Issuu

HARBINGER

the

Zionsville Community High School

December 2023 Vol. 57, Issue 3

Inside Intramurals pg. 16

Also Inside

Trailblazing Teammate pg. 10

Harbinger’s Gift Guide pg. 14

15 Years of “Twilight” pg. 21

Note from the Editor

I 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

n early November, the Harbinger staff attended a national journalism convention in Boston with the hope of finding new ways to improve our magazine. One of our biggest goals this year is to expand our coverage of the student body, and while we are constantly working toward that goal, this trip in particular was a big step for us. We attended three days of sessions, covering topics from writing to design to leadership, gaining new insights from each one. But the lessons I learned aren’t just helpful for journalists—some apply to our whole school. First, be okay with making mistakes. Part of the convention was a critique of the magazines we’ve created so far this year, and while we had positive feedback, we were also given areas to improve on. We learned so much from the experience. Recognizing mistakes and looking back to improve your work is the only way to truly progress. The second: everyone has a story to be told. And while we as journalists work to find and tell those important stories, you can find those stories, too. Ask your classmates how they’re doing, check in on your teammates or the people in your club, and listen to what they tell you. What stuck with me most is that we are leaving behind a legacy. And that goes not only for me and the Harbinger staff, but for the rest of the school as well. My legacy will hopefully be a magazine that continues to tell stories and shed light on issues important to students, and a staff that is prepared for the next few years. Take a few moments to think: what will your legacy be?

Editorial Find a way to pay attention to politics With our own lives feeling complicated and overwhelming at times, it can be intimidating to hear about political issues without a clear way to educate yourself about the topic. Considering that many of us are close to being able to vote in elections, it’s crucial at this stage to slowly but surely start learning about the government and its politics. An easy way to start learning the basics of politics is to join a school club or community organization. Unfortunately, several political clubs from years past are no longer active. Still, there are many clubs that focus on specific issues and topics often discussed in the political world. The Speech and Debate club (pg. 12), while not aligned with any one political side or issue, focuses on being able to better articulate opinions and discuss with others. Joining clubs like these allow for a sense of comfort; being able to talk about politics and current issues with peers can make what seems intimidating easier to discuss. Joining clubs to discuss politics may not be for everyone. Tune into the news on your own time and learn from there. With an immense amount of turmoil in the world, such as the conflict in Gaza (pg. 4), it is beneficial to start learning how the government handles crises and conflict. As a staff, it’s important for The Harbinger to be able to show students how the news affects us. And as an individual, it’s important that you educate yourself on politcal issues and current events so that you can be a part of the conversation, too. 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

Close to Home

Shutdown Rundown

The Boys are Back

Inside Intramurals

14 Harbinger’s Gift Guide

Trailblazing Teammate

16 Perfect Placement

Skating Solo

Cover: Senior Alex Champa warms up for the intraumural volleyball tournament on Nov. 20. Photo by Matthew Orbaugh

12 A Bigger Conversation

18 Full STEAM Ahead

13 The Balancing Act

19 15 Years of Twilight

Home for the Holidays

20 Letterboxd is Life 21 Cover Controversy 22 Student Survey 24 Harb Highlights 3

Close to Home Israel-Hamas war affects Indy-area residents

By Adanna Mbanu, Editor-in-Chief iolent bloodshed has been an extremely prevalent subject in the Middle East over the last couple of months as a historical conflict bubbled over into a war between Israel and Hamas, the militant group that governs Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip. As both sides power through what may be an elongated period of fighting, many Americans are being pulled ideologically into the conflict as well. On Oct. 7, Hamas militants led a highly organized and unprecedented attack on the country of Israel. Within this attack, Hamas was able to overtake the Israeli military using drone technology, killing over 1200 people and capturing at least 200 hostages, according to Reuters. As of Nov. 29, according to The Associated Press, the death toll in Gaza after Israeli military strikes has exceeded 14,500. With the Israel-Hamas war becoming “the deadliest and most destructive of the five wars fought between the sides since Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip in 2007,” according to AP News, many wonder when, or if, there will be an end in sight. Although the war continues to affect those living in the center of violence, Indy-area residents with connections to the region are affected as well. An Arab student, who prefers to stay anonymous due to privacy reasons, says that their family is constantly worried about what will come next. “My family, especially on my dad’s side, have been very stressed and fearful since we have friends and family in Palestine and surrounding countries,” the anonymous student said. “Whenever I go home, it’s all I hear about on the news and on the phone. We haven’t really had a normal conversation in our family since that happened; it’s all that we talk about.” Yaniv Shmukler, Program Associate for the Jewish Community Relations Council for the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, has also been personally affected by

4 News

the war. community in Palestine. “I was born This created a mass “I was born and raised and raised in conflict due to the fact in Israel, and many of my Israel, and many that both the Arab friends and relatives live of my friends and community and Jewish there. Most of my family relatives live there,” community wanted to in Israel lives in a city Shmukler said. claim the land as their “Most of my famown. From the 1920s that is constantly tarily in Israel lives to the 1940s, the Jewish geted by rockets. I also in a city that is community rapidly know people who were constantly targeted increased after World War murdered or taken as by rockets. I also ll, which created even hostages on Oct. 7.” know people who more conflict between were murdered or the two communities. In - Yaniv Shmukler, taken as hostages 1947, the United Nations Program Associate for on Oct. 7.” voted for Palestine to be the Jewish Community Social Studies split between Arab and Relations Council teacher Jeff AnJewish communities, derson has made although the plan was an effort to spread rejected by Arab leaders. awareness and information on the war in Because of this long standing disagreehis Current Events and AP World History ment on which community has the rights to classes. Anderson taught the foundations the land, conflict has continued to this day, of the subject in AP World History, and often centering around Gaza. educated his Current Events class on the war In Indiana and neighboring states, there for two weeks. have been multiple protests in support of “Sadly, this has been a conflict that has both sides of the conflict. Specifically in been going on for decades and does not have Indianapolis over the past two months, proa resolution in sight,” Anderson said. “The testers have gathered in Monument Circle history behind the conflict is incredibly calling for ceasefires. complex and there aren’t any easy answers The anonymous student interviewed said or solutions. The current situation is about that these protests personally make their a response to an act of terror and that refamily weary. sponse is very harsh. As is usually the case in “We’re trying to avoid going near protests terror attacks, the terrorists themselves have because there’s been Palestinian people in no regard for civilian life and are willing to cities like Chicago who are being killed,” sacrifice innocent lives for their cause.” they said. “We don’t want to be near that The history of this conflict dates back kind of group so we don’t also get hurt.” to 1922, when Britain took control over Along with organizing protests in order what today is known as Palestine after the to raise awareness for the Jewish community, defeat of the Ottoman Empire. As a result, Shmukler has assisted the Jewish Foundathe territory was inhabited by both Arab tion of Greater Indianapolis in arranging and Jewish communities. As time went on, events to spread awareness of the war. tensions between these communities began “Immediately after news broke of the to flare up as the United Kingdom was given Hamas attack on Oct. 7, the Jewish Fedthe task to create a safe haven for the Jewish eration of Greater Indianapolis and the

Protesters gather at Monument Circle on Nov. 18, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Photos by Adanna Mbanu Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council began to organize a solidarity gathering, which took place on Oct. 9,” Shmukler said. “Beyond the gathering, we have been working tirelessly to provide ongoing support. This includes organizing educational events, offering spaces for Jewish teens and young adults to engage in conversation, and disseminating resources to help community members navigate the complexities of the conflict.” In order to spread awareness, users on numerous social media platforms, mostly Instagram, have been making an effort to spread awareness of the conflict through reposting helpful materials. But because of this, hateful messages have also been circulating. “One time, this guy sent me a DM [on

Instagram],” the anonymous student said. “I don’t know who he was or where he came from, but he messaged me saying that all Arabs should die and that we’re all terrorists. I just ended up blocking him because it was really odd.” Becoming educated on the history of the conflict is crucial to be able to understand its present day effects. “I feel like that could make people understand more of what’s happening, and not just jumping to conclusions saying that Hamas is a terrorist group or anything like that,” anonymous said. “Also, realizing that there have been multiple Israeli attacks before the ones that have recently been happening.” Although the context of the Israel-Hamas

conflict aren’t taught throughout all of the history classes offered at the school, this conflict exemplifies lessons that continue to be taught in the classroom. “[The conflict] certainly presents themes that recur throughout history that are covered in all of our classes in the social studies department,” Anderson said. Shmukler said it’s important for citizens to gain knowledge about the subject in order to compose an individual perspective. “Anyone who is interested in learning more about the conflict should seek out reputable and diverse sources,” Shmukler said. “This empowers people to form their perspectives based on accurate information, contributing to a well-informed public discourse.”

News 5

SHUTDOWN Rundown Government may shut down in early 2024 if Congress fails to pass budget By Madeline Wilson, Editor-in-Chief

light cancellations and delays, national park closures, and hundreds of thousands of employees furloughed or working without pay are all possibilities with a potential government shutdown early next year. Congress has to pass spending bills each year by Oct. 1 in order to fund the government for the upcoming fiscal year. This year, that didn’t happen. On Sept. 30, Congress passed a bill to continue operations until Nov. 17, at which time a new spending budget would have to pass in order to prevent a shutdown. Instead, another stopgap bill passed in the House on Nov. 14 and was then approved by the Senate and President Biden. While the bill prevented a shutdown, it did not create a new budget. Funding for agriculture, veterans, transportation, housing, and energy programs will expire on Jan. 19, and the rest will expire on Feb. 2. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he would not allow any more temporary measures, which means either the two parties will have to compromise and create a budget, or the government will shut down. “Typically, the government shuts down when one political party controls the White House and a different political party controls one or both chambers of Congress, which is currently the situation,” Allison Tripolitis, who teaches AP Government & Politics, said. “I do worry that it’s going to come to a head again if they can’t figure out a way to compromise.” If the government does shut down, certain effects will certainly be felt in Zionsville. When the government shuts down, essential functions continue as normal but most federal employees are not paid. According to the Department of Homeland Security, “air

traffic controllers and TSA Officers would be required to work without pay—potentially leading to significant delays and longer wait times for travelers at airports across the country.” Tripolitis said she “Typically, the govbelieved ernment shuts down November’s when one political stopgap party controls the measure was White House and a made largely different political to avoid travel party controls one and economic or both chambers disruptions of Congress, which during the is currently the holiday season. situation.” For stu- Allison Tripolitis, dents applysocial studies ing to college teacher this year, a government shutdown could affect their federal aid package. Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, said that processing for Federal Student Aid and Pell Grants should continue mostly unaffected for a few weeks. But if the shutdown lasts longer, these forms of financial aid could be impacted because

they are a part of the federal budget. A government shutdown can also have significant long-term effects, including how the U.S. presents itself on the world stage. “I think we aspire to present a shining example of democracy,” Tripolitis said. “When we can’t function correctly, what message are we sending to the rest of the world about how democracy is supposed to operate?” But no matter if the government shuts down on Jan. 19, Feb. 2, or never, these events are already impacting how the government will function in the future, especially regarding the position of Speaker of the House. The use of stopgap measures to prevent shutdowns could also become more common. “I would not be surprised if this becomes a more common tactic to keep the government running while they try to figure out an official budget,” Tripolitis said. Tripolitis encourages students to start paying more attention to what is happening in the government. “You’re about four years away from really entering the real world,” Tripolitis said. “I think it’s worth just taking a little bit of time out of your day to make sure you understand how our government is operating.” Especially for those who are able to vote or will be able to soon, Tripolitis recommends doing research before voting for their representatives and senators. “We want people in there who are interested in making sure our government is effective,” Tripolitis said. “Consider: is this somebody who you trust to work with other people to make sure that we have a functioning government?” Graphic by Jonah Hunter

The Boys are Back Team kicks off season with win over Carmel, focus on defense By Samantha Kulwicki, Guest Reporter

ead coach JR. Howell knows a good defense is the best offense. The boys’ basketball team is beginning a season full of tough competition, competitive games, and challenging decisions about who to play on the court. “Defense was the key to our success last year and will most likely be this year,” Howell said. Howell is looking for new players to step up this season after they lost six seniors last year. He is focused on finding players that have excellent communication skills and competitiveness. In the past, Howell said that Zionsville has one of the best defenses he’s seen. He is hoping their defense will keep them competitive with their upcoming tough schedule. “We have the second hardest schedule in the state this year,” Howell said. The team kicked off the season with a 57-40 win over Carmel on Nov. 21, where they led at the end of each quarter. “Playing tough competition is what makes it fun,” assistant coach Braden Hall said.

Junior Drew Snively runs onto the court before the game on Nov. 21. Photo by Matthew Orbaugh

Learning from last year, Howell and Hall have found a few of the keys to their success: communication, defense, and competitiveness. “Last year we struggled immensely on free throws, but this year Coach Howell has done a great job making sure we are dialed in on our free throw reps and fundamentals of shooting,” freshman guard Ayo Oguntunde said. If the Eagles’ free throw percentage goes up, it will increase their chances of winning in these upcoming competitive games. When everyone can shoot free throws the threat that is imposed at the line makes it harder for the other team to single out a player in the last seconds of a close game when it is necessary to foul a player. The coaches and the team believe that sharVarsity player Maguire Mitchell, junior, dunks against the Carmel boys basketing the ball increases ball team on Nov. 21. Photo by Matthew Orbaugh their defensive production throughout a game. “So, we look to continue that trend.” “I think our half-court defense is one It will be crucial for players to get to of the best in the state and it will lead to know one another and practice with each a lot of transition running up and down other so they do not “have to think” when with other teams,” varsity basketball player making a pass or when counting on help Maguire Mitchell, junior, said. from someone on defense “they will know” With new players coming up this season that someone will be there when they are from all grades, including freshman and supposed to be, according to Hall. sophomores, the Eagles are going to look to “I’m looking forward to getting going, fill three teams for this season. and as we start seeing what we can do this “We’ve had three teams, pretty much the year,” Hall said. whole history of our program,” Howell said.

Sports 7

Team Sebastian Ramirez blocks a ball over the net in the intramural tournament on Nov. 20. Photo by Matthew Orbaugh

INSIDE INTRAMURALS

Intramural sports bring together friends, fun, and intense competition By Olivia Shively, Guest Reporter

# Sports 8

enior volleyball player Danna Irizarry is watching out for “the guys in the jorts.” Team Blockin’ Balls is composed of a variety of six foot senior boys often wearing jorts and white tanks, while Irizarry’s team, Team ASAP, is made up of experienced and novice senior volleyball players. This fall was the third and final year for both teams to compete against each other in the end of season tournament. Intramurals, a recreational sports club, is a safe space for students to bond and get to know each other while playing volleyball in the fall and basketball in the winter. “I think it emphasizes a community; you really get to be yourself,” Irizarry said. “I think it is a good mental break from studying, working. You just kind of get to be a kid and mess around.” Intramurals brings students together while staying active. Some teams take the games and matches seriously, while others use them as an excuse to be with their friends. But everyone comes to have fun. “It’s just more casual. It’s just for people to have fun and play because obviously school sports are competitive,” Michael Loya, a senior and a member of Team Sebastian Ramirez, said. “So this is just for fun.” Although Intramurals is a low stress, relaxed club, students must be on time with signing up for teams, paying the fees, and communicating effectively with the club organizer and sponsor, Kristen Cooley. There is no punishment if students miss matches, but it could be disappointing to teammates. “I think if you kind of build a habit where you’re going to prioritize it, it can help you manage your time,” Irizarry said. “It gives you some life skills.” Considering the workload of classes and other after school responsibilities, it can be intimidating to join a club that meets a couple times a week. But intramurals may be a helpful distraction or break from busy weeks.

“It emphasizes a community; you really get to be yourself.” - Danna Irizarry, senior

“It has been suggested that leisure buffers or mediates stress, thereby enhancing individual health and well-being, because of the self-determination and social support that are experienced in leisure,” Aimee Kimball, Senior Director of Team Organizational Development for the Washington Capitols with a PhD in Sport Psychology, said. Parents and schools sometimes have a difficult time allowing their children to participate in a sport that does not have a competitive nature. Instead, intramurals emphasizes the fun and enjoyment of sports. “I think it’s cool that Zionsville offers it because it’s not associated with cutting, A team huddles together at the end of a point at the intramural tournament practice, anything like on Nov. 20. Photo by Matthew Orbaugh that,” Cooley said. “It’s just really time and then they would eat chips and queso for you to hang out with your friends and do after games. It was just funny.” something athletic.” Cooley has created a potluck system so One enticing part of joining intramurals the anxiety of finding enough friends to be is the memories made throughout the seaon a team has been eliminated. Anyone who sons. Overwhelmingly, participants’ favorite does not have enough people for a full team part of intramurals is their first time winning can sign up for the ‘potluck team’ and all of and the celebrations afterwards or seeing their those people are put together into one or two growth from losing freshman year to winning teams depending on interest. senior year. “I would say just to try it if you are think“Either you win or you lose, you’re still ing about it,” Loya said. “If you think you with your friends,” Irizarry said. “Like I are not good at volleyball, we all kind of suck said, once you’re a senior and you’re playing so it’s fine. You can just play.” against freshmen, you’re gonna win. And it’s Joining intramural sports provides stunot that serious.” dents with valuable skills for life after high Some students have been involved in this school, like maintaining friendships, comclub since their first year of high school and munication, commitment, time management, have created memories and friendships. There and most importantly confidence. have even been “legacy teams,” for example, A great representation of confidence Team Queso. produced through participating in four years “They [Team Queso] would just come with of intramural sports is how Loya responded these ornate snacks. They would get smoked to the question, “Who is your team’s secret on everything, but they were snacking and weapon?” having fun,” Cooley said. “They were like a “Me. I would just say me,” Loya said. legacy team, someone picked up their name

Sports 9

Trailblazing Teammate Meet wrestling team ‘pioneer’ Bre Chau By Srinithya Basireddy, Staff

s the fluorescent lighting shines down on the sweating, exhausted wrestling team during an afternoon practice, one wrestler stands out in the testosterone-filled room. Junior Bre Chau, the team’s first female wrestler, watches with analytical eyes to find her teammate’s weak point before tackling him to the matted floor with an echoing thud. Chau unexpectedly joined the wrestling team last year when some of the wrestlers invited her to work out with them in the weight room. She first competed in ice skating and tennis, which are often known as more girl-dominated, according to Chau. When Chau first showed interest in wrestling, her parents worried it was “too dangerous” and pointed out the lack of other Zionsville girl wrestlers. Despite this, Chau joined the team. “It’s the adrenaline,” Chau said. “You don’t stop to think, you just go. Being able to use 100% of my effort to do well makes [wrestling] fun.” Chau was injured at the beginning of her sophomore year wrestling season and took up a new role as the team manager. Now, she is training with the team and plans to compete during the season. Even as a manager, games, competitions, and even practices were stressful, according to Chau. The team had a lot of early mornings for competitions where they had to get to school at 5 a.m. “It sucked in the moment but the bus ride was fun because the team spirit is amazing,” Chau said. According to the Indiana High School Athletic Association, 44 states now recognize girls wrestling as an official sport, while Indiana has marked it as an emerging sport. There’s a stigma on why women can’t

10 Sports

wrestle and be a part of the [wrestling] program, and that shouldn’t be a norm, according to coach Doug Welch. Welch said he hopes to have an opportunity for more girls to get involved by having a girls team. “Bre’s kind of a pioneer for girls wrestling. She is saying that it’s okay. It’s not just males in sports, anyone who wants to can benefit from what it offers,” Welch said. Chau said being the only girl on the team is “intimidating.” However, many of her personal challenges are simliar to those of her teammates. “It’s hectic,” Chau said. “You’re stressed about your match, then you’re stressed about your team’s matches, and then your points. You start noticing improvement in yourself and your peers; your team overall feels better.” Welch, looking forward to giving back to the sport and future athletes, compares wrestling to life, with both having ups and

downs. “It’s a lot of pressure to handle, but the sport also offers discipline. You’ve got to overcome adversity and have discipline,” Welch said. Chau said she both has the support of her team and also “feels like I’m alone.” “I’m just a girl,” she said. “It’s the one thing that makes me completely different from everyone else.” Chau said girls tend to underestimate themselves because these kinds of sports can take more effort but she believes “girls are capable of more than what themselves or anyone else thinks.”

Wrestler Bre Chau, junior, practices with a teammate on Nov. 9. Photos by Marissa Villarrubia

Skating Solo

Freshman Shae Hooper a top Indiana figure skater

By Emmy Lucas, Staff

fter trying out many different sports when she was younger, freshman Shae Hooper eventually gave figure skating a shot, and she’s now been the Indiana State Champion for her level for six years in a row. Hooper has been on the ice since she was just five years old, and competing since she was six. When Hooper first started skating she lived in Seattle, Washington, where she says the sport is more popular than it is here. She’s one of the only students at the high

Hooper skates at Sycamore Skating Club on Nov. 11. Photos by Emmy Lucas

school who figure skates. Hooper practices about five times a week, committing to early mornings and far drives to multiple rinks to practice. She goes to rinks in Fishers, Greenwood, and, in the summer, Columbus. When she was younger, Hooper loved the American figure skater Gracie Gold and always looked up to her. She also really likes the Russian figure skaters. “I love how they perform their programs,” Hooper said. “The artistry is amazing.” While ice skating is an individually scored sport, Hooper practices and competes alongside her club, Sycamore Skating Club of Indiana. There are three different levels of skating in a group called the “Excel Series,” intermediate excel plus, intermediate excel, and intermediate. Hooper’s club competes in intermediate excel plus. Hooper’s competition season starts in February and she stops competing in the summer, after Nationals. Each routine Hooper competes is just over three minutes long, and the amount of time she has to learn the routine before she competes depends on the coach. “I’ve been learning a new routine for about two weeks now, but I also don’t have lessons with that coach every day,” Hooper said. For competitions the ice skaters compete with fully done hair and makeup, as well as different

costumes. There are dressing rooms and lockerrooms at all of the competitions to get ready before they perform. Hooper’s favorite part about her sport is performing and learning new skills. She especially enjoys spinning, as she feels it’s one of her strong suits. “I do enjoy what I do, but there’s some moments where it’s really hard,” Hooper said. “But it’s always nice when you land a new jump or a new trick.” One of the most challenging parts of the sport is how hard it is to make friends on the ice. “There is a ton of jealousy,” Hooper said. “Especially because a lot of the younger kids are better than the older people. While ice skating can definitely be dangerous at times, Hooper is thankful to not have suffered from too many major injuries from skating. “When I was younger I used to be covered in bruises all over my knees from falling,” Hooper said. Hooper’s family plays big a role in her sport by supporting and encouraging her. “My family are my biggest fans. They go to all my competitions and cheer me on,” Hooper said. Hooper wants to continue to skate throughout high school but is unsure of what she wants to do in college or if she wants to skate professionally. There are options for skating clubs in college and colleges that have synchronized skating teams, but Hooper hasn’t looked into them quite yet. For now Hooper just wants to focus on getting better and improving her skills.

Feature 11

A Bigger Conversation Speech and debate team leaders work to build club’s membership, success

By Madeline Wilson, Editor-in-Chief

he speech and debate teams have almost doubled in numbers from this year to last year, with a total of 53 members this fall. Junior Jack Stark, captain of the debate team, and senior Zoe Steinberg, captain of the speech team, decided to make the two teams more of a joint club this year, starting meetings together. Working together has helped build the club dynamic and develop the skill sets needed for both activities. “It’s all very interconnected,” Steinberg said. “In a good speech, there’s a little bit of argument. Especially in an original

oratory, which is an informative speech, there’s always a counter that you have to pose. And then in debate, it’s all public speaking.” The ability to conduct research and see both sides of an argument are also both utilized in speech and debate. “Approaching what can be sometimes contentious topics with a mature point of view, I think that’s something super important that people gain from the activity,” Stark said. “I think people become more well versed in contemporary issues because the resolutions are always based on something contemporary.” The speech and debate teams Senior Zoe Steinberg begins a speech team meeting also look different after school on Nov. 15. Photo by Emma Hummer this year because of a boost in Senior Jacob Davidson explains a game for the numbers and changspeech team to play during a meeting on Nov. 15. es in leadership. Photo by Emma Hummer “The last few years, especially after made it difficult to place highly in the past. COVID, it was kind “But individual debaters have competed of disorganized and well and have won tournaments because of people were going in their own contributions,” Stark said. the tournaments havStark’s goal this year is to better prepare ing no idea what they the team in order to become a stronger were doing,” Stark competitor at tournaments. said. “We’re working “I want people to enjoy the atmosphere to create better preof a tournament,” Stark said. “I want to paredness for those improve the debate club as a whole and people, for both their bring it to a place that it’s never been before first tournaments and in terms of competitiveness.” the ability to succeed Steinberg is also working to improve the in later tournaments two teams, not only for upcoming competias well.” tions, but for the members’ futures. Because team “In life it’s so important to be able to placement at tourget up and speak, even if you’re prepared naments is based on or unprepared,” Steinberg said. “You have the total number to work hard, you have to get your speech of points won by done on time, and you have to be able to individual members, present it well and account for yourself if the small size of you don’t. At the end of the day, you’re the Zionsville teams has one up there.”

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Senior Molly Simmons warms up at the beginning of swim practice on Nov. 22. Photo by Adanna Mbanu

The fine line between competitive exercise and mental well-being By Andrew Rexing, Guest Reporter

xercise can release different chemicals into the brain that can either improve or damage mental health. In order to participate in mentally healthy exercise, everyone needs to find their own balance between these chemicals. According to a 2021 survey done by Center for Disease Control, 29% of high school students experienced poor mental health during the year. “There has been a lot of research that talks about the connection between physical movement and improved mental health,” Dr. Brandy Hunt, the school psychologist, said. Hunt said exercising can not only mitigate the effects of anxiety and depression but also bring several improvements to other parts of mental health such as mood enhancement, stress reduction, improved sleep, enhanced self-esteem, cognitive benefits, and positive coping strategies. Two main hormones in the brain, cortisol and endorphins, change during exercise. Hunt described cortisol as the stress hormone. She said it can be reduced because of exercise, specifically in tranquil exercise environments like yoga. Exercise also increases endorphins, especially exercise that increases the heart rate. Exercise can be beneficial for some peo-

ple to improve their mental health; however, if taken past the goal of being healthy, exercise can become detrimental to mental health. “Sometimes when people have obsessive tendencies or have significant mental health needs that they’re trying to alleviate through physical fitness, people can overshoot it and it becomes a negative coping strategy,” Hunt said. “We’re spending way too much time on it and we are sacrificing our mental health in some ways.” This can be true among competitive athletes. Exercise can start to hurt mental health when it is derived from competitive sports that are no longer about being active and are instead about constantly winning and improving. If an athlete suffers under mental pressure, Hunt said they should reconsider the reasons they are competing. “Is that athletic endeavor causing you mental health fatigue?” asked Hunt. “Is there something happening that is counterbalancing the effects? Agility, heart rate, all these things are good. We want to have them. You’re increasing endorphins, but at the same time, you’re getting mental pressure. Are your goals aligning with your coach’s goals? What are your personal goals?” From the athlete’s perspective, Molly Simmons, senior and varsity swimmer, said

she manages the mental pressure from swimming to enjoy the benefits of the sport. “Inside the pool, you can be as competitive as you want, but when you leave the pool the people that you’re competitive against are still your friends,” Simmons said. “You’re not expected to do your best times every time.” Simmons said when she is on a break, she likes to be active in other ways outside of swimming. “I’ve tried to focus on meeting other people from other teams,” Simmons said. “That way when I go to the meets, I see my competitors as friends.” Hunt agrees with Simmons that finding a community or a friend to compete with helps athletes hold themselves accountable and be in a better mental state. Cross-country coach Gabe Porras has also noticed this during meets. “On the team, they’ve been able to share their experiences,” Porras said. “Going to meets, we’ll see we’re trying to beat those teams, but then there’s also that time that kids will talk to other runners and go through those experiences together.” Hunt said it is important to approach exercise “appropriately.” “We should have good positive coping and goals in mind,” Hunt said.

Feature 13

Harbinger’s Gift Guide

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it can be hard to think of a gift idea. Whether it’s an idea to ask for or something to get someone else, here are the Harbinger staff’s recommendaitons. By Josie Brackett, Design Editor and Emma Hummer, Social Media Editor

Josie Brandy Melville Sweats $35

Emma Summer Fridays Lip Balm $24

Jonah Apple iPhone Charger $25

Emmy Sugar Free Redbull $2.99

Ellie Adidas Campus 00s Shoes $110

Georgi Lululemon Scuba Hoodie $118

Matthew Apple Airpods Max $479.99 Price Ranges

Marissa Lashes $5

Adanna Sony WH1000xm4 $261.99 Price Ranges

Madeline Fuzzy Socks $10

Brody “Orientalism” by Edward Said $15

Lilly Starbucks Gift Card Price Varies Photos by Matthew Orbaugh

Srinithya “Kisses and Croissants” by AS Johanneau $11 Student Life 15

Perfect Placement

Sometimes the film industry isn’t so obvious with the way products are placed By Brody Brown, Staff

he newest blockbuster movie could be the deciding factor when getting a new pair of shoes, the cause for a classmate carrying a new drink, or the reason for any new trend regarding a product. In 2023, product placement is so woven into everyday life that it can just as easily be missed as it can be seen. Product placement is a form of advertising where companies put their products into movies and TV while having their advertisement become a part of the show rather than the commercial. In 2021, product placement was a 23 billion dollar industry, according to Statista, and is still growing. Movies are one of the most popular forms of media for any person to engage with, making them a great place The show “Stranger Things” frequently uses product placement to advertise products like Coca-Cola for companies to insert a product. and Eggo waffles. Photo illustration by Emma Hummer “Throughout time, we used to advertise in whatever [media] was popular pretty fast as they are human and can do results from living in a world full of hidden at the time,” Film Literature teacher Ann bad things.” and curated ads. Bender said. Beats by Dre has been guilty of being “I think it should be brought to attenThe popularity of product placement blatant and obvious with their product tion,” Johnston said. “I don’t think there’s partly grew from how inherent it was. Movplacements in the past, like the Hulk weara way to stop it, because no matter what, ies build worlds of their own, and they too ing Beats in “Avengers: Age of Ultron” to they’re going to get around it somehow.” need products to make a set come to life. calm himself down, a scene that didn’t add The act of companies connecting their “Product placement is meant to be very to the story of the movie. products to TV and movies is not lost on natural,” Bender said. “It’s just a part of the “People are going to fight to have their many viewers, with the way that those art backdrop.” product in that movie or program, especialforms have become advertisements in and of This difference in approach with product ly if it’s something that’s like the Avengers,” themselves. placement, as opposed to regular ads, gives Bender said. “Should they be more forthcoming? Of advertising in movies the upper hand. Associating brands with people’s course, but they’re not going to be,” Bender “Where a lot of advertisements fall flat is favorite characters and stories, though, is said. “I think the consumer needs to know when they are too blatant and in your face the ultimate goal of a modern day product when they’re being manipulated.” about it,” senior John Johnston, who plans placement. Advertisements within art is the new to go into business, said. “There’s a subliminal message to it,” norm, and that gives viewers more reason to But trying to get a product into the Bender said. “You like the character, and take the time to know what is being presenthands of the hottest actors or on the biggest they’re carrying a certain kind of backpack ed to them. sets doesn’t always go as planned, and can or drinking Coke, so you’re drawn to that.” “It definitely drags something down lead to these million dollar placements Another example of product placement when it’s very obvious that it’s just there to backfiring on companies. was Eggos becoming Eleven’s favorite snacks make a profit,” Johnston said. “It’s supposed “There are a lot of safe places to [adverwhich created the association between the to be there to tell a story.” tise] and a lot of less safe ones,” Johnston brand and the “Stranger Things” series. said. “Investing in a celebrity can go flat There is a growing responsibility that

16 Student Life

Home for the Holidays Students celebrate fun, memories of winter season By Lilly Steele, Assistant Editor

laying cards, sledding, and playing in the snow are all things sophomore Emerson Vangorder loves about winter. She spends cold winter days with her family participating in outdoor activities and her nights playing cards and watching movies. To her, winter is all about fun, friends and family. “Sometimes, if I was young enough, my dad would sit me in the sled, and he would pull the sled all the way up the hill. And then we’d go down, and sometimes me and my sister didn’t want to carry the sleds anymore. We’d keep our parents at the bottom and we’d penguin slide,” Vangorder said. Vangorder said her favorite childhood memory was waking up early with her sister to play with Barbies on Christmas morning, because their parents wouldn’t let them go downstairs until 6 a.m. “We would hide Barbies and toys under our bed, so we would whip them out and play until the time was exact. Then we’d go down to our parents’ room and wake them up,” Vangorder said. Junior Libby Barron said snow days were one of her childhood favorite parts of winter. “I think that was very nostalgic, just waking up with a bunch of snow, especially just doing no work and then being able to play with my neighborhood friends and making snowmen,” Barron said. One activity many people do while stuck inside is watch movies, as it brings comfort in what may seem like dreary weather. Freshman Sam Black said two of his favorite parts of winter are watching the movie “Christmas Vacation” and the decorations. Everyone celebrates holidays differently and has different family traditions. Vangorder’s dad works for the fire department, and they incorporate that into their celebration. “We have two Christmas trees. We have a regular Christmas tree that’s decorated with all our ornaments, then presents go underneath. Then we have one that’s called

our fire department tree or our ‘fire tree.’ It’s the same kind of tree, but it’s decorated fully with fire department ornaments,” Vangorder said. There are many different holidays that happen during the winter months. Sophomore Dia Agarwal celebrates Diwali. “It’s based on this myth, and you light these candles in front of your house, and then you do a puja. You worship your god and then you light fireworks. It’s based on the story,” Agarwal said. “It’s like [to] commemorate one of our gods.” Diwali is a week-long celebration celebrated by Agarwal. “There’s specific days of his journey, and then the day he comes back is when you usually celebrate it,” Agarwal said. Junior Maxwell Nefouse celebrates Hanukkah, a Jewish tradition that rededicates the Second Temple of Jerusalem by the lighting of candles on each day of the festival. He said he thinks the holidays are important because of the religious aspect.

“I enjoy going [to] and being a part of the services and being around like-minded people,” Nefouse said. Family traditions are a big part of the holiday season. “My mother always cooks brisket during the holidays and it’s always amazing to eat with the whole family,” Nefouse said. “We also always have a game of dreidel with M&Ms that I play with my younger brothers and father.” Many people can agree that winter is a time for celebration and family. During the cold months, many people take time to visit family and friends. Going to Kentucky to visit his grandparents is one of freshman Sam Black’s family traditions. At the end of the day, winter and the holidays hold so much meaning to many people. “Just being with family and friends is especially important,” Barron said, “Just the people that bring you joy in life.”

Graphics by Marissa Villarrubia

Student Life 17

Full STEAM Ahead STEM or Art classes? There’s room for both

By Srinithya Basireddy, Staff

any schools in Indiana often prioritize science courses in their education system. Colleges also favor STEM-related careers and subjects. For example, Indiana University offers almost 1406 STEM majors but only 562 Liberal Arts Majors. “I think a lot of that assumption [on liberal arts] comes from not being knowledgeable,” photography teacher Melissa Glass said. “There’s just this false idea of art like it’s just stuff for fun.” Art is often seen as a hobby and something that people do for fun or to pass the time, rather than a practical career. Factors that might contribute to this are the financial and cultural impacts of art-related careers. As a result, many students are often encouraged to pursue STEM fields. “There is fear that if my child goes into the arts, they’re not going to be able to be successful,” Glass said. There are fewer career opportunities in the arts than in STEM and careers in liberal arts can make less money than in STEM. Despite these drawbacks, art can be just as useful in the real world. It creates more of an emotional connection compared to other subjects in school. “All my other classes [in high school]

were kind of black and white,” Glass said. “It’s challenging in a different way.” Although liberal arts aren’t traditionally known to have a lot of logical thinking, they still can encourage critical thinking and stimulate creativity. This mental challenge causes people to rely on you to relay information visually, which was a really satisfactory feeling, said art student and senior Jonathan Fisher. It’s important to understand how to think about and understand different cultures and points of view, according to Glass. “Art teaches us how to think critically and creatively,” Glass said. “These are skills that are valuable for any kind of career.” The underlying lessons students learn by taking an art class, such as communication and analysis, often help young adults in the real world. “You can stand up for your own and say, ‘I like it this way. And I’m not going to change it.’” Fisher said. “It teaches you how to be resilient.” Zionsville’s art program is well-developed, allowing students to explore more diverse careers. “We create a depth of knowledge in our department and really push to teach students all the aspects of art,” art teacher

Jessica Sterling said. Zionsville’s art curriculums often mesh with other departments, creating a stronger sense of interconnectedness. “We pair with science, engineering, or business classes and we build a lesson together with another teacher in another department,” Sterling said. According to Glass, art is often looked down upon by other fields because people believe it’s just “frilly.” The art program sometimes has to put more effort into proving themselves, often trying to “legitimize what they do to the community, the parents, and other faculty,” Glass said. But these efforts seem to be paying off, as more liberal arts programs are being funded through musicals, art shows, and concerts. “If you stick it out, you really thrive,” Sterling said. Going to a college with both arts and the STEM side can also be helpful, so students can get a taste of both and decide what’s right for them, according to Sterling. “Just because you do something different doesn’t mean that it’s wrong,” Fisher said.

Graphics by Kate Bowen

18 Opinion

15 Years of

By Marissa Villarrubia, Arts and Graphics Editor and Georgi Moreland, Staff

“

Twilight” is one of the best movies to be released in the 2000s, truly representing love from a teenage girl’s perspective. Based on the book written in 2005 by Stephenie Meyer, the movie franchise has gained a large fan base since the first film came out in 2008. Filled with action, romance, and life or death decisions, “Twilight” has taken many hearts, including ours. The story follows teen Bella Swan, who moves to Forks, WA to live with her father.

She is soon caught in a love triangle between Edward Cullen, a vampire, and Jacob Black, a werewolf. Over the span of five movies, Bella spends time with both, trying to find her soulmate. Some of the things that drew us to this movie are the consistent storyline, casting, and the extraordinary special effects (excluding Renesmee). Not to mention it features one of the most classic love triangles in modern day film, rivaling that of “The Notebook” and “Pride and Prejudice.”

According to Rotten Tomatoes, 72% of audiences said “Twilight” was a good movie, even stating it’s, “One of my favorite movies of all time” and, “Truly an iconic movie.” This movie has moments that cause you to feel a true rollercoaster of emotions. “Twilight” was never supposed to be a masterpiece to everyone, like most books, but it struck teenage girls with its insane amount of drama.

Team Edward

Team Jacob

By Georgi Moreland, Staff

By Marissa Villarrubia, Arts and Graphics Editor

is eyes, his smile, his love for Bella. He truly cares for her, saving her life multiple times before her transformation, including from the gang members in “Twilight,” the Volturi in “New Moon,” Victoria in “Eclipse,” and Renesmee in “Breaking Dawn: Part 1.” Edward says repeatedly that he can’t live without her, and even tells Jacob, “If we weren’t natural enemies, and you weren’t trying to steal my reason for existing, I might actually like you,” in “Eclipse.” The main reason that he is the best for Bella is the overarching fact that Bella chose him. She truly loved him, only loving Jacob like a brother for the last couple of movies. Jacob made many mistakes, which harmed Bella’s mental state and damaged their relationship. He kept secrets, hid his true identity, and kissed her multiple times, even after she said she didn’t love him like that. He didn’t even show up at her wedding. He also assumed that Bella would love him at some point, when she chose immortality to be with Edward. And he kept leaving, then coming back, repeatedly. Yes, Edward did leave Bella in the second movie, but to protect his family and his safety. Yes, Bella was hunted by a vampire, but Edward saved her. Multiple times. Throughout the franchise, Edward makes difficult choices that affect Bella in many ways. Some were wrong but made for the right reason. You know that Bella made the right choice based on how happy she is as a vampire. Even Jacob admits it, saying “I didn’t expect you to look so…you,” after her transformation.

here has been a lot of debate over who is the best love interest for Bella even though she ended up with Edward. I’ve been Team Jacob since the first time my mom showed me the movie. When Bella first arrived back in Forks, Jacob welcomed her with open arms, even helping repair a car for her welcome back gift. Despite going to school on the reservation, Jacob continued to make an effort to see Bella and keep in contact. One of Jacob’s most redeeming features is his commitment to Bella’s future and safety. In “Eclipse” Jacob tries to express how important Bella is to him, saying, “I’m gonna fight for you until your heart stops beating.” He lives by that statement even beyond her transformation. Many people don’t know about a deleted scene from “Eclipse” where Bella envisions her happy ending with Jacob, which they ended up removing. It was supposed to show them watching their two kids playing while they sat on the porch, happy with their lives. Sadly, the movie clip was deleted due to makeup issues, despite it being in the book. Jacob left for a while to travel but returned to see Bella at her wedding reception to give her his best wishes. Upon seeing him, Bella says, “Everything is perfect now” and enjoys seeing him after being gone for so long. I admit Jacob is far from perfect, but he’s the better choice for Bella and her future.

Graphics by Marissa Villarrubia

Opinion 19

Letterboxd is Life Profile

Activity

Films

Diary

By Adanna Mbanu, Editor-in-Chief

etterboxd is available to the public as both an app and a website, mainly used as a platform to discover and rate movies that spark an interest. According to the company, “Letterboxd is a global social network for grass-roots film discussion and discovery. Use it as a diary to record and share your opinion about films as you watch them, or just keep track of films you’ve seen in the past.” Although I’m not the biggest cinephile on the face of the planet, I do love a good movie. And as an extremely judgemental lady, I need to be able to share my opinion on a platform or I’ll physically combust. One way that I’m able to scratch this itch is by using Letterboxd; the best thing that’s ever been created. The main reason I like to use this program is because I love finding new movies to watch or find movies that absolutely suck so I never have torture myself through a watch. It’s also a great way for me to spend even more time on my iPhone than I already do. I’ve watched and rated over 100 movies since the time I first discovered Letterboxd in April of 2021. Senior Tess Korte is a true pioneer of Letterboxd, having first downloaded the app in March of 2019. Korte believes that Letterboxd is a helpful organization tool.

20 Opinion

Reviews

Watchlist

Lists

Likes