Opinion | 2
Shelter from the storm | 4-5
Taste of 2020 | 6
Big Tech censorship a threat to First Amendment rights of all
Students share their stormy weather during a pandemic and election-filled year
Did you make these TikTok treats during quarantine? And do you still love them?
Vanguard College Preparatory School, 2517 Mt. Carmel Dr., Waco, Texas 76710
February 2021, Volume 48, Issue 4
The Vanguard Review A VCPS Publication
COVID-19: Current Stats Active Cases
Recovered
McLennan County
693
22,227
Vanguard
2
17
Source: McLennan County Health District; VCPS
INAUGURATION DAY: JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR. IS SWORN IN AS THE 46TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ON JAN. 20, 2021
COVID-19 vaccine distribution continues amid concerns Issues of efficiency and effectivity come to forefront of distribution process
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fter months of speculation and uncertainty, the COVID-19 vaccine has finally arrived. Thus far, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized two vaccine providers, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, for emergency use. The United States planned to vaccinate 20 million people by the end of 2020. However, only 2.1 million had received the vaccine by the end of the year, according to a press conference hosted by U.S. Army Gen. Gustave F. Perna and Moncef Slaoui - who are heading the federal government’s plan for vaccine distribution called Operation Warp Speed. Although initially there were concerns about the vaccines’ safety and who would receive them first, the inefficacy of the distribution process has become a prevalent concern in the minds of many. “I don’t think that the process of distribution has been efficient so far,” Faith Regan, senior, said. “There is a lot of argument about who should get it first, and at this point, the vaccines are just sitting there when they could be distributed.” Phase 1A is the first group in the Texas distribution process, which consists primarily of healthcare workers and first responders. By now, the state planned to have already completed 1A and continued on to 1B, people over the age of 65 and other high-risk individuals. At the time of this article, they have not completed 1A and are only beginning to vaccinate those in 1B. “I think in some places the distribution has been efficient, but in some places, it could be better,” Danae Simmons, freshman, said. “In most places, it could be going faster and not all the people who need it are getting it, such as older people. But overall, this is a relatively new thing, and it is going okay.” In Waco, efforts have been made to expedite the process. On Jan. 12, the Waco-McLennan
County Health District opened a new hub for vaccine distribution at the Waco Convention Center with plans of administering 500 doses per day. As of the writing of this article, at least 8,786 people in McLennan County have received at least one dose of the vaccine, while 1,003 people have received both doses. “The goal [in setting up a center for vaccine distribution at the Convention Center] is to get out the vaccine as quickly, efficiently, and safely as possible,” Kelly Craine, the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District’s public information officer, said. Efficiency with this process is essential, as both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines must be used within six hours after being removed from frozen storage and prepared for use. “As soon as we at the health district get our vaccine, we immediately start vaccinating people,” Craine said. “We don’t hold it in or save it for anything. We get it out as quickly as possible, and the state gets it to providers like us as soon as they receive it.” Many are also concerned about the safety of the vaccines due to their rapid development. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is approved for those ages 16 and above, while the Moderna vaccine is approved for those aged 18 and older. According to the Feb. VR poll, 39.2 percent of students are unsure whether they will get the vaccine when it is available to them. “I’m wary,” Regan said. “Personally, I think I’m going to wait until a lot of others get it, but I think that if there are no complications, people should get it.” A VCPS student who preferred to remain anonymous agrees. “I think that because there haven’t really been any harmful negative effects linked to the vaccine,
Elizabeth Watson ‘21 editor-in-chief
at least that I have heard of, there shouldn’t really be a problem with people getting vaccinated,” the student said. “The vaccinations seem to be pretty effective as well. What shouldn’t happen though is forced vaccination.” Both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines have efficacy rates of ap- A sign for the first round of vaccinations stands on the lawn of the Waco Conproximately 95 per- vention Center, where those in Phases 1A and 1B are now eligible to receive their cent, according to a vaccinations . Photo by Elizabeth Watson / VR Staff report published by to a virus by means of vaccination or past infecJohns Hopkins University. A common misconception is that it is possi- tions. Thus, it is important for people to continue ble to contract COVID-19 by means of the vaccine. to take measures to protect themselves and others. “I think the pandemic will get worse in the upAccording to the report, the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines “do not have any virus or other coming months and the vaccine news is giving a infectious material in them.” Both vaccines utilize false sense of security,” Regan said. “Many people a messenger RNA (mRNA) technique that trains are gathering in large groups again when they still the immune system to make copies of and recog- shouldn’t be.” Simmons agrees. nize COVID-19 spike proteins so that the immune “I think the pandemic will get worse unless evsystem is able to attack them in the event that the eryone does something to stop it,” Simmons said. vaccinated individual is exposed to COVID-19. Even with a vaccine, the Centers for Disease “People are still having large gatherings and close Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly advises contact sports. Everyone needs to wear their masks that people continue to practice social distancing to protect others. If we don’t act on it, the pandemic and wear masks. It is unknown what percentage of will continue to get worse.” people must be vaccinated to allow for herd immunity, which is when a population becomes immune
Berserk and Ragnarok show strong future for robotics Robotics program continues to grow despite new challenges
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he Vanguard Robotics program has grown significantly since its inaugural season in 2017. From humble beginnings, both teams 13053 (Berserk) and 12597 (Ragnarok) have become more than just great teams that can build intricate robots. These two teams have also created members with fantastic engineering skills, through Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and coding. So what does the robotics team do? Both teams participate in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) - a robotics competition for students from 7th through 12th grade. Each year, teams compete in groups of two called alliances in matches with robots that perform specific tasks to score points. There are a myriad of different tasks and challenges that these robots must accomplish, from stacking Legos like blocks to shooting disks in goals, and these challenges change each year. Vanguard is home to two robotics teams with a junior varsity and varsity system. Team
Ragnarok is the younger team where new members develop their skills in building and coding robots with the guidance of Zach Seifert, FIRST Robotics Coach. Team Berserk Robotics is the veteran team of the program. The mission of spreading STEM is equally important as competing in the robotics competitions. The competitions drive students to learn and discover new ways to improve their robots. One of the veteran members in the program is senior Adrian Northcutt. He entered the program as a freshman during the program’s first season. He had no experiences with CAD or coding prior to joining the team, but over the years, his engineering toolset has widened significantly. “Robotics has been a great experience through its hands-on approach for learning STEM,” Northcutt said. “I have learned more coding and mechanical engineering through developing and perfecting our robots.”
Hai Nguyen ‘21 guest columnist
The robotics teams also do outreach events, like visiting Baylor University’s Piper Center for Family Studies and Child Development and middle school students at Vanguard. COVID-19 has affected the program greatly. However, the team continues to grow. This season has been a successful year so far. Each team has doubled in size, from five members per team to ten members per team. In addition to the increased size, L3Harris has also sponsored the program as well. Though the season for robotics has changed Robotics team member Taemin Lee adjusts parts of his team’s robot with no in-person events or re- during class. Photo by Lucinda Liu / Bifrost Staff corded matches, the program’s future is bright.
2 opinion Isaac Saadi ‘22 guest columnist
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ctor Macaulay Culkin recently supported a movement that would erase one of Donald Trump’s greatest claims to fame prior to his presidency: his cameo in “Home Alone 2.” These calls to remove every existence of the 45th president arose after the horrific attacks on our nation’s capital. Trump is now facing the repercussions of allegedly instigating that violence through disputed claims of widespread voter fraud by getting permanently banned from social media platforms such as Reddit, Twitter, Twitch, Instagram, Shopify, Facebook and Pinterest (because God forbid having the ability to save lifestyle photos can perpetuate violence). Even conservative apps, such as Parler, have even been taken down by Apple and Google. Censorship has instilled fear across party lines about the future of the First Amendment: free speech. While there is no excuse for the actions on Jan. 6 from those who encouraged and stormed the capital, having the Silicon Valley dictate what others are able to read is a pot ready to burst open, sending the movement to overturn the election into further chaos. The ability to distinguish right from wrong is
The Vanguard Review February 5, 2021
Big Tech censorship a threat to First Amendment rights of all an essential part of the learning process the human This practice is now gone. Social media communication has grown at exrace goes through throughout our lifetimes. The experiences we have when we’re younger help us ponential rates during Trump’s time in office, but the fact that not even grow into functionthe head of our couning members of While there is no excuse for the try is allowed to exersociety. When Big cise his First AmendTech censors speech actions on Jan. 6, having the viewed as “danger- Silicon Valley dictate what others ment rights has shown the power big-tech ous” to their discrehas on all Americans. tion, these learning are able to read is a pot ready to Throughout history, processes are taken burst open. we’ve seen the containaway from people. Outside of threats of actual danger, no one gets to ment of thoughts ultimately lead to mass destrucdefine what “dangerous speech” really is — certain- tion. It is still absurd how many are still trying to ly not private companies. There becomes a double implement this practice. George Orwell’s novel “1984” showcases a dysstandard when certain groups are no longer allowed to express their opinion and have themselves evalu- topian society in which all thoughts are controlled to fit a specific party narrative. Right now, the narrative ate the claim based on their own discretions. Trump’s biggest enemy during his time in of- is not a matter of red or blue, it’s a narrative of the fice was his Twitter account. Although many of his monopolies of Big Tech industries. The past exists supporters denounced his social media behavior, as a tool to learn from in present scenarios. When this became a hotspot for controversy during the ad- a short-term solution ignores precedent, it becomes ministration. With his constant display of opinions, time to re-evaluate. people were able to decipher their opinion of him.
Why are VR student polls important?
S’mores!
The VR staff would like to thank the administration for organizing s’mores for the campus! It truly brought joy during a turbulent time. Photo by Ada LaBorde / Bifrost Staff
As the voice of the student body, the Vanguard Review strives to be a source of accurate and timely news and information, as well as a sounding board for the views and opinions of our readers. By filling out the monthly student poll, you are helping us gather data for stories that we hope will impact you and also shed light on what issues are important to you. Sometimes we have serious questions about politics or the pandemic — and other times, we just want to know everyone’s favorite candy. Either way, we thank you for taking part in our work.
The Vanguard Review 2019-2020 was named A GOLD MEDALIST AND RECEIVED ALL-COLUMBIAN HONORS AT CSPA!
The Vanguard Review Volume 48, Issue 4, February 5, 2021
The Vanguard College Preparatory School Student Newspaper 2517 Mt. Carmel Dr., Waco, Texas 76710 vanguard_review@vanguard.org (254) 772-8111
Staff Listing Elizabeth Watson editor-in-chief Emily Coleman business manager Walker Nall sports reporter Delaney Trepinski reporter Gretchen Eichenberg adviser
Distribution and Printing Process The Vanguard Review prints 300 copies of each issue. The paper is made available to students and faculty at several locations across campus. The paper is sent through the mail to individuals, including parents and alumni, on the official VCPS mailing list. It is also available online.
Mission Statement
Demographics
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 paper that students can read to be educated and informed.
Vanguard College Preparatory School has a total population of 251: 219 students and 32 faculty members.
Our Policies Advertising The Vanguard Review is funded through the student sale of advertisements to local businesses and re- serves the right to refuse ads based on the discretion of the editorial board and adviser. Advertisements that are considered inappropriate or support any form of illegal activity, as well as any unethical or offensive ideologies will not be permitted to run in the paper.
Corrections If any misinformation or errors are found in a story, the staff can be alerted through vanguard_review@ vanguard.org so that the appropriate correction may be made.
Bylines Bylines will be determined based on the contributions from each writer or individual. Contact the staff for the full policy.
Consider
February 2021 poll results are in! Will you get the COVID-19 vaccine when it is available to you? Absolutely! 50.7% No way! 10.4% I’m not sure. 38.9% Do you think the COVID-19 vaccine distribution is happening efficiently? Yes, its going well. 26.5% No, it’s a disaster! 16.2% I don’t know. 57.3% Do you think the 2020 Presidential Election was conducted fairly? Yes, I trust the system. 65.6% No, I’m concerned about fraud accusations. 34.4% Do you think the shift of power in the Senate and Presidency will represent and protect your interests? Yes, I’m pumped! 52.3% No, I’m worried. 47.7% Which of the following things causes you the most stress and worry: COVID-19 27.5% Political division 36.6% Social unrest 35.9% Have you experienced anxiety on any level (great or small) over the past year? Yes. 80.5% No. 19.5% Have you had feelings of loneliness or isolation on any level (great or small) over the past year? Yes. 67.9% No. 32.1% How important is it to you to have fans in the stands when you play sports? Very important! 60.3% I don’t notice fans. 39.7% The above results reflect the VCPS student body of 219 students. The poll reponse was 136. Polls were distributed electronically through Google Forms.
Where’s Vegard?
Have an idea? Talk to us!
Be the first to find our viking inside this issue, and win a prize! Email us at vanguard_review@vanguard. org
Email us at vanguard_review@vanguard.org to talk to us about sharing your opinion in the paper or submitting a letter to the editor! If you’re interested in submitting artwork or other pieces of writing, send us an email - or stop by the newspaper room in Brown 112.
Editorials & Content The editorial board, comprised of newspaper staff members, determines by consensus the content of the paper. The Vanguard Review staff has elected to use this editorial policy to govern the activity of the paper throughout the 2019-2020 school year. We reserve the right to refuse any content. No offensive material will be permitted to print, and submissions may be edited for grammatical purposes.
Things to
Remember to wash your hands and wear a mask!
people
The Vanguard Review February 5, 2021
3
Student Spotlight: Naomi West Grade 11
A quiet confidence Determined Focused Introverted (top) Photo by Haleigh Borg / Bifrost staff. (left) Noami
Emily Coleman ‘21
business manager/reporter
N
aomi West’s friends say that she is best described as determined, focused and introverted. If she were to be stranded on a deserted island, she said that she would take her pocket knife, a lot of duct tape and a couple of fishing hooks. “If you have ever seen the TV show ‘Mythbusters,” they did an episode where the only thing they had to survive was duct tape,” West said. When it comes to winding down and cranking some tunes, West likes listening to Christian music. “It doesn’t really matter if it’s pop or rock,” she said, “as long as it isn’t too loud.” West also enjoys reading in her quiet time, as she said that her favorite author is Beverly Lewis. A quote that stuck out to her from the last book that she read, ‘Hearts of Fire’ by The Voice of the Martyrs, was “Believers cannot promise to fulfill a law that forbids them to talk about God and forbids parents to bring up their children in the faith.” West not only likes to read in her quiet time, but she also enjoys crocheting, photography and completing puzzles. “I do more crocheting than photography,” West said. “I mainly crochet baby blankets. I have
West sits atop the Great Wall of China on a family vacation Photos provided by West. (left) Naomi embraces her cat in the comfort of her home.
crocheted a handful of hats and a few pairs of baby shoes. I also really enjoy doing puzzles. The most recent one was a 1000-piece puzzle of the Big Ben clock tower.” West said that her family likes trying out different cuisines. Her mom makes a wasabi, and put it in my mouth. Imagine your head great teriyaki tofu. “It is amazing,” West said. “It has carrots and exploding,” said West. “That was the sensation. It cabbage that goes with it. I have been a pescatar- was all heat, but it wasn’t spicy. It felt like all noise ceased to exist as the ian since I was in 6th While we were climbing the Great Wall, I got heat just concentrated grade. Per- stung by some insect I had never seen before. It in my head. I think mildly spicy foods are sonally, I was probably a half inch long. fine, but this was not think it is mildly spicy.” h e a l t h i e r, When it comes to hobbies, shopping is not one but it doesn’t bother me at all if other people eat that West partakes in often. meat.” “I really don’t like to shop at all if I don’t have If West could only eat one meal for the rest of her life, it would be vegetable dumplings. On the to, but I would say my top three places would be other hand, she said that one of her biggest regrets the dollar store, Amazon and Michael’s,” West said. Naomi, pronounced, nay-OH-mee just to be was trying wasabi. “I ordered sushi and I knew they put a little clear, said that her biggest pet peeve is when people dollop of wasabi on every tray of sushi. I didn’t mispronounce her name. “The people who say it wrong all say it the same see it so I picked up a piece of sushi that evidently had almost the entire allotment, if not all, of the way, which is nigh-OH-mee,” she said.
West feels that her parents and sister know her best because [they] spend a lot of time with each other and do a lot of fun things together like camping, watching movies and playing games. Naomi has traveled far and wide, but her favorite place by far has been Beijing. “I loved seeing the Temple of Heaven and climbing the Great Wall,” West said. “I went to Beijing in July of 2019 with a group of other girls, and we did some sightseeing. While we were climbing the Great Wall, I got stung by some insect I had never seen before. It was probably a half inch long. I had a first aid kit with me so it wasn’t a big deal, but everyone else was overreacting.”
4 Don’t forget your
umbrella!
8 simple ways to ease the stress that rains down • ASK FOR HELP. Know where and how to get treatment and other support services and resources, including counseling or therapy (in person or through telehealth services). • CARE for your yourself. Taking care of your emotional health will help you think clearly and react to the urgent needs to protect yourself and your family.
KNOW WHAT TO AVOID: Alcohol and drug use. This will only cause more problems. • FIND JOY. Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
• CONNECT WITH YOUR COMMUNITY or faithbased organizations. While social distancing measures are in place, consider connecting online, through social media or by phone or mail.
• SAY HEALTHY. Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals. Exercise regularly. Get plenty of sleep.
If you are sick and are concerned about COVID-19, contact a health professional before you start any self-treatment for COVID-19.
Artwork by Kaylee Cooper
Studen
• STAY IN TOUCH. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
• TAKE BREAKS from watching, reading or listening to news stories, including those on social media. Hearing about the pandemic (and other news)repeatedly can be upsetting.
•
She
Source: Centers For Disease Control
“Helplessness can very easily lead to feeling very anxious, sad and for some, depressed. These emotions can eventually escalate into an overall sense of hopelessness and despair.” - Dr. Don Corley, clinical psychologist
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More than 36 percent of students say that the political division causes them the most worry, while 35.9 percent pointed to social unrest as a cause for concern. COVID-19 keeps 27.5 percent of students up at night. Source: VR Jan. 2021 student poll
elter From The Storm
nts share their stormy weather during a pandemic and election-filled year By Delaney Trepinski
T
he social unrest and global These, he said, are signs that tend to pandemic this year has left lead to anxiety or depression. many students and adults Maddie Hanley, sophomore, said she feeling a strong More than 80% of students reported exsensation of turmoil. periencing some level of anxiety during In Sept. 2020, a the past year, More than 67 percent have Stanford psychologist investigated experienced loneliness or isolation. COVID-19’s toll on Source: VR Jan 2021 student poll teenagers and revealed that over 40 percent of the U.S. has felt anxious over the past year. population showed symptoms of anxiety “Who wouldn’t be,” she said. or depression in July. Indergard feels it too. More than 36 percent of students “The events of the past year have say that the political division caus- made me very anxious,” Indergard said. es them the most worry, while over 35 “Not only as a student and as an actor, percent say it’s the social unrest that but also as a person. We’ve basically had worries them, according to a Jan. 2021 to put our lives on hold while dealing VR student poll. More than 27 percent with the consequences of doing so, while said COVID-19 is what keeps them up at also figuring out how to move forward in night. an environment where it’s near impossi“The pandemic and overall political ble.” and social unrest have left many people “The last year has been very stressfeeling helpless,” local clinical psycholo- ful and, at many times, upsetting,” Elisagist Dr. Don Corley, said. “Helplessness beth Rollins, senior, said. can very easily lead to feeling very anx“It’s frustrating to see ious, sad and for some, depressed. These people who selfishly disemotions can eventually escalate into an regard the precautions overall sense of hopelessness and de- in place to prevent the spair.” spread of COVID-19,” More than 80 percent of students re- she said. “I was very surported experiencing some level of anxi- prised to see how many ety during the past year, according to a people ignored the scienJan. 2021 VR student poll. More than tific facts presented and 67 percent have experienced loneliness instead chose to believe or isolation. in conspiracies. Politics Senior Brooks Indergard said the loss have also been upsetting. I’ve only been of senior traditions and the chance to be alive for 18 years, but I’ve never seen our close with his class causes him the most country more divided than it is currentregret about the past year. ly. It’s scary to know that I’ll be entering “Obviously, there’s not really much adulthood during such turbulent times, you can actually do about it but as a se- but the result of the election gave me nior it really sucks because we’ve basi- hope that things will improve and that cally had the climax to our high school our country will begin to heal.” career stolen from us,” he said. “EveryThis anxiety can cause some teens to thing that has been building up the past struggle doing everyday tasks. Anxiety, couple years, whether that be senior tra- either physical or mental, can disrupt ditions, events or otherwise has accumu- our sleep, energy level, ability to concenlated to nothing. We can’t bond like oth- trate and solve problems. er senior classes or have the experiences “We become more inefficient in dowe’re supposed to have this year. We ing our work and more easily agitated can rarely even see each other outside of with others,” Corley said. “Because we school. It just sucks.” tend to ruminate about all of the things Along with this unrest comes anxiety that are not going well, we can become and sometimes depression. very pessimistic and dwell on what we “A deterioration in functioning in ar- cannot control and give up more easily eas such as sleep, appetite, academic or than we would normally.” athletic performance, interests in hobIndergard said he also struggles with bies or pleasurable activities or when not seeing his loved ones. you begin to withdraw from friends or “My girlfriend is only allowed out family are signs that one’s emotional dis- of the house one hour a day because of tress has become too much to handle,” her parents’ rules, but you learn to apCorley said. preciate the moments you have with
your loved ones, and it doesn’t matter how long you get to see them; you’re just happy to see them at all. Just remain in contact with the people that you can, because at the end of the day it’s those connections that will make you stronger and harden your resolve.” Everyone deals with the pandemic and unrest in their own way. “It doesn’t get to me,” Thaddeus Denton, sophomore, said. “I enjoy being with friends, but I’m just as content being by myself and to my own devices. The cancellation of school events is kinda sad in some cases, but for the most part I’m fine with just being able to hang out and go shopping with friends out of school and keeping a small circle.” Students have come up with many creative ways to stay close to friends. “At the start of this whole mess our class had a Minecraft server that we’d play on every once and a while,” Indergard said. “Eventually, it kinda fizzled out, but it was fun while it lasted. We also used Discord for a bit though now
that book he wrote about the importance the military places on starting the day with making your bed. In the military there are so many things that you cannot control. He said that the primary value of starting the day with guaranteed success was the rationale behind making your bed a task. So, what is it that you have complete control over that will help you start your day successfully?” Corley said teens are often very creative in getting around social roadblocks while finding ways to operate “within the rules” at the same time. “This is often frowned upon by parents or authority figures because it usually causes a problem of some kind,” he said. “However, I think this same creative energy can be used to find ways for social contact that are healthy but new and different.” Students have their own ways of coping, though. “Exercise and physical activity have helped,” Indergard said. “Walks, runs, working out, whatever it is. However,
“We’ve basically had to put our lives on hold while dealing with the consequences of doing so while also figuring out how to move forward in an environment where it’s near impossible.” - Brooks Indergard, senior it’s used more to update our class on upcoming games or for our class officials to give us a heads up on an incoming event. Social media has also helped a lot. Staying connected through multiple platforms of entertainment has played a big role in staying in contact. Obviously, there’s FaceTime. There is also the occasional person that’s able to hang out in-person, but again, they are few and far between and understandably so.” Rollins said staying in touch with people has been important to her. “I stay in contact with my friends through social media, mainly with FaceTime, texting and calling, and through Snapchat,” she said. There are many ways to cope with anxiety, Corley said. “The main way to battle this overall feeling of helplessness is to focus our time and energy on the things over which we have complete control first...and then move on to the things over which we have less control,” he said. “Several years ago Admiral William McRaven authored a book titled, ‘Make your Bed’. In
I’ve also been spending as much time with people as I can.” Some students even found a new hobby. “I dealt with my stress by learning how to cook,” Hanley said. “I figured I’d need to since it’s a basic life skill so this was perfect timing. I only set fire to our kitchen once since I started, so I’d say I’m making progress.” Rollins said she found a new love of music. “One positive to come out of the pandemic is my discovery of new music,” she said. “Music has really helped me get through these times of uncertainty, as there is always a song that can relate to exactly how I’m feeling.” Denton shares his way of coping with minor anxiety. “I don’t really have enough anxiety to feel the need to escape,” he said, “but when I do I usually go on runs, go outside and paint or meet up with a friend.”
6 feature
The Vanguard Review February 5, 2021
A good taste of 2020
T
he year 2020 was a year of finding yourself, whether working out from home, picking up new hobbies or even learning new recipes. Almost 50 percent of students said that comfort food was huge in getting them through 2020, according to a Jan. 2021 VR poll. As you scrolled through Instagram and TikTok, you most likely came across a few interesting food trends that were going viral and thought to yourself, “It’s not like I have anything better to do. I might as well try it.” You probably became obsessed with whipped coffee, anything with matcha and your idea of “the perfect avocado toast.” Here are a few of the food trends that got us through the year.
The “Perfect” Avocado Toast
There is a lot of debate over what is considered to be the “perfect” avocado toast. This “Instagrammable” dish is an easy one to make. You can add fried eggs on top, and even a thin slice of tomato or just a simple spread of avocado and some seasoning. Either way, this is the best after school or work snack ever. Ingredients: 1 avocado 2 slices of bread Pinch of garlic salt and pepper ½ tsp lemon juice Get your two slices of bread and place them in the toaster. Next, get your avocado, take out the core, and scoop out the interior. You can slice the avocado into thin slices for presentation purposes, or you can smash up the avocado. Place the slices (or smashed up avocado) onto the bread. Drizzle the lemon juice on top of the avocado and add a pinch of garlic salt and pepper. Once the toast is done, get out a plate and place the slices on it. Sprinkle a bit more garlic salt and pepper on top. If you like, you can fry an egg and place it delicately on top.
Mocha Whipped Coffee
Also known as Dalgona coffee, whipped coffee is a type of coffee that has Korean origins. It was popularized during the peak of quarantine through a TikTok video that went viral. This coffee may look intimidating to make with its fancy finish, but it’s actually quite easy to put together. Ingredients: 1 tbsp instant coffee 1 tbsp sugar 1 tbsp water Chocolate syrup Spoonful of shaved chocolate (if you are feeling extra fancy) One tablespoon is ideal for 1 serving. Do equal parts of the ingredients. Get out a small bowl and whisk all the ingredients until the liquid consistency becomes more of a thick paste. The color of the mixture should appear lighter after the whisking. The process of whisking can take anywhere from three to seven minutes, and hand whisking is preferred (trust the process). Eventually, you will have a frothy whipped consistency, with an even lighter appearance. In a coffee cup of your choice, put milk (and creamer if you would like) in. Drizzle some chocolate syrup in the milk, and stir until it looks like chocolate milk. With a spoon, scoop up your whipped coffee and lightly tap it onto the milk (and creamer). It should lay nicely on top, and slowly dissolve into the milk as you take sips. Sprinkle some shaved chocolate on top, and voila!
Avocado toast is satisfying morning, noon or night.
Emily Coleman ‘21 business manager/reporter
Red Pepper Hummus
There are many different types of hummus that you can make. It’s smooth, flavorful and great for all those parties you will be throwing in 2021, right? Oh wait, we are still in a pandemic… oops! Regardless, this dip is great for snacking with your family in the safety of your own home. Ingredients: 2 red peppers 1 can chickpeas or 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas ¼ cup fresh lemon juice ¼ cup tahini 1 garlic clove, minced 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus A scoop of roasted red pepper hummus makes a protein-filled afternoon snack. Photos by Emily Coleman more for serving ½ tsp ground cumin Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte Pinch of salt and cayenne pepper Most people didn’t know what matcha was, or had First, roast your peppers. To do this, remove the never tried it before, until they took the time to core of the peppers, then cut them into large flat make some matcha tea over quarantine. Matcha is pieces. Place the pepper pieces, skin-side up, on a a finely ground powder from green tea leaves, trabaking sheet. Broil them from 5 to 10 minutes, or ditionally an East Asian specialty. It is rejuvenating at least until the peppers’ skin has charred. Let the and nutritious, as well as an energy booster. Most peppers cool for 10-15 minutes. Gently peel away people would tell you that matcha is an acquired the charred pepper skin and discard. In a food pro- taste, but it couldn’t hurt to try it, right? Matcha cessor, pour in the tahini and lemon juice. Mix for releases small increments of energy throughout the 1 minute, and scrape the sides and bottom of the day to your body, unlike coffee where it all hits bowl then process for 30 seconds more. This extra you at once. time helps whip the tahini, making the hummus smooth and creamy. Now, add in the olive oil, Ingredients: minced garlic, cumin and a pinch of salt to the 1 tsp matcha green tea powder whipped tahini. Blend for 30 seconds, scrape the 2 tsp sugar sides and bottom of the bowl and blend for another 3 tbsp warm water 30 seconds. Next rinse the chickpeas and add half 1 cup cold milk of the chickpeas to the food processor and blend for 1 minute. Scrape the sides and bottom of the Put the matcha green tea powder and the sugar into bowl, then add remaining chickpeas and process a cup. Add the warm water and mix with a spoon until thick and quite smooth; 1 to 2 minutes. Add or with a whisk until it is a smooth, dark green the roasted peppers and continue to blend for an- paste to ensure no lumps form. Pour in the cold other 1 to 2 minutes. Add in salt as needed. Place milk and use a whisk to mix the paste and milk the hummus into a bowl, make a small dip in the together until it appears to be a light green color and the consistency is smooth. Now place some ice middle and add a garnish of any kind. cubes in the cup. Go outside on your back porch and enjoy your well-deserved latte.
Expressing science through art VCPS students win awards at Climate Crisis Art Exhibit
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he VCPS art department began the semester with strong results at the 4th Annual Climate Crisis Art Exhibit. The exhibit, hosted by Waco Friends of the Climate, promotes awareness about the effects of climate change through the mediums of art and creation. “In art class, I always tell students that art teaches you how ‘to see,’” Tonya Shanholtz, visual arts department head and instructor, said. “I think that what climate change needs is for us to see it, but we cannot always see it. Whether a person is a ‘believer’ or a ‘non-believer,’ I think most would agree that if we look closely, we can see that we are not taking care of the earth the way we should. The job of artists is to make us all slow down for a minute, observe something from a different perspective and allow ourselves an opportunity to envision other possibilities.” This year, four VCPS students earned awards at the exhibition. Freshman Avery Schnautz placed first, sophomore Maheen Shah placed second, sophomore Delaney Trepinski placed third and sophomore Sophia Serr received an honorable mention. “My piece for the competition was titled ‘Finite,’ and it was a painting that I created on a piece of cardboard I repurposed,” Schnautz said. “I created the sense that the earth itself in the painting was a candle and that it was slowly losing its original form from all the negative effects of climate change. The
Elizabeth Watson ‘21 editor-in-chief
hand above the candle is supposed to represent the people and show their hesitation to contribute to the climate change movement.” Participating in the exhibition also allowed students to test their artistic abilities. “We have been working on a new approach in art class that I call ‘creating your own visual language,’” Shanholtz said. “This method incorporates a more process-focused art rather than a product-focused art. Product-focused art usually has a right or wrong way to work on an art project, and students usually end up with a similar product in the end. Whereas with process-focused art, the project uses a more open-ended, inquiry-based learning that allows students to bring their own experiences and curiosities. The Waco Climate Crisis Art Competition and Exhibition was a perfect opportunity for students to use the things we are learning in art to visually convey ideas.” Shah said that making a piece for the competition gave her the opportunity to explore a new form of art. “My piece was called ‘Weather Map Catastrophe,’ made from monoprint collage with paper and ink,” Shah said. “I cut certain shapes out, each with a particular design and glued them all together. The piece was supposed to show climate change and how each color demonstrates the different weather conditions. I loved being able to play with all the
color. Plus, this was a new experience for me rather than a painting or drawing, and I found that this was something I was good at.” The competition further challenged students to find ways to convey the ideas behind their artwork through a unique medium. “My piece was titled ‘A Touch of Grey,’” Trepinski said. “It is made with acrylic paints. The colors are mostly layered. I was trying to show how we still have hope. In the center of my painting is a blue butterfly in contrast to the grey polluted sky.” The competition also afforded students the opportunity to express their voices on climate change amid a turbulent political environment. “My favorite part was probably getting to work alongside the class for a cause that has a place so close to my heart,” Trepinski said. “It gave me a different approach to supporting a cause, a voice I didn’t know I had.” Schnautz agrees. “With this project, I was able to show what I feel was many people’s views of the climate change issue,” Schnautz said. “People in the world have acknowledged that the problem is there - and some even have the power to stop it, but many simply don’t do anything about it. I feel that if people maybe acknowledged the weight of climate change, then we could make progress in putting a stop to it completely.”
Looking Back FEBRUARY PLAYLIST This early 2000s playlist can help you relax and remind you of a simpler time, like when you were a kid. Composed by Walker Nall
Payphone / Maroon 5 Tonight Tonight / Hot Chelle Rae Clarity / Zedd Lights / Ellie Goulding Pompeii / Bastille Summer / Calvin Harris Some Nights / Fun. Rude / MAGIC! Animal / Neon Trees Hey There Delilah / Plain White T’s I Gotta Feeling / Black Eyed Peas Count On Me / Bruno Mars Keep Your Head Up / Andy Grammer
sports 7
The Vanguard Review February 5, 2021
Upcoming Games HS Soccer
Feb. 1 @Hill Country Feb. 4 Holy Trinity
HS Girls Basketball Feb. 2 @Holy Trinity* Feb. 5 CTCS* Feb. 9 Aggieland Feb. 12 Reicher**
HS Boys Basketball Feb. 2 @Holy Trinity* Feb. 5 CTCS* Feb. 9 Aggieland Feb. 12 Reicher**
TBA 6:00
6:00 4:00/6:00 4:00/6:00 4:00/6:00
5:00/7:30 5:00/7:30 5:00/7:30 5:00/7:30
MS Boys and Girls Basketball Feb. 1 St. Mary’s/Valor Feb. 5 @Live Oak Feb. 8 ECA
5/6/7/8:00 5/6/7:00 5/6/7:00
Bold indicates home games *--District Games **--Senior Night
Winter Sports Team Photos
Photos are scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 6 in the gym. Athletes should arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled time in order to be ready for both the team and individual photos. 10 a.m. - MS Boys Basketball 10:30 a.m. - MS Girls Basketball 11 a.m. - HS Girls Basketball 11:30 a.m. - HS Boys Basketball Noon - Soccer
Letter Jackets
Interested in a Viking letter jacket? Contact Will Curtis to find out details for ordering a jacket along with any patches that you have earned in your time on Viking sports teams.
Silent sports
Lack of fans an obstacle for athletes as COVID-19 plays on in 2021
A year and a half ago, athletes never could have For high school sports, it can be debated that the fans causes her to be more focused and appreciative imagined the situations that would be thrust upon presence of supporters has a bigger impact on the of her teammates. them in early March, due to COVID-19. In one of outcome of the game. “It’s awesome when parents and friends come the most important series in professional basketSimply sitting in the bleachers of an important but it’s nice when they’re mindful of their actions,” ball, the finals, there were no fans present. Artificial game and cheering on your favorite team, people Kuhl said. “Providing a kind atmosphere for both crowd noises replaced the real intensity of thou- are able to feel the momentum and power that they Vanguard teams and the opposing team.” sands of supportive fans. The pro athletes would have upon the event. This feeling is unlike any other Although everyone would love to be in a posinot be the only ones affected by this. Soon, it would and cannot be replaced. tion where all sports could go back to normal and make its way into high school athletics as well. “When the players are performing well, they continue with complete safety, that is not possible This year has certainly been one of the crazi- provide added electricity to keep pressing forward,” as of now. Curtis addresses the hardships a player est in recent sports history, mostly due to the fact Will Curtis, athletic director, said. “When the play- would face because of this. of there being zero to limited numbers of fans at ers are struggling, they can add an element that “We want the student-athletes to have the best sporting events, as states ordered capacity limits helps shift the momentum and move quickly from opportunities to succeed and for those that support in large venues like sports them to be able to come to watch them arenas. There have been play live,” Curtis said. “Not having the many firsts in sports history same amount of fans we have had in the for multiple programs and past impacts both of those areas, and leagues, but the absence of that is very hard on everyone.” fans is an unwanted one. The Shah said he has complete faith lack of attendance from fans that once it is safe for all to return to has caused many players and sporting events, there will be a massive spectators of the game to feel influx of returning fans ready to cheer as if the energy and support on their favorite team. of their crowds has vanished. “There will be a return of fans be“Fans add the emotional cause the love of sports will always feeling of excitement, incredremain, as it not only serves as a form ible support and motivation of entertainment, but also a good way to go out there and give it to interact socially, and of course, to your all,” senior and soccer cheer on your friends and family,” player Muiz Shah said. Shah said. “I miss the loud cheers Players typically take whenever we’d score, or when you note of who is at their game make a big game-changing play. It’s to observe them, whether it is always a good feeling to have the someone interested in recruitcrowd cheering for you because it ing them to play at a higher makes you want to work even hardlevel or simply a loved one. er to give the fans something to look Fans make a real difference in forward to.” one’s ability to perform. Kuhl said she is not worried about “The people who show the lack of returning support in sports up are true fans, and it makes such as basketball and volleyball. you want to do your best in “With sports like basketball and Clockwise from top left: Katylu Offill drives past a defender with the support of a big front of the fans who sacrivolleyball, I think fans will come crowd during a pre-COVID basketball game last year. Viking soccer players continue fice their time and safety in back,” Kuhl said. “A lot of people play their season with a crowd of socially-distanced supporters. The varsity girl’s basketball these crazy times to watch those sports, so there’s a huge fan base team plays with little-to-no fans this season, due to the resrtriction on the number of you play,” Shah said. with parents and friends,” she said. people allowed in the gym. Photos by Bifrost staff With the lack of support Although it has become a habit and appreciation from specto stay at home instead of attending tators, it can be easy to simply leave the sport and negative to positive. I don’t think you can truly de- sports events, Curtis said he thinks players will see completely stop playing the game that once brought scribe all the aspects that adding fans to an event a newly invigorated crowd returning as soon as it is energy and excitement. creates until you have seen and felt it for yourself.” possible and safe. Fans differ and fluctuate in times of success and From another player’s perspective, the lack of “I believe you will see an overwhelming main times of failure. Nonetheless, they have an ex- fans causes them to look to each other for boosts of jority of people returning to sporting events once treme impact on the team’s performance, primarily momentum and support. Freshman soccer and ten- everything is opened back up,” Curtis said. in the forms of momentum increases and support. nis player Karissa Kuhl said that playing without
Athlete Spotlight: Aldo Ibarra
Walker Nall ‘22 sports reporter
VR: Why did you start playing basketball? AI: I started playing basketball when I was around six years old. All I remember is that I would watch my older brothers play basketball outside in the driveway, and just like any other younger sibling, I wanted to be like them, so I also joined them.
Photo by Avril Maldonado / Bifrost staff
Walker Nall ‘22 sports reporter
VR: What are you most looking forward to this season? AI: I am looking most forward to district play where we are going to play Waco teams like Reicher and Live Oak. I am also looking forward to formulating good chemistry as a team. There are a lot of sophomores and juniors who will be playing next year as well.
VR: How do you stay positive when things aren’t going your way in a game? AI: As a shooter, sometimes I have off nights where I don’t shoot as well as I like to. To make up for this and to stay positive, I like playing more aggressively on defense, going for steals and tips which generates more opportunities on offense for my teammates.
very rowdy. On one play, DJ told me “good job, Aldo” after I made a shot. Somehow the student section heard my name and every time I caught the ball after that play, they started chanting my name, trying to distract me. It was funny because, even though they were the other team’s fans, they gave me confidence, and ironically, I even played better.
VR: What is your best memory from this season of basketball? AI: My favorite memory so far happened when we traveled to Austin Hill Country in just our second game. Hill Country had lots of fans there, mostly students. Since the beginning of the game, the student section was
VR: If you could play basketball in college where would you go? AI: I would want to play at a D1 school like Duke, UCLA or Davidson that also offers a good academic program.
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The Vanguard Review February 5, 2021
February Junior Staff Features
Looking forward to a brighter year: 2021 At the start of 2021, middle schoolers look ahead
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here are many things to look forward to in 2021 - traveling again, the vaccine and trying to go back to whatever “normal” means to everyone. Because of COVID-19, we haven’t been able to travel much. Many families’ spring break and summer vacations were canceled, but now that the vaccine is coming out, people are planning and starting to get ready to travel again. Ezri Horton, seventh grade, was going to visit her grandparents in New Mexico during the summer of 2020. A similar situation happened with many people across the world. A popular decision for some people were road trips across the country. Kaitlyn Phillips, seventh grade, went to Nashville to visit some family. We are all looking forward to a new year and new memories! Throughout all of COVID-19, scientists and doctors have been working on a vaccine to beat
this virus. The first people who are getting vaccinated are the nursing home residents, their caretakers and healthcare professionals. The estimated time that the vaccine will take to be available to the public is in about four months or April 2021. The two dominant vaccines right now in the United States are Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. They both have high effectivity rates, and some teachers have already gotten them here at VCPS. The goal of the vaccine is to return things the way that they were, but we still have to continue to wear our masks and social distance for it to be at its peak efficiency. Allison Ressetar, seventh grade, is ready and prepared to do away with masks and grow nearer than the social distancing minimum, six feet, once more. Masks and social distancing have been harder on some more than others, but many cannot wait
Junior Staff 2020-2021 Willow Alexander
Madlenne Braus ‘26 junior reporter
Aria Cleveland ‘26 junior reporter
until the vaccine is available to the general public. Some people just want to be with their friends and relatives who live far away, especially the elderly. The election was brutal for both Republicans and Democrats. Now that we are under new leadership a lot of people, like seventh grader Melina Garman, are hoping for a “new and just system for everyone.” Who the president is and what party someone is will always be sensitive subjects for some, but several people are putting their differences aside, leading to hope for a better more united world. People are very optimistic for 2021 and all the good things that are sure to come. Travel, the vaccine and the new president are very important factors in making them happen.
Heating up the court
Middle school boys putting it all into a tough season
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his year middle school boys basketball players were eager to start the year and won their first two games right off the bat. The Vikings took a week break to prepare for finals and stop the spread of COVID-19, but now Marc Offill ‘25 they are in the season and going strong. junior reporter Both teams faced adversity this year, due to the pandemic. “This season has not been the type of season any coach or player would like to go through, but the way these kids have responded to adversity and uncertainty is very admirable,” said Coach Joe Schwartz. “The whole month of December was difficult because we were not allowed any sort of
contact drills and in basketball that is counterproductive when you are trying to prepare for games.” But that has not stopped the team members from working hard and giving it their all. “I really enjoy the sport,” green team member Hudson Harp said. “I enjoy having the opportunity to have fun with my teammates every day.” Blue team member Grant Herridge agrees. “I love the sport and I like the new coaches, and really enjoying this season,” he said. Schwartz said this year has been all about development. “As students, players and as young men, we are really trying to build and establish a culture for Vanguard basketball,” he said. “I am a firm believer that the group of boys we currently have will continue to grow and mature and help us continue
Clockwise from top left: Weston Jones evades an Aggieland defender to pass the ball. Cash Reese goes to the basket against St. Mary’s West. Will Malé looks to pass against St. Mary’s at home. Matthew Clark takes a shot over a host of Mustang defenders. Photos by Annabelle Reese and Charlotte Livesay
to build towards winning a state championship.” Since fans are not permitted at this time, anyone can visit the VCPS YouTube livestream and cheer on the Vikings.
Madlenne Braus Aria Cleveland Hope Hamblin Hutson Harper Toni Mickleburgh Marcus Offill Aiyana Pettes Jordan Young