Issuu

HARBINGER

the

Zionsville Community High School

October 2023 Vol. 57, Issue 2

The Strength of a Song pg. 16 Also Inside

Late to the Game pg. 10 Indie in Indy pg. 18

My Self Care Toolbox pg. 21

Note from the Editor

Editors-in-Chief Adanna Mbanu & Madeline Wilson Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram! @zchsharb

Staff Editors-in-Chief Adanna Mbanu & Madeline Wilson Assistant Editor Lilly Steele Design Editor Josie Brackett Photo Editor Matthew Orbaugh Social Media Editor Emma Hummer

Arts & Graphics Editors Kate Bowen Jonah Hunter Marissa Villarrubia Staff Srinithya Basireddy Brody Brown Georgianna Moreland Emmy Lucas Ellie Vanderbur

s the months of temperature drops come upon us, we can experience mental changes that can be difficult to keep up with or regulate. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2021, 42% of U.S. high school students reported to feeling “persistently sad or hopeless” and 29% reported having “poor mental health.” It seems as though with the temperature, our moods simultaneously drop, causing strains on day-to-day activities such as keeping up with school or staying active in an extracurricular activities. With additional mental strain, it’s important to spread awareness of programs that remind others that they aren’t alone when experiencing stressful thoughts. Music2Heal was a benefit hosted in the PAC in order to spread awareness for mental health as well as to fundraise for organizations that support those in need of mental health (pg. 16). It’s crucial to understand one another and remain empathetic when dealing with or watching others face mental health problems. Another way to benefit and regulate mental health is through the usage of self care (pg. 21). Self care is an extremely helpful and easy way to take time for oneself and tune in to strenuous emotions. Whether it’s journaling or something as simple as doing breathing exercises, self care is beneficial in all aspects. It’s important to view mental health as something that can oftentimes be managed without having to go to extremes. With darker days and colder temps coming soon, remember that negative emotions are manageable and normal; we will get through them together.

Editorial It’s okay to not have future figured out

ith hundreds of colleges, courses, and careers to choose from, it can feel nearly impossible for high school students to figure out a path for their future. Despite the emphasis that parents, teachers, and schools may place on deciding your future early, these decisions can come later—for now, just focus on being a high schooler. Of course, it can be helpful to have a chosen college or career during high school. Some students have a dream job in mind years before they go to college (pg. 18). Numerous universities include questions on their applications regarding why you want to study your chosen major, or why you want to go to that university. Knowing your future path may help you choose your high school courses and what to do after you graduate. But also keep in mind, interests can change significantly between your first year of high school and your senior year of college. According to a 2017 report by the U.S. Department of Education, about 30% of college undergraduate students change their major at least once during their first three years. That’s what college is for— to explore your interests and discover which ones you are most passionate about. For now, just explore: take classes that interest you, pursue hobbies, join different groups, research college options. Eventually, perhaps during high school or maybe after you graduate, something will click. The mission of the Harbinger is to provide timely, relevant, and interesting content, while handling topics with respect and objectively. Harbinger aims to reflect the diverse nature of the student body of ZCHS by including those of all walks of life in the publication. The Harbinger serves as a public forum and invites letters to the editor and communication from others. The Harbinger is student-run and opinions in the magazine do not necessarily represent those of ZCHS or Zionsville Community Schools.

Table of Contents

Affirmative Action is Out

11 New Mayor (‘s Daughter) in Town

A New Way to Learn

Behind the Bench

12 Photographers Take the Field

The Race to State

10 Late to the Game Cover: Senior Matt Nelson plays guitar with the band Remember June at the Music 2 Heal concert on Sept. 30. Photo by Matthew Orbaugh

Indie in Indy

20 Pumpkin Spice Craze

14 Sneakerheads

21 My Self Care Toolbox

15 What’s Next...?

22 Student Survey

16 The Strength of a Song

24 Harb Highlights 3

Affirmative Action is OUT

Supreme court ruling causes confusion about what it means for college admissions

By Adanna Mbanu, Editor-in-Chief

Graphic by Jonah Hunter

4 News

ensions were high on June 29, 2023. That morning, a decision was made: the Supreme Court, in a 6-3 vote, ruled that considering race in the context of college admissions is unconstitutional. The term “affirmative action” was first introduced in the 1960s in order to prevent racial discrimination in both the education system and the workplace. The concept was put into place to refer to a range of identities such as sex, race, religion, gender, and any other minority groups that may find themselves at a disadvantage in society. When the ruling was revealed, members of the government had opposing opinions about whether or not they believe that the removal of affirmative action will benefit marginalized groups, or hold them at a disadvantage. Conservative Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, voted in the six-person majority to outlaw affirmative action. In his concurrence, an opinion of a justice supporting the result reached in a case, to the ruling on June 29, Thomas claimed that the Constitution is “color-blind, and neither knows nor tolerates classes among citizens.” “The Court today makes clear that, in the future, universities wishing to discriminate based on race in admissions must articulate and justify a compelling and measurable state interest based on concrete evidence,” Thomas said in his concurrence. On the same day, President Joe Biden spoke on the ruling, saying that he “strongly disagree[s] with the Court’s decision.” “Many people believe that affirmative action allows unqualified students to be admitted ahead of qualified students. This is not how college admissions work,” Biden said. “I believe colleges are stronger when they’re racially diverse. Our nation is stronger because we are tapping into the full range of talent in this nation.” But when thinking of affirmative action and how it will affect futures, many students tend to think of it in relation to college admissions and how it will affect their chances of getting into their preferred university. Senior Marissa Roundtree believes that “race-conscious admissions should still be a factor” when universities decide to admit certain students. “I feel like in order to make up for the

years and the long history of marginalized groups being blocked and facing an unequal set of obstacles in order to go to college, that might not be the same obstacles that a non-underrepresented person would face to go to university, they should have race be at least a small factor in admissions,” Roundtree said. Other students, such as junior Andy Qin, believe that the ruling will have a more positive effect on the admissions process. “I think that it should be helping diversity,” Qin said. “There are so many Asians competing against each other with the same stats, the same smarts. But I think for more diverse people it’s better for them since colleges won’t be looking at race.” When considering how affirmative action could benefit or disadvantage a student when applying to colleges, there are often beliefs that affirmative action allows colleges to admit under-qualified students just because they’re looking to increase their diversity analytics. “People feel like since certain people are a certain race, that’s the reason why they got into college,” Roundtree said. “But I think it’s important to realize that race-conscious admissions and affirmative action was only one of many factors. You also have to think about the privilege that non-underrepresented groups have in college admissions.” Indiana colleges, such as Purdue and IU, have issued statements on how they will be handling the ruling. “Indiana University reaffirms our commitment to fostering a learning environment that is enriched by students, faculty and staff with a broad range of backgrounds and by robust discourse that draws on various perspectives and beliefs,” IU said in a statement regarding the ruling. Purdue University will continue to “follow the law.” Although many students and officials have contrasting ideas about the ruling, they can concur that the effect of the decision is all a matter of perspective. “You don’t see that not everyone comes with the same privilege, the same life experiences,” Roundtree said. “In order to be truly well-rounded in your field of study or even just grow as a person, you need that difference in perspective.”

A New Way to Learn

Students given alternative routes when learning languages By Georgianna Moreland, Staff

llison Friedman and Jackie Lucas teach through Indiana Online, a platform that provides an alternative opportunity for students to take language courses. All courses at Indiana Online have a variety of activities to try and help different learning styles, according to Lucas. “Online classes give you the flexibility to learn when it is convenient for you. Even though you don’t see the teacher regularly, we are there to help you every step of the way,” Lucas said. Friedman has been an online teacher for three years, teaching American Sign Language (ASL). “One of my family members was deprived of ASL language for 13 years due to lack of resources. That is why I got involved with the ASL field to ensure deaf children are getting access to language and teach everyone else to learn so deaf people can have access to everyone else,” Friedman said. Friedman is an advocate for ASL and she encourages deaf children to learn ASL along with English. “I’ve always known I wanted to do some-

thing related to American Sign Language and contribute to our deaf community,” Friedman said. “Most of us have an average of seven years of learning English but not American Sign Language. But, it is my language that I used and learned my whole life. My whole family is deaf and I am grateful to have that access to language from birth.” Lydia Ertel is a sophomore in her second year of ASL and is taking the class for her future career. “They don’t offer ASL here at our school, and so I wanted to take sign language for the job that I want to pursue, which is a Special Ed teacher,” Ertel said. Lucas is in her first year as an online teacher, teaching Spanish. “I originally chose to learn Spanish because it was the most popular language at my school,” Lucas said. “After high school, I decided to become a Spanish teacher. It was quite the career change, but I knew I wanted to have the chance to make an impact on a student, like my Spanish teacher made in my life.” Just like the other languages taught,

students practice expressing vocabulary and conversational skills through their target language. With ASL, it is a bit different due to it being a visual language. The students film most of their assignments signing instead of speaking. “With teaching Spanish, most students begin the class with little to no experience in the language,” Lucas said. “It is amazing to watch and see how they grow and learn, not just in one year, but how much they learn as they continue to study.” According to the Indiana Online website, all units start with a vocabulary list along with cultural lessons where students get the chance to learn about schools, food, holidays and customs in other countries. There are also discussion boards where students can compare and contrast their culture to that in other countries and share some unique experiences they may have in their own lives. “My favorite part is that I’m able to work at my own pace, and I get as much time, and I can just look it up if I’m not understanding the material,” Ertel said.

Graphic by Jonah Hunter

News 5

Behind the Bench

Sports managers are vital to the successes of a team; here’s how they do it

By Emma Hummer, Social Media Editor

ily Hough, sophomore, is a “little sister” who prides herself on taking care of her big brothers, all 75 of them. A love of football drove Hough to became a football manager in seventh grade. Hough said her favorite part is the relationships with the players on the team. “I have so much fun hanging out with all of them on the sideline and getting to know them,” Hough said. Josh Larsh, athletic director and former Purdue boys basketball manager, said teams wouldn’t look the same without managers. Larsh came to Zionsville after being an athletic director at Avon High School. “Managers are important because there are a lot of tasks that need to be done behind the scenes to make the team function,” Larsh said. “Things that aren’t done by a coach and aren’t done by an athlete usually are done by a manager.” There would be a lot more work, with players themselves getting equipment before and after practice, if team managers weren’t present to help. Managers set up the fields, fill water bottles, take care of equipment and more. “I run books for one of the coaches,” Hough said. “If the players need anything with helmets, pads, or to fix anything, I can do that.” Hough’s job is to run the clock, set up, tear down, keep the boys hydrated, and be available on the sidelines if they need anything. Hough loves being able to celebrate with the team when they score a touchdown. Managers also fill different roles. For example, senior Claire Weesies is the social media manager for the girls varsity volleyball team.

News 6 Sports #

“I do a lot of research behind the scenes, like what’s trendy and what other volleyball teams are doing,” Weesies said. “Sometimes I’ll make short clips or longer combo clips with a song.” Weesies is passionate about managing the account and plans to pursue marketing in college. Weesies loves getting to see all the stats of the posts, such as the amount of views and likes that she gets. “[The volleyball staff] proposed the idea to me with my yearbook experience,” Weesies said. “They thought I would be good at running their social media and this was a cool new challenge.” Allie Bradley, sophomore, is the manager for the girls JV soccer team. Bradley’s favorite part of being a manager is helping the players and coaches. She grabs gear for the coaches, sets up the field, and cheers on the players from the sideline. As a soccer player sidelined by injury, Bradley said she gives players advice and helps them when they feel down. “I decided I still wanted to be a part of the environment and be with all my soccer friends,” Bradley said. The hard part of being a manager for Bradley is not being able to play, but she loves being able to be in the environment. Some of her closest friends play on the team. Larsh has a heart for managers, not only because sports teams wouldn’t be

where they are without them, but also because he was a manager himself. Throughout Larsh’s life, he’s gotten to meet role models and experience dream games. Being a manager at Purdue has a lot to do with his career. “I go to the Final Four every year and I work for the National Association of Basketball Coaches,” Larsh said, “Purdue basketball is a very big family. Whether you’re a manager, trainer or player, you’re in the family.” Larsh said he enjoys going to all the sporting events and being on the sideline of games. He will always have a deep love for basketball and respect for managers themselves. With all of the experience student managers gain, some even want to pursue something similar in the future. “Managing football gives me a chance to use my skills and abilities to benefit a sport and team that I love,” Hough said, “I plan on managing at the collegiate D1 level and would consider working at the pro level after college.”

Lily Hough, sophomore, tracks stats on an iPad at the football game against Hamilton Southeastern on Sept. 22. Photo by Matthew Orbaugh

Senior Claire Weesies, the volleyball team social media manager, takes photos for the team’s Instagram on Sept. 25. Photo by Lilly Steele

Sports News # 7

Members of the ZCHS girls JV cross country team line up for their final race of the season, the Nike XC Town Twilight Invitational on Sept. 30.“There’s this tree there that is covered in shoes,” Schmidt said. “Every year all the seniors throw up a pair.” Photo by Kate Bowen

The Race to State 8 Sports

Both ZCHS cross country teams consistently compete at state championships By Madeline Wilson, Editor-in-Chief

he hopes of 130 cross country team members all come down to just 14 runners when the team competes for a place at the State Championships on October 28. Everyone on the team races at various invitational meets for the first part of the season. But only the seven fastest runners on the boys and girls teams are chosen by the coaches to compete at the sectional, regional, and state meets, according to Gabe Porras, head coach of the boys cross country team. Junior Jack Turnbull is one of the runners on this year’s tournament team. While he’s excited to be a part of the group, he also feels the additional pressure. “The overall culture around the state meet is pretty intense and so that adds pressure,” Turnbull said. “There’s so many teams that have a really good chance of finishing in the top five.” Turnbull’s biggest worry as the team heads to state is staying consistent. “A lot of runners will peak too early, so to speak,” Turnbull said. “They’re too fast in the beginning of the season and then they can’t hold that throughout the season and they can’t get better.” Porras said the coaches try to continue practices as normal in order to keep stress low. “While there’s pressure involved, I think mostly it’s viewed as opportunities, and we try to take advantage of those opportunities,” Porras said. “We try not to let the moment get too big for us.” With only seven spots each year, members of the team compete not only against their own times and other teams, but against each other. Senior Madison Schmidt, who has been running cross country for eight years, said that there is an underlying pressure to be a part of the team that competes at state. But it is up to individuals to decide how to respond to that pressure. “You can choose to be stressed out about getting in the top seven,” Schmidt said. “Or you can just go with the flow and run and have fun.” For Turnbull, competing with teammates in practices motivates him to improve, something the coaches try to encourage. “Even if two kids break a barrier they were shooting for, but one finishes better than the other, they’re both still celebrating being able to do it together,” Porras said.

But only 14 people each year compete at those last three meets–what about the other 115 runners? Schmidt has never competed at state, but that’s not her biggest motivation for sticking with the sport. Instead, it’s largely because of her team. “It’s such a good environment to be in. A lot of my friends are in there, and it’s very encouraging,” Schmidt said. “Running is hard, so I feel like it creates a really good bond with all of us.” Specifically, coaches and students on the team focus on fostering an environment of positivity and support. “We do various team talks throughout the summer and throughout the season, basically encouraging each other,” Schmidt said. “Knowing that your teammates have Jack Turnbull competes in the boys varsity race at the Taylor University your back, and that they’re Invitational on Aug. 26. Turnbull placed 1st with a time of 15:43.3, and the going to keep encouraging ZCHS boys varsity team placed first overall. Photo by Christie Turnbull you, definitely keeps you going.” ed. And the fact that it isn’t a certainty Even those who don’t only makes these accomplishments more compete at state are still involved in team exciting. spirit throughout the season. “My sophomore year, our team didn’t “Even if you aren’t one of the seven peomake it to state and everybody was devasple that run at state, you can still go on and tated,” Schmidt said. “It’s made it really cheer everybody on,” Schmidt said. special these past two years when we do Porras said he takes the time each year to make it to state.” talk with the rest of the team and make sure While advancing to state is reason to celthey understand the big role they still play. ebrate, the teams focus on everyone’s small “We’re still going to celebrate their sucvictories as well, such as taking time off of a cesses and they’re still an important part of previous personal record. the team,” Porras said. “In our locker room, we keep up a board Members of the JV teams plan a send off with all the athletes who have broken cerfor the tournament team, and a group goes tain barriers,” Porras said. “Trying to have to the regional, sectional, and state meets to those opportunities for athletes to recognize support their teammates. each other is important.” “There’s usually a small group of JV that Ultimately, they want to win as a team. rides in the bus down to the meet, and then “We’re all going to have fun,” Schmidt we just run around the meet cheering each said. “We’re all going to work hard and other on,” Schmidt said. support each other because we all know that Zionsville’s cross country team advances we’re running hard, no matter what your to state so often that it almost feels like a time is.” guarantee to some, but Porras said the team knows it is still something to be celebrat-

Sports 9

First-year varsity cheerleader Avery Poulin, senior, hypes up the student section for the football team’s homecoming game on Sept. 22. Photo by Matthew Orbaugh

Late to the Game Not every athlete spends years in a sport; some start as upperclassmen

By Ellie Vanderbur, Staff

simple joke made late in her junior year turned into senior Avery Poulin cheering on the football team under Friday night lights for the first time just a few months later. This seemingly spur of the moment choice to tryout for cheerleading did not happen without its struggles. Joining a new sport for the first time in high school requires a lot of extra time and practice but can have plenty of positive outcomes within the sport as well as connections made with the team. “I’ve done a pretty good job of catching up,” Poulin, who is on varsity, said. “I felt thrown into it with the stunting but it’s easy to catch on.” To make a team without the traditional amount of experience, taking advantage of extra practice opportunities such as work outs and practicing at home is necessary. “It depends on the individual athlete if they excel with their peers or not,” head cheerleading coach MacKensie Luse said. Joining a sport at anytime is a huge endeavor but especially so if someone starts in their later years of high school. This is true for junior and first-year cross country runner Sophia Robling, who made the switch from soccer to this new sport. “It was initially really intimidating,” Robling said. The extra work these athletes need to put in can seem to be on borrowed time and is naturally very stressful. These upperclassmen needed take advantage of every moment they are given to reach the high standards they are held to despite their lack of experience. “The biggest thing that athletes miss out

10 Sports

on when joining their senior year is the gift seek outside support from private or group of time,” Luse said. lessons,” Luse said. Athletes that joined in the early years of Luckily, these athletes are not alone and high school or even younger have gained a have a lot of support from their teammates familiarity with the sport and environment who helped advise them through their new that is hard to develop in the final years of experiences. high school. “All the girls are really fun and sup“An athlete who has been in the proportive,” Robling said. “It’s a great team gram for two to three years has had time to atmosphere.” learn the material,” Luse said. “They know No matter if an athlete’s first year in a what to expect.” sport is their freshman or senior year, a stuEven though these new athletes are at dent can excel and reach their athletic goals a disadvantage, when they put in the work while benefiting in other areas of their life. they can find how great of an addition they “Don’t be afraid to fail,” Poulin said. are to the team. “It takes a lot to get used to, but if you try “I don’t think it’s ever too late,” athletic super hard you’ll be okay.” director Greg Schellhase said. There are many upsides to being a part of a team, no matter how experienced you are or how difficult the sport is. Simply taking part in a group activity like athletics has many advantages. “[Sports] can teach you life skills that you can take with you long after you’re done playing,” Schellhase said. “But our teams have gotten so competitive that it gets to be hard to have that opportunity.” It requires a lot of self-reSophia Robling, flection for these athletes junior, competes in to find what they need to a race during her work on to meet the high, first year running unwavering expectations of with the cross country our advanced sports teams. team on Sept. 30. “For areas where athletes Photo by Kate need to grow, they often Bowen

New Mayor(‘s Daughter) in Town Senior Meredith Stehr and her father John Stehr, who won the Republican mayoral primary. Photo by Matthew Orbaugh

Senior Meredith Stehr’s father John Stehr won the Republican nomination for Mayor on May 2; J. Stehr will run unopposed in November Reporting by Margaret Williamson, Guest Reporter Q - What went into your dad’s decision to run for mayor? A - He mentioned that he wanted to run originally for town council but he loves the town so much and talks a lot about how he feels like he could really help make a difference and make it better. So he felt that he’d be able to do that better as mayor. Q - What was the election process itself like? A - It was very strange. I got called out of school on a test day so I could work the polls. I just stood at the polls while people went in and voted between my dad and Jane Burgess [his opponent]. And I just had to hold up a sign and cheer him on. It was a long day, but it was worth it because we got Amore afterward and that’s when he found out that he won, and it was very exciting. Q - Did people treat you differently? A - A little bit. I did have some people asking me about it. I didn’t really know much at the time about what his ideas were and what he wanted to do with them. I just kind of knew the basics of it as people would always ask about my dad. Especially at our church, they’d mention it and I didn’t really know what to say for a bit and then I figured it out. And I think I helped, I think I was a good daughter. Q - What is a moment that stands out to you from the campaign? A - I walked in the parade with him and it was so fun. I was already in the show choir float and I ran back around to join him and surprised him. People were really supportive and you know, yelling “Go John!” on the sides. It was really nice to be able to support him because I really do like supporting my dad and what he does. I’m very proud of him. He’s very adventurous and does a lot of things and I’m really glad that I get to support him. Q - What’s life been like since that day? A - We’ve been a lot less busy because he’s been on a slower section of the campaigning because in-between time there’s not really much going on. So it’s been a lot more peaceful around my house. But it’s been nice to be able to talk about my dad and the things he’s done because I’m genuinely really proud of him. Q - How has this whole experience impacted you? A - It’s made me a lot more conscious of people’s ideas and a lot more open-minded. It’s made me listen to other people’s opinions and be able to take bad criticism and, you know, figure out a way to make that person feel a little better because my dad had to do a little bit of that.

Feature 11

Photographers Take Herlt, Prust spend their freetime the Field capturing Zionsville sports By Lilly Steele, Assistant Editor and Freddy Czerwionka, Guest Reporter

Thomas Herlt

t seems as though there are so many photographers on the sidelines. New Instagram accounts are being created as more and more people want to take part in the newly popular trend. After games, fans love to see the videos and pictures created by these accounts. But senior Thomas Herlt was the one who started the craze. Herlt is a photographer and a member of the technical staff at ZCHS. The technical staff provides help with sound system lighting for Zionsville’s shows, musicals, and different smaller events. Herlt gained Instagram popularity for his sports photography, which started with an agreement with the athletics department. “I have a partnership with the athletics department here where [we] all go to various sporting events and take photos and video content,” Herlt said. Players get to use the content for social media and the athletics department can use it for logos and graphics.” This is Herlt’s third year taking pictures for Zionsville. He got his start in his sophomore year, when he took Photography. He taught himself and learned from other photographers and videographers. Although Herlt loves his job, there are still some drawbacks. “It’s pretty time demanding,” Herlt said. “It’s a balance and there’s not time for everything.” Herlt doesn’t do all of this work just to gain followers. “I like that athletes can use it to build portfolios for colleges or the school to use it to advertise games,” Herlt said. “I was just happy to see that my work was going to something.”

12 Feature

Senior Thomas Herlt takes photos at the Homecoming football game on Sept. 22. Photo by Matthew Orbaugh

Senior Charlie Prust is a photographer who creates videos and social media content for the Athletic Department. Photo by Thomas Herlt

Charlie Prust

ans fill the stands and the crowd is cheering. Senior Charlie Prust is taking pictures at a Zionsville football game for the first time. Nerves are high as the game starts and he adjusts to taking football photos, but he has help from other photographers at the game. Prust is a sports photographer for Zionsville’s football team and he originally started with automotive photography. Prust said he gained an interest in photography in eighth grade art class then continued with three years of photography classes in high school. He currently takes pictures for a golf course and goes to car events to build his portfolio. Prust was asked by senior Thomas Herlt, who is also a photographer, to take pictures and decided to try it out. Last year he started taking pictures at games, but this year he became more serious. He describes shooting

his first game as “nerve wracking.” Prust said there’s a lot more movement in sports photography as well as differences in tracking. “You’re on your feet all the time,” Prust said. Sports photographers get a special view of the game and the behind the scenes. “It’s nice being on the field, being able to get close,” Prust said. “[You] get to be right in the action.” The photographers meet and come up with ideas to create a game plan for the event. Prust said he works with Herlt and junior Nolan Adams on game days, and each one of them has a different job. “Sometimes we’ll write out a storyboard at the beginning, or a shot list,” Prust said. “Then it’s just telling a story throughout the whole video.” While they work together, they keep some

things separate. For example, Prust edits all of his pictures before posting, which can be time consuming. He also has to decide which clips to keep, a difficult task considering there can be 400+ clips. “If it’s a big batch, it could be an hour or two. Or, if you’re doing [pictures] for someone it can be longer. You can get all the details, but normally it’s just a bunch of presets,” Prust said. The growth in popularity of sports photography at Zionsville has led many to want to start taking pictures. “A lot of the time people don’t really know what to do,” Prust says. “They’re just there to be there.” Getting started can be really difficult, but there are many ways for people to get better. “Just keep doing it,” Prust said. “Practice makes perfect.”

Feature 13

Photo by Adanna Mbanu

Student Sneakerhead Freshman Tyson McCann resells sneakers By Adanna Mbanu, Editor-in-Chief and Jannah Gallardo, Guest Reporter

ne year on Black Friday, GOAT, a shoe resale platform, was having a sale on a Travis Scott and Nike collaboration. Although freshman Tyson McCann was only able to snatch up a men’s size 4 1/2, he was able to buy them at retail price and resell them. A year and four months ago, McCann started a shoe reselling business, TGMSoles, which sells locally in Zionsville. “It started out really slow,” McCann said. McCann never had the time to start working a traditional part-time job.When he saw that shoe resale was becoming a popular market, McCann jumped on the train. When McCann first started out, he had to figure out a way to promote himself, relying on word of mouth “I had to go up to people and tell them that I was starting to sell shoes and give them my Instagram and my shoe Instagram,” McCann said. “Over time people told people about it, and now people come up to me and ask. But most of the time I

14 Feature

just post on my Instagram and if people want [shoes], they message me about them.” When McCann is deciding which shoes to resell, there’s a specific process in order for his business to run smoothly. “I’ll get [the shoes] from Nike or Adidas,” McCann said. “The shoe has to be in higher demand than a store like Nike puts out, so it’s supply and demand. Then when I get the shoe, I’ll resell them on resale websites like StockX, or I can sell them locally.” Shoes that freshman Tyson McCann has in his collection. Deciding on the pricing of the Photos submitted by McCann shoes all depends on the brand or quality of the pair. McCann makes said. “They come to me and ask if you sure that he takes all of those things could get this shoe and then if I get the into consideration when pricing his shoes. shoe they’ll pay me the amount after all is “There’s some that cost $100, but there said and done. And also another way is if are also some that are really expensive like I post the shoes and they say they’ll buy $1,000. But I’ve only had one shoe that’s them. It’s always best if the buyer sends the that high up in price; they are usually $100 money up front because they won’t have to to $200,” McCann said. worry about you getting the shoe but then Although what McCann does isn’t comnot getting the money.” mon for high school students, he believes But with the good, there’ll always be that there shouldn’t be a predetermined some bad experiences. age limit for making a profit at an “I’ve had buyers that say they are going untraditional job. to buy the shoes and then they don’t,” Mc“This is one of the jobs where Cann said. “Or they say they are going to there’s not really an age limit buy them, and then at the last minute they as long as you’re responsible,” say ‘Oh I can’t do it.’” McCann said. “I have seen some McCann plans on expanding his busi8-year-olds do it and I’ve seen ness and pursuing it throughout and after some 50-year-olds do it. But the high school. thing with this is all you have to For those thinking about or first starting do is just be patient and don’t to resell shoes, or products in general, Mcget too greedy.” Cann leaves a piece of advice. Throughout his year of resell“Be humble,” McCann said. “Even if ing, McCann has had an overall you only make $5-10 on your first shoes, great experience. just keep doing that and over time you will “I’ve had multiple good experiences start understanding how it works.” with customers that are easy,” McCann

What’s Next...? Some students feel like they have to figure out what they want to do from a young age, but resources and guidance are available to students who are stuck.

What was your childhood dream job?

NBA Player Tom Farrar, senior

By Emmy Lucas, Staff

hen she was a little girl, junior Sapna Srinivasan knew what she wanted to do, and she was aiming high: President of the United States. Srinivasan’s goal isn’t too different today, as she knows she wants to study political science and business in her future. When entering high school, it can feel like you’re suddenly expected to have your future painted out in front of you, when in reality you’re probably still trying to figure out who you are and what you like. Senior Tristan Yaklin said that at this point in students’ lives, it’s not necessary to know exactly what we want to do. “We all change,” Yaklin said. “We might switch in a week; we might switch in a year.” Yaklin has known since he was younger that he wanted to be an author. But aside from liking writing, he also really likes chemistry and has an interest in criminal investigation. “Last year if you asked me what I wanted to do I would probably say medical school,” Yaklin said. Now he wants to study criminology and take up writing on the side. While trying to figure out what you want to do in high school, it’s important to take advantage of the variety of classes the school has to offer. “There are benefits of taking lots of different classes in high school, having a job, and getting involved with clubs,” counselor Ellen Shertzer said. “It helps us start to see where those pieces are coming together of what you want to do.” By taking different classes, you’re opening up options for your future, or even closing some. “For a while I thought I’d want to go into science,” Srinivasan said. “Then I took

some classes and I realized I don’t really want to do this.” Shertzer agrees that there is an expectation that students in high school know what they want to do, and that it’s helpful to have that general idea. “I hope our students understand that there are a ton of options,” Shertzer said. “And that first stop isn’t where you’re going to be for the next 40 years.” Shertzer says that the people in your life usually have the biggest impact on how you decide what you want to do when you’re older. “There’s definitely pressure from outside parties, whether that’s your parents or your family to know what you want to major in,” Shertzer said. “Because they’re going to spend a lot of money on it.” For students that may be still trying to figure out what they want to do, Shertzer recommends using Naviance, a platform available to every student, in which students can explore college and career options. “Utilizing your counselor, and utilizing the resources on Naviance is a good option,” Shertzer said. The switch from being an underclassmen to a senior can feel overwhelming, as you suddenly have a new expectation to start preparing for life after high school. “If you’re a freshman or a sophomore, it’s a lot about gaining experiences, taking different classes, and exposing yourself to stuff,” Shertzer said. “But if you’re a junior or a senior there’s certainly still options.” During this time, it’s important to make your decisions for you and no one else. “You only live once, so just do what you want to do with your life.” Yaklin said. “And there’s always time.”

Astronaut Micah Hundley, sophomore

Popstar Eve Hodges, senior

NFL Player Jalin England, freshman

Marine Biologist Lily Bean, freshman

Photos by Matthew Orbaugh Graphics by Jonah Hunter

Student Life 15

The Strength of a Song Local bands and musicians came together at Music2Heal to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention By Carter Hughes, Guest Reporter

he Music 2 Heal concert honoring Tate Eugenio raised $14,000 for a scholarship fund in Eugenio’s name as well as mental health awareness and suicide prevention organizations. Eugenio was a 2020 Zionsville graduate who was a very involved member of the community. However, Eugenio’s main passion was his music. He was the percussionist of a student band known as The Fragments, and a member of the ZSI Show Choir Combo. Eugenio died by suicide in 2021. “Tate was music. Music was Tate,” Angie Eugenio, T. Eugenio’s mother, said. T. Eugenio’s passion and love for music was the inspiration for the Sept. 30 concert in the PAC, as well as the scholarship itself being given to a student involved in music at the high school. “I know that he would have been ecstatic to know that this was happening,” PAC director Isaac Spillman said. Tate Eugenio’s parents thank the audience at the benefit. Photos by Matthew Orbaugh

Spillman handled many of the technical aspects of the concert. He helped to coordinate and organize many aspects of the event. His goal was to have the concert “run as smoothly as possible.” One of the major challenges Spillman faced was communicating and coordinating with the almost 40 people performing in the concert. The performers included Nashville-based band Six-foot Blonde as well as local bands like The Papercuts and Remember June. T. Eugenio’s former band The Fragments also reunited on stage, with T. Eugenio’s drumset on stage. Spillman’s job was made easier by his personal connections with many of the performers in the concert. He has both performed with some of the musicians as well as taught many of the alumni and current students who participated. One of these current students was senior Addie Coons. Coons is a member of show choir and writes her own songs. Coons was

approached by A. Eugenio and Spillman and asked to perform a solo act during the concert. Coons’ first hurdle in the concert was deciding the song she wanted to perform. She wanted to capture the overall mood of the concert with her song choice. “My songs I felt were too personal about my experience. I wanted them to be more broad so people could relate more,” Coons said. Coons ended up singing “Same Boat” by Lizzy McAlpine. The nostalgic mood of the song encapsulated the concert as a whole which was “emotionally charged and overall very sad,” senior concert attendee Julian LoPresti said. The concert also achieved its financial goals. Spillman said that his goal for the concert was to sell “seven or eight hundred” tickets; over 900 tickets were sold. The profits of the concert were also made much higher because of a $4000 donation from the student council that covered most of the expenses. The $14,000 raised will primarily be donated to the Tate Eugenio Memorial Fund. The fund will be given as a scholarship to a student with “a passion for music as well as a heart for service,” according to A. Eugenio. The sentiment echoed by all the participants was that they wanted everyone to know that they had a community that supported them. “You’re never by yourself. There’s always somebody there who’s willing to support you or give you help or give you hand,” Coons said. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, call or text the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

16 Student Life

Zach Herbon plays a song at Music 2Heal while signaling two fingers up to the sky to honor his late friend Tate Eugenio.

Student Life 17

Junior Thomas Ivey adds songs to his setlist on Sept. 28 for an upcoming show. “I went to my first underground show in May,” Ivey said. “Somebody’s DJ cancelled on them, so I asked and I ended up coming through.” Photos by Brody Brown

By Brody Brown, Staff

n a Monday night, young adults and teens dressed in clothing ranging from a fast food worker’s uniform to outfits so extravagant they could have come straight from the runway, file into an unassuming building. Crystal Ball Printing, an old shop in Fountain Square, seemingly cramped but also empty. There is no stage, but two speakers and a drum kit are already set up in the dimly lit room. Without introducing themselves properly, the opening band begins the night with some fury and a little bit of fun in their music. The sounds fall over everyone in the room, entrancing them. Everything is tight, sweaty and intimate for the rest of the night while people from the audience swap places with those performing for each set. This is much different than any concert at Ruoff. A different music scene than the arena concerts of today’s most popular artists, a revival of small live music venues is gaining traction with high schoolers of the surrounding Indianapolis area. The scene has become a second home for many. Junior Thomas Ivey became involved with the community in January after taking up an interest in production. Becoming acquainted with many rappers and artists, he DJs for artists like Reddnoze and the Gameover Collective, and performs his own DJ sets. “I feel like we have a really tightly knit community right now in Indy,” Ivey said. “Everybody’s helping each other; everybody’s trying to get somewhere with their work.” Ivey said surrounding himself with other artists has changed the way he operates on a day-to-day basis. “I’ll come home, and I’ll spend some hours on [tweaking a setlist],” Ivey said. “It’s

18 Student Life

the first thing I do when I get home.” Supporting local music opens opportunities for smaller artists to find listeners and vice versa for fans. “I found myself listening to a lot more songs with less than 100 streams,” Ivey said. “It really gets you to look for music.” Ditching the conventional ways of finding music like Spotify Discovery means searching locally for some. Senior Mia Herrera is one of these people. “I started listening to so many new artists just from my friends who make music,” Herrera said. Other than musicians, the scene is full of other creatives that are helping each other and creating an eclectic pool of art. Indy Sleaze is a DIY magazine co-owned and published by brother and sister duo Bryton, 23, and Scout, 16, Dykes. After moving to Indiana in 2021, the siblings had a passion for photography and music. “We felt like nobody was documenting it in the way we wanted to see,” S. Dykes said. “We try to photograph the crowd just as much as the band, it helps to capture the energy.” Present online and offline, the magazine has become a staple in the scene by posting and printing highlight reels from local shows. “I was nervous to take a photo of the actual band, but the stuff that was happening in the crowd was super interesting to me,” B. Dykes said. Having an Instagram page with just over 2000 Instagram followers and a magazine released seasonally, Indy Sleaze is able to reach people through many platforms. “The magazine makes it feel real,” B. Dykes said. “Putting in the work of compil-

ing physical media that people are gonna be able to keep for years makes it a lot cooler.” Being welcomed with open arms into the scene when they first started up, Indy Sleaze has quickly grown into a recognizable name to those who are active in the community. “It’s weird because we don’t plaster ourselves out there,” B. Dykes said. “We’ll get people like ‘Wait, you’re Indy Sleaze?’” In the position they were, the siblings found themselves interviewing and hanging around artists far more than they had anticipated. “I used to think ‘why is this person talking to me out of all people,’ when people I saw at shows would come up to me,” S. Dykes said. “It’s helped me not idolize people in bands and realize they’re literally just people.” The lines between artist and fan have always been crossed and blurred within the community, though. Musicians are just as much fans as they are artists. No celebrities exist and it makes going to concerts feel more like a get together. “A lot of my friends at North Central are in bands,” Herrera said. “It feels really personal, and you’re not just paying $30 to go sit on a lawn and watch a random band or singer.” With new bands starting up every couple months and more people going to shows, bringing attention to venues like Healer, Indianapolis has been blooming as a place to get involved in a community of musicians, artists, and people who just need creative outlets. “A lot of the older people who are involved regularly say Indy music is in a renaissance right now,” Bryton said.

Indie i

n dy In

Indy’s music scene experiences a renaissance Local band Hoodwink’s lead singer, Ian Teeple, performs as the opener for Kansas City band Silicone Prairie at Longshot in Fountain Square on Sept. 23. Both groups performed sets under 20 minutes.

Student Life 19

Some people agree that pumpkin spice is one of the most iconic parts of fall, whether it’s a traditional pumpkin spice latte or a new take on the familiar flavor. Members of the Harbinger staff reviewed three different drinks from around town and six different pumpkin spice snacks. We followed a criteria of four characteristics, all out of five stars, and averaged everyone’s ratings.

c i p S n i k p m u P Craze

By Josie Brackett, Design Editor

Pumpkin Spiced Teeny Tiny Pretzels from Trader Joe’s

Munchkin Spice Drink from Dunkin’ Pumpkin flavor: 2.3/5 Spice level: 0/5 Unique: 4.8/5 Taste: 0.7/5 Comments: The texture is chunky. It looks like vomit.

Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks Pumpkin flavor: 1.3/5 Spice level: 0/5 Unique: 1/5 Taste: 4/5 Comments: Basic flavor. Underwhelming taste.

Pumpkin Spice Latte from Roasted in the Village Pumpkin flavor: 2.2/5 Spice level: 3/5 Unique: 3/5 Taste: 4/5 Comments: Smells like a cinnamon roll. Was a staff favorite.

20 Opinion

Pumpkin flavor: 1.6/5 Spice level: 3.5/5 Unique: 3.3/5 Taste: 3.5/5 Comments: Crazy aftertaste. Tastes like plain white chocolate at first but then tastes like a blend of spices with a touch of pumpkin.

Dunkin Donuts Pumpkin Spice Latte Goldfish from Meijer Pumpkin flavor: 0.7/5 Spice level: 0/5 Unique: 3.5/5 Taste: 2.5/5 Comments: Doesn’t really taste like pumpkin. Very dry; made staff members thirsty.

Photos by Matthew Orbaugh Graphic by Jonah Hunter

Pumpkin Spice Swiss Cake Rolls from Meijer Pumpkin flavor: 0.3/5 Spice level: 0.9/5 Unique: 1.2/5 Taste: 1.7/5 Comments: Unpleasant texture. The large amount of icing in the middle made it mushy. Not enough pumpkin flavor.

Pumpkin Spice Biscotti from Trader Joe’s Pumpkin flavor: 1.3/5 Spice level: 3.7/5 Unique: 3.5/5 Taste: 2.1/5 Comments: There were very mixed reviews; some staff loved it and some hated it.

Pillsbury Pumpkin Spice CinnaPumpkin Spice Milano Cookies mon Rolls from Meijer

Pumpkin flavor: 0.8/5 Spice level: 0.7/5 Unique: 1.7/5 Taste: 1.1/5 Comments: Bland with a weird texture that reminded us of wax.

Pumpkin flavor: 3.5/5 Spice level: 3.7/5 Unique: 1.8/5 Taste: 4.3/5 Comments: Rich flavor, very sweet.

My Self Care Toolbox Self care is an alternative way to improve your mental health

Graphics by Jonah Hunter

By Marissa Villarrubia, Arts and Graphics Editor

n a time when people are more aware of mental health care than ever, alternative ways to manage mental health have gained traction. Self care is taking time for yourself to do things you enjoy to help better your mental and physical health. In recent years, apps centered on self care have become more popular. I’ve personally used apps such as Finch, Calm, #SelfCare, Headspace, and tried journaling. These apps teach you healthy habits and promote taking care of yourself in different ways and prioritizing your mental health. Throughout my self care journey, I’ve been able to use these apps to help improve my mental health. If you take a moment to look at how much time you’re spending on your phone, you’ll realize that a half hour of exercise or five minutes of journaling isn’t a hassle. I believe this time you are able to set aside for yourself and personal well being is a great tool to improve your mental health. According to an article published by National Institute of Mental Health, “Selfcare means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health.” While we are in a record high mental health crisis, not everyone can get in to see someone. In the meantime, they might turn to alternative methods such as apps. But this isn’t just a tool people who are struggling to find professional help can use.

Journaling about what has been bothering me or doing a hair mask to make sure I’m taking the time I need for myself can improve my mood and physical health ten folds. According to “Can Self-Care Apps Really Help Your Mental Health?” by author Lily Silverton, “These days we might understand mental health better than ever before, but people aren’t receiving the support they (often badly) need.” Even for people who can find a therapist, outside help may still be needed. Some mental health care providers offer apps to use outside of treatment. Personally, I was advised to use the app Breathe2Relax to help manage my anxiety outside of session, which has helped me significantly with regaining control over my breathing and relaxing in times of panic or stress. While it isn’t a cure for all my ailments, it is a step in the right direction. Self care also promotes prioritizing your mental health, being that it can be an afterthought for some. Shadow work is a great example of self care that prioritizes your inner self and helps you unfog the past. In an interview with Healthline, licensed clinical psychologist, Jennifer Sweeton, PsyD, MS, MA explains shadow work.

“[Shadow work] is the idea that we all have different parts to ourselves,” Sweeton said. “The parts of ourselves that have been exiled…tend to become the shadow parts.” This form of self care focuses on parts of you that you might have forgotten with the busy flow of life. These books often have thought-provoking prompts that open your unconscious mind up to the “shadow” or repressed parts of yourself. During a busy week I’ll stay up late studying and finishing assignments, forgetting to take the time to do something for myself like read my favorite book and get enough sleep, so at the end of those weeks I take at least an hour to do something that relaxes me. Self care isn’t the key to mental health, but by using self care as a tool to prioritize your wellbeing and happiness you can unlock a better version of yourself.

Opinion 21

By Marissa Villarrubia, Arts and Graphics Editor

22 Opinion

Opinion 23

Harb Highlights Top Left: Junior Garrett Rudolph, sophomore Maia McGarvey, freshman Sophia Lile, and junior Kara Macler warm up before the Zionsville Marching Eagles perform at Community Night on Oct. 7. Photo by Samuel Wilson Bottom Left: Sophomore Noah Anderson and junior Owen Adams work on their robot before school on Oct. 11 in preparation for the robotics competition on Oct. 21. Photo by Madeline Wilson Bottom Right: The girls varsity volleyball team plays against Ben Davis on Aug. 25. The team won in three sets. Photo by Lilly Steele

Boys and Girls State Championships When: 1 p.m. Where: Indiana State

Halloween

Fall Musical Rock of Ages When: 7 p.m. Where: PAC

Nov.

locations are subject to change.

Nov.

Cross Country

JV & Varsity games vs. Center Grove When: 6 p.m. Where: Varsity Gym

Oct.

Girls Basketball

Nov.

Oct.

OCt.

What’s What’s next? next?

Check the schedule below to find dates, times, and locations for upcoming ZCHS events. Dates, times, and

Boys Basketball

Swim Meet

JV & Varsity games vs. Lawrence North When: 6 p.m. Where: Lawrence North

Co-Ed swim meet against Fishers When: 6 p.m. Where: Fishers