The Harbinger January 2024

HARBINGER

the

Zionsville Community High School

January 2024 Vol. 57, Issue 4

The Mane Event pg. 16

Also Inside

Protecting Our Planet pg. 4

Behind the Initimidating Image pg. 12

Break-ing My Heart pg. 18

Note from the Editor

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

Staff Editors-in-Chief Adanna Mbanu Madeline Wilson Design Editor Josie Brackett Photo Editor Matthew Orbaugh Social Media Editor Emma Hummer Arts & Graphics Editors Kate Bowen Jonah Hunter

News Editor Brody Brown Sports Editor Lilly Steele Feature Editor Emerson Lucas

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he ways we interact with and shape our world have evolved to keep up with the rapid changes of recent decades.

Since the early 2000s, social media use by young adults has exploded.

Although social media and influencer culture can have adverse impacts (pg.

16), teens are also increasingly connected to the rest of the world and use social media platforms to advocate for the issues we care about.

With climate change, pollution, and human overconsumption harming the Earth and its resources (pg. 4), the state of the environment is one issue many feel passionately about. According to the Pew Research Center, most young adults (aged 18 to 29) want to see greater action taken to protect the environment.

In 2020, a group of young people (age 5 to 22) in Montana sued the state for failing to consider climate change when approving fossil fuel projects.

In 2023, the court sided with the young adults, finding that Montana’s government had violated the state Constitution, which protects the right to a clean and healthy environment.

The case demonstrates that even though our world looks far different than it did 20 or 30 years ago, and not entirely for the better, today’s young adults already have a significant say in how it will look in the next 20 years.

If you care about an issue, learn what you can do to bring that problem to light and find solutions. Social media platforms in particular can be a powerful tool for elevating your voice and spreading awareness.

We may just be high school students, but this is our world, too, and we have a say in its future.

Student Life Editor Ellie Vanderbur Opinion Editor Marissa Villarrubia

Staff Grace Adlong Summer Barker Lucy Bean Staff Manager Anna Helmer Srinithya Basireddy Morgan Hollis Samantha Kulwicki

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s we welcome a new year, and a new chapter of our lives, it’s nice to look back on all we have accomplished throughout the past year.

Although it can be difficult to appreciate, everybody should be proud of how far they’ve come.

From personal experience, this past year hasn’t been exactly easy to get through. Being a senior, dealing with college applications, maintaining my grades, and remaining emotionally available has been a difficult task. I know many other seniors have dealt with this same dilemma, as well as many other students in the school, other than the applications portion.

Seasonal depression is no joke, and I can say personally that it’s been especially difficult this past year.

But even with surrounding negativities that seem to be never ending, it’s important to remind yourself about the gratitude and happiness that surround us, even if it seems invisible at times.

I know what makes me content is the fact that I have a magazine and a staff that feels like a family to hold me together. Without them, I can confidently say that I do not know where I would be at this moment. In addition, spending an afternoon with family or receiving a text from a good friend makes all the difference in the winter months.

We should strive to express gratitude for the little things that we have in this life that we live. All accomplishments, big or small, should be celebrated.

Editorial

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.

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Table of Contents 4

Protecting Our Planet

12 Behind the Intimidating Image

17 Controversial Classics

6

Mixing Up the Menu

7

The Mane Event

13 Cray-Cray for Tay-Tay

18 Break-ing My Heart

8

In the Air

14 No Place Like My Room

19 Student Survey

10

Who Runs the Show?

16 Commenting on the Positive

20 Harb Highlights

Cover: Sophomore Addison Hall prepares her horse’s gear for a ride at Bit Whip Farms on Jan. 20. Photo

by Matthew Orbaugh

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Protecting Our Planet

Graphic by Madeline Wilson

Students can take action to preserve Earth’s disappearing natural resources

By Madeline Wilson, Editor in Chief

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.75 Earths: the amount of ecological resources that humans currently use each year, according to studies by the Global Footprint Network, an international think tank that measures human consumption of natural resources.

Earth’s natural resources “Humanity are disappearcurrently de- ing at an inmands 75% creasingly rapid rate, spurred more from by pollution, climate change, our planet and human than its eco- overconsumpsystems can tion.

“Humanregenerate.” ity currently demands 75% more from our - Global planet than its ecosystems can Footprint regenerate,” Network according to

4 News

the Global Footprint Network. This overconsumption depletes resources that all species, including humans, need in order to survive.

Senior Noelle Michael is one of the co-presidents of Environmental Club, a student group that works to raise awareness for and help the environment. Their projects have included maintaining the high school’s courtyards, volunteering at Zionsville’s parks, and researching how to implement solar panels in Zionsville.

Michael said students need to find ways to learn about the environment, whether through taking a class, joining a club, or doing their own research.

“It’s important for everyone to know,” Michael said. “Everyone lives in the environment and is affecting it in one way or another.”

Water, a necessity for life, is one of Earth’s most endangered natural resources. According to the UN World Water Development Report of 2023, 2 billion of people (roughly 26% of the population) do not have access to safe drinking water.

Water scarcity, often caused by droughts, has become increasingly widespread and endangers the livelihood of humans and other plant and animal species. The southwest United States has been in a period of extended drought since 2000.

“People in the Southwest are particularly dependent on surface water supplies like Lake Mead, which are vulnerable to evaporation,” according to an article by the Environmental Protection Agency. “Thus, even a small increase in temperature (which drives evaporation) or a decrease in precipitation in this already arid region can seriously threaten natural systems and society.”

Although it may seem like Zionsville isn’t affected by water shortages or the disappearance of other resources, that might not always be the case.

“Indiana has been blessed with an abundance of natural resources in the past, but that may not be true in the future,” Earth & Space Science teacher David Krause said.

“The strains of an increasing population, coupled with climate change, will have adverse effects on all of us. I would advocate the

safer route by preserving what we have rather than hoping we can find solutions to future problems.”

By conserving water when possible, even teenagers can play a part in preserving this crucial resource.

“Water is our common future and it is essential to act together to share it equitably and manage it sustainably,” Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-General, said.

The ability to see the natural night sky is also disappearing because of increased light pollution.

The International Dark Sky Association, an organization working to preserve the natural night sky, defines light pollution as “the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally.”

According to National Geographic, 80% of Earth’s population lives under light pollution. Krause, who lives in Indy, has noticed its effects.

“The light pollution is terrible,” Krause said. “It blocks out all but the brightest of stars and planets.”

Light pollution causes adverse health effects such as interrupted sleep and a disturbed circadian rhythm. Krause added that being able to see the natural night sky also impacts one’s mood.

“My brother-in-law and his wife used to live at 8800 feet elevation in the Colorado Rockies,” Krause said. “When visiting I could see the billions of stars that make up the night sky. Just being able to see them gives an indescribable lift to one’s spirit.”

Luckily, light pollution is reversible.

High school students can help reduce light pollution in their area by encouraging their families to use outdoor lighting only when necessary and closing window blinds and curtains at night.

To help protect the earth and its natural resources, Michael recommends students alter their daily practices.

“Recycling, carpooling to reduce emissions of carbon, reducing water use and the use of electricity,” Michael said, allows students to lessen their negative impacts on the environment.

Students can also join various groups in and around Zionsville.

The Zionsville Parks Foundation, for example, works to conserve green spaces, restore natural habitats and native plants, and educate the community.

Donating to or volunteering with the Foundation can contribute to its goal to “preserve, enhance, and grow a thriving system of parks and programs.”

High school students can also participate in volunteer opportunities organized by Zionsville Parks and Recreation, including cleaning up parks, removing invasive plants, and restoring trails.

And to contribute to environmental efforts throughout the state, students can join a volunteer program run by the Hoosier Environmental Council, a group aiming to reduce human impact on Indiana’s natural environment, and follow the organization on Instagram.

Michael emphasized the importance of protecting the environment and its resources for the future.

“Generations in the future still need a clean Earth,” Michael said. “The effects are much larger than I think even I myself realize, because you don’t know how it’s going to impact the future until we’re there.”

“Generations in the future still need a clean Earth. The effects are much larger than I think even I myself realize, because you don’t know how it’s going to impact the future until we’re there.”

- Noelle Michael, senior

Graphic by Jonah Hunter

News 5

Mixing Up the Menu Cafeteria team works to improve the lunch menu

By Freddy Czerwionka, Guest Reporter

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he lunch “It is amazing team is set to the number of introduce a string cheeses we more diverse range of find tucked under items on the menu, a tray. I’m like ‘you including the return really think I can’t of the beloved Sushi see that?’” Norton Tuesdays, premium said. “The hooded meals, as well as sweatshirts are a real many other options. problem right now, After a chalwith the little pouch lenging couple of right there.” years due to the Since the COVID-19 pandemopening of the new ic, a major struggle cafeteria, there have was the cafeteria, been many different with the high school opinions on the experiencing food food and the overall shortages, low staff cafeteria experience.

Cafeteria staff preps hot dogs before A lunch on Dec. 19. Photo by Matthew Orbaugh numbers, and restricA student survey tions on how the conducted in March spice it up with a fresh option. food was served. by the lunch team provided various inputs “We are looking at a new pizza option. It on the cafeteria food. On the survey, a Anne Norton is the ZCHS food services would be where we are making our own piz- senior stated, “Please have more options manager. za.

So, every day we would have a personal “As you guys remember, we had Rice like we used to; it’s very tiring having the round pizza dish with different toppings,” Crispy treats and water when we came same foods served like it’s leftovers from Norton said. back,” Norton said. “There were a lot of yesterday.”

This new option would take over the currules and regulations at that point, but I feel Another student said, “I think the rent pizza line to bring fresh personalized like we’re finally coming back.” biggest problem with school food is the lack pizza to students’ plates.

With a new cafeteria, a complete staff, of variety; we basically eat cheese and bread In addition to these new meals, the fewer restrictions, and plans to enhance the every day.” lunch team is planning on adding more lunch menu, the team is already reintroDespite negative opinions, sophomore beverage options as well. ducing old favorites. Ice cream has made a Hayden Garner disagrees. He enjoys the “Bringing back more Powerade and Diet comeback and sushi, a pre-COVID favorite school lunch and eats it regularly.

Coke” is on their agenda, offering a more lunch item, is in the works.

“The lunch is always good and warm, “Sushi is being worked on currently, and cost-effective alternative to vending machine and the service is really good as well. I prices and more options for students to we have a few different ideas as well. We’d wouldn’t complain about anything,” Garner like to bring back premium lunch,” Norton drink rather than the usual milk or water. said.

The new cafeteria layout features mulsaid. “A premium lunch is a higher quality But through the ups and downs of worktiple lunch lines. To better utilize this new meal for students, including dill chicken ing in a school cafeteria, Norton and White nuggets and dill chicken breast sandwiches.” addition, the cafeteria staff talked about said their goal is to make students happy. serving different menu items in each line.

The staff also want to improve the qual“I would love to see student input. That For example, Norton suggested that ity of food. is one of the main struggles with our job. “we would have an international line, a “Instead of it being a processed meat, it Tell us what you guys want, and we will see hamburger line,” and she talked about the is a whole muscle, so you know, just better what we can do,” Norton said. possibility of adding a deli line that would quality,” Amy White, ZCS food service “It is just rewarding to see,” Norton addwork like the personalized pizzas. coordinator, said. ed. “We are feeding you guys, and if you’re However, the open cafeteria layout has The lunch staff has noticed some repetihappy, we’re happy.” led to problems of stealing food. tiveness in the pizza line and is planning to

6 News

The Mane Event

Hall prepares her horse’s gear for practice at Bit Whip Farms on Jan. 20. Photo by Matthew Orbaugh

Addison Hall competes as a horseback rider to build community, grit, new skills

By Lilly Steele, Sports Editor

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orses stomp and move, the air smells of hay and dirt, and footsteps are heard all around. The barn is ready for riders. Getting herself ready with tools from her personal box at the farm then preparing her horse to ride are all part of sophomore Addison Hall’s routine. From brushing her horse Philadelphia down to giving her treats, Hall ensures her horse is groomed and ready to ride before every session.

Hall rides at Bit Whip Farm. Hall bought Philadelphia, a German Oldenburg, in Florida last February when the horse was nine, and has loved riding since she started.

“I moved to a farm when I was five and I automatically associated riding horses with being on the farm. I was like, okay, to properly be a farm girl I have to start riding horses. So that’s how I started,” Hall said.

Hall competes in dressage, a performative type of riding where you show off precise movements, and jumps, when a horse runs a course to clear different types of jumps.

Hall works with a team of a variety of girls at Bit Whip Farm.

“They can be any age and it’s mostly women, which is a great environment to be around,” Hall said. “It’s very uplifting.”

To practice, Hall’s trainer, Debbie Danner, will give her a set amount of jumps to complete, called a course. While she runs the course, Hall works on form for her and the horse.

Her practices look different depending on the day. She does lessons twice a week, which she considers her practices. Outside of doing lessons, she does what’s called hacking.

“Outside of lessoning with her, I do what’s called hacking, which is [when] I just ride without getting a lesson,” Hall said.

Hall keeps a busy practice schedule and typically rides three days a week and up to six days a week when preparing for a competition.

On practice days she goes straight from school to the barn, taking time to find a snack and groom and tack up her horse.

Hall puts on a saddle and bridal then puts on her own boots and helmet. After practice, Hall also keeps a routine of cleaning her equipment.

Horseback riding is a difficult sport and comes with other challenges outside of riding. Balancing life, school, and the sport can be difficult.

“It affects my parents hugely because they have to take time off of work to help drive me and help at the horse show, the competition, and it’s expensive for them,” Hall said. “I skip school fairly often for it too, so it definitely affects me taking tests and studying.”

Hall’s busy practice schedule often results in her not having time for other activities, such as hanging out with her friends.

Hall competes in and out of state. The main places she travels are Ohio, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Kentucky, with Tennessee being the furthest away.

Her trainer will tell her when and where a competition is taking place and Hall can choose whether or not to go based on times and availability. Hall drives down the day before a competition and on competition days she wakes up early to go to the facility.

She uses this time to run through her course with her trainer.

“The show facility will set up about 10 jumps in the arena. Then out of those 10 jumps, they’ll give you eight to nine to jump, and you have to remember the course,” Hall said.

Scoring at competitions starts at zero and goes up or down based on the time it takes to complete the course and performance such as not knocking down jumps.

The sport is different from others, competing with another living thing and not an object like basketball players and football players do. Riders need to have a connection with the horse and they rely on each other, so this is unlike any other sport.

“Sometimes it doesn’t go the way that you think it might go, which is really frustrating and a big letdown,” Hall said. “But the women that I ride with are so incredibly supportive and loving.”

Dealing with the sport’s ups and downs is challenging, but Hall tries to stay positive.

“The ups and downs can be really hard.

I would say I’m going through a down now just between school [and] finals. That’s getting heavy and the time change is really exhausting because when I go to ride right now, it’s dark outside, which makes me want to go home and sleep. I don’t want to go ride,” Hall said.

“The downs can last a long time, but the ups can, too,” she added.

While Hall doesn’t plan on riding for a college team unless she’s scouted by a college team, she does plan on playing the sport in the future.

“It’s very much a lifelong sport and it’s not super hard on your body,” Hall said.

“I’ll probably do it for the rest of my life.”

Sports 7

Landry Grey, sophomore, warms up in preparation for competition on Jan. 16. Photo by Matthew Orbaugh

8 Sports

In the

AIR

Competitive cheer, gymnastics require incredible commitment

By Brody Brown, News Editor

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va St. John, junior, is a cheerleader through and through. Since middle school she has been climbing the ranks of her sport. Now on her senior team for competitive cheer and on the school’s roster, she’s been working day in and day out to get the chance to go to one of the biggest cheer competitions in the nation.

It’s a sport that can often get looked over.

In a world dominated by basketball and football, there exists an equally competitive world of other sports. Gymnastics and cheer both have rigorous schedules and require lots of dedication.

“The enjoyment it brings me to be on stage with some of the best girls has made me stick with it,” St. John said.

The world of cheer is fierce and competitive, requiring people to dedicate just as much time and energy to it as they would in any other sport.

“We’re changing the routine after every competition. If something isn’t working, somebody can take your spot at any point,” St. John said.

According to St. John, “When I was someone younger, I defiwho can persevere nitely heard peothrough the ple say gymnasmental and physical tics wasn’t hard is or wasn’t a sport. difficulty someone fit I would think for cheer.

In gymabout it for some nastics as time, but I knew well, despite being a nonwhat I was doing team sport, and how much there is stiff effort it took.” competition.

Sophomore Landry Grey - Landry Grey, is a competitive gymnast sophomore

who has been practicing since he moved to Indiana in elementary school.

“It is like you are looking at others like your enemies and you’re trying to one-up each other every single time,” Grey said.

Both cheerleaders and gymnasts’ dedication are the main source of their proficiency.

Practicing at one of the highest levels of cheer possible as a high school student, St. John has understandably been working towards her current place for a long time.

“A lot of it is skill,” St. John said. “It’s a time commitment, and on top of it, school practices are rough.”

Gymnastics is also as time consuming as it is physically demanding compared to other sports.

“It used to be six days a week for four hours every day and I’d have to be there pretty much every practice,” Grey said. “Missing a practice was a big thing.”

Because of this rigorous routine, Landry rarely had time for anything other than gymnastics.

“It definitely made me not be able to go to as many activities as other people,” Grey said.

“The school doesn’t offer anything I’d really do; I still have friends there, though.”

On the other end of the spectrum, cheer is a sport that encourages team building and friendships.

Building bonds with teammates and coaches helped her stick to the sport throughout the years, according to St. John. Social life in general for these athletes is mostly derived from their sports, just because of the time dedication.

“That’s mainly where I have my friends today,” Grey said. “I am with them four hours a day, so I do see them a lot.”

Cheer and gymnastics are commonly regarded as not being “real” sports, though.

“When I was younger, I definitely heard people say gymnastics wasn’t hard or wasn’t a sport,” Grey said. “I would think about it for some time, but I knew what I was doing and how much effort it took.”

Landry Grey, sophomore, competes on the rings during the 2023 gymnastics season. Photo submitted by Grey Because they aren’t traditional sports, they get disregarded.

“It’s upsetting the sport doesn’t get the recognition it deserves because of how much work we actually put into what we put on the stage,” St. John said.

No amount of negativity can deter either of these athletes, though, as both St. John and Grey think a future in their respective sports is possible.

Going to college and bettering themselves would be the next step, said both St. John and Grey.

“You really have to write down your goals to know what you’re looking forward to doing and where you can go in the future,” Grey said. “There are possibilities you could have from staying with it like going to the Olympics and competing for the nation.”

Sports 9

Who Runs the Show?

Mr. Zionsville showcased 13 boys competing for the crown, but the directors in red dresses made this show reality.

By Georgianna Moreland, Staff

Lauryn Herbon Why were you inspired to play a part in the show?

“I’ve always seen it when I was younger, and then my brother was in it. Seeing the girls up on stage as senior directors and junior directors, it looked so fun to do and it looked like such a great experience, and meeting new people and trying new things for myself.”

What has been your favorite part of being a director?

“I think it’s opened me up on my show, personally, because I think after COVID I was scared to talk to people. And by being a senior director, and a junior director last year, I feel like I have been able to talk to people and open myself and grow.”

Savannah McCarthy What has been your favorite part of being a director?

“My favorite part about being a senior director is choreographing the opening dance. I also just love how it’s finally our year.”

What would you say to current sophomore girls and current junior guys who want to participate next year?

“Do it. Just try. It’s so fun, just go for it. All of us came in with the expectation of not really making it, and just doing it for fun. You never know.”

Annie Davidson What would you say to current sophomore girls and current junior guys who want to participate next year?

“I know of a lot of guys this year that didn’t want the rejection, so they didn’t even try. It’s upsetting to see because Mr. Zionsville isn’t just for people in the show choir. It’s not just for people who have set talents, like they can play the piano, or they can dance well, or they can sing. It’s for everyone, and I think that is something that a lot of people forget about Mr. Zionsville when they’re going into an audition or to interview. I think that just having an open mind and doing it with the expectation “This may not work out, but let’s do it.”

10 Feature

Senior Directors

Junior Directors Phoebe Sidebottom What sections of the show do you plan?

“We’re mostly in charge of social media. So, at every rehearsal, we’ll take pictures of the boys getting awarded “sugar daddy,” which is the rehearsal MVP. We document funny moments. We record their dances, so they can look and watch off the video, but it’s fun to interact with the community through doing social media. And we choreographed a little part of the opening dance.”

Why were you inspired to play a part in the show?

“It’s such an iconic tradition of Zionsville. You always see the girls in the red dresses, and it seemed like such a cool experience to get to know the guys in the grade above me, to learn from the senior directors and to be a part of it with guys in my own grade next year. And I thought it’d be a fun learning experience.”

Claire Kauffman What has been your favorite part of being a director?

“After rehearsal, we always go to the parking lot and play games together, which is super fun. Personally, I’m not close with a lot of the senior guys, but through the Mr. Z rehearsal process, we’ve gotten to get to know them better and I’m sure by the end of this experience we’ll all be close friends. We’re always super focused and rehearse well, so when we get to go out afterwards and we don’t have anything we have to get done, everybody gets to hang out and have a good time.”

What would you say to current sophomore girls/junior guys who want to participate next year?

“Mr. Z’s very specific to Zionsville, meaning no other school does what we do. When people hear Mr. Z in Zionsville, they know what that is. I think it’s really cool to be a part of the tradition.”

Claire Casavant Why were you inspired to play a part in the show?

“I’m really close with Lauryn Herbon, who is a senior director.

And I was just kind of talking to them in freshman year, thinking that’s something I really want to do. I’m super grateful that I get to be doing this because it’s such a great opportunity and a unique experience. It’s something you can join into, being a part of a tradition that’s been going on for so long.”

What has been your favorite part of being a director?

“It’s fun watching them interact with each other and they are all going to all be super close friends. So, it’s just fun watching those bonds grow.”

Photos by Matthew Orbaugh

Feature 11

Jared Williams in his office on Dec. 20.

Photo by Josie Brackett

Behind Williams’ Intimidating Image

By Carter Hughes, Guest Reporter with additional reporting by Jack Palmer

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hen senior Mia Herrera was caught skipping lunch by assistant principal Jared Williams she was sure she was going to get a detention and an order to stay in the lunch room during her lunch period. Instead, Williams worked with Herrera and listened to her complaints about how her anxiety made it hard for her to be in the lunch room. Williams wrote a permanent pass for Herrera to leave the lunch room.

Williams has a reputation around the school for being intimidating due to the nature of his job. Williams disagrees with his reputation.

“How I come off at a surface level may make people feel that way,” Williams said.

“But I do think that once I get a chance to talk to kids, they get to see that I do really care about the school and them as an individual.”

In addition to overseeing school safety, Williams handles student behavior and discipline alongside two other assistant principals. Williams’ role as a disciplinarian and straightforward approach are the main reasons for his reputation among students.

Athletic director Greg Schellhase worked closely with Williams during Williams’ time as a wrestling coach and assistant athletic director.

“He has this persona,” Schellhase said. “I think a lot of the students are intimidated by him.”

12 Feature

However, a common agreement among the people that know Williams well is to disagree with that characterization of him.

“They just see the more disciplined side.

They don’t see how much he cares,” Luke Penola, a senior wrestler who was coached

by Williams, said.

Herrera describes herself as someone who “got in trouble all the time.” Despite this, her comments about Williams echoed Penola’s.

“He sees you as human,” Herrera said.

“He is not just some security guard who is going to come get you. He is actually really nice.”

Williams’ commitment to helping students is also something that he personally stated is his motivation for working in schools.

“I’ve always enjoyed and felt like it was a strength of mine to work with kids through problems and issues that they’re having,” Williams said.

This passion for helping kids is something that has been reflected throughout Williams’ career in both coaching and his special education teaching at other high schools before teaching at Zionsville.

“He coached at Lawrence North and Avon before Zionsville and completely turned those programs around and did a lot to help the kids there,” Penola said.

Schellhase described Williams as some-

one who is “in it for the right reasons.”

Williams’ motivations ultimately influence many of the decisions he makes as an assistant principal.

“There is a lot of discussion where our philosophy is going to land regarding student discipline and how loose or tight we’re going to be and making that fit into what’s going to help all of our students grow and be prepared for independence when they leave here,” Williams said.

Williams was influenced by his father, who was also an assistant principal, dealing with discipline at Williams’ high school.

Williams said as a student he was “not an angel.”

His philosophy about allowing kids to grow and make mistakes is exemplified in his work with Herrera.

“Some people just can’t go to class, just can’t get up. That’s just how it is,” Herrera said. “I feel like he understands that and will cut you a little slack.”

Williams also acknowledged that “the processes we have don’t always fit an individual.” This flexibility does run counter to the overall image that he has with much of the student body.

Williams ultimately wants to help students, even if his outward persona can sometimes make that hard to see.

“He’s in this for students and to help them grow and learn,” Schellhase said.

Cray-Cray for Tay-Tay Taylor Swift gains more fans after a year Swifties remember “all too well”

By Margaret Williamson, Guest Reporter

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09 million: the number of monthly Spotify listeners Taylor Swift receives as of Dec. 10, 2023.

Swift’s career began with the release of her debut single “Tim McGraw” in 2006. Seventeen years later, she has grown accustomed to severe stardom. However, her popularity has grown substantially since the start of her “Eras” tour.

Longtime fan and junior Hensley Krieble gravitates towards Swift’s music due to its relatability. Krieble said songs like “Never Grow Up” bring her comfort as she steps closer to adulthood. “[Swift] is speaking from the heart and she has experienced these things and isn’t just writing a song to write a song,” Krieble said. “Some people don’t have an experience of the song they’re writing about. I feel like all her songs have an experience from her personal life tied to them.”

These experiences Krieble mentioned typically relate to feelings experienced by young girls. Songs like “Nothing New,” “The Man,” or “A Place in This World” are a few examples of Swift using her lyrics

Source: Wikimedia Commons

to provide an outlet for young women.

“Young women especially can just appreciate someone articulating how they feel,” Allison Tripolitis, devoted “Swiftie” and AP Government teacher, said. “We don’t necessarily have the ability to articulate it as well as she does, and it’s great. She did it for me.”

Swift’s popularity with her diehard fans only amplified when she announced her “Eras” tour in November 2022. Her unique concert experience featured a set from nine of her 10 albums, each acting as its own “era.”

The demand for tickets famously crashed Ticketmaster, causing roughly 1.5 million fans to be unable to purchase tickets. The fans termed the “battle” to buy tickets “The Great War” after a song in Swift’s tenth album.

Newer fan and freshman Adriana Hale managed to “survive ‘The Great War,’” receiving tickets for one of Swift’s Nashville concerts. Initially, Hale wasn’t as dedicated to Swift as her other fans, but after the concert, she fell in love. Hale loved the concert so much she bought resale tickets for a second show in Chicago for $1,506.

“Just being in that crowd both times it felt like you could just forget about any worries you had in your life, and just sing and dance from the start to the finish,” Hale said.

The “Eras” tour was more than a simple concert, several fans report. One unique aspect to the night was the audience trading friendship bracelets before the show.

“It really added to the community and how people treated each other,” Krieble said. “It was a really nice environment, and no one was super mean to each other.”

The bracelets are just one example of how Swift’s career brings people together.

The “Swiftie community” offers opportunities to connect with those one normally wouldn’t.

For instance, whenever Swift hints at her next album through her “Easter Eggs,” or clues in posts or music videos symbolizing a new “era,” all ages come together to decipher what she means.

“Being a Swiftie has helped me make connections with students,” Tripolitis said.

“I love when my ‘Swiftie Squad’ of students from last year comes back to visit so we can recap all the major Taylor news.”

However, as Swift’s stardom grows, the group of those who don’t understand grows as well. Freshman Annabel Lusk is one of them. Lusk listens to Swift’s music but doesn’t describe herself as a “hardcore fan.”

“It’s kind of annoying sometimes when everyone is talking about [Taylor Swift], and I don’t really care,” Lusk said.

There are other non-“Swifties” that hate Swift. Tripolitis diagnosed this issue as a dismissal of teen girl culture. An example of this would be The Beatles and their treatment. They were incredibly popular with teenage girls, yet during The Beatles’ prime, society called them things like “garbage.”

However, The Beatles now would be considered one of the greatest bands of all time.

“I think it comes back to the way that misogyny is so prevalent in our culture and has been prevalent in our culture since the beginning of our founding,” Tripolitis said.

“Women have made great strides in terms of equality, but there is still a different standard held for women and men, in terms of how they express themselves, about their relationships, about their fame, about this idea of a woman being ‘too much.’”

Many of the newer Swifties are former “haters” who have come to love Swift and her music.

“I used to not really like her, but I feel like after you actually listen to her songs and lyrics and think of what they mean it feels a lot deeper than just her boyfriends or her breakups,” Hale said.

Swift’s fans understand she isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. However, they love Swift.

“You don’t have to like her, but I don’t think you need to look down upon or speak out against the people who do,” Tripolitis said. “I think that you should just let people like what they like because it doesn’t impact you, and to dismiss it or be critical of it is just bringing more negativity into the world.”

Student Life 13

No Place Like My Room Bedrooms are a very important space for relaxation and a way to escape the rest of the world. A person’s room reflects who they are, what they value, and the things that they enjoy. Everyone has a different way of showing their passions throughout their space in order to make it perfect for their personality.

By: Ellie Vanderbur, Student Life Editor

F

Vivian Shao

rom day to night, sophomore Vivian Shao finds her happy place in her bedroom.

“My vanity [is my favorite] because I love getting ready in the morning. It’s the time when I can just sit by myself and relax,” Shao said.

She also finds comfort in her room at the end of the day with her LED lights. Her room also highlights her favorite items like her Beyonce and Taylor Swift posters, books, and shoes.

In order to have a relaxing and practical room, Shao cleans it every Sunday.

“If my room is clean I can be productive, but if it’s messy I can’t,” Shao said.

Having a clean bedroom also helps her do the things she enjoys.

“I spend a lot of time picking outfits so it’s easier when it’s organized,” Shao said.

To get her room to where it is today she “looked at photos on Pinterest” and based her room off of those. This let her find what she liked and give it a personal twist.

“I spend a lot of time in my room; it makes me feel safe,” Shao said.

Photos submitted

by Vivian Shao

14 Student Life

S

Alana Day

ophomore Alana Day’s bedroom isn’t just a comforting place but also an area that people she cares about can enjoy.

“I want [people] to think that it’s a comfortable and safe space,” Day said. “I like when my friends are comfortable to sleep over.”

For Day, her emphasis on loved ones is shown throughout her room with her decorations and display of “keepsakes” she has received. These important pieces include photos, birthday cards, and artwork from friends and family.

Her room is also “centered around music and plants.” This is shown through her record collection and flowers. Her room reflects her interests as well as mirroring her overall mindset.

“It’s pretty cluttered but organized at the same time,” Day said.

“That’s kind of like how I am.”

While this is the case in the majority of her room, her closet is a different story. Because clothes and fashion are so important to her, the closet is “all very organized.”

“Overall, it’s chaotic but I know where everything is,” Day said.

Photos submitted by Alana Day

F

Elaine Berrong

or senior Elaine Berrong, decorating was a careful and deliberate process, reflecting her commitment to individuality.

She finds that a person’s bedroom “says a lot about someone and how they like to express themselves.”

Berrong designed her room to showcase her focus on being “a creative person.”

“It’s colorful; there’s a lot of movie posters and stuff I’m passionate about,” Berrong said.

These passions are further reflected in the details of her space with her artwork, lava lamps and assortment of trinkets that reveal her interests and create a relaxing atmosphere.

Although there are many things that she enjoys in her space, it’s still a work in progress. She wants to make her room reach its full potential since there are some areas she still would like to fill in.

“I want to add more movie posters and art to my walls,” Berrong said.

Photos submitted by Elaine Berrong

Student Life 15

Commenting on the Does the positive outweigh the Positive negative of a large following?

By Adanna Mbanu, Editor-in-Chief

W

hat happens when one gains a significant following on a platform? Does the fear of judgment overpass the joy of being liked?

The surge in social media use over the last decade has been immense, fostering creative outlets for people across the globe, and opening new opportunities for influencers on the different platforms.

A survey done by Etactics reported that 25% of teens view social media as having “a mostly negative effect,” which included bullying, harming of relationships, unrealistic views of others’ lives, addiction, and drama.

Given that this statistic represents social media users who don’t have a mass amount of followers, this statistic may be worse for those with a significant following, as they’re constantly being watched by fans and followers.

Senior Reese Godby has over 13,000 TikTok followers. Since her sophomore year, she’s had multiple videos, including get ready with me videos and wishlist guides, go viral, causing a surge in engagement from viewers. Because of this, Godby has received some negative outreach such as hateful comments.

“There was one time where people kept asking me to post a room tour, so I posted a video and people were commenting ‘Does this girl’s voice annoy anyone else? Her voice is so annoying,’” Godby said. “And then I responded and I was like ‘Yeah dude her voice is so annoying.’ I’ve only gotten a few negative comments but I think they’re kind of funny.”

There’s often a misconception when it comes to being an influencer that if they have a

16 Student Life

big following, you’re automatically happy and fulfilled. Brandi Hudson, influencer and happiness coach, strives to debunk this misconception.

“We often think that our achievements will lead to happiness and we focus a lot on what job they’ll get, what college they’ll go to, what team they want to be a part of,” Hudson said. “It’s never true that success, achievement, money, or relationships make you happy. But it’s always true that really happy people end up having a great life in all of those areas.”

At the beginning of her gaining a following, Godby said she was fearful of what some people would say. But as time went on, she soon lost the need to care.

“I wasn’t really concerned about people on the internet. I was more concerned about people at school being like ‘What is she doing?’ But then I slowly started post-

ing more stuff, and nobody really said anything, so I don’t really think about it much anymore and if people are making fun of me I don’t really care anymore,” Godby said.

With the occasional negativity that comes with having a following, is the positive attention enough to overcome the fear of judgment?

“If you think about social media, there are these two parallel paths,” Hudson said. “One’s a high vibration and one’s a low vibration path that people tend to follow. So people tend to get really ingrained in this culture of what I like to call ‘trainwreck social media’, where everyone’s watching for the trainwreck.

All of these low vibration things, whether it be negativity in the news, cattiness or pettiness, it’s like you’re starving.”

According to Hudson, there are many social media users who “want to learn more about themselves and to be the best version of themselves and oftentimes don’t know how.”

Whether it be a user who has 200,000 followers, or one that has 20, Hudsan said social media use should revolve around the potential they have to bring happiness.

“I tell people that happiness is their birthright,” Hudson said. “Yes, we feel them [emotions] all, but we should feel them deeply and move through them and move back to this place of happiness. Happiness should be the majority of our lives.”

Graphic by Jonah Hunter

Controversial Classics Are the contents of “timeless” movies truly timeless?

I

n the bustling halls of an average California high school, the iconic Cher Horowitz from “Clueless” is a style icon, complete with plaid skirts and memorable catchphrases. This film, along with other classics like “16 Candles” and “The Notebook,” holds a place in the hearts of many.

Classic movies and TV shows are considered timeless and loved by all generations.

They often reflect the values and society of the era at the time the movie was made, but as newer generations revisit these movies, it’s becoming harder to ignore the controversies made by the changing norms.

We are sometimes led to believe that classic movies are flawless and always relevant due to the interpretations of the words. But the reality is that many of them don’t age well. Some decisions made at the time might have made sense, but in today’s world, they are heavily debated.

These movies often invoke a strong sense of nostalgia, connecting the viewers to cherished memories. Movies like “Clueless,” “16 Candles,” or “The Notebook” never seem to go out of style.

“I think the memories we have watching them are key parts of why people love them so much,” Film Literature student Audrey Schmal, senior, said. “They draw on themes that anyone can relate to, even nowadays.”

From watching “Cosmos” with her dad when she was 5 years old to an adaptation of “To Kill a Mockingbird” in eighth grade, Schmal has always loved watching movies with her family. She currently does a lot of filming for the Performing Arts Center and enjoys cinematography.

“It sort of brought a greater appreciation to films,” Schmal said.

The simplicity of older themes in movies provides a refreshing contrast to the complexity of more modern ones. The classic girl meets boy, they go on an adventure, and end up falling in love plot has been used over and over again. It’s so effortless to un-

By Srinithya Basireddy, Staff Manager

derstand without having to overthink every little detail, as we often do in our daily lives.

Despite the ongoing appeal of classic movies being driven by emotion, the aging process has downfalls in evolving social contexts. Films may contain elements that are considered outdated or offensive today.

In the well-known movie “Clueless,” the main character, Cher Horowitz, is a 15 year old girl who ends up falling in love with her ex-step-brother, a 23 year old in college.

While this age gap may have been socially acceptable in the early 1990s, it’s definitely disfavored now.

Another famous show, “Friends,” is known for its iconic friendships and coffee shop vibes but there are a lot of social controversies including body shaming issues.

Others include the love interest in “The Notebook” threatening suicide and rape, and racial insults in “16 Candles.”

These movies also include misogynistic insults, often belittling women and making them the subject of the jokes.

“Making jokes of women and not giving them a voice that was far more acceptable, like sexual assault jokes,” Schmal said.

“Those were frequent in rom-coms.”

Now, after movements such as #MeToo, those jokes just don’t fly, according to Schmal.

“There’s more acceptance for queer people and women nowadays than probably 2000s,” Schmal said.

A lot of times, teens are portrayed a little too extreme in movies. This is usually used to keep the viewers interested

and create a sense of excitement in our mundane lives.

“Sometimes it’s fun to watch crazy stuff happen,” Schmal said. “That’s probably why shows like Euphoria are so popular, but it brings adult pressures onto teenagers, which isn’t necessarily true or realistic.”

Some ideas can create false interpretations and assumptions about high school students. Movies like “16 Candles” and “Clueless” reinforce the harsh stereotypes placed on teens.

As movies have recently leaned towards more depressing themes, it’s fun to escape into ones like “Legally Blonde” even though there are controversies, according to Schmal, who described it as “one of those happy and simpler times.”

“When you’re going through a rough time, you want to look to a time when you were happy. And I think these movies bring back those feelings for a lot of people,” Schmal said.

Classic movies may not be perfect, but they are still able to evoke nostalgic and happy feelings for those who love them.

Graphic by

Marissa V illa

rrubia

Opinion 17

Break-ing My Heart

February break was taken out of the schedule this year, leaving students disheartened

By Emerson Lucas, Feature Editor

I

n 2022, Zionsville Community Schools introduced the first “February break,” a week-long break from school in the middle of February. This break was well received by both students and parents as it split up the excruciating three months between winter break and spring break. However, the school backtracked after the next February break in 2023, stating it would be the last one. Many students were confused and disappointed to hear this news.

Angela Bourff, co-president of the teachers union and former member of the calendar committee, stated that there were three calendar options sent out for the public to vote on. Students, parents, and teachers all had the option to vote on the calendar. When the February break calendar won, people were thrown off and confused at first, as this was a new thing for everyone.

But it later became something students looked forward to.

“I think parents, having enough advance notice, they liked [February break], because Graphic by Jonah Hunter

18 Opinion

they were able to take vacations where it wasn’t as crowded and busy,” Bourff said.

The February break was a popular time for vacations. Junior Reese Martin took a cruise trip over the break with her family.

“When I first learned we were getting a break in between winter break and spring break, I was really happy,” Martin said.

“The cruise was fun, but I mainly enjoyed just being able to relax.”

As academic calendars are being made each year, it is crucial to ensure that the structure of the calendars are aligned with the mental and emotional development of students. The period of time between winter break and spring break is commonly known as a time where students get into a “slump,” myself included. The relentless pace of the school year leads to burnout and stress. A break in February bridges the gap between the winter holidays and the final stretch of the school year, creating a new spark of motivation to finish off the year.

This mid-year break allowed students to return to school with renewed focus and energy. It provided a chance for them to reflect on their academic process so far and set goals for the remainder of the school year.

“The winter months after Christmas can be pretty bleak and stressful,” Martin said. “Having the break allowed me to recharge and come back to school with more motivation.”

Martin isn’t the only student who feels this

way. The first semester is marked by a series of breaks, allowing students opportunities to recharge. Fall break is shortly followed

by Thanksgiving break, which is shortly followed by winter break. The abrupt shift to a single break in the second semester creates a prolonged period of time with no academic rest or recovery.

Navigating the winter semester is already hard enough as is with shorter days and colder weather. The absence of a break during these months makes school feel like a prolonged struggle to keep up with assignments and maintain motivation.

For me, the February break was like a mental reset button. I was able to take a break from academics and indulge in some self care, and overall just enjoy things I don’t get to during the school weeks. The absence of the break leaves me longing for some time of relaxation, with a break nowhere in sight.

The distribution of breaks plays a crucial role in shaping the educational experience for students.

After the first February break students were satisfied and ready to come back and finish off the school year, so when they found out it wasn’t coming back they were confused and thrown off.

“Honestly, I wasn’t happy about it because now there’s nothing to look forward to after winter break. It gives me a lack of motivation,” Martin said. “It will be hard to go several months without a chance to recharge.”

Bourff says the committee received a fair amount of negative responses.

“There’s always going to be someone who is unhappy,” Bourff said.

I think a lot of students, myself inclued, have hope that the February break will return in the coming years.

“I think a lot of people did like it, which we didn’t expect,” Bourff said. “There’s potential it could come back.”

Opinion 19

Harb Highlights

Top Right: Senior Ella Webb and junior Kara Macler practice for the Indoor Percussion show “Sonic Reflections” on Jan. 20. Photo by Madeline Wilson Top left: Senior Helen Poor works on a bacteria transformation lab in Genetics on Jan. 12. Photo by Madeline Wilson Bottom Left: Senior Faith Leedy plays defense in the 71-66 win against Noblesville on Jan. 12. Photo by Josie Brackett

When: 7 a.m.

Where: Varsity Gym

3

Wrestling

19

Presidents’ Day

IHSAA Regional When: 9 a.m.

Where: North Montgomery

No school

Feb.

locations are subject to change.

Mar.

17

Winter Guard Competition

When: 7 p.m.

Where: PAC

Feb.

1

One Acts

Feb.

Feb.

Feb.

What’s What’s next? next?

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

3

Swim & Dive

4

Track & Field

Girls Sectional When: 5:30 p.m.

Where: ZCHS Aquatic Center

Early Bird Meet When: 6 p.m.

Where: ZCHS