Owl Issue 3 by warrenowl

OWL

VOLUME 100 | ISSUE 3

Warren Central

Gold Brigade

SHOWS OUT in state finals

Read about how these students gave their all to be Indiana’s best Photo by C.J. Kerr

The Warren Central Owl • owl.warren.k12.in.us • 11 | 17 | 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS 03

Letter from the Editor

Fighting Editorial Thumbs

Religion in Education Column

100 Cameras for 100 Kids HUAH

Gold Brigade Wins State

Fall Places to Visit Winter Activities

Westminster Christmas Baskets

Spider-Man 2 “The Hunger Games”

“Trolls Band Together” “Five Nights at Freddy’s”

Boys Basketball Girls Basketball

AJ Cashman Profile Girls Wrestling

Boys Swimming Girls Swimming

09 11

Cheer Coach Profile Bowling

08 10 12

Photo of the Month

Photo by C.J. Kerr

CONTENTS

The Warren Central Owl • owl.warren.k12.in.us • 11 | 17 | 2023

EDITOR’S NOTE

Staff List Editor-in-Chief Cameron Harris

Celebrating the centennial in our publication

Sports Editor Caden Kerr

By Cameron Harris Editor-in-Chief

s we get closer to the holidays, it is important to recognize all of the events and celebrations happening around this time of year. From Thanksgiving to Christmas, a lot of activities are happening in our school and community, and we want you to know about all of it. In this issue of the Warren Central Owl, we have a variety of different topics related to the holidays. From ways to celebrate to helping others around the holidays, a lot of important information is spread throughout this publication. In other non-holiday-related news, we bring you exciting information about the 2023 Gold Brigade state champions. We also have new enter-

tainment reviews ranging from upcoming movies to updated video games. For the sports lovers, we feature a state finalist cross country runner and give previews of the upcoming winter sports seasons coming into full effect. Also, make sure to check out our thoughts on the environment of the hallways at our school, as well as a columnist’s take on how government control plays a role in our education. It is essential that we celebrate the positive happenings in our building and recognize the negative. We invite you to read about all of the news stated above and share them with others so we can become a better-informed school community at Warren Central.

Entertainment Editor Qaden Childs Feature Editor Kaydon Spivey Staff Writers Isis Webster Patrick Collier Rei Hernandez Giovanny Alejos Jaraé Lashley Xiomara King

GOLD BRIGADES OF OLD

Adviser Kaitlin Edquist Principal Masimba Taylor

By Cameron Harris Editor-in-Chief

Over the 100 years at Warren Central, the Marching Band and Color Gaurd, which together is known as the Gold Brigade, has been having success for decades on end. Throughout their years of performing, they have had many great oppurtunities to show off their skills, such as performing in front of then Vice President Richard Nixon to winning the Indiana State Champi-

onship in 2023. The pictures below start in 1955, when the Marching Band performed for Nixon in front of the new Community Hospital. They then continue every 20 years to show how it has grown from ‘55 to ‘75, to ‘95, and finally 2015. As the band continues to grow to this day, even more exciting things are still to come, and the community cannot wait to see them.

1955

1975

Mission Statement As a student written and edited high school news magazine, the Warren Owl will strive to perform three functions: 1. To inform its readers thoroughly and accurately of all events and issues relative to students, staff and community. 2. To provide a forum for student opinions through its editorials and letters to the Editor. 3.

1995

2015

To entertain readers with focus and feature items.

4. To promote meaningful ideas that better the outlook and experience of the school environment. Student staff members will decide the content of each issue and will write and edit all printed material. Editorials will reflect the views of the student staff as a whole, not necessarily the opinions of administration or faculty members.

The Warren Central Owl • owl.warren.k12.in.us • 11 | 17 | 2023

OPINION

WE THINK...

Our take on the amount of fighting in our school and its effects

hile fighting is one way to resolve a conflict, it rarely results in a positive outcome. No matter the situation, hurting another person is not the best way to solve one’s problems. When students fight at school, everybody around it is put at risk of having negative consequences from it. First, the people who are fighting can become physically injured, as well as the people around them. Second, it can cause others to make bad decisions that lead to stronger consequences. Lastly, and perhaps the most important point, fighting leads to disruption of the learning environment. Fortunately, compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic, Warren Central has experienced what feels like a positive change regarding this issue. As students, we have not noticed as many fights as we have before. This could be due to new rules that have been implemented or even just improved preventative measures before the altercations happen. Surprisingly, the data for suspensions due to fighting this year appears on track to be similar to numbers from years past. However, there may be an explanation for why the fighting problem seems improved while the numbers are still comparable to previous years. Administrators believe that this may be caused by a decrease in the number of students involved in large-group altercations and more students involved in altercations without a big group. As fighting continues, administrators remind themselves that there is far more good happening than bad. “At the end of the day, we always have had the vast majority of students that are making good

choices and focusing on school instead of other detrimental behaviors,” Assistant Principal Matthew Dingman said. Despite the numbers of suspensions being similar, many students still are feeling a positive difference in the school environment. Students who have been around the school for a while are feeling a good change from past years when it comes to fighting in school. “I’ve noticed fighting has decreased from last year, and when fights do break out, they have been stopped faster than they have from the past years,” senior Ruben Hernandez said. Both students and staff can be a part of this effort to help reduce the fighting. As people who are close to each other, we have to become aware of the signs of a problem arising. Warren Central counselor Trashan Clemons said there are some warning signs of which people should be aware. “It starts to seem like they’re talking more with emotions than they are with logic,” Clemons said. “It’s almost like they aren’t talking to you, they’re talking [to] themself.” Noticing these warning signs can save a lot of trouble for everybody involved. If people can take steps to isolate the person exhibiting these signs, the environment will become safer. As the school year continues, we hope that this feeling of decreased fighting will increase and the school will continue to feel like a safer place. Even if the numbers are not what they should be, it is important that students and staff feel safe in the places where they are trying to educate themselves and others.

Veronica Lugo (12th Grade) What are your thoughts on the amount of fighting in school this year? “I feel like the amount of fighting has decreased a lot compared to past years, and I think that may be due to the rule changes and enforcement throughout the school.”

Emily Howland (Spanish Teacher) What impact do you think fighting has on the learning environment? “It completely disrupts the learning environment. For starters, you have all the animosity, all the energy, all the emotion, which is very distracting.”

THUMBS By Qaden Childs Entertainment Editor

Thumbs up to… Kelvin Kiptum for shattering a world record by running a sub-2:01 marathon. During the “Running of the Bank of America” in Chicago on Oct. 8, one of the participants, Kelvin “Ken” Kiptum was able to break the world record by crossing the finish line in two hours and 35 seconds on the clock. He beat the previously held record by 34 seconds. Thumbs up to… The Texas Rangers for winning their first World Series after 63 years. They beat the Arizona Diamondbacks in five games, winning all of their away games during the postseason. During this World Series, Rangers superstar Corey Seager won his second World Series MVP. The Rangers also had pitcher Will Smith, who has been a part of the last four world series teams.

OPINION

Thumbs down to… An off-duty pilot on an Alaska Airlines flight attempting to cut off the engines mid-flight. The 44-year-old Alaska Airlines pilot Joseph D. Emerson tried to cut off fuel to the plane’s engines during one of its many flights, but the airline’s captain and first officer averted such a thing. After the plane diverted course to land in Portland, Oregon, Emerson was detained and charged with 83 counts of attempted murder, 83 counts of reckless endangerment and one count of endangering an aircraft. Thumbs down to… Donald Trump’s attorneys moving to dismiss charges in the federal election subversion case, alongside removing mentions of the Jan. 6 attack in the indictment. If this does proceed, the entire incident that occurred on Jan. 6 would be forgotten, meaning Trump could take back office and potentially cause more havoc for many Americans.

The Warren Central Owl • owl.warren.k12.in.us • 11 | 17 | 2023

CADEN’S CORNER No goverment in education

By Caden Kerr Sports Editor

hether or not individuals believe in God or any higher power, some state and government officials are attempting to influence that decision for all. For a long time, politicians and high-ranking officials have been trying to change the education system by integrating religion into American classrooms. This is not the end of the government attempting to extend its reach within education, though. Currently, no state has mandated that religion must be taught in education, but in states like Texas, the possibility of the Ten Commandments being displayed in classrooms was almost plausible. This law was voted on in the Texas state senate and passed, sending it to the state house where the bill faltered. In the past few years, Republicans have attacked the education system several times, even mentioning an elimination of the education department. Republicans in Oklahoma also successfully banned all critical race theory classes earlier this year. While there were many lawsuits filed after this ban, no resolution has occurred. It is clear that Republicans are failing to see that not everyone shares the same history and upbringing as they do, and many citizens do not want to be restricted by the government on what is and should be taught in the classroom. Giving the government the power of what can and cannot be taught and what can and cannot be displayed in the classroom could lead to mass indoctrination and brainwashing. Temecula and Sunol school districts in Southern California have banned LGBTQ flags, for example. Sunol Glen Unified School District specifically banned LGBTQ flags, according to The Hill reporting, while Temecula Valley Unified School District was more subtle in their decision by stating that only the state and the U.S. and state flags would be allowed in classrooms. Students protested in both districts, and protesters in Sunol Glen even called for a recall of school board members who voted in favor of the policy, The Mercury News reported. This goes to show that certain politicians, and now school districts, want a cookie-cutter soci-

ety that shares one view. If one side doesn’t have a say in education, neither should the opposing side or sides. Each state can often be “defined” as a Republican or a Democratic state, except for some states like Michigan and Pennsylvania. This being said, in a state like Indiana, Republicans hold the majority of all elected government jobs. If a law was mentioned or voted on related to education, that law would most likely include a Republican ideal, without added input from the opposing side. The government should be kept separate from education for the simple fact that if one side gets control of education, kids will be exposed to one-sided ideas, which could detrimentally impact the thoughts of a child as they get older. If only one side is preached, then there is no counterbalance. Politicians need to focus their time on more pressing topics like gun control or the lack thereof. Debating education is a losing battle because at the end of the day, no one will preach an idea that is liked by everyone, so in this case politicians need to abandon the topic. U.S. citizens should not sit back and watch as politicians from all sides try to edge each other out and have a rule over education. This being said, we cannot support politicians who would seek to eliminate the education department. We should vote for those who are in support of it. After all, these politicians are not the ones going to school seven hours a day, five days a week. Districts and, better yet, students should be able to decide their courses. Yes, not all students are capable of making these decisions, but if a topic like critical race theory is a class that students want then without a doubt the district should try their best to include this class. Students and teachers should be allowed to express themselves at school. A little diversity is good for young adults and children to experience, as it can shape them for adulthood.

Nicholas Salemi, AP Government/Economy and DC U.S. History

Candace Winfrey, Ethnic Studies and U.S. History

“Outside control, whether it be the government or a parent advocacy group, of what is taught in the classroom is a disingenuous and silly argument. As long as the curriculum being taught is not advocating violence, hate or historical falsehoods what is the inherent danger in learning? It seems to me that the majority of people who are upset with school curriculums are only worried about certain books being read and certain historical facts being taught. The very definition of ignorance is to have a lack of knowledge or understanding of a particular issue and choosing to ignore issues you disagree with or bury certain uncomfortable truths is ignorant.”

“Religion can have a space in schools - it just matters where it’s coming from. Because schools are agencies of the state, it is unconstitutional for a public school to promote or support any specific religion. However, the students inside the school are entitled to their freedom of speech, and so may express their religious beliefs in any way that isn’t disruptive to learning. State and federal governments play a large and important role in matters such as public education policy and funding. However the recent trend of government officials censoring certain topics in schools, such as issues related to race and LGBTQ+ issues, is concerning and dangerous.”

Teacher Opinions

The Warren Central Owl • owl.warren.k12.in.us • 11 | 17 | 2023

OPINION

100 CAMERAS FLASHING

Students earn free cameras in new program

By Kaydon Spivey Feature Editor

here is a new program at Warren Central called 100 Cameras for 100 Kids, which is run by a teacher named Dennis Jarrett. He has an extensive background in photojournalism with an 11-year career at WRTV that included working as a videotape editor, photojournalist and newsroom assignment editor. Jarrett knows the importance of photojournalism in the world today, and he wants to help the next generation understand that importance as well. “Photojournalists really serve as our eyes to which we see the world around us, rather it be on the local, national or global level,” Jarrett said. “The photojournalist has a tremendous capacity to impact what we think, how we feel and how we relate to people and situations. With the proliferation of images being distributed online and through social media, it is even more important today that we develop socially conscious photojournalists.” This is the reason that the program is important because it gives students who usually would not have access to training and camera equipment, to gain a chance to work with professional photographers who would help develop their creative skills. It is provided at no cost, and when the students are done

with their six weeks of the program they get to keep their camera equipment for their future career plans. The overall goal of this program is to train 300 photographers in three years, starting with Warren Central students. Two such students were junior Jaylyn Balch and sophomore Jordan Warbinton. I’m interested in photojournalism because it’s another artform that I could gain experience with,” Balch said. “Also, I enjoy taking pictures of nature.” It takes a whole lot of passion and desire to pursue a career in photojournalism, but Warbinton has that pasJaylyn Balch sion. “I have always been interested in photography since I was little, so when I heard that I could join a program that could help me progress in pursuing that career, I jumped at the Jordan Warbinton opportunity,” she said.

“CHANGE4CHANGE”

Student Council raises funds for eastside organizations

By Giovanny Alejos Staff Writer

raised, Student Council has said for every $3 a classroom raises, a tudent Council has once again organized Huddle Up Against Hunpaper turkey leg will be placed outside their door, which piqued some ger, also known in the school as “HUAH,” which has been going on people’s interest. for 39 years. This year, though, it has come back in full force with “We figured that would be a cool way a bit of a twist. Instead of the traditional canned to, you know, have a bit of competition going food drive, they switched over to monetary donaon and have people really want to get involved,” tions in a campaign called “Change4Change.” Student Council Vice President Chanasia Brown The reasoning behind this change was simply because the organizations that Student said. The money raised through Council works with asked for monetary donations instead of canned goods. Change4Change will benefit Sonny Day and Old Bethel United Methodist Church, two eastside “They had actually asked us to do monorganizations they have worked with for years. ey instead of canned goods because the people that don’t have homes won’t have anywhere to “Sonny Day and Old Bethel help us a lot,” Student Council President Kévae King said. put the cans so they’d rather take money than the cans,” Student Council Secretary Kaleana Stewart “They help out families in Warren Township and Old Bethel they’ve helped with Student Council, said. EIGHTEEN TURKEY LEGS adorn Spanish teacher so those are just both programs that help us so Student Council set out with hopes to raise at least $600 throughout the campaign, but Roberta Kuonen’s classroom door on Nov. 13. Staff and we’re helping them too.” It is important for people to donate to they feel hopeful about exceeding that goal. As of students were told they would earn a turkey leg for every $3 raised toward the “Change4Change” campaign. causes like this, according to Brown. Nov. 10, with a week left, they had raised about $150. The winning first period class will receive a “Even though you may be helping Photo by Giovanny Alejos donut party for their hard work. people who are in your community you may As for tracking how much money every classroom has also be helping friends who you don’t know are actually going through struggles,” she said.

NEWS

The Warren Central Owl • owl.warren.k12.in.us • 11 | 17 | 2023

MARCHING TO THE BEAT Gold Brigade wins state competition

By Isis Webster Staff Writer and Caden Kerr Sports Editor

wirling flags and playing their hearts out to win state was the Warren Central Gold Brigade. On Oct. 14, the Gold Brigade marching band went into Franklin Central High School with high hopes and aspirations of winning state. Their dream would eventually come true, as they would be announced as the Indiana 1A state champions, for the third time in seven years. “Winning state is unlike anything I’ve felt before,” junior Victoria Wilson said. “When waiting to hear the announcement, you could feel the anticipation in the air and when it was called that we won state, everyone jumped and screamed and cried because of how surreal it felt.” Winning state is a huge accomplishment, but in the last seven years the group has won state on multiple occasions to show how dominating this program is. The dedication and work ethic is there, as they practice four days of the week for three to four hours each day. Even during summer and fall breaks, they continue to practice for four hours three days a week. The amount of time they spend practicing also helps to get them to help know each other better. “I would say we have come together gradually throughout the course of a long season,” Director Ed Meckes said. “We actually started our season back in May and went through the summer, and it came together through a lot of rehearsal and team building. People getting to know how one another are as people and getting to know one another as performers.” The motivation and mentality they have when they need to keep pushing and are facing adversity is tough and precise.

They won back-to-back state championships in 2017 and 2018. Winning the title this many times is an honorable accomplishment that not many programs achieve. “It feels really good because it’s the first time we were able to do it in a while, and it feels great because I know how we’re going to be able to accomplish a lot more in more seasons,” sophomore Sydney Franklin said. While winning state for Gold Brigade was a large group effort, there is a lot of individual effort as well. Showing up for practice can be tough, and working long hours to perform at the state level, in competitions and halftime for football games could potentially be tiring. However, week in and week out, the group is out on their own personalized turf, correcting and critiquing their every move to make sure they can perform with no flaw. Behind a lot of this time is inspiration, and each individual member’s inspiration comes from different places. “My mom inspired me to join color guard, and all of my peers and my coach helped me to be better and help us win state,” junior Bryelle Humphrey said. Although state has passed there is much more to look forward to, as the group looks to compete in an Indiana Percussion Association competition and hope to come out on top to show up and show off to schools. “With IPA coming up, I hope we win state there and do good at GGI,” sophomore Shamarie Roberson said.

1. SOPHOMORE RYDER SHEPARD plays the piano during a halftime performance of a game between the Warren Central Warriors and the Fort Wayne Snider Panthers. The football team lost this game by a score of 42-20. 2. JUNIOR BRYELLE HUMPHREY prepares to twirl the flag during the halftime show of the football game against North Central. This was the homecoming game for the football team and Gold Brigade.

3. MARCHING BAND LINES up to perform the National Anthem before the football game between the Warren Central Warriors and Fort Wayne Snider Panthers. The marching band placed first in the state competition on Oct. 14. 4. GOLD BRIGADE PLAYS an assortment of instruments while performing a show during halftime of a football game. In the marching band, over a dozen different instruments are played.

The Warren Central Owl • owl.warren.k12.in.us • 11 | 17 | 2023

NEWS

FALL INTO FUN

Warriors share favorite Indy-area pumpkin patches and apple orchards

Holiday Festivities in Indianapolis By Patrick Collier Staff Writer

Photo from Indianapolis Zoo website

By Introduction to Journalism Students

Christmas at the Zoo

This year’s Christmas at the Zoo will include Santa visits, light shows, story times and even penguin encounters. This event will be available from Nov. 18 through Dec. 30 from the hours of 5-9 p.m. at the Indianapolis Zoo. Photo from Eiteljorg Museum website

Jingle Rails

Tuttle Orchards

Pleasant View Orchard

Math teacher Erin Kacey said she loves how much Tuttle Orchards in Greenfield has to explore, from their apple orchard and pumpkin patch to their donuts and apple cider slushies.

Sophomore Kenadie Benales has loved spending time at Pleasant View Orchard in Fairland with her best friend and with her siblings, sipping on apple cider and eating candy.

“My favorite memory is bringing my daughter for the first time this year,” she said. “She was so excited to pick her pumpkin and she really loved playing on their playgrounds.”

“I love when it gets around the time in the year where it’s cold, and then you get to go on the playground and sit on the swings,” she said. “[It’s a] really good season to just go outside.”

Photo provided by Erin Kacey

Photo provided by Kenadie Benales

Steam engines and rails galore, Jingle Rails is a Hoosier holiday tradition that is full of Christmas spirit and trains to watch all night. This event will be available at Eiteljorg Museum from Nov. 18 through Jan. 15, 2024. Photo from Indiana War Memorials website

Circle of Lights

The 61st annual Circle of Lights will be held again at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, and it will be just as bright as the previous years. It is a mustsee in Indianapolis during the holiday season. The lights will be up from Nov. 24 through Jan. 12, 2024. Photo from Newfields website

Newfields Winterlights

Waterman’s Family Farm

Jacob’s Apple Orchard

Lark Ranch

Freshman Samya Jackson drools over the thought of eating some cinnamon donuts or some caramel apples at Waterman’s Family Farm on the east side. Her favorite part, though, is riding on the hayrides.

Apples are senior Rei Hernandez’s favorite fruit, so she was excited to go to Jacob’s Apple Orchard in New Castle for the first time. In addition to picking apples, she also got to try apple cider for the first time.

Surrounded by pumpkins, corn and all things autumn, freshman Olivia Darden remembers going to Lark Ranch in Greenfield and playing with her cousins.

“You get to just not walk around,” she said. “You get to just sit there and enjoy watching everything around there.”

FEATURE

“Especially for people who like fall time, like me, it’s a “It wasn’t a busy time when I really cool place,” she said. went, so I loved how quiet it was and how we got to pick our own apples,” she said. “I got two bags of apples.”

A million and a half Christmas lights will spark up the Garden of Newfields for the seventh year in a row. The Lilly House will be open with lights included as well. This event will be available from Nov. 19 through Jan. 7, 2024. Photo from Drumstick Dash website

Wheeler Mission Drumstick Dash

The Wheeler Mission Drumstick Dash is a 4.3 mile race as well as the option of a 2.6 mile run or walk to raise proceeds for people experiencing homelessness within the Indianapolis area. The start time is 9 a.m. in Broad Ripple on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 23.

The Warren Central Owl • owl.warren.k12.in.us • 11 | 17 | 2023

HELP DURING HOLIDAYS Local food pantry gives holiday necessities to those in need

By Cameron Harris Editor-in-Chief

very year leading up to the holidays since 1988, Westminster Neighborhood Services, a non-profit organization based on the eastside of Indianapolis, runs a program called Christmas Baskets. At the Christmas Baskets event, people from the community gather at the Westminster building at the southwest corner of New York Street and Keystone Avenue to put together bags full of goods commonly needed by families that may be struggling. During this event, people walk in Photos provided by Craig Shaw a circle around different tables filled with assorted goods that people need during the holidays. As people fill up their baskets, they are piled into the middle of the room, where they quickly grow into an astounding number. After a night of doing this, the bags are then distributed around the community to people who need them. “It’s a great opportunity for you to make a difference in the lives of others,” Westminster Program Director Eric Robinson-Berry said. Groups from around the community collect large numbers of items like food and toiletries that are used when putting the bags together. One group that does a lot of work at this event is the congregation from Irvington Presbyterian Church, located just southwest of Washington Street and Audubon Road. Their associate pastor, Rev. Maureen Wilson, has been involved with this program for years and loves to see the turnout from everybody each year. “I like going, I like seeing everybody when I’m not having to preach or worry about if worship is going on and get to be there, just kind of hanging out with people,” Wilson said. The people who are supported by this mission include families dealing with adversity and possibly poverty. The goods that are provided at this event are meant to make the holidays less stressful for families, so they can focus on the important things in their lives, such as their children. “Working at Westminster is a great opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others by providing them with essential services, resources and opportunities that they may not have access to otherwise,” Robinson-Berry said. This has been their goal for decades now as they continue to grow their work and support more people. Westminster started out of a church, also on the eastside of Indianapolis, where they noticed a need for help in their com-

munity. After this, they began ministry programs to help those people who were in need. Eventually, the number of members in their congregation diminished, but there was still a necessity for their services. This apparent need for support motivated a capital campaign to construct a new building where they could carry out their services. Built in 2014, the Westminster Neighborhood Services building has been home to countless numbers of community service projects that help improve the lives of people in that area, including the Christmas Baskets. During this time of serving the community, an increase in support is noticed during the holidays, due to people feeling more inclined to help during that season. It works out for everybody involved, however, because there is also an increase in need from the community at that time due to parents wanting to provide the best experiences for their children as they can. “It’s a time when the community’s needs are often greatest, but it’s also a time when people are most willing to give their time and resources,” Robinson-Berry said. “As such, it’s crucial for Westminster to engage effectively with the community during this period.” Doing this service brings many people joy, but during the holidays, people tend to take a lot of pride in what they are doing. The goal for Westminster, according to Robinson-Berry, is that events like these will allow people to see what this kind of service can do for themselves as well as others, and persuade them to continue their support throughout the year. These volunteers are needed because the staff at Westminster is not particularly large for the number of people that they serve. Despite this, they take pride in their work and enjoy making a positive difference in the community. “With Westminster being such a small staff, we depend on volunteers, donors and partnerships,” Robinson-Berry said. “Teamwork is crucial for a small group of employees within a nonprofit for several reasons. That’s why it’s important to be efficient, supportive and innovative.” This year’s Christmas Baskets packing event will take place on Friday, Dec. 8, and will be distributed the next day.

The Warren Central Owl • owl.warren.k12.in.us • 11 | 17 | 2023

FEATURE

THE GRAND HUNT BEGINS New game shows Spider-Man’s descent into madness By Qaden Childs Entertainment Editor

rab your web shooters and pull on your mask, because it is time to save New York from a new threat. Spider-Man 2 is the newest addition to the PlayStation 5 video games, acting as a sequel to the first Spider-Man and Spider-Man: Miles Morales games. The game starts with Peter Parker beginning his first day as a physics teacher at Brooklyn Visions Academy, with Miles Morales being one of his students. Sadly for both of them, Sandman, a member of Spider-Man’s Rogue Gallery, goes off on a rampage, causing the two to leave class and slip into their alternate identities as Spider-Man and stop him. Sadly, even though the two were able to put a halt to Sandman’s mindless destruction, Peter was consequently fired for abandoning his class, sending him back to Aunt May’s home where he lives with Mary Jane. Things then take a turn when Harry Osborn, son of Norman Osborn, is miraculously healed of his terminal illness and offers Peter a job at his startup, The Emily-May Foundation. While overseeing a prisoner transfer, both Peter and Miles meet with the game’s recurring antagonist, Kraven the Hunter, a Russian big-game hunter who hunts people for sport. After discovering that Kraven plans to hunt every villain in New York and learning that Scorpion, Vulture, Shocker and Electro were already killed by the Russian big-game hunter, Peter and Miles set out to stop him from causing even more harm – before Peter receives a severe stab wound from Kraven. Fortunately, Spider-Man survived, thanks to the sudden transference of a biological exosuit commonly known as the symbiote, which not only healed Peter’s wound and enhanced his other attributes but also gave him a few new powers he never had. However, this new suit Spider-Man obtained may have some secrets hidden within its midnight-hued biomass, some of which are worse than others. Insomniac Games may have created a game that will achieve “Game of the Year.” The gaming company was created in 1977 during the Age of the Atari 2600 by 9-year-old Ted Price before it was incorporated on Feb. 28, 1994. In June 1994, Price was joined by his fellow graduate and expert in computer programming Alex Hasting, with his brother Brian Hasting joining shortly after. Their new company went under the name “Xtreme Software” for a year before it was forced to be changed into “Insomniac Games”

ENTERTAINMENT

due to another gaming company having the same name. Shortly after the company’s establishment, its employees began working on their first project, a DOOM copy named “Disrupter.” Insomniac Games has made multiple prize-winning games throughout the years, with a few examples being Ratchet and Clank, Spyro the Dragon, Sunset Overdrive, Stormland and the up-and-coming Marvel’s Wolverine. Most of the mechanics from both the original game and its spin-off, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, which features high-speed web-slinging and impressive combat, are again present this time around. However, there are a few changes that have not been seen previously. A few examples of such would be the web wings, a pair of gliders that allow the player to glide great distances and cut down travel time by web-slinging; wind tunnels that increase the speed and distance the player can go with the web wings; and individual skill trees for both Miles and Peter. Additionally, thanks to Peter bonding with the symbiote and later on in the endgame, adapting his body to the trace amounts of it left after Peter gets rid of it, Spider-Man gains a new set of powers that pack far more of a punch than before. From being able to knock a criminal’s lights out with a tentacle-forged punch and lifting multiple opponents into the air with tendrils before slamming them down into the ground, to allowing Peter’s rage to flourish and make every combo end with a devastating finisher, the symbiote has certainly given Peter more power than he could ever ask for. Miles is not excluded from this new power boost either, as his abilities to utilize his bioelectricity have evolved to grand heights, allowing him to chain electricity off multiple opponents and strike down large groups by using his own body like a thunderbolt. All in all, Spider-Man 2 is an amazing game that has taken its original counterpart and its sequel and improved them both before merging them into one singular masterpiece. The game was released on Oct. 20, selling at $69.99 wherever they are sold for the PlayStation 5 only, meaning tough luck to those without one.

Photo from PlayStation Exclusive website

The Warren Central Owl • owl.warren.k12.in.us • 11 | 17 | 2023

FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S A

New movie depicts the tragedy of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria By Rei Hernandez Staff Writer

good movie that did not quite meet expectations, “Five Nights at Freddy’s” was something many people were excited for, and while it was still enjoyable to watch with all the lore and characters coming to life, there were a few aspects that could have been different. The release of the “Five Nights at Freddy’s” movie was Oct. 27. Many old fans and newcomers to the franchise were equally excited to watch this horror jumpscare video game get put up on screen, with an amazing cast list full of famous actors like Josh Hutcherson, Matthew Lillard and Elizabeth Lail, as well as cameos of popular YouTubers who had a part in making the game as popular as it is. Also, having the game developer Scott Cawthon be a part of the making of this movie, the expectations were high. Expectations were still not met after seeing it in theaters, though. The two main problems most fans had with the movie is how it was not true to the original game’s genre and how they had changed the story that many people know and love. The Five Nights at Freddy’s video game franchise, also known by fans as FNAF, is a horror game series with multiple jumpscares, that seems almost impossible to complete without dying, while the movie followed a more child-friendly version of the game by not

having those classic jumpscares that many know. Another big part of the FNAF community is how they took the vague detail and storytelling in each game and built the game’s lore piece by piece until players uncovered the unchilling truth about Freddy’s pizzeria and the founder, William Afton’s history. During the movie, many could not help but notice how they changed many characters’ original positions from what they were in the games. Michael Afton, the son of William Afton, was changed into his own person with no connection to William Afton, apart from his childhood. This was a big disappointment, since Michael Afton is a main character to one of the games and was a big part of the entire story in the games. Even with those two details, this movie was a great watch and holds a spot in the hearts of those who had grown up playing these games or even watching YouTubers like Markiplier play them. The acting and the cinematography was amazing, from the dreams to the Springtrap scene. With great actors on the cast list, they definitely made this movie the best it could be. As Matthew Lillard said in the movie and as fans know from the games, William Afton will “always come back,” and the FNAF community should be expecting a sequel to “Five Nights at Freddy’s.”

TROLLS BAND TOGETHER

Get ready to have a “trollific” time By Kaydon Spivey Feature Editor

he “Trolls Band Together” will be the third installment in the film series after “Trolls” (2016) and “Trolls World Tour” (2020), and will have bright colors, an upbeat soundtrack and loveable characters that made everyone fall in love with the previous movies. The original “Trolls” movie was about the happiest troll ever born, Poppy, and an overly cautious troll named Branch. They embark on a mission filled with adventure, where they have to put aside their differences to rescue their friends. In “Trolls World Tour,” the duo of Poppy and Branch discover that there are six different tribes of different types of music. They try to unite the tribes so that they can stop the king and queen of rock music from destroying the other types of music. These movies received positive feedback from audiences so much so that in 2017 “Trolls” won a Grammy award for Best Song Written for Visual Media. The story of this movie is fascinating, as Poppy discovers that Branch and his four brothers are a part of her favorite boy band. One of his brothers gets kidnapped by a pair of villains who want to give him an outcome that is worse than pop culture obscurity. Poppy and Branch then go on a journey to reunite the brothers, but this adventure is filled

with emotional trials and issues that have not been dealt with in the past. The cast for “Trolls Band Together” is full of many notable names and personalities. The name that is well known to most people is Justin Timberlake, who is mostly famous for his music career, but he has played in multiple great movies such as “Yogi Bear,” “Shrek the Third” and “Bad Teacher.” He also was the voice actor for Branch in the previous two “Trolls” movies and will voice him again this time around. Another actor in this movie who should be recognized is Anna Kendrick for her roles in movies such as “Pitch Perfect,” “Twilight,” “Happy Christmas,” “Paranorman” and “Drinking Buddies.” Photo from Dreamworks Wiki Website Her role in this movie is to be the voice actor for Poppy, as she was in the previous two films. The next actor is Ron Funches, who has acted in movies such as “Cheaper by the Dozen,” “Taskmaster” and “Get Hard.” In this new movie, he will be the voice actor for Cooper, like in the previous movies. This movie is filled with colorful places and great music to the point that becomes a magical experience for anyone. This movie is available in theaters on Nov. 17

Photo from Dreamworks Wiki Website

The Warren Central Owl • owl.warren.k12.in.us • 11 | 17 | 2023

ENTERTAINMENT

WARRIORS BALL OUT Girls basketball aims for successful season

By Patrick Collier Staff Writer

iring on all cylinders for the 2023 girls basketball season, coaches and players are ready to attack the court with passion for the game and top-tier sportsmanship. As usual with the start of a new season, this gives old and new players a chance to make their mark and show out for the spotlight on the team. One of the team members, Junior, Ariel Watford, has been in the gym all off-season “working on shots” and utilizing “running drills and suicides” to become a faster player when it comes to game time. However, along with working for the top spot, a player must first recognize in what areas they need to improve upon before gunning for the spotlight. Watford knows this, and she recognizes that “being a post player” was one of her biggest challenges in the game last season. “Sometimes I missed my midrange shots,” she said, noting the reason she has been in the gym putting up those same shots to improve. Junior, Maia Johnson, another player on varsity, recently transferred to the school. “It was kinda easy because when I first got here, everybody was nice and just welcoming,” she said. Johnson’s position on the team is a shooting guard, which fits her because, according to her, one of her strongest attributes on the court is that she “can shoot really well.” As every player has their Achilles heel, though, Maia does too.

“I would say keeping up with the pace and the momentum of the game because they do go very fast,” she said. To combat her challenges on the court, Johnson keeps in mind the challenge of playing varsity and uses that to push herself to play better. “At my last school I was playing JV, and now im playing varsity with better talent and competition,” she said. Watford, Johnson and the rest of their teammates all have various preparation rituals for game days. “If I wake up and it’s a good day, then I know it’s gonna be a good game,” Watford said. Johnson, on the other hand, has a bit of a different approach when it comes to getting ready for a game. “I just listen to music, talk to my teammates and I like to shoot before the game so I’m prepared,” Johnson said. Just like the players, coaches are also excited for the season, and their sights are set on earning a state title for the team and the school. “I’m excited about this year for girls basketball,” assistant coach Paul Minor said. “We are trying to push the girls to work hard. We are trying to rebuild our culture and also get the girls to buy into Coach Mitchell’s system and culture. Like anyone else, we are trying to get a state ring.” All in all this year’s girls basketball team hopes their season will be overloaded with excitement and buckets, and they want Warriors to come out and show some support.

SHOOTING FOR THE MOON Senior duo hopes to lead boys basketball to victory

By Kaydon Spivey Feature Editor

ast year, boys basketball had a record of 15-10. After beating Lawrence Central in their first sectional game, the team fell short to Cathedral. This year, Damien “Dink” Keys and Robert “Rob” Walker are the senior duo that might take the team far into sectionals and possibly win the state championship. “I have been preparing for the season by getting my body ready by conditioning and lifting weights in the off-season and mentally preparing for the tests and trials that are going to happen during the season,” Keys said. They both play small forward and shooting guard, but Walker usually plays more at the shooting guard position, while Keys plays more at the forward spot. They both said they were ready for the games with high intensity due to the thrill and adrenaline rush it gave them. “I’ve been working on my jumpshot and improving at the little things in basketball that will eventually pay off,” Walker said. Last year, their roles were limited to a certain extent, but now their roles will be much bigger as they will be two of the main contributors on the team. “My expectations for this season is to play my role to the best of my ability, if that’s me averaging 20 points or 10 as long as it contributes to us winning,” Keys said. “The goal for the team as a whole is for

SPORTS

us to compete for a state championship.” Walker also wants to improve both individually and as a team. He hopes to shoot at least 40% for the season, meaning he will become one of the best shooters in the entire state of Indiana. He would also increase his percentage by 5%, which would be a huge leap. “The goal that we have as a team should be to improve from last year’s record,” he said. As these two take on larger roles on the team, they will be met with the responsibilities of being a leader. They bring different leadership styles to the team, which they think will provide a good balance for the group. “I usually am a person that tries to lead by example and I am also very vocal when it comes to leading,” Keys said. Walker has a different approach. “I am mostly a laid back, chilled leader,” Walker said. “I really only speak up when we need to pay attention as a team and focus.” According to head coach Criss Beyers, the two seniors have done a “great job” leading the team but will be held to the coaches’ high expectations by being vocal and helping their teammates. “I think we will be a team that has a lot of growth to look forward to,” Beyers said. “We will continue to get better if we trust the process.”

The Warren Central Owl • owl.warren.k12.in.us • 11 | 17 | 2023

LEAVING IT ALL ON THE MAT

AJ Cashman competes for state championship

By Cameron Harris Editor-in-Chief

inning matches is the best achievement as a high school wrestler, and senior AJ Cashman knows a thing or two about it. As a two-time state qualifier and onetime state placer, Cashman has set his intentions higher than ever this season, and with the help of everybody around him, he believes he can get there. “I expect to win a state title this year,” Cashman said. “I’ve been to state twice and medaled once [so] this is my last shot. I’m going to make it count.” His goals are high, but his supporters believe they are all within reach. Support from others is something that keeps him going. His biggest supporters have included an assortment of coaches such as David Pierson and Dylan Lydy, his teacher Jenny Harris and his mother Amber. There is also a significant amount of support from his teammates. “Wrestling is a very individual team sport so we all find ourselves pushing each other out of our comfort zones to get better,” Cashman said. As an athlete who has spent most of his

high school career at the varsity level, he has a lot of experience, which has made him a leader on his team. Becoming experienced like this does not go unnoticed. His coaches all recognize what he does to improve his skill set. Head coach Jacob O’Neill said that Cashman’s “love for the sport shines in the room and is contagious.” Cashman’s teammates notice it as well. “His personality and his determination for the sport makes him a great person to be around, and his determination makes him stand out and be followed,” senior Kyrel Leavell said. Cashman has come a long way since the start of his high school career. He bounced between varsity and junior varsity his freshman year, but then he solidified his spot on the varsity roster his sophomore year and became a state qualifier. In his junior year, he improved once again as he returned to the state finals but this time returned with a fourth-place finish. As he strives for the top spot this season, the work he puts in will need to be at the highest level. Luckily, his coaches are excited and ready to help him in this endeavor. “We’re helping him get better by providing him with the best opportunities possible, pushing him at practice and supporting him in every way we can,” O’Neill said. Overall, everybody around Cashman is hoping to see him reach his full potential this season and be happy with what he accomplishes. “I hope he gets it done and gets on the top of the podium,” 2023 graduate Mikey Durham said.

STANDING ON BUSINESS Girls wrestling team begins new season with high hopes

by Isis Webster Staff Writer

This mental aspect is drastically important for athletes, as ooking ahead to pins and wins, the girls wrestling team is hoping to many of them push themselves to get better at their focus. It plays a set the record straight and prove they are one of the best teams in monumental role in their performance. the state, despite only being recognized by the Like Powell, senior Ayelen Duran is IHSAA last year. squaring up to face her final wrestling season. Senior India Powell said she wants to qualify for state this year. After a well-fought seaDuran has been working through a leg injury that occurred during the end of last season. son, a state appearance could be in her future. She is doing all she can to prepare for the season and “[I have been] doing weight training at my physical session, working up my strength for reach those goals. my tear I had last year towards the end of the “I’m trying to eat right and work as hard as I can during practice,” Powell said. “I started season, making every rep count and listening to the coach, asking questions to improve my preparing myself beforehand by going on a diet technique,” Duran said. “Going to my physical over fall break and practicing during the preseason as much as I can.” therapy sessions, cutting weight healthy, and JUNIOR AMINAH TAYLOR pins a Franklin Central giving it my all in the wrestling room, staying Being prepared physically is important wrestler on Nov. 2. The Lady Warriors lost this meet because the amount of work these athletes put close to my weight class, and going to the gym.” 54-26. Coach Jake O’Neill has played a big role in during the off-season and during the season in the team. He makes sure all the girls feel supis shown in their performance. The eating habits Photo by Isis Webster ported and welcomed. He has been reported to they develop also play a big role because they need have a very inviting personality, which makes to be in a certain weight class to wrestle oppothe girls feel comfortable. nents. “Confidence, belief in themselves and an opportunity to “I hope to gain confidence and just self-awareness,” junior bond with one another” are the main things O’Neill said he hopes to Jazmine Hollins-Rowie said. “Last year it was all ‘if I had done this’ and ‘if only.’” help the wrestlers gain during the season.

The Warren Central Owl • owl.warren.k12.in.us • 11 | 17 | 2023

SPORTS

DEEP ENDS AND HIGH DIVES

Girls swimming team looks forward to new season

By Isis Webster Staff Writer

reestyling to a new path, the Warren Central girls swim team is looking at building bonds and setting records. The team puts in a tremendous amount of effort to support one another and to be at their best. Senior Hazel Miller is grateful for the experience and what she has learned from all the people she has been surrounded by for the past swimming seasons. “I feel this season is going to be the best yet, and I will miss the family I have made through this sport and the unconditional love and support they have given me the past four years,” Miller said. Miller’s current record for the 500 freestyle is six minutes and five seconds. She is actively trying to cut at least 15 fifteen seconds off of that time before the end of this season. After this year, she will be passing the torch to the younger girls on the team. Junior Kenya Hernandez is prepared to take on the challenge. “I feel pretty good about it,” Hernandez said. “I just want people to look up to me, even when I graduate. I’m just a little nervous.” Another junior ready to take on a challenge is McKinzie Cole, who decided to try something new and make diving her main focus this season. “I had to learn how to transfer my explosive race mindset

from swimming to a more calm and engaged mindset for diving,” Cole said. “It was very hard coming straight out of a race and then having to go into diving and be calm and relaxed.” Being able to go from a swimmer to a diver is difficult enough as it is, but to be an exceptional diver is a whole new story. Cole is working day in and day out to achieve being a great diver. Similar to Miller, senior Jessica Pizana Gonzalez is also looking for a way to break her records and get her times to drop more as she makes her way through the water. Her current records are 31.53 seconds for the 50 freestyle, 1:10.85 for the 100 freestyle, and 1:21.37 for the 100 butterfly. She is practicing hard with her teammates and making the most out of the time they have together. She also gives the younger people on her team support and advice when it is needed. She wants to make sure she leaves a good impression. “Just keep trying and don’t give up,” Gonzalez said. “Whenever I feel like I can’t complete a set, I just think on how it would help me to reach my goal and how it’ll help me to improve, so my advice for them is just to keep going and try their best,” she said. She is hoping to enjoy being with her team this season, competing in the meets, fighting to make it to finals and seeing her teammates prosper as well.

SPLASH AND DASH

Boys swimming strives to improve

By Caden Kerr Sports Editor

iving into the season, the boys swimming team looks to improve from last year. The goal for this year’s team is to form a strong team bond, make a state appearance and build a hard-working team that can expand, both mentally and in the pool. Junior Xavier Mattox knows that in order to be a good team some things must be a common goal like teamwork. “We are going to work together and stay on top of our grades, and work together,” Mattox said. While the team realizes there is a lot of work and practice to be done to achieve this goal continually, every day the team is out practicing. The dedication is there for the team during practice, but now they are turning their thoughts to how they will compete. Senior Uriel Gallegos acknowledged that more improvement is needed but that the group is working to come together as a team and work for the same common goal. “Seeing everyone improve as a team during hard practices, we encourage each other to keep going,” Gallegos said. Setting goals is an important step in the right direction for any athlete. Senior Landon Bryk has a whole list of goals and is working day to day striving to meet them. He still has ways to relax and center himself for a better performance, though. “I strive for a good mental attitude in multiple ways,” he said. “I like to listen to music and relax, play video games, go to the gym, do extra practice and the list can go on. But my most important thing to

SPORTS

having a good mental attitude is to talk with the team and be friends with all of them. That is what is going to lead me to a good mental attitude.” The personal goal set can lead to a very successful path toward greatness and perfection for many athletes. With being a senior and it being Bryk’s last high school swimming season, it is his last chance to complete and conquer his adversity, as well as reach his goals. “Personally, my biggest goal coming into the season would be to drop a ton of time from last year in every event,” Byrk said. “I want to compete better with the fastest people, and the only way to do that is to simply try as hard as I can, which would be in practice and at swim meets. Another big goal I have is to have better team morale. I want all of the boys and girls to get along. The only way to do better in our goals is to have good morale.” JEFF BRAY (12)

Q: How do you help become a leader? A: I support my teammates and help practice when needed and listen if they have something they want to tell me. Q: Do you have any advantages in competitions that opponents may not have? A: I would say an advantage is being more experienced and have more knowledge about swimming than others.

The Warren Central Owl • owl.warren.k12.in.us • 11 | 17 | 2023

KICK IN GEAR FOR CHEER A new year welcomes a new head coach

By Patrick Collier Staff Writer

he start of this year has introduced a lot of new changes to the school. One of the biggest changes in athletics is the new head cheerleading coach Evann Smith. Head Cheer Coach Evann Smith “I’ve only been Photo by Patrick Collier with the program for a little over a year now, like 13 months, but this is my first year as the new head coach,” Smith said. Just like many other coaches in the athletic department, Smith is a Warren Central alumna, graduating in 2012. This speaks volumes to the passion that she has when it comes to being at Warren Central to coach the cheerleaders. Smith is a strong believer that rela-

tionship building is a must when it comes to coexisting with her athletes. “I love all my athletes, just like my students, I really do,” Smith said. “I’m only old enough to be you all big brother, big sister. We work well together, we have a lot of fun, and that’s obviously the foundation of the program. I want all of my athletes to enjoy being a part of the program. I want them to be there and want to work hard.” Smith is no stranger to a bumpy road when it comes to coaching and settling in for the first time. She has found those difficulties in this program from the start and is working to improve them. “For the most part it has been awesome,” Smith said. ”There has been a little, you know difficulty in getting them to understand that you have be to a student first. So I don’t give any slack as far as academics.” Within five minutes of speaking to Smith, anyone could tell that she is a very strong-minded coach, and she holds her

WARRIOR CHEERLEADERS HOIST each other into the air during a routine at the Warren Central Football game against Fort Wayne Snider. These cheerleaders cheered at all football games this season, including when the team traveled to Fort Wayne Carroll. Photo by Ashley Wallace cheerleaders to high standards because she sees the best in them. “What I do know for sure is that we have incredible athletes at this school,” Smith said. “I have some cheerleaders that are already D1 material. So my expectation is that once I get us in the weight room, and we really focus, we are going to be the best.”

KNOCKING DOWN PINS

Bowling team kicks off new season with new and old members

By Xiomara King and Jaraé Lashley Staff Writers

he Warren Central bowling team has started their season and are looking to continue to build upon what was an impressive season last year. The team competed in their conference for the first time in years and ended with eight wins and two losses. Now, the Warriors have a chance to make it even better this year. With most of the core bowlers on the team back from last season, experience in the matches will be a big help throughout the season. Junior Keith Owens has been bowling since he was 2 years old. His dad played a major role in his passion for bowling. “My dad took me to one of his league nights,” Owens said. “I sat there in my baby carriage watching them, kind of fell in love with the game ever since.” Experience is going to continue to be a factor in these Warrior bowling teams because they also have many younger players who will continue to grow and help the team. One of these bowlers, sophomore Noah Hess, just started

bowling last season, but he and some of his teammates were able to take big jumps in skill to be able to compete. “For the longest time I would go bowling for my birthday parties and that just made me like it, and it was fun,” Hess said. “It was just something to do.” The environment that has been created for the bowling team is positive as well, ensuring that students have a good time while competing at a high level. Part of this positive environment has come from coach Paul Willis, who teaches biology at the high school. Willis has been coaching for two years now. His positive energy and relationship with the team makes the environment around the team great. “I like getting to know the kids outside of school and interacting with them that way,” Willis said. ”Getting to see them succeed is always great.” According to Willis, the team is still looking for new members to join. Owens said that bowling has given him an opportunity to meet new people. “You meet a lot of people that you don’t think you ever would’ve met from a bunch of different backgrounds too by bowling,” Owens said.

Photo by Cameron Harris

The Warren Central Owl • owl.warren.k12.in.us • 11 | 17 | 2023

SPORTS

WARREN FOOTBALL CELEBRATES after winning their sectional championship game against Southport by a score of 47-0 on Nov. 3. This sectional title was the Warriors’ 22nd in the school’s history. Photo by Caden Kerr

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The Warren Central Owl • owl.warren.k12.in.us • 11 | 17 | 2023