HARBINGER October 2020
By Hand
Burnt Out
See how students have taken their artistic talents and turned them into a way to make money
Find out how to tackle academic burnout and find motivation to finish schoolwork
New Bands on the Block Follow the story of two student bands, The Papercuts and Remember June
Zionsville Community High School
TABLE OF CONTENTS News
Student Life
4-5 Sit Down with a Senator
13 Halloween & Quarantine
6 Part of the Protest
14-15 By Hand
7 Planning for the Future
Feature
Opinion 16 Hybrid vs At Home
8-9 New Bands on the Block
17 Mask On, Mask Off
Sports
10-11 Burnt Out
18-19 Continuing On
12 Q&A with Wassif Ali
Cover art by Jada Rumbaoa
STAFF Print Editor Rachel Shultz Media Editor Riya Patel Web Editor Logan Seiler Announcements Editor Lauryn Moss Video Project Editor Josh Nieman
Student Life Editor Becka Bash News & Sports Editor Kailey Wallenius Opinion Editor Mary Demarco Feature Editor Lucy Robinson Copy Editor Henry Holloway
Staff Members Brooklyn Brown Gretchen Drews John Farrar Ella Hughes Dax Lara Sarah Maniscalo Elizabeth Rexing
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The Harbinger
@ZCHSNews
zchsharbinger@gmail.com
EDITOR’S NOTE T
his year has started off unlike anything we have ever experienced before. With some us at home, and others in a combination of online and in person school, everything has been different. Now, we are transitioning to yet another new schedule, with students either fully in person, or fully online. All of these changes can be hard, but we can maintain positive attitudes, and focus on the good, like the fact that it’s almost fall break! I’m really excited to share our first Harbinger of the school year with you all. After looking through our issue, I realized that we have so many artistically talented students in our school, Whether it be digital drawing like Jada Rumbaoa, mixing music like Wassif Ali, or performing songs like the members of the Papercuts and Remember June, our student body’s creativity is amazing. So much has been changing about our lives, and having an outlet like art or music to express our feelings is so important.
Expressing our political views is important, too. This is our only issue that will come out before the election on Nov. 3. For many seniors this will be their first opportunity to vote and I encourage you to do so. Being a politically active member of society is so important, as we should have a say in who is making the decisions for our future. I don’t qualify to vote this year, as my 18th birthday is six days after the election, but even those of us who can’t vote can still work hard to educate ourselves and be politically aware. I hope you all are having a fantastic start to the year, and enjoy Rachel Shultz, reading our first issue! Print Editor
EDITORIAL
Keep Your Distance
Students should continue practicing safety procedures to allow student sections to support Eagle athletes
D
Seniors espite the restrictions placed on the student sections of our Alli sports games, Zionsville students have been doing a wonSullivan, derful job showing up to support our teams. Student sections Emma contribute greatly to the morale of the team, and even though Kremp, they have been smaller this year than in the past, the energy is Grace still present. The Harbinger staff would like to remind you that Gogis, the safety of the students and athletes in our school should come and junior first. Everyone should remember to wear their masks completely Charlie covering their noses and mouths while participating in the stuSteiner pose in dent section. Even though we have returned to a fully in-person their masks school week for those of us who choose to attend, we still have at Neon to follow mask rules. We ask that students keep wearing masks, Night. avoiding large gatherings, and staying six feet apart from others. photo by We want to continue having the chance to stay in school and Laurel support our Eagle athletes, but this will only happen if everyone Masterson does their part. We are so glad to see many of you back in the school. Stay safe everyone!
The mission of the Harbinger is to provide both the student body of Zionsville Community High School and the local community with the unbiased truth. The staff strives to handle every topic they take on with respect and objectivity, while also providing a source of entertainment and intriguing content for the reader. The Harbinger aims to reflect the true atmosphere of ZCHS by including students of all walks of life in the publication.
3
down
Sit
with the
Senator
One of our editors sat down for a conversation with Senator Mike Braun on his unconventional political career and the importance of working across the aisle while still holding true to one’s values By Henry Holloway, Copy Editor
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photo provided by Mike Braun’s Press Team
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fter being elected to the U.S. Senate in 2018, Senator Mike Braun(R-IN) came to Washington D.C. in the hopes of bringing real world experience to counter what he saw as a disappointing federal government. “I wanted to have an impact because I was very disappointed in the way the federal government was working,” Braun said. So I said rather than complain about it, I’m gonna see if I can run and win and do something about it. Braun notes that his background differs from many in government. “Most get into the farm system of being like a U.S. Representative, hang around ten years, build a career out of it,” Braun said. “I was never interested in doing that.” After serving as owner and CEO of Meyer Body, a farmer and trucks accessories company, Braun believes that his experience in the business world is necessary in our nation’s capital in order to serve the interests of working Americans. “Main Street is running your own business, the school of hard knocks, Main Street,” Braun said. “That’s what I probably bring to the Senate almost more than any other Senator because I did it so long before I actually decided to run for Senate.” Braun held an interest in politics at a young age. He started out by participating in the 1974 Youth for Lugar campaign at Wabash College. However, it was a call for his wife to participate on the local Jasper school board that led to Braun’s political involvement.
“She was too busy doing other things, and she has still her own business, and said ‘no I can’t,’” Braun said. “Maybe my husband would like to do it. And I never even thought about it until that phone call came in. Said yeah I might as well.” After 10 years on the school board, from 2004-2014, Braun was approached about running for State Representative. Braun was elected and served for three years before leaving during his second term to focus on his 2018 U.S. Senate campaign. “So that was my prior experience, which wasn’t a ton,” Braun said. “But the experience that I value, that I bring to the Senate, is Main Street.” Ever since joining the U.S. Senate, Braun has brought forward ideas on key issues such as healthcare and climate change while reaching across partisan lines to bring forward legislation with Democratic colleagues. “You’ve got to reach out,” Braun said. “If you’re going to be a problem solver, you can’t just do it in your own cocoon. You’ve got to be willing to talk to people and I’m one that can converse with almost anyone so I think that’s a plus for being a U.S. Senator. I’m open minded, but I
The experience that I value, that I bring to the Senate, is Main Street.” - Mike Braun
try to always adhere to my principles.” In 2019, Braun’s first year in the Senate, he co-founded the Climate Solutions Caucus with Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), a bipartisan caucus founded to facilitate discussion on how to combat climate change. Braun’s efforts alongside Coons have resulted in bipartisan collaboration, such as the introduction of the Growing Climate Solutions Act in June. The bill serves to aid farmers and foresters interested in engaging in climate-friendly practices. “That’s unusual because you’ve got bipartisan support out of the gate,” Braun said. Despite taking the initiative on climate change, Braun still maintains a conservative view as to how to get it done, differing from his Democratic colleagues. “My idea is to have the private sector engaged in the solution so that they’re behind the legislation that you craft because when you go through hearings and try to get public support behind it, it’s going to more likely end up where you can pass that law,” Braun said. Braun currently serves on five committees in the Senate, including the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, the U.S. Senate Committee on the Budget, the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, and the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging. “I’ve been more active than the typical
freshman senator,” Braun said. Braun’s also introduced bipartisan legislation which aims to increase public confidence in a coronavirus vaccine while also speeding up the process for certain drugs in emergency cases, such as in the case of the COVID-19 Pandemic. “That was done simply to make sure that the process of vaccines are transparent so all American citizens can see that we didn’t take shortcuts, that we got proper transparency,” Braun said. Braun said reaching out and working side by side is the only true way to solve issues the right way, with collaboration, which is what many Americans would rather have. “I just said ‘hey.’ I’m willing to talk about it,” Braun said with regards to climate change. “Maybe we can find some common solutions. That’s what I think most of the public would rather see more of.”
“You’ve got to be willing to talk to people and I’m one that can converse with almost anyone so I think that’s a plus for being a U.S. Senator.” - Mike Braun
Political & Activist Clubs Young Young Democrats Republicans
Students for Choice
The Young Democrats Club is made up of students with a passion for politics. They discuss current events, learn about opportunities within the community, and volunteer whenever possible.
Students for Choice is a group of ZCHS students who meet 1-2 times a month to discuss current events related to reproductive health and to plan community service related to reproductive health.
Senator Mike Braun was politically active as a young college student. If you want to follow his lead, there are ZCHS clubs that will connect you with like-minded individuals who want to use their political viewpoints to make a difference. Here are a few as listed during the Virtual Club Fair.
The Young Republicans meet weekly to discuss political topics, meet local political leaders and elected officials, and plan community service events.
news 5
Part of the Protest
Students attend protest in support of the Black Lives Matter movement By Gretchen Drews, Staff hree Zionsville teens, one Black Lives Matter protest. Juniors Molly Jefferson, Victoria Lightwine and senior Kaelin Wirkkala all independently attended the same Black Lives Matter protest in downtown Indianapolis on May 30. The timing of each girl’s attendance as well as their unique perspectives led them to experience the protest in different ways. The Black Lives Matter, or BLM, movement has seen a resurgence of protests after the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others. According to the official BLM website, the movement was founded in 2013 in response to the death of Trayvon Martin and the goal of the movement is “to build local power, to eradicate white supremacy, and to stop violence inflicted on black communities.” Wirkkala, as a black female, expressed that the Black Lives Matter movement is important to talk about because it identifies and conveys the hardships and injustices that black people face. Wirkkala said it is important to bring the subject up so that other students might better understand the struggles she and her black peers face. “To me, it’s a movement meant to shine light on the issues faced by people based on the color of our skin,” Wirkkala said. Throughout the summer, BLM protests have been popping up all over the nation and around the world, but more locally in places such as Carmel, Indianapolis, and right here in Zionsville. Students who attended these protests reported both positive and negative experiences. Lightwine, who is white, arrived at the A Black Lives Matter protester downtown holds up a sign in support, in protest far downtown Indianapolis. photo earlier than provided by Molly Jefferson.
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the other two A group of Black Lives Matter protesters hold up signs and advocate outside at Monument girls, at 4:30 Circle. photo provided by Molly Jefferson. p.m. When she first arrived, there were people handing out masks, water and snacks to other protesters while they marched. Lightwine said everyone there simply and the downtown area in shambles after all was looking out for each other all while the wreckage. making change together in a peaceful way. This was Jefferson’s first run in with “It was a really nice environment,” Lightrioters and she left around 11p.m. because wine said. “I felt safe there even though you of the violence. Jefferson said the best way see all those protest videos where cops were to make change is through peaceful action. getting really violent with the protesters.” Jefferson also attended two additional proLightwine emphasized that during the tests in Zionsville—one at Lincoln Park and daylight hours the protest was peaceful and one outside the Town Hall. she left the protest around 8 p.m., the same “There’s some people there who aren’t time Wirkkala arrived. Wirkkala said, as even there for the cause like they’re just the night went on, things escalated quickly, there to break stuff,” Jefferson said. “I think and violence broke out once police arrived. there is a lot of anger in riots such as that, According to public comments made by especially when you go to Indianapolis.” IMPD Police Chief Randal Taylor, he and Jefferson and Lightwine recognized that the police were thankful that many protestalthough they may not be the ones personers displayed peaceful behavior; however, ally facing the racial struggles of prejudice “there was a small group of people that and violence, they attended the protest escalated to violent acts, including throwing with the goal of supporting black voices projectiles at officers and breaking windows and promoting change. Jefferson said it is of government buildings.” important to help advocate for others even “When more police started showing up if people shy away from the subjects out of things got very intense,” Wirkkala said. fear of judgment. “People were throwing things and knocking “In places like Zionsville, I think it’s things over and a little rioting started.” especially important because I think we all Jefferson, who is also white, arrived view all this kind of stuff as politics and to the protest alongside her mother at 9 something that is taboo,” Jefferson said. p.m. and also witnessed much of the same “This isn’t politics, this is basic human violence. While they were protesting, she rights.” observed windows being shattered, people Lightwine said she feels better because spray painting everywhere, and police chasshe is using her voice to stand up for others. ing after others with tear gas. She said in times like these, people can eiA story published in The Indy Star on ther choose to speak up or stay silent about May 31 confirmed, “as some protesters grew the issue of injustice. unruly, police in riot gear launched tear gas “You have to use your privilege to make canisters and shot pepper balls in an effort people who can’t have their voices heard, to break up the crowd.” Jefferson said she heard,” Lightwine said. saw the empty canisters littering the streets
How to prep for college in 2020 and advice from fellow students on applying
Planning for the
Future
By Lucy Robinson, Feature Editor t’s easy to feel like the future has been put on hold with the Covid-19 pandemic causing many cancellations and complications. However, even in this strange year, students, especially juniors and seniors, will still need to navigate college planning. “I think we’re all in the same boat where we had just this like six months of nothing,” Tara “The pandemic Harmon, has given me a senior, said. “I’m sure lot more time some people did some reto think about ally impresthings than I sive things would have had during that under normal cir- time. But me, I was cumstances, so just focusing I feel more con- on relaxing.” Even fident in making though this important deci- school year may look sions.” different for -Amelia Winkel- everyone, seniors still man, 12 have to work through it to plan for college. “I’ve started planning for college by researching colleges, going on virtual college visits, and working on my CommonApp,” Amelia Winkelman, senior, said. One aspect of college prep that juniors and seniors still need to think about is standardized testing, such as the SAT and ACT. Though the tests themselves won’t be different, there will be new regulations for taking them. “The way they are administered will change. Students will have to social distance, wear masks, use a screener and classrooms will be limited to 14 students,” Ellen Shertzer, the college and career counselor, said. ZCHS will be offering SAT and ACT
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tests multiple times during the fall this year. However, some students have also had problems with their tests being rescheduled due to the pandemic. “Since I was planning on taking the SAT and ACT last spring, I now have to take it and I only really have one chance before I need to send in scores for early application,” Bridget Johnson, senior, said. Some colleges have decided to not make test scores mandatory this year. “College applications this year, I think, are really different just because the expectations are different,” Harmon said. “I think they’re just looking for different things this year. They’ve done a good job at telling us, like all the changes, but we don’t really know how they’re judging us.” Choosing a college will also look different as most college campuses will not be allowing visits, and if they are, they will not be the same. One option most schools offer are virtual tours. Many seniors are taking advantage of these virtual tours even though they may not be the most desirable option. “The virtual ones are nice because you can visit a lot of different colleges without having to worry about traveling and they don’t take very long, but they don’t give you the full experience that an in person one would,” Winkelman said. These virtual tours will guide you through the college campus with explanations along the way, however many students are worried about not interacting with the campus and seeing what it is like in the classes or around the location. The scope, scale, and “vibe” are lost. “I am worried about making a choice of where I go without ever having visited because I really want to get a feel for the college before making my decision,” Johnson said. “Mostly I’m hoping that there will be tours and events for accepted students later this year that can be in person so I can visit before deciding.” Using Naviance, students can sign up for virtual visits from college reps. In addition, the Counseling office and Canvas offer
Scan to see a timeline for college planning
many more resources. “We have a Canvas course for seniors about the application process,” Shertzer said. “We are developing a similar process for juniors.” Planning for college during a pandemic has affected some seniors outlook on college, in different ways. “The pandemic has given me a lot more time to think about things than I would have had under normal circumstances, so I feel more confident in making important decisions,” Winkelman said. “However, I sometimes feel like I’m not ready to move on because it feels like I’ve missed out on a big portion of my high school experience.” Not only have seniors lost part of high school, they are also worried about the beginning of college. “I’m obviously nervous that I won’t get a normal freshman year,” Harmon said. “Of course, I hope that I do, but I mean, it’s a possibility that we don’t.” Now more than ever it is important to be updated and know what is going on, so ask questions and connect with colleges online whenever possible. “Even though things are different this year, never assume based on what you have heard,” Shertzer said. “Schedule times to do virtual visits, attend virtual meetings with admissions reps and make sure you apply early.”
Upcoming SAT Test Dates Registration Deadline
Test Date
October 7, 2020
November, 7 2020
November 5, 2020
December 5, 2020
February 12, 2021
March 13, 2021
April 8, 2021
May 8, 2021
Check the CollegeBoard website for more information and test dates.
student life 7
NEW
BANDS on the block
Coronavirus couldn’t stop ZCHS students from playing music; quarantine brought on the creation of two student bands, Remember June and The Papercuts.
By Elizabeth Rexing, Staff
REMEMBER JUNE “One day I was just sitting in my room and I just called Frances and I was like, ‘Frances we’re going to start a band!’” junior Elia Makinson said. “It was just going to be one performance.” Working at The Scoop and inspired by past bands who had performed there, junior Frances Stemme agreed and enlisted the help of Emma Page and Lainey Seitz, both juniors. The group performed together in Choralaires and the new Songwriting class the year prior. “We didn’t really decide we were going to be a band until a couple weeks before we performed,” Seitz said. “We were like, ‘Let’s be a band!’” What started as a one-time only performance, spiraled into the creation of the band, Remember June, with Stemme and Makinson playing guitar, Page playing ukulele and piano, Seitz playing guitar and piano, and all four singing. “We used the word “June” because June was the month we started the band in and we just thought, ‘Remember when we started the
band in June?’” “We do a lot of Page said. The group harmony songs has had one that tend to be gig which took more upbeat but place at The Scoop on July we’ll do slower 18 and drew a large crowd. songs, too. It’s Around 40 kind of a mix of people came everything.” to watch the performance, - Emma Page, 11 mostly friends and family. “It was really, really fun and I was blown away by the amount of people that came out,” Stemme said. “People were so nice. It was kind of mind blowing.” They sang a variety of songs ranging from pop to Indie. “We do a lot of harmony songs that tend to be more upbeat but we’ll do slower songs, too,” Page said. “It’s kind of a mix of everything.” Some of their favorites to perform are “Adore You” by Harry Styles, “Still Intø Yøu” by Paramore, and much to the group’s surprise, “She’s So Gone,” sung by Naomi Scott in Disney’s Lemonade Mouth. “We started playing that song a week, or maybe two weeks, before our performance,” Stemme said. “Someone suggested it and we started playing it and we loved it.”
Remember June band members pose together on Zionsville’s Main Street. photo provided by Emma Page
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While the group rehearsed rigorously before their first performance, they marveled at the songs they threw together spontaneously. “The ones we add last minute, turn out to be the best,” Seitz said. The group gathers twice a week to rehearse and plan for future gigs. “At our last performance, we didn’t really know what we wanted to perform yet, we just threw out songs that we liked,” Stemme said. “For our next gig, we’re wanting to move into songs with drums and other instruments.” On top of trying out new genres of music, the group is planning on singing originals in the future. “Since we were all in Songwriting together, we all have “Since we were writing backgrounds,” Page all in Songwritsaid. ing together, we “We’ve done some origiall have writing nals and we’re working on some backgrounds. more originals We’ve done for later gigs.” They hope to some originals perform again at and we’re workThe Scoop and at other locations ing on some like Cobblestone more originals Grill, Books and Brews, and Clay for later gigs.” Terrace. - Emma Page, 11 “I feel like we’re a friend group now,” Seitz said laughing. “We were friends, but not super close, so [in the beginning] I was like ‘What the heck? Why are they asking me to do this?’ But now we’re all close.”
Grégoire (left) and Kiekbusch (right) perform with the rest of The Papercuts Band at Brickstreet in July. photo provided by The Papercuts.
THE PAPERCUTS What started as a way to fill time during quarantine, grew into a successful band that has performed over five gigs since May. The Papercuts was formed by juniors Ben Larsen, Peter Jalaie, Ronin Kiekbusch, Roméo Grégoire and senior Evan Emsley, all of whom have a variety of musical talents. “Basically, we all sing and play back up instruments,” Kiekbusch said. Grégoire acts as main vocalist, while the rest act as back up singers and play instruments; Larson as pianist, Kiekbusch and Emsley with the guitar, and Jalaie on the drums. “We’ve been a band, basically since quarantine started,” Grégoire said. “It all started with Mr. Jalaie, Peter’s dad. He invited Peter to play at one of the gigs he usually plays.” From first performing with Bob Jalaie, the group moved on to form their own band and named themselves “The Papercuts.” “It’s just a fun, little, catchy, high school band name,” Larsen said. Their first gig took place in the backyard of the Larsens. From there, they booked and played multiple gigs throughout the summer including a graduation party, a restaurant on Main Street, and they even had a “failed” performance at The Scoop. “We played about three songs before it
started pouring rain all over us,” Kiekbusch said. “We had the entire set that we had just made about 30 The Papercuts perform on their stage at Azionaqua. photo minutes earlier, and had to pack it provided by The Papercuts. into a bunch of cars.” Their next performance was on They even sang songs that they had written July 23 for Zionsville’s Night on the Bricks. themselves. The group agrees that this gig was one of “We’ve done five originals in total,” Kiektheir best. busch said. “Everybody here writes so we have “We had a little set up on the sidewalk and some songs and we decide, ‘We all really like a lot of people came and watched, Kiekbusch that song that you wrote, so let’s do that.’” said. “We got a lot of new fans, I think, from While much of the Papercuts’ success that gig.” can be accredited to their musical talent, the Some of their new fans were singers from members can’t thank Bob Jalaie, Peter’s dad, the band Remember June. enough for his support. “I think we’ve all gone to multiple of the “He’s basically the CEO,” Kiekbusch said, Papercuts’ gigs because they’re so good,” Fran- laughing. ces Stemme said. “I can’t say enough good Even though Emsley will be graduating in things about them; they’re amazing.” the spring, the Papercuts hope to stay a band Support for the group grew when they for as long as they can. performed at Azionaqua on July 30. “My hope and dream is that Evan has to “That was probably our biggest gig, in take a Super-Senior year while we’re all in terms of people that showed up to see us,” our senior years so we can remain a band,” Kiekbusch said. “Probably around 400 peoKiekbusch said. ple came.” Follow them on Instagram: At their Azionaqua performance, The Remember June: @rememberjunee Papercuts played music ranging from classic The Papercuts: @thepapercutsband rock, like The Beatles, to more recent artists, like John Mayer and Rex Orange County.
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Burnt Out As junior Iris Bailey plans out her week, she takes note of all of her upcoming quizzes and tests. Some weeks, multiple tests or quizzes occur in different classes at the same time. With the long hours of studying, these are the times that Bailey begins to lose motivation. Like Bailey, it is easy for many students to lose motivation and for frustration and procrastination to take over. This negative reaction to the onset of more and more school work is known as academic burnout. Here’s how to stop it. By Rachel Shultz, Print Editor
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ophomore Janelle Macler is another of the many students who struggle with academic burnout. “After a couple months of school, it’s just more of the same things and the fresh excitement of the new year wears off,” Macler said. According to a poll on the Harbinger’s Instagram, burnout is hitting students especially hard this year, with the new combination of online and in person classes. “A lot is expected of you,” Michelle Gambs, psychotherapist and parenting coach, said. “It is my belief that the expectations of teenagers are extreme in 2020, without a pandemic, much less with one.” With each day bringing unexpected challenges for both students and teachers, the workload seems different than previous years. “Generally, in the spring I would feel burnt out, but due to Covid I think it started much earlier than normal and I already feel a lack of motivation,” Sydney Taylor, sophomore said. “With the academic pressure it’s hard to maintain the high level of motivation expected.” It can be difficult knowing that breaks seem far away. “In September, the school work is harder and more time-consuming than the work in August, so it is less fun and interesting to do,” Bailey said. “It’s also hard to stay motivated in the middle of September when fall break is so far away.” When school work piles up, students may find themselves sacrificing free time for more enjoyable activities. “I think the pressures that [you all] are under are pretty extreme,” Gambs said. “What you don’t see ahead of you is what college will be like. It won’t be eight classes a day, followed by practice for a few hours, followed by homework until 11 o’clock. It won’t be like that.” While burnout is a challenge for most students at some point, there are ways to encourage motivation. “I take a step back and look at what I’ve dealt with this year or the last so far,” senior Sam Clayton said. “Knowing I’ve made it through worse, it tends to put what’s in front of me into perspective.” Making sure to stay social and make time for friends can also increase motivation. “To motivate myself, I talk to my friends and family and reduce distractions so I can focus,” Macler said. Setting aside specific time to do other hobbies can help students regain motivation. “I stay organized and try to look forward
By the Numbers 78% 35% 61%
to upcoming Statistics from the Center for Disease breaks,” Taylor Control, PEW Research Center, said. “I also Challenge Success, the American Psychological Association, and New try and give York University myself time to do other things to help reset my mind and motivate myself again.” Gambs agrees that it is important of teens are under of teens to take time don’t get of students do nothing to a lot of pressure to throughout the get good grades enough sleep manage their stress day to do the activities that you enjoy. “If you like of high to go fishing, schoolers describe themselves go fishing. If as often or always stressed by you like to go running, school work go running,” Gambs said. “It’s a balance of work and of students are of students do play. It’s not worried about 3 or more hours just avoiding is the average stress being accepted of homework work.” score of a teen into college every night When feeling burnt out, account,” Gambs said. “There needs to be it can be easy things put in if you expect things to come for students to brush off assignments and out.” procrastinate on completing the work. Activities such as breathing exercises and “When you’re at the place of making a meditation can help students calm down and decision, I would encourage you to think recenter themselves to find new motivation. through how you feel with each alternative,” “Breathing in and out three times out of Gambs said. “How will I feel if I go with A? your nose will calm the sympathetic nervous How will I feel if I go with B? Be honest with system,” Gambs said. “If you breathe in and yourself, and feel that instead of run from it. out through your mouth, it will activate the Take a minute to just ask yourself that quessympathetic nervous system, and it’s fight or tion, and be in those feelings, because they’re flight.” instructive.” Especially with the new challenges of this If motivation is harder to come by, set school year, staying motivated and engaged in goals, and reward meeting them. school is important. “To motivate myself, I try to think about “The whole world is in a crisis right now, how good and proud of myself I will feel at but when you’re in a crisis, its paramount to the end of the school year if I work hard,” take care of yourself,” Gambs said. Bailey said. Students who keep a positive mentality Sometimes, I treat myself by getting a special and give themselves the breaks they need meal out or a new piece of clothing if I work are well on their way to beating academic hard.” burnout. Gambs has coined the term “exquisite “It’s doing whatever those kind things care” to describe the way one should treat are for yourself that you enjoy, if you expect oneself. This includes being kind and gentle yourself to perform and give out,” Gambs to yourself, sleeping well, and eating healthy said. “Be kind to yourself in the words that food. you say in your head.” “Think of it like a gas tank or a bank
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feature 11
f Ali
si Was
with
Q &A
Photo provided by Wassif Ali
By Jake Young, Guest Reporter
Q: What is it exactly that you do with your music? A: I work with samples. I’ll go to YouTube or something, and I’ll look for stuff that, hasn’t really been heard before, or it’s just really obscure. I’ll take that and put that in my software. I’ll to make it into something that is quite different from the original piece. And then I’ll just add whatever I think needs to be added, whether it be drums or a baseline or extra random things on top that I think might sound good, regardless of what instrument it is.
Q: What type of music do you make? A: I would say, when I started out, it was more, I guess hip hop influenced. Definitely a lot of lo fi hip hop, influenced, that was the type of stuff I was making. I was like 13 or 14. But now it’s a lot more like electronic I would say. It’s more like ambient music.
Q: When did you make your first beat? A: I’ve been messing around with recording software since I was nine or 10, but they weren’t really just songs they were more like a recording experiments. I would just record myself. I would take my laptop and using the really bad built in microphone, I would record myself banging on weird things. And then I just put it into Audacity
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or something. It wouldn’t sound good, but I just thought it was fun to record this thing and then put this effect on it and then layer them all together.
Q: Who or what inspired you to start making music? A: So before I started making beats I had I listened to a lot of 90s rock music if I’m being honest, a lot of Boomer music, and then I got into Radiohead when I was 11 or 12. And that kind of, opened my mind up to different types of music that weren’t just rock music. It wasn’t just guitar, drums, bass, vocals. They made music with rock elements, but they also brought in various electronics and a bunch of weird instruments. I really liked that. And then that kind of inspired me to start looking for more electronic or hip hop influenced artists.
Hip Hop,” which was I think two years ago at this point. They have a YouTube channel and they also run a little blog. I submitted one of my EP’s for one segment that they had and then I got put on their blog. And I was on a couple radio shows, which is kind of trippy.
Q: How long does the whole process take you? A: Sometimes it will be an hour, sometimes it will be a week. It just really depends on the song. If it’s really simple or I’m really inspired that day, it is a really fast process. If I get in that flow state where I knock ideas out really fast, it’ll be within a couple hours. Sometimes the song is really complicated or I’m just not feeling it that day. It could take a really long time to finish the song. One of the tracks of my upcoming album took me I think 10 months to finish.
Q: How often do you make music? A: I try to make something once a day, regardless if it’ll go on a project of mine, I’ll just try to make something.
Q: What new experiences have you had that you wouldn’t have had if you didn’t start making music? A: I’ve had a couple of new experiences. I’ve been in one publication called “Dead End
Follow Wassif on: Twitter & Instagram @abstrctprjxns Spotify & Apple Music @Abstract Projections Soundcloud & Bandcamp @abstrctprjxns
Halloween & Quarantine
By Mary Demarco, Opinion Editor
H
alloween might not look the same as it has in previous years. Due to COVID-19 and social distancing, the regular traditions leading up to Halloween may have to be post-poned for another year or changed in order to stay safe. Here are a few options instead.
Pumpkin Patches and Apple Orchards To stay safe, it might not be the best idea to go to crowded pumpkin patches or apple orchards this year. “Usually I go to the apple orchard, going to pick out pumpkins and carving them is something I also enjoy,” sophomore Lexi Podgers said. Instead, buy pumpkins from local markets or stores and have
pumpkin carving contests. See who in your friend group or family can make the best jack-o-lantern. If they aren’t immediate family, share pictures of your pumpkins and vote on who’s pumpkin is the best. You could also indulge in caramel apples and apple cider to make up for the lack of apple orchard visits.
Haunted Houses Physically you might not be able to go to haunted houses and experience jump scares this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get the same feeling from something else. Scary movies are a great substitute. “The Shining”, “Poltergeist”, “Frankenstein”, and “IT” are all classic horror movies. If you’re looking for more cheerful Halloween movies, some
recommendations are “Hocus Pocus”, “The Nightmare before Christmas”, “Ghostbusters”, “The Addams Family”, “Beetlejuice”, and “Halloween Town.” “I’m probably just going to wear my pajamas, eat my candy, and watch Harry Potter all night,” sophomore Maddie Dohm said.
Trick or Treating Halloween revolves around trick or treating, so what will we do this year? Trick or treating may not be an option this year but, organized trunk or treating with a few neighbors may be an option. Trunk or treating is where a small group of people get together like they would if they were for trick or treaters and then open up the trunk of their car for a few people to trick or treat. People who
decide to trick or treat, could incorporate masks into their costumes by dressing as ninjas or doctors, for instance. You could also try and decorate your masks to go along with your costumes. “I think people will leave out candy and there will be more superhero costumes or costumes that incorporate masks,” sophomore Jasmine McKinnon said.
Candy and Treats Something that won’t change due to COVID-19 are the Halloween treats. We all need some decadence in our lives so don’t feel bad about if you need to go out and buy Halloween candy at the grocery store! This is a time where most people take the opportunity to eat as much chocolate and sweets as possible. One idea you could try is Rice Krispy Treats. These are very fun because you can shape them! Averie Clark and Reagan Daugherty, sophomores in costume. “I love Halloween because you get to dress up with your friends and have a great time,” Clark said. photo provided by Averie Clark
You could turn them into ghosts and add icing eyes. Just imagine baking these treats with fun Halloween music in the background and a glass of apple cider. We also can’t forget about a classic mug of hot chocolate. This delicious drink could honestly be made any time you want but during Halloween, they’re for sure a staple.
Grace Noble, sophomore posing with decoration. “My plans are to chill at home with my family and watch Halloween movies, or to go to a social distanced party with friends,” Noble said. photo provided by Grace Noble
Kendyl Eber, sophomore shopping for her 2020 Halloween costume, “I’m going to be sleeping and watching movies this Halloween,” Eber said. photo provided by Kendyl Eber.
student life 13
By
HAND
Creative Zionsville students cash in on their artistic talents By Brooklyn Brown, Staff
Rumbaoa Creates Commissioned Art “I like to draw people,” sophomore
Jada Rumbaoa said.
Rumbaoa turned a passion for art into income three years ago when Rumbaoa started to take commissions. “I tend to stick to local commissions.” Rumbaoa said. Customers interested in buying art message Rumbaoa, who prefers gender neutral pronouns, through their Insta@rumbaoa.art. The cus“You will gram, tomer decides on their preferred meet a lot medium, canvas size, and any details. of people additional “The biggest struggle in selling that will be art would most likely be people me to not want them to unreason- expecting pay.” Rumbaoa said. Rumbaoa once sold a traable and ditional 12x12 pastel piece of a you just mountain lion for $110. Their have to cheapest sketch sold for just $20. with the price flexibility persevere Even some people try to get by without through it.” paying. Selling art is “like a part job” for Rumbaoa, so they -Jada time need a steady income . Rumbaoa, “I always try to assure [custombefore I start working that I 10 ers] need to be paid.” Rumbaoa said. Selling art isn’t always easy and can take a lot of “time and patience” according to Rumbaoa. When facing demand-
14 student life
ing clients Rumbaoa thinks it’s important to “stand your ground.” “You will meet a lot of people that will be unreasonable, and you just have to persevere through it,” Rumbaoa said. Even with challenges, Rumbaoa enjoys many parts of their work. They likes making new artist friends online or in person and think “it makes it worth it”. “I have fun whenever I do my projects and I have fun meeting new people,” Rumbaoa said.
“The biggest struggle in selling art would most likely be people expecting me to not want them to pay.” -Jada Rumbaoa, 10
photo and artwork provided by Jada Rumbaoa
Money from Mehndi Seleena Baig has Senior
been doing henna, also known as mehndi, since 5th grade. She began by practicing with her family and friends. “I started out with just doodling designs on paper and post-it notes, then eventually moved onto actually making henna designs on myself.” Baig said. Now she sells her artistic services for birthdays and other events through her Instagram, @mehndibyseleena. She charges based on the amount of detail client’s want. For smaller, less time consuming designs, she charges $5 to $10, and for more time consuming designs she charges $15 to 20. “The main struggle I face usually is the learning process of new designs.” Baig said. She usually freestyles her designs once she has an idea of what her customer wants. She
often finds that it can be challenging creating something the client likes along with what demonstrates her artistic “capability”. “Don’t try to create things that only benefit others, start with yourself,” Baig said. She thinks that art is up for interpretation, and that it’s important for young artists to know that “not everyone is going to like [your work]”. “I would say the first step into selling any type of art that is your own would be to think to yourself, ‘does this represent me?’” Baig said.
“I would say the first step into selling any type of art that is your own would be to think to yourself, ‘does this represent me?’” -Seleena Baig, 12
Price is on Etsy Abbey Price Senior
created her Etsy shop in eighth grade and rebranded last year to Abbo Dabbo Design. “When I first started I didn’t think that anything was going to sell,” Price said. Using Photoshop and illustrator on her iPad Pro, she creates designs for decorative stickers and Apple watch pins. “Then I send them into a manufacturer, and I give them all the details; the colors I want and glitter,” Price said. After her order is placed, it goes into
production for three weeks before they send her the product. Her interest in creating this type of art was sparked on one of her family’s routine Disney trips. “When I was [at Disney] I noticed these little charms that they had to go on your Apple watch, I thought they were super cute but they didn’t have a lot of designs, ” Price said. She decided to solve that problem and make more designs herself. She utilizes Etsy and other social media platforms to sell her work. “The biggest struggles have been keeping up with a social media following,” Price said. Social media is a big part of her sales so she has a regular posting schedule on her Instagram, @abbodabbodesign. Price thinks it’s important to “have confidence in your work.” . “If you put yourself out there and you take a lot of time to really build your brand then you’ll definitely be successful.” Price said.
“ When I was [at Disney] I noticed these little charms that they had to go on your Apple watch, I thought they were super cute but they didn’t have a lot of designs.” -Abbey Price, 12
photos provided by Abbey Price
student life 15
Hybrid vs. At Home Comparing which is better; at home or in person-
Which is better: at home or inperson learning? photo by Sarah Maniscalo
By Sarah Maniscalo, Staff ionsville Community High School is divided between remote and in-person learning; not only physically, but figuratively. Students across the district have been forced to evaluate and reevaluate their priorities in this unprecedented time. Is social and mental health or physical health more important? Will students still receive a good education, regardless of location? Is it even safe to go to school? Opinions vary across the spectrum on which option is best. Iris Bailey, junior, is participating in the hybrid and now in-person schedule. She chose that option to maintain the social aspect of school in her life. “It was important for me especially to be with other people,” Bailey said. “With how last semester ended, it made me realize how much I missed being able to talk to my friends and see them almost every day.” Kendyl Eber, sophomore, said. A small percentage of the student body chose the remote-learning option for the fall semester of the 2020-2021 school year. Within the total ZCHS student population of 2163 students, approximately 7 percent started off the school year completely virtual. When deciding, it was an obvious choice for many – just go back to school! For others, it involved more contemplation. Tara Harmon, senior, switched to remote learning after the start of school. “I chose it after the first day of classes when I realized how accessible things were to students online.” Harmon said, “I was always nervous about going back into school just because of the health and safety for me and my family. I just wanted to be as safe as possible.” The staff has done their best in this un-
Z
16 opinion
precedented situation. Most remote learners, like Harmon, feel involved in class. “Teachers are doing a really good job of keeping everything accessible to students. I think Zooms are going really well,” Harmon said. “It’s pretty easy to keep up with what the teachers have posted, and the lessons they have.” As the school community has grown more accustomed to a “new normal,” the student population is split between two perspectives, with the teachers working more to ensure every student receives a quality education. Students in the classroom feel their class-time involvement is more limited than in years prior. “It’s kind of frustrating to be in school and have the people on Zoom at home, because the teachers really try to teach the same curriculum. So, there’s a lot of focus on getting the kids at home where they need to be,” Bailey said. For some students, the choice was clear. “I chose [remote learning] because I feel like it’s much safer. Rather than have to risk getting Covid-19 every day, it’s within the safety of my own home.” Chris Ellsworth, junior During a global pandemic, remote learning is the most practical option to prevent to spread of Covid-19, but I believe the decision is entirely case-by-case. “We always have to be very open-minded and considerate during this time. Everyone has different beliefs and different precautions they need to be taking,” Harmon said. “I think it’s really important not to judge the decisions of others…. Everyone is coming from a different circumstance and a different mindset.” The in-person schedule gives students
something that remote learning cannot: social time. Whether it’s talking to ones’ friends or simply sitting in a class with peers, the in-person classes provide social interaction. “It’s better to interact with your teachers and peers in person, while staying safe, obviously.” Lilly Bass, sophomore, said. “I know some people who mentally need the social aspect, myself included,” Alli Domogalik, junior, said, “My mental health can be rocky like most teenagers, and being social and with friends is honestly what helps me do better in school.” Everyone is craving normalcy during these uncertain times. Dana Irizarry, freshmen, chose the in-person sched“With how ule for that very last semesreason. “I wanted as ter ended, much ‘normal’ as it made possible,” Irizarry me realize said. The importance how much I of mental health is crucial, but the missed being significance of able to talk to physical health my friends.” during this time - Kendyl Eber, should not be undermined. In 11 the middle of a global pandemic, everyone needs to take individual steps to do what is best for themselves and their families. This is an unprecedented time and there is no “right” or “wrong.”
MASK ON MASK OFF
W
hen Ava Bankert, freshman, is shopping for the latest accessory, the face mask of course, she isn’t just looking for one that will protect her from contracting Covid,. This is important, however, Bankert is looking for one with style. During these trying times finding a little bit of style is exactly what everyone needs. By Kailey Wallenius, News & Sports Editor Masks are sold in different shapes, like the ones that mold to your head, or the ones that form a bubble around the nose and mouth.
There are not many types of nose pieces, but having one helps prevent glasses from fogging.
Different kinds of straps include adjustable, elastic, and cotton straps, choosing the most comfortable will help with irritation around the head.
Picking a material that best fits you will not only be more comfortable, but can also give you more style.
BANDANAS / GATORS
DISPOSABLE
WASHABLE COTTON
While these “masks” are considered the most comfortable, as they do not have ear straps, the CDC has stated that they do not block all of the respiratory droplets that the other masks do. However, they are comfortable on the mouth and nose and come in many different color and styles. They are also easy to wash, and to remove. Although they can look a little strange when you wear them, and they give your face a bit of a weird look, and are uncomfortable to tie around the back.
These masks are the original face masks that many doctors and other medical professionals wore before the pandemic began. They are comfortable, have the wire that bends over your nose so it actually works, fits well on the wearers face and head, and are easy to take on and off. However, they are bad for the earth, as they are disposable, the blue color clashes with most outfits, and the pleats might irritate your skin.“The classic blue medical masks [that] doctors wear look the worst,” sophomore Addison Echeveria said.
Cotton or other material masks are some of the most common. They come in many styles, which are available at many stores like Old Navy and Target, are comfortable to wear, easy to take on and off, and there are options to get adjustable straps. However, some of the materials might be difficult to breathe in, and these can be tight on the ears if the straps are not adjustable. There are even masks available to purchase with the school logo on them. “I wear a cloth mask with the school logo on it,” junior Will Reinhart said. “I like the cloth material more because it feels more comfortable around my face.”
opinion 17
continuingon By Becka Bash, Feature Editor
W
hether they are played in the gym, the pool, on the course, or anywhere else, something a vast majority of high school sports have in common is the ability to play them at the collegiate level. Many students at ZCHS in the past have gone on to play for colleges and that trend is not slowing down this year at all. Across the school students have been working on finding the perfect school for them to play for when they start college.
Lauren Kaltenmark
Senior Lauren Kaltenmark swings her club at a golf meet. photo by Kailee Rockers
18 sports
Senior Lauren Kaltenmark has been golfing since middle school, when she was on the Zionsville West Middle School girls golf team. When she got to high school, she started her golf career as a freshman playing on the varsity team. The team went on to win state the year she joined and were the runner ups her sophomore year. “Golf is a way to escape from school and life and for me to have fun with the people I play with and it’s a way to meet new people and see new places,” Kaltenmark said. Kaltenmark is planning on continuing her golf career in college and has been going through the recruitment process. She started last fall by talking to colleges about things like her golf swing and GPA, as well as the schools they coach at, so she could begin learning about her different options for schools. Her recruitment process has been changed though as a result of the pandemic. “It’s just been different in the sense I can’t visit the colleges or get to meet coaches, but I can still email them and communicate via zooms, text, etc.. but it’s hard to actually get
Lauren Kaltenmark, senior, bundles up to practice her golf swings. photo provided by Lauren Kaltenmark
a grasp on the school when you can’t actually visit,” Kaltenmark said. Students across the country are affected by the “dead period” in which students cannot meet with coaches face to face, only on zoom or through messages. “The NCAA D1 council just extended its recruiting dead period through Sept. 30 which pushes the ability for recruits to visit college campuses in official or unofficial manners for at least another month. The dead period has been in place since the NCAA announced the cancellation of winter sports championships last March,” Athletic Director Greg Schellhase said. As a result, people have had to work to change methods of recruitment. “Coaches are relying more on scouting services, video highlights, social media and game film more than ever before,” Schellhase said. “It is more important than ever that our high school student-athletes are proactive in selling themselves and putting together skills videos that highlight their abilities and workouts in their respective sport.” So far, Kaltenmark’s favorite school has been SCAD because she thought the team seemed very connected and had a positive energy that she really liked. “The important thing for me in a school is first the program I’m looking for. I want to go to a school that would best fit my program and will help me be successful once I graduate college. Then I look at the team and the coaches to make sure it’s a good fit for me,” Kaltenmark said. Kaltenmark hasn’t yet selected a school to attend in the fall, but is on the hunt and excited to start her golf career in college. “I am most excited to be a part of a new team with amazing girls and to also play new courses as well,” Kaltenmark said.
Elyse Heiser
Senior Elyse Heiser proudly poses with her Indiana University sweatshirt. photo provided by Elyse Heiser
Katey Richason
Senior Katey Richason shows which college she is going to next year. photo provided by Katey Richason
Elyse Heiser started her swim career as a six year old on an Azionaqua swim team. She joined the Zionsville Swim Club two years later and has been at Zionsville swimming ever since. “Swim means everything to me. I have had the best and worst moments of my life through swimming. I’ve met my best friends through this sport and it has greatly impacted my life. Swimming has given me so much in my life,” Heiser said. In her junior year, Heiser was able to verbally commit to Indiana University to further her swim career and will officially be signing on October 17 of this year. Her recruiting process began in June following her sophomore year when she was contacted by school to talk about their programs. “I talked with around 10 schools I was interested in but then narrowed them down to instate schools because I figured out in the process that I wanted to stay closer to home. After visiting Purdue, Notre Dame, and IU, I had finally found a team that felt like family and a campus that felt like home, at IU,” Heiser said. As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Heiser wasn’t able to get to the pool the past few months the way she has been used to. “I amped up my weight training and
physically got stronger but mentally I wasn’t doing too well. Not being able to swim was really tough on me because it’s the one thing I could do that didn’t cause much stress in my life,” Heiser said. Heiser is looking forward to starting her career at IU in the fall of 2021. “I am most excited to have a team that I can call a family,” Heiser said. “I’m so excited to go through tough practices and weight training with my teammates but also have the bonding experiences that I know will make these people my friends for the rest of my life.”
Katey Richason’s recruitment process started when she was in eighth grade, and she verbally committed to Miami University last year in the fall. She will begin attending in fall of 2021. Richason said many factors go into choosing a college as an athlete, including your major, the campus, school population, opinions of former players, and the coaches. “Deciding on your future as a junior in high school is tough, but it really comes down to the team chemistry because you are going to be spending 90% of your time with them,” Richason said. Since Richason had already been recruited and had verbally committed last fall, her recruitment process was luckily not affected by Covid. “The recruitment process is pretty much in the athletes’ hands for girls basketball players from the beginning all the way until Sept. 1 of your junior year when the college coaches can call you back,” Richason said. It’s a very stressful process in the beginning when you’re learning.” Richason started playing basketball when she was in second grade.
“I knew it was the sport for me because I was always taller than my teammates. That helps a lot for a basketball player,” Richason said. “Once I started high school I definitely knew I wanted to continue because I enjoyed it so much and I saw my sister go through it as well.”
Senior Elyse Heiser attends a swim practice in October of 2019. photo by Payton Burney
Katey Richason, senior, dribbles the basketball during a game in December 2019. photo by Ethan Moore
sports 18
ZCHS Moments
Show Choir Camp
Presley Beck, 12, practices a dance during Royalaires camp, which took place on July 24, 25, 28, and 29. “We have to wear masks while we sing and dance, which makes it very challenging, but I still enjoy being able to have the opportunity to perform with my friends,” Beck said. photo by Ruth Cronin
Marching Eagles Drum Line
Alex Fulkerson, 12, Tyler Barnett, 11, and Ian Hedger, 12, perform their show during the football game on Aug. 28. “I was pretty disappointed when I found our that we would not be having a competition season this year. It is a lot less motivating without competitions, but we still need to get better for next year,” Barnett said. photo by Logan Seiler
Homecoming Court
Standing with her parents, Lindsey Fletcher, 12, cries after being crowned Homecoming Queen. photo by Ruth Cronin
Boys Soccer
In the varsity soccer game against Avon on Sept. 19, Charlie Wagner, 12, circles the ball. “We are very thankful to have a season right now, and are doing our best to make the most out of it,” Wagner said. photo by Elizabeth Rexing
Powder Throw
The ZCHS student section organizes a powder throw during halftime of the Homecoming football game against Noblesville on Sept. 18. photo by Logan Seiler