections has greatly changed the overall Billie Eilish, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift. atmosphere of the election.

“Taylor Swift, in the immediate after“News-wise things pop up on my ‘For math of [the] debate, posted on social media You’ page, like CNN or News Daily, stuff like her endorsement of Kamala Harris,” said that,” freshman Samuel Hale said. “There Allman. “The timing of this endorsement are news people on there that I have accounts could hardly have been better for.” for the Harris campaign, which Some students leads me to suspect that there said they get their was some coordination between information from the Swift people and the Harris various sources. people, though that is simply “I usually get speculation on my part.” my news from But not everyone likes that. social media or my “I don’t appreciate it when parents,” freshman celebrities talk about their Brysin Verde said. political views,” junior Landry “Instagram, TikTok Cole said. “Just sing your songs. and Twitter.”

Source: When you tell your political Allman notes VR Oct. 2024 poll views, if I don’t agree with it, it a difference in the makes me not like your music.” climate of this year's Freshman Conlee Felton agreed. election.

“I get my political views from and vote “I would say that one key difference in for whoever Taylor Swift is not voting for,” the climate of the 2024 presidential election he said. from 2020, or even 2016, has to do with the But 28 percent of students still turn fact that Kamala Harris, at 59 yrs of age, is 20 to their parents for political information, years younger than Donald Trump," Allman according to the 2024 VR Issues Poll. said. "Harris, in other words, seems to rep“My parents just try and give me their resent, among other things, something like views and open me up to things so I won’t a generational change in the eyes of many come out completely not knowing anything,” voters.” freshman Evan Ochoa said.

Each of the candidates have created Sophomore Ellen Weaver agreed. accounts on social media that many people “I honestly get political information within the younger generations see. from my parents,” she said. “We talk about “I think it is absolutely hilarious,” said it over dinner, about what we like and don’t sophomore Atlas Sowders. “I doubt it's the like about different candidates and different best for their image, at least in the eyes of the political decisions.” older generations, but I think it's so funny to see Kamala HQ on TikTok making fun

23.2% of students said they get their political information from social media

OCT 2024

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11

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

M A K I N G H E R VO I C E H E A R D

Senior Zara Diaz steps toward future career with Congressional internship B Y S E L I NA J U NG R E P O RT E R

T

he 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 Left: Zara Diaz announced in front of the students as "Voice of the Vikings" on the first duties include answering constituent day of school. Right: During her congressional internship, Diaz worked for Congressman calls, scheduling tours, writing press clips, assisting the Congressman’s staff on Pete Sessions. Photos provided by Zara Diaz research and legislation.

Junior Aria Cleveland said she thinks Chelsea Ressetar, Diaz’s marketing Diaz said she was interested in doing Diaz is cut out for the job. teacher, said she is a natural born leader. an internship because she hopes to work in “I work directly with Zara as her student “She works well with adults and some sort of politics or government in the body vice president, and I think she is hardis accountable and great in front of an future. working, detail-oriented and an amazing audience,” Ressetar said. “Also she has the During her time on staff, Diaz said listener,” Cleveland said. “Zara makes other admiration of the younger Vikings and gained knowledges about politics and the people feel welcome, seen and heard. She is seen as brave. Many people are scared government, and was able to witness first has this amazing quality of simultaneously of public speaking and she knows how to hand some of the major issues people around being able to include everyone while not engage an audience and is kind to all younger her experience. being overpowering or imposing-she is the Vikings. Diaz found her voice and talent in perfect example of a good politician.” speech class and is outgoing and tries many "Dress professionally.

Jillie Duncan said Diaz has opportunities in and out of school.”

Be confident. Make sure the Sophomore personality for politics.

Throughout her high school career, Diaz to study your resumé “She is very personable, nice, outgoing has served as student body president (12th), and fun,” Duncan said. “She knows how student body vice president (11th), student and be able to talk to bring up the energy and she makes other body representative (9th - 10th), Voice of about each thing on it." people want to go to the dance and games. the Vikings (11th - Present), where she is a — Zara Diaz, '25 Also she is good at hyping people up and public speaking figure for all major school making people feel welcome.” events, like pep rallies, assemblies, orchestra Diaz gave some advice for students who concerts, school wide announcements and “During my time as an intern, [former want to do an internship in the future. varsity games. She is a Mountainview president] Trump was indicted on 34 felony “Dress professionally,” Diaz said. “Be Mentor and has worked on the Cameron counts and there was also an attempted confident. Make sure to study your resume Park Zoo Crew and volunteered at the Iron assassination,” Diaz said. “I was able to and be able to talk about each thing on it.

Man Triathlon, both in 2023. She also learn about all of his charges and learn Know what you're interviewing for, and also coached Centex volleyball for the past two about his case from highly experienced do some research on things they might ask summers. people. I also learned about the House being you and what to prepare for.

When she’s not working or volunteering, in session and how it worked. I learned Diaz said she encourages other kids to Diaz also likes hanging out with her friends, about the storming of the Capitol and I “go for it.” going out and being on her phone. worked with people who were there when it “The worst they can say is ‘no’ and you happened.” will have experience,” she said.

12 The Vanguard Review

OCT 2024

ODD NEWS

R U N N I NG O N Toxic scents captivate students through their chemical properties and nostalgia

FU

S E M

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

Y

ou 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 "Inhalants are neurotoxic effects and, like all inhalants, has substances that the potential to induce produce chemical addiction pathology, vapors that can be according to the NIH. The most severe inhaled to induce a health effects it has psychoactive, or are most commonly apparent in those who mind-altering effect" — National Institute purposefully abuse it, according to the of Drug Abuse Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

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.

There's a reason for that. A Harvard School of Medicine study found a "I would say a sense of high correlation between smells nostalgia is the reason for and memory.

Neurobiology liking a weird smell. [If it was] professor Sandeep Robert Datta that smelling something your first time doing something said from one’s past is “like a key being and that smell was there, it inserted into a lock.” So it is no that the smell of Sharpie can make you remember it and surprise “I think that regularly inhaling toxic may bring you back to outlining connect that memory of it."" smells can be very bad for your health.” your third grade art project.

Even though they have the same chemical — August Ket, '28 Regardless of the pleasure they get, students mostly recognize the attraction properties, different toxic smells The specific addictive chemical is the harmful effects of breathing in such toxic are not always equally enjoyed.

"I don’t really like the smell of Sharpie solvent toulene, which stimulates dopamine chemicals. in the brain in the exact region that most "If one constantly inhales Sharpie and nail polish,” Ressetar said.

Ket said he has no connection to the scent other drugs activate, too. That’s why we like, and nail polish, it could lead to constant or even crave, the smell. Toulene, also known migraines or something like that,” Ressetar of nail polish and therefore thinks it smells bad. as Methylbenzene or Phenylmethane, said.

“It just smells like chemicals,” he said.

Toluene is used to manufacture plastics, Ket agreed.

OCT 2024

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ENTERTAINMENT

FALL MOVIE REVIEWS: A SHO

Cozy Vibes

Coraline (2009) Rating:

C

B Y GR AC E B E RGE R S ON R E P O RT E R

I

t’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.

Dead Poets Society (1989) Rating:

T

*****

he 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.

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OCT 2024

Gilmore Girls (2000) Rating:

W ****

ithin 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.

Gravity Falls (2012) Rating:

G

*****

oraline 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.

****

ravity 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.

ENTERTAINMENT

OW FOR EVERY VIBE

SCARY VIBES

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

I

t'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.

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) Rating: 5 stars Review:

****

Stranger Things (2016) Rating:

S

*****

tranger 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.

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.

Halloween (1978) Rating:

W ****

hile 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.

Scream (1996) Rating:

I

*****

n 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.

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SPORTS

LOOK GOOD, PLAY GOOD

Can uniforms can make or break player performance? Athletes weigh in B Y C H A R L I E S T E WA RT R E P O RT E R

T

eam 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

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

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

“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.”

ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT Braylen Schupach, '27, Football

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: Who’s your favorite football player in college or NFL? BS: My favorite NFL player is CeeDee Lamb of the Dallas Cowboys.

VR: In football what’s your strong suit?

BS: I think my strong suit in football is catching and running

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: If you had to choose one athletic super power?

BS: I would want to have super speed so no one could catch me.

VR: Would you rather be: 7 '5 and slow or 5' 8 and fast?

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OCT 2024

BS: I would rather be 5’8 and fast.

Landry Cole/Bifrost staff

CAMPUS

NEW VIKING ON THE HORIZON Johnny Graham selected by board of trustees to succeed Bill Borg as head of school B Y C H A R L I E S T E WA RT AND SARA CLARK R E P O RT E R S

A

fter 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

Johnny Graham was selected by the Vanguard board of trustees to replace Bill Borg as head of school upon his retirement in June 2025.

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.

"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.

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.

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 — Johnny Graham, many students' minds.

“I can tell you any newly selected Vanguard head of school 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.

"It's all about the relationship. I value every bit of student feedback.

You are all the next leaders of our community."

ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Melina Garman, '26, Varsity Cheer BRYE PCOHRTA RELRI E S T E WA RT

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

Brindley Ressetar/Bifrost staff

VR: If you had to cheer at a college what college would it be?

MG: UC Berkeley

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.

OCT 2024

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STUDENT POLL

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

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

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OCT 2024

T O P - N O T C H J O U R N A L I S M • A F F O R DA B L E R AT E S

A DV E R T I S E YO U R B U S I N E S S I N T H E

VA N G U A R D R E V I E W

I S S U E S R E M A I N I N G : D E C E M B E R , F E B R U A RY, M AY

Contact sara_clark@vanguard.org

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REVIEW The Vanguard