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.
Where does the line get drawn when it comes to online sports betting?
You're watching the game with a pounding heart, phone in hand. The NCAA men's basketball championship game has 20 seconds left, your team is up, and you’re sure this bet will hit. Fifty bucks, maybe more, gone in a minute but it’s just one bet right? Until it’s not. Online sports betting is quietly pulling teenagers into a cycle of risk, addiction, and easy losses. Despite being illegal, apps like DraftKings, BETMGM, and FanDuel are only a few clicks away for teens under the age of 21.
When it comes to underage betting, where does the line get drawn? How can we create a healthy balance something that is potentially addicting and having a fun competitive time with our friends? Yes, it is illegal in Indiana for all people under 21 to bet. However, many teens find a way to do it anyways. It's something that brings many students joy and brings friends together. But did you ever think about how it could affect your mental health in a poor way?
Online sports betting can cause reckless spending and impulsive control. Not only does it foster bad habits at a young age, it also encourages reckless spending. Most high schoolers lack financial responsibility and are more prone to making impulsive decisions. This leads to the reckless betting we continue to see at our school.
Early exposure to betting increases a problem of betting habits later in life. The earlier somebody starts, the harder it can be to control. The financial consequences we experience can be worse than adults due
to most of us not having a stable income. This can lead to debt, illegal activities, or financial stress all before the age of 21.
Laws against underage betting exist for a reason, to prevent addiction, financial losses, debt, and risk behavior before teens can fully understand the long term consequences of their decisions.
Underage betting can also lead to mental health risks. Betting can contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression, especially for students who struggle to cope with losing or becoming obsessed with winning.
We think it is tragic how often some high schoolers are betting. Many of us have reported that we get ads on sports betting, but why would social media be putting those ads out to minors? They know that we are more likely to spend our money on it despite the repercussions.
Some people may have the opinion that it's important to learn the lesson of betting in their teenage years rather than when they get older and have to support themselves. However, a teenager might start betting and not stop.
We think that there is a healthy balance of betting with your friends on sports games but also not becoming addicted or losing large amounts of money. The solution to this would be learning how to do it safely and not using real money. There are certain apps that allow you to online sports bet with fake money. When you do this, you are not using real money, you are learning how to safely online bet, and you can still have fun with your friends.
Cover: Sophomore Cooper Bull and senior Max Mitalski help senior Larsen Marquardt learn to play the violin during a United Sound meeting on March 4.
Photos by Marissa Villarrubia
An explanation of executive orders, their importance in our government system
By Luke Kouns, News Editor, and Johnathan Parr, Staff
Within just the first two months of his second term, President Donald Trump signed 76 executive orders, according to the federal register. These orders, which go into effect without significant legislative overview, have ranged from establishing tariffs to ending paper straw policies. The rapid issuing of these orders has led to confusion over the role of executive orders in the U.S. government and the range of their authority.
I’m Just A Bill Executive Order
deemed necessary by the president; these times are commonly during national emergencies, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, or for military affairs.
“An executive order is a directive issued by the president that manages the operations of the federal government,” U.S. Government and Geography teacher Doug Welch said. “It is a way for a president to use their existing authority to guide how federal agencies and officials do their job.”
The Constitution outlines a government system with a more powerful federal government that could regulate the country as a whole. In Federalist 70, a paper arguing for the adoption of the Constitution, Alexander Hamilton argued that for there to be an effective executive government, there must be “energy in the executive.”
“This means that ideally, for a government to be effective, you must have an executive branch that can make decisions with efficiency,” AP U.S. history and AP government teacher Allison Tripolitis said. “We want decisions to be made deliberately, but we don’t need Congress to be necessarily deciding every small little aspect of how executive agencies are managed.”
The role of managing the executive, therefore, falls upon the president, who is given the authority to make quick decisions and execute them.
“The president’s authority is from Article Two of the Constitution, which grants the president executive power. The president is designated as commander in chief,” Welch said. “[This] allows the President to implement existing laws that can be really useful in times of emergency, or if Congress is gridlocked.”
This executive power is often used to reinforce existing powers or policies at times
“One [executive order] is Truman’s Executive Order 9981 which desegregated the U.S. military. This is a really good example, because constitutionally, the President is the commander in chief. That is one of the four powers listed for the president in the constitution,” Tripolitis said. “So as the commander in chief, it stands that he can utilize an executive order to desegregate the U.S. military.”
Executive orders, however, do not have unlimited and unchallengeable power, and can be undone by the intentionally included methods of checks and balances.
“Congress can overturn an executive order by passing a law that could contradict it or even lessen that executive order,” Welch said. “The president can check Congress by vetoing that law passed by Congress.”
Congress isn’t the only power able to challenge executive orders; everyday citizens or organizations can challenge orders they believe to exceed presidential power or are unconstitutional through the U.S. court system.
“What’s going to happen is an organization, an interest group or a person who feels that the executive order has extended or exceeded presidential authority or is unconstitutional, they can challenge it in court,” Tripolitis said. “Once the Supreme Court weighs in on the act, they can strike it down making the act null and void, or they can uphold it meaning the act remains.”
This type of challenge against executive orders can be seen in modern day against many of President Trump’s 2025 orders. The cases Casa v. Donald Trump and New Hampshire Indonesian Community Support v. Donald J. Trump, for example, challenged Executive Order 14160, which
Graphic by Marissa Villarrubia
restricts birthright citizenship for American born children of certain undocumented immigrants, on the basis of it violating the 14th Amendment.
Whether they stand for years or only last a month, executive orders have the ability to alter the course of the United States’ history and change everyday life for many Americans.
“[Executive orders have been] very influential. I think they’ve shaped policy on a wide range of issues. Could be for economic benefits, it could be for civil rights, it could be for national security,” Welch said. “You have Abraham Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation and controversial ones like Roosevelt with the internment camps.”
Can You Read This?
Indiana student literacy rates are higher than ever, other states struggle
By Ariana Spence, Staff
Ever since the pandemic, national literacy rates have decreased substantially. The rates at which children are learning have been slowly declining since schools closed during the pandemic. But in Indiana, the number of children who have above-average reading and writing ability are at an all-time high and schools are above the national averages.
For elementary and middle school-aged students, ZCS uses statewide standardized testing to measure the academic abilities of students, like IREAD, ILEARN and NWEA.
According to the Indiana Department of Education’s IREAD-3 summary, many school districts, including Muncie Community Schools and Indianapolis Public Schools, reported massive downfalls in test scores at the beginning of the pandemic that have yet to rise back to pre-pandemic scores, while Zionsville has consistently stayed the third best school district in the state.
“We haven’t really seen a dip in NWEA [scores],” ZCS Director of Academic Services Christine Squier said, who has been running standardized testing at ZCS for almost 10 years.
Zionsville has used many different standardized tests throughout the years, but ZCS finds NWEA the most reliable, over tests like IREAD and ILEARN.
Squier said that because IREAD is so new, the scores are much less consistent and have varied for each test, along with inconsistencies throughout the pandemic.
“When it’s a new test, it goes down for a year, then we recalibrate and then our scores go back up,” Squier said.
According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, ZCS has been in the 98th percentile since 2022, with minimal impact from the pandemic, while Indiana overall had a significant drop in many district’s scores when schools shut down.
The average standardized test score in Indiana is 220 out of 500, less than our average pre-pandemic scores of 222, according to the National Public State Profile study conducted by NAEP in 2024. Indiana has consistently been above the national average
of 217 out of 500 since 2022, making us the sixth highest-scoring state in the nation, behind states like Colorado, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, with the highest score being 234.
“So [the pandemic] didn’t really affect our test scores, but they did affect our students speaking, mostly because of the masks, it made it really hard for them to hear and see the sounds,” Squier said.
Squier reported a minor fallback in student speech, and rather than shutdowns affecting academic success of the students, the children’s interactive skills suffered the consequences of the pandemic.
According to the Indiana Department of Education, general student speech in Indiana declined throughout the pandemic and afterwards, shown through speech testing.
In an effort to recover quickly in both speech and reading ability of students, IDOE mandated elementary schools to change curriculums and teach literacy using the Science of Reading program, which is research-based and rooted in the psychology of how children learn to read, speak and write.
As standardized testing is far less commonly available for adults, the Lexile Scale helps to determine someone’s reading, writing, and speaking ability without the complications of arranging standardized testing after K-12 school is completed.
The Lexile Scale is a standardized way to measure a person’s reading ability, with
the average adult scoring about 800 to 1150 lexiles, which is also the average score of a seventh to eighth grade reading level.
Before the pandemic, about 21% of the population nationally had a reading level under sixth grade, but after the pandemic, that percentage has risen to 54%.
According to the Indiana General Assembly, about 49% of adults in Indiana have a below-average reading level, and while there ar efforts being made to improve this rate, there are still many difficulties to improving literacy in adults.
As adult learning and student learning are very different, the rate at which students are learning and reaching above-average literacy skills have improved since the Science of Reading program and recovery from the pandemic.
A third grader at Trailside Elementary School focuses on a book during independent reading time on March 7. Photo by Josie Brackett
MGraphic by Ellie Vanderbur
Playing Together
United Sound helps students connect through learning music
By Abby Keck, Staff
any high school students have hobbies that they enjoy, and for some, music is that passion. Zionsville Community High School provides most students with ample opportunities to participate in music, with several music classes and clubs available to them.
However, students with cognitive disabilities are often unable to participate in the same classes and activities as non-disabled students, so they don’t have access to these opportunities.
According to the United Sound website, special education students require a more personalized curriculum to adapt to their unique learning needs, which is nearly impossible to provide in a general education music class with several students who mostly don’t need those special accommodations.
The website says United Sound is meant to bridge the gap between special and general education students so the former, called “New Musicians,” within the program, can have a chance to participate in music and learn to play an instrument, while the latter teach them. The Zionsville chapter of United Sound is part of the ZCHS Orchestra, so New Musicians learn string instruments and perform with the orchestra in concerts.
According to Special Education teacher and United Sound co-sponsor Andrew Slack, “I think for our New Musicians, it gives them a chance to meet students that
they wouldn’t otherwise meet and hang out with and create a friendship with. And it allows them to play an instrument where they might otherwise not have that opportunity.”
New Musicians aren’t the only ones who are learning in United Sound. The peer mentors are able to make connections with people they may not have been able to before, while also learning how to teach someone else to play their instrument.
“I think for our peer musicians, it gives them a chance to take on a leadership role, take on a teaching role, where they’re oftentimes used to being the student in the classroom,” Slack said. “So I think it’s very helpful for everyone.”
According to the United Sound website, to teach New Musicians the United Sound curriculum simplifies musical concepts and presents them in a way that is easy to understand.
For example, the United Sound curriculum connects rhythms to foods and pitches to colors, so New Musicians can learn about those concepts in a way that is more familiar to them.
According to orchestra teacher and co-sponsor of United Sound Keegan Lammers, although learning a new instrument is a common experience that everyone in orchestra goes through, students often forget what it’s like by the time they get to high school.
“We forget what it’s like to hold that instrument for the first time, and that it’s a totally foreign feeling,” Lammers said. “You don’t walk around holding an instrument in your day-to-day life.”
The New Musician that sophomore and president of United Sound Liora DeVelvis teaches has some strength issues that require her to adapt her teaching.
“For example, she can’t play fast notes, so if her part has four quarter notes, I might have to change the part to two half notes to make it more accessible,” DeVelvis said.
Learning to adapt your teaching to someone who is a complete beginner is an important skill, no matter who or what
you’re teaching, and a lot more goes into it than others may realize.
“Until you’ve tried to teach somebody else the beginning steps of what you do, whether that’s teaching someone how to hold an instrument or teaching them how to paint or hold a pencil, you don’t realize how many tiny little skills go into this one big skill,” Lammers said.
Although the club is based around learning music, the meetings always start with a non-music activity to help peer mentors and New Musicians build friendships. In addition to learning music, community building is also a big part of United Sound.
“Doing those activities before you get into the music helps build the relationship,” Lammers said. “Because then your relationship isn’t just tied to, ‘okay, pick up your violin’, but your relationship is also tied to doing these fun things together, and we’re chatting with each other and learning about each other.”
United Sound members say that participating in the club is a fun and rewarding experience for everyone involved.
“When you see the New Musicians get something right for the first time, or play through their piece for the first time, and see them celebrate with their peers, it just warms my heart every time,” Lammers said. “It’s so special to see them feel that success, that’s really good.”
Playing the cello, junior Megan Holt learns music skills during United Sound on March 4. Photo by Marissa Villarubia
United Sound members Ayden Brumback and Atlas Kaufmann practice on March 4 for their upcoming concert. Photo by Marissa Villarrubia
College Conundrum
Students struggle with upcoming college decisions
By Lilly Steele, Sports Editor
On average, students apply to five to eight colleges, with one to two being reach and safety schools, according to CollegeBoard.
Despite how many applications students are filling out, less students are going to college. According to Forbes, since 2010, enrollment has declined by 11.61%.
Throughout the process of choosing a college, students change their minds often.
“Most students don’t fully know what they want or what they can afford until they go through their senior year,” counselor Ellen Shertzer said. “Finances are one of the major reasons why students change their mind.”
Zionsville offers a class to help students with this challenge. Preparing for College and Careers is a class taught by Braden Hall, allowing students to explore multiple career and education paths. The class helps students research a variety of college-related information.
“Each student will have a unique research experience as they tailor their research towards colleges they are interested in,” Hall said.
There are also resources available for students outside of classroom tools such as Naviance and CollegeBoard.
“Most students utilize college visits or meetings with admissions reps in our building to help them narrow down the list of schools to apply,” Shertzer said.
Students should also think about their priorities when it comes to college, and do a self-assessment to identify what they want in a college.
“Once you understand your own strengths, weaknesses, interests, values, financial situation, career aspirations, etc., then you will be able to use this assessment of yourself to identify a college that best fits what you are looking for,” Hall said.
Hall said students should think about the location of a college as well as size, culture, and offerings of each college.
Prab Jayachandran applied to over 10 schools, including Ivy League colleges and more.
“I don’t have a particular dream, I just applied to a bunch of schools to see which
one is the best one I get into,” Jayachandran said.
He used online resources like US News to pull up colleges with good business and economics programs. He also took a bigger look at colleges that could provide a good career path after college as well as have a good culture.
Senior Jackson Muniz looked at schools in Europe and the United States. Being unable to visit all of his schools, he utilized university websites and social media information.
“I looked at schools in Europe because [they’re] different than what everyone else does, and I wanted to experience something new,” Muniz said. “I really like traveling, so I figured living abroad for three or four years would be a really good experience.”
Muniz also looked for schools that had prestigious programs, which drew him back to the U.S. He found colleges closer to home with classes and campuses he liked. Visits can influence a student’s thoughts about a college. On a visit, students get to learn about the college and see the campus.
Jayachandran said he thinks many of the tours say the same things, so it’s important to look at the campus and students. He said he looked at if students were social and willing to have conversations and help if needed.
Students involved in athletics sometimes choose to pursue their sport in college.
Senior Charli West erfield committed to playing softball at Purdue Northwest.
“It’s always been a really big dream of mine since I was young. So I’ve always kind of known that I wanted to go somewhere, but I didn’t always know exactly where,” Westerfield said.
Knowing she wanted to play in college altered her college search. She based her college search around sports and academics. She chose Purdue because of its location, sports team, and other appealing factors.
“I found my college a lot earlier than everyone else. I was committed in April, and that made the college decision season in the fall a lot easier for me because I knew where I was going. So I was a lot less stressed,” Westerfield said.
Shertzer shares some advice for students who aren’t committed, emphasizing starting as soon as possible.
“Start now. Schedule campus visits and plan out when you are taking the SAT or ACT,” Shertzer said. “The process can take a lot more time and energy than [students] expected. Especially scholarships, you need to approach those like a job, it can be a lot of work.”
Graphic by Srinithya Basireddy
A Whimsical Night
By Kayley Hardy, Guest Reporter
The juniors and seniors have been given a night to dress up and enjoy a “Once Upon a Prom” themed evening at the 502 Event Center on April 26 from 8 to 11 p.m.
Ensuring a magical, fun, safe prom night for students
be shared through the school’s Instagram page @ZCHSprom, announcements, and digital signage around school.
The prom committee, led new sponsor Harlea Keller, has been working since the fall to plan decorations and secure a venue. The original venue, Bullseye Event Center in Indianapolis, became unavailable due to a permit issue.
“A lot of people said we just want a good DJ. So, this year, I spent a little bit more money than we have in the past on a DJ,” Keller said.
Based on feedback, the committee also plans to have lighter food options and several spaces for students to gather outside of the dance floor.
“The first major setback was our original place that was going to be for prom this year,” Keller said. “We couldn’t hold the event there anymore, even though we had a contract with them two and a half years ago, we had it.”
With only five months to find a new location, Keller quickly secured the 502 Event Center
“Because we had to change locations in a very quick manner, we don’t get the Event Center until 4 p.m. that day,” Keller said. “We’ve had to kind of change what type of decorations we do.”
Despite the setback, Keller believes the new location offers benefits, including proximity to the school and free parking.
“It’s great to have a prom night that’s close,” Keller said. “Being from a teacher perspective, I don’t want teenagers to be
In addition to planning the decorations, Keller booked a DJ in the fall after seek-
The event theme, “Once Upon a Prom,” was chosen by the junior prom committee, and according to committee member Sydney Holley, students can expect a whimsical, enchanted forest or Disney-inspired atmosphere with rich colors
“We wanted it to be more of a theme that everybody could participate in and kind of put their own interpretation on,” Holley said.
While the short setup window limits elaborate decorations, Keller is working closely with a decorating company to make the most of the available time.
“Everyone is on board to all hands-on deck to make sure everything gets ready in those four hours,” Keller said.
Keller is looking forward to the event and plans to evaluate what works well for future proms.
“We’ll get good feedback after this event,” Keller said. “If we like the DJ, if we like the event space, then we can use that same kind of ideas for years to come.”
With prom night just weeks away, the committee remain focused on creating a memorable experience for students.
“The theme will definitely impress students,” Holley said. “We’ve put a lot of effort into making sure every detail aligns with our vision.”
Graphic by Marissa Villlarrubia
After Prom: the World Tour
An unforgettable night is made possible with community support
By Colin Adam, Guest Reporter
From gambling to putt-putt, After Prom has it all. This event is made with all students in mind, filled with food and activities. Juniors and seniors are invited to travel around the world at the ZCHS after prom on April 26 from 11:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. to have a night of adventure with treasure to be found.
With this year’s after prom theme being, “Around the World,” students will have the ability to do activities such as a casino, silent disco and putt putt golf as well as themed areas like the Wedge which will represent Mexico.
“We try and have something for everybody,” After Prom media chair Susie McKenna said. “Some people like light areas, some people like dark areas. Some people like crowded areas. Some people like quiet areas.”
The after prom committee has been working on the after prom since May of last year. They’ve bounced about many different ideas including food which was something students look forward to each year.
“We look at the food that gets consumed the most, we want to make sure we have more of that,” McKenna said.
For example, there will be Chick-Fil-A,
coffee, Italian sodas, and maybe nachos available for everyone, as well as many other options.
After feedback from the previous years the after prom committee plans to expand on activities that were popular as well such as corn hole, silent disco, and temporary tattoos, as well as adding small putt putt course to the mix.
“The silent disco has been really popular, so this year we’re increasing the number of headsets that we get so more kids can participate at one time,” McKenna said. “We also have a grant from drug--free Boone County, for the tricycles where you get to put the drunk goggles on.”
The after prom committee’s goal, which is a fully parent-led group, is to make a fun and safe place for students to hang out and enjoy the night. They put time and effort into everything at the event, especially the decorations.
“Another thing about after prom is that it’s fun for us parents, it’s a good way to meet people,” McKenna said. “You can come into the decorate and talk and paint and craft and do all these different things and you don’t have to have any special skills. We have stuff for all skill levels.”
Another topic that students are excited about from year to year is prizes. The prizes are funded partially by businesses and partially by the community where they ask for a donation of $35 per family which is not required, just recommended.
“Chick-fil-A donated Chick Fil-A, Holiday World gave us tickets so we can give those away as the prizes that you get from the chips at the casino and bingo,” McKenna said. “We also get monetary donations to fund the activities from businesses. For example Lily up in Lebanon, gave us a donation and Zionsville Eyecare.”
The after prom committee said that they suggest everybody go home and change out of their expensive clothes and change into more comfy clothes. They also encourage students to wear their vacation gear, whether that be Hawaiian shirts or even tourist outfits.
“We actually have heard this, this is not documented because we’ve not counted, but we have heard that more people come to after prom than go to the actual prom,” McKenna said. “I know of a couple kids last year that had activities that prevented them from going to prom, but they were totally back by 11:30 p.m.”
Volunteer Cara Prieshof helps create the decorations that bring after prom to life on March 11. Photos by Marissa Villarrubia
Donating and Campaigning
Junior Tatum Brauer starts a campaign in Zionsville to raise awareness for blood cancer
By Srinithya Basireddy, Perspectives Editor
According to the American Red Cross, one blood donation can save up to three lives, and it takes less than an hour to donate. Yet, only a small percentage of eligible donors actually give blood.
“About 75% of the population will need a blood transfusion at some point in their lives, yet only about 3% actually donate,” Joe McGrath, a manager and advocate at Versiti Blood Center of Indiana said.
Because blood cannot be manufactured, donations are critical to saving lives.
“No matter how much money or scientific expertise we have, we simply cannot create blood artificially,” McGrath said. “That’s why it’s so important for our community to step up and support one another through blood donation.”
To help fight a similar effort, junior Tatum Brauer has launched a campaign through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to raise awareness and funds for blood
Nominated by a friend, Tatum became a 2025 candidate for Student Visionary of the Year. Her campaign, “Eagles for a Cause”, focuses on educating patients and supporting families impacted by the disease.
She began fundraising in September, motivated by family members who have battled cancer. Her goal is to honor them and others she knows personally who have been impacted by the disease.
to because there are so many people who need blood,” she said.
For her, the campaign is about more than just fundraising.
“About 75% of the population will need a blood transfusion at some point in their lives, yet only about 3% of the population actually donates,”
Blood cancers account for about 10% of all cancer diagnoses, with leukemia being the most common form of cancer in children. Despite the high demand for blood transfusions in treatment, blood shortages remain a nationwide issue.
- Joe McGrath, a manager and advocate at Versiti Blood Center of Indiana
One of the biggest barriers to donation is awareness. Many first-time donors say they had never given blood before simply because no one had asked them to.
cancer research and patient support. The seven-week campaign encourages teens to raise money for the cause.
“It’s almost like a competition,” Brauer said. “We compete against each other, but it all goes toward the same goal, which is ending blood cancer.”
McGrath, a representative from Versiti Blood Bank, believes misinformation and fear keep many from donating.
“Many people don’t realize how critical blood donation is until they or a loved one need a transfusion,” McGrath said.
“By the time they understand its importance, it may be too late.”
In January, the Versiti Blood Bank faced a critical shortage, with less than a one-day supply of blood available. If collection had stopped for even a single day, lives would have been at risk.
Brauer agrees, saying it’s important to donate if you are able to and for those who need blood in order to spread awareness.
“It’s important to donate if you are able
“I’ve learned a lot about cancer and how people have been affected by it,” Brauer said. “But I’ve also learned how to be a team leader and how to present in front of people, so that’s been pretty cool.”
Brauer hosted a fundraiser through EverEve and is planning another one at Rush on Main on March 26 to further her campaign’s reach. Her work has also sparked an interest in her pursuing a future in healthcare.
“I want more people to learn about blood cancer,” Brauer said. “It’s very common, especially among young adults and children, and I want others to understand how it impacts lives.”
Learning about the people who’ve donated and their stories have made the cause feel even more meaningful to Brauer.
“Just being able to read about what their families have been going through, learning about them makes it more personal,” Brauer said.
According to Brauer, the grand finale of the campaign was on March 7, where she and the other candidates celebrated the team winners and acknowledged various milestones achieved throughout the campaign.
Brauer believes reaching out and trying to get involved [in your community] is the best way to start. She advises others to get involved and make the most of opportunities like this.
“I’d say just do what makes you happy,” Brauer said. “If you’re interested in something like this, make it a learning experience while also having fun.”
Posters of the 2025 student visionaries of the year at Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s grand finale on March 7. Photo submitted by Tatum Brauer.
Build Your Own Team
New intramural teams offer more ways for students to get involved
By Noah Lawrence, Guest Reporter
With the addition of new, student-chosen sports to the Intramural (IM) program this Spring, the IM head administrator is working to grow the student-athlete community. There are two IM offerings this Spring that students can participate in. IM soccer and ultimate frisbee that is being offered for the first time.
Janak, with the administration — to make sure everything goes smoothly,” Kelly said.
With the management focused on the logistics of setting up the times and spaces
IM Basketball
By Sophia Chapman, Guest Reporter
Thebasketball season of intramurals ended on a memorable note with their championship game being held in the varsity gym during map with a crowd of about 100 students, Mike Kelly intramurals administrator said.
“We were supposed to win, but people didn’t want us to win. We were getting booed, the crowd was cheering for the other team,” Cooper Schaaf, a senior IM basketball player, said. “It’s nice to have that external factor rather than just the people on the court.”
Schaaf recounts the championship game and the energy that radiated from the crowd that gave way to a newfound drive to win. While last year’s “was just like another pickup game,” Schaaf said.
Senior Cooper Schaaf has participated in intramural basketball for two years now. He sees IM as, “a way to connect with your friends.”
The IM head administrator Mike Kelly said that the staff decides which sports will be offered each season based on how much the students want them.
The students are not completely in control of the program, as the scheduling and advertising are mostly controlled by the staff while allowing students to bring in suggestions. As the majority of the IM sports are played in the field house, they may face issues with scheduling game times and open hours.
“We’ve got to go on the fly, so that has worked out really well — being able to communicate with the players, with Mr.
for the games, that does not leave a lot of eyes on the contests themselves. According to Schaaf, the games operate off of an, “honesty system,” allowing players the ability to cheat without penalization.
“Not every single player is going to be honest, so it definitely causes a lot of issues, and that’s usually where the controversy starts,” Schaaf said.
Schaaf said he’s confident the majority of players are honest. With no referees, the games feel more relaxed and accessible to everyone whether you are an athlete or not. That is the goal of intramurals; to create opportunities for students to participate in non-school sports with their classmates.
The Zionsville intramural program provides different sports throughout the school year and is open to all students, including girls. According to Kelly, several girls came in to learn about IM basketball, but none actually created a team or played during the
Holding the championship game during school was recommended to Kelly as something special for their last game. “We thought we would give it a shot and it worked, and actually we’re going to expand upon that next year,” Kelly said.
season. Kelly said multiple teams currently include girls on their roster.
“I’d like to look at providing an opportunity for girls to be able to participate,” Kelly said.
According to Schaaf, the students who are on the edge of joining an IM sport should just do it because “the worst that happens is you don’t like it.”
Kelly also said that all students should join but for different reasons.
“Sports have been shown to have a positive impact on school, on attitude and on individual self-growth. If you get a chance to go, sign up, participate,” Kelly said.
Senior Chase Wilson playing for the winning Pink Ponies team on Feb. 19 Photo by Josie Brackett
Intramural ultimate frisbee teams compete on March 13. Photo by Jack Parr
ATV Racing
Traditional sports like football, basketball and baseball dominate high school athletics, but not every student follows the usual path. Some choose a sport that pushes the limits of speed, skill and adrenaline through motorsports.
All-terrain vehicles can be seen as a somewhat dangerous and an extreme sport but for freshman Ayden Davis, it’s what a normal day looks like.
“I’ve been racing since I was six years old and I train on my bike almost every day,” A. Davis said.
ATVs take more than just speed; it requires strength, skill and serious dedication.
“I train off and on the bike everyday”, A. Davis said.
For A. Davis, ”ATVs isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way of life.” Racing has been a part of his life for eight years,riding since he was a kid and constantly pushing himself to get better.
A. Davis started riding ATVs through his family.
“My dad came home one day because he
knew I liked to race my brother in the backyard and he thought I should try racing,” A. Davis said.
Once riders master the basics, the next step is competition.
“My first race was when I was 6 and I don’t remember much but I was nervous,” A. Davis said.
Racing requires two main strengths, mental and physical.
“Mental health is the most challenging part of ATVs because you’re out on the bike for two hours by yourself and your
In the Fast Lane
By Lucy Bean,
Go Karting
As the sun begins to rise, the sound of engines turn out in the morning air on the track. Freshman driver Rayder Santos was in the pit. His hands are busy ensuring the tires are in perfect condition. For Santos, every early morning and every roundabout on the track brings him closer to his goal of joining the big leagues of motor sports.
For Santos, go-karting stands out not only for his skills on the track but also his confidence while driving and the commitment to the sport that runs in his blood. Inspired by his grandfather, who introduced the sport to him when he was little.
“Success on the track isn’t just about driving fast,”Santos said. “It’s about focus, resilience, and staying in the right mindset.”
To achieve this mental mindset, many drivers use different strategies to get in the zone. These methods are used for maintaining focus and improving the racers performances on the track.
“I listen to music and get into the right mindset,” Santos said.
This focus on mental preparation shows the importance of having a routine that keeps racers at the top of their game. Understanding these strategies can be key to success on the track.
Santos’s journey began with inspiration from his grandfather, who introduced him to go-karting at a young age.
thoughts are rushing through your head,” a senior at Zionsville High School who also rides ATVs, Eli Davis said.
Once the race has started, for some a riders their biggest competitor can be their own thoughts.
“My biggest challenger can sometimes be my own thoughts,” E. Davis said
When racing your thoughts can either be positive or negative.
“The thoughts that come to mind while I’m racing are mainly telling me to stay in my lines and stay consistent,” A. Davis said.
There are some injuries that can’t be prevented.
“Once during a race I was injured really badly and I got lifelined because they thought I was paralyzed,” A. Davis said.
But the hard work of staying physically and mentally strong can come with great rewards.
After A. Davis’s big injury, he continues to race to this day. “In 2023 I won my first ever national podium and I went from dead last to making the podium,” A. Davis said.
Students passion for speed, skill, and adrenaline
“My grandpa was a racer when I was a little kid,” Santos said. “He ended up taking me out to go karting and he was the one that got me to start doing it.”
With years of experience, Santos is now committed to going into the competitive field. He views go-karting as a step towards a professional career.
“I really hope I still continue with this sport in my future,” Santos said.
Sophomore Wyatt Degan, also a go-kart racer, understands the risks of the sport.
These challenges are a big aspect of his racing journey.
Degan talks about a significant incident that showed some of these risks.
“Some kid was riding my bumper, and there was a yellow flag, so I let off. And he spun me… I hit the back of him and it just warped my whole car,” Degan said.
Despite the dangers, the excitement continues to intrigue drivers like Degan.
Senior Eli Davis races an ATV at a competition. Photo submitted by Eli Davis.
Staff, and Addy Cieciek, Staff
Wyatt Degan, sophomore, drives on a go-kart track during a race. Photo submitted by Wyatt Degan
By Ant Farrar, Feature Editor
In the midst of March Madness, the buzz around brackets and betting is loud. Underage betting is on the rise, guided by the accessibility of online sports betting apps and gambling among younger audiences.
A study done by the NCAA shows that 58% of people aged 18 to 22 placed at least one sports bet in 2023. Along with that, a March 2024 survey at Redwood High School in California showed that approximately 74% of male students had engaged in online sports betting, despite being underage.
Gambling and sports betting is illegal for those under 21 in Indiana.
Personal Finance teacher Alyssa Neal notices students openly talking about their bets in class.
“Not a day goes by in this room that I don’t hear kids talking about gambling,” Neal said.
Neal worries that gambling at such a young age could lead to financial and psychological problems.
“They don’t understand the dangers of it,” Neal said. “They don’t understand longterm consequences, and they don’t understand that the house always wins.”
Next year, Neal and another personal finance teacher, Camryn Bader, expect to add
The growing risk of online sports betting as students become hooked Minor Addiction
a unit into their classes about gambling.
“Moving forward, this year’s eighth graders are going to have to take personal finance,” Neal said. “If we include gambling lessons in personal finance, then everybody will [learn].”
An anonymous male senior student described how underage betting has become a social activity between friend groups.
“A lot of my friends place bets and try to see who can make the best parlays,” the anonymous senior said. “We make fun of the people who make terrible ones.”
He also describes how easy it is to gain access to these gambling platforms even for someone underage.
“Some places only require you to be 18 or 21, and with the others, you can just take your parent’s ID and login,” the senior said.
He believes underage betting is increasing due to how simple it is to access and the social culture surrounding it.
An anonymous sophomore student said gambling is a part of his school day.
“I’ve seen it become a trend with us playing blackjack and poker a lot in my classes,” an anonymous sophomore said. “I’ve seen it firsthand and seen people make real money off of it. I’ve personally made about $200 off of betting, but I know people have made much more.”
During the NCAA basketball tournaments, the sophomore expects there to be a spike in online betting, due to what he’s seen in the past years.
“There’s going to be more things to bet on, and they’re going to have higher odds of winning,” the anonymous sophomore said.
With online social media and sportsbooks indirectly advertising to young audiences the thrill of gambling or the chance of winning big, it’s a growing modern issue. Recent reports have shown concerns that sportsbooks have had promotional filters on Snapchat, an app known for their majority teenage demographic. Despite age restrictions on online gambling, these filters are available to teenagers, potentially targeting children and teenagers.
Sports betting has become more accessible than ever, and for underage high school students, that means finding ways around the legal restrictions. In the United States, it is illegal for anyone under 18 (or 21 in some states) to place bets through sportsbooks. However, enforcement remains difficult as teens find ways to work around it, such as using a friend’s account, prepaid cards or fake identities to disguise themselves.
“It’s so easy for young people to get involved,” Neal said. “It’s all at the touch of their fingertips.”
Graphic by Marissa Villarrubia
And the Award Goes To...
Did the Grammy-winning songs and artists deserve the award more than other nominees? Here’s who really deserved the title, along with the consensus of ZCHS students
By Ellie Vanderbur, Print Editor
Record of the Year
Chappell Roan’s “Good Luck Babe!” is a catchy, well-produced pop song that highlights her impressive vocal range. The synth-heavy style makes it fun and crowd-pleasing, while the lyrics tell a more emotional story. It explores unrequited love and the pain of seeing someone choose the easy path instead of being themselves.
The upbeat chorus contrasts with the slower, more intentional verses, reinforcing the emotional message of the lyrics. There are many wellknown parts of the song, such as the bold bridge and fun chorus, and they are tied together very well throughout the song.
Because of its strong composition, emotional depth and widespread appeal, I think it is more deserving of the Grammy win than “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar. While Lamar’s hit has important cultural and timely significance that was liked by many because of its sharp lyricism, its repetitive instrumentals and vocals grow old quickly. This contrasts Roan’s track, which excels in blending thoughtful production, performance and relatability to create a truly standout song.
Billie Eilish’s “Hit Me Hard and Soft” perfectly shows off her ability to blend haunting melodies with bold, experimental sounds. It expresses emotional experiences not just through her lyrics but through her vocal delivery by effortlessly shifting between delicate and powerful moments.
The blend between very different parts of a song as well as between songs shows the effort and skill put into the project. The layered backing vocals, unconventional instrumental choices and mix of electronic elements make it multilayered and unique. Some tracks take wilder creative libertie, but still manage to blend with more traditional songs.
Given its artistic depth, “Hit Me Hard and Soft” far surpasses “Cowboy Carter” in both quality and enjoyability. While Beyonce’s album has strong vocals and some standout moments, its awkward pacing makes it sometimes feel like the lyrics force themselves to fit the instrumentals. But overall it lacks the memorability expected from an Album of the Year winner that Eilish clearly delivers.
Best New Artist
by Ellie Vanderbur
Album of the Year
Through her ability to weave together rap, R&B and pop elements, Doechii makes each song of hers distinct while showcasing her incredible skill. Her rise to recognition in 2024 is due to more than just her music; her skillful delivery and clever word play make her performances unmatched. Each track stands out but maintains a cohesion that solidifies her signature style. She proves her versatility without sacrificing her artistic identity while discussing a wide range of topics. Her production choices are bold and innovative with great beats and instrumentals that show she is more than just a rapper, but a knowledgeable musician that knows how to manipulate music in many compelling ways.
Her unapologetic presence makes it clear she deserved the title of Best New Artist. While Chappell Roan is undeniably talented and unique, Doechii takes those qualities to another level. Through her innovation, technical skill and cultural impact, Doechii has set herself apart and made the name for herself that she deserves.
Graphics
Instagram survey of 163 people
Photo by Justin Higuchi from Wikimedia, licensed under CC-BY-2.0
Photo by the CwE from Wikimedia, licensed under CC-BY-3.0
Wasteful Wardrobe
The hidden costs behind fast fashion
By Gia Villarrubia, Staff
Aprice tag reads $5.99. Seems like a steal right? So you pick it up and check out with a new outfit for next weekend’s party. But behind that irresistible price tag lies a much higher cost. What if you knew that very dress you just bought was part of a global cycle of waste and environmental damage?
In my opinion, fast fashion is a prime example of a multi-billion dollar industry that thrives on speed, cheap labor and trends that come and go before we even have time to hit “add to cart.”
Fast fashion isn’t just about cheap clothes, it’s made by exploitation and unsustainable practices. Fast fashion’s relentless pursuit of the latest trends forces brands to release new collections at an alarming pace, with little consideration for the environmental or human repercussions.
To keep prices low, fast fashion relies on sweatshops where workers face poor wages and unsafe working conditions. Meanwhile, the fast change of clothing contributes to an overwhelming waste crisis.
With millions of clothes discarded each year after going out of style, many of which end up in landfills or take centuries to decompose according to waste management company RoadRunner.
Social media plays a huge role in promoting fast fashion, and in my opinion, it’s not a good thing. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok make it easy for brands to advertise their latest trends, often pushing out new clothes every week. As a result, people feel pressured to buy these cheap trendy items to keep up with influencers and celebrities.
When trying to keep up with constantly changing trends the planet and its people are paying the price. Imagine working 12 long hours, doing hard labor and only getting paid $1.58 an hour.
This is the reality for many workers in the fast fashion industry according to the U.S. Department of Labor Blog, where the goal is to make clothes as quickly and cheaply as possible, at the expense of the workers.
The U.S. Department of Labor discovered in a 2023 study that 80% of contractors in the fast fashion industry were breaking the law, ignoring minimum wage and overtime rules. In fact, they recovered over $892,000 in unpaid wages and damages. According to the U.S Department of Labor Blog, a contractor was caught paying garment workers less than $2 an hour, despite the minimum wage in Southern California being $15. This truth shows how badly some companies exploit their workers to make profit, and it raises important questions about how much we really know about what goes on behind the door of our favorite clothing brands.
Shein skyrocketed to the top of the U.S. fast fashion market, claiming an impressive 50% market share. Its fast growth is remark-
able, having doubled since March 2020, making it the leading brand in the industry. In fast fashion, market share refers to the percentage of the total sales
In contrast, Zara holds a smaller 13% share, securing the second spot in the industry.
Shein’s rise to the top comes from its cheap prices and the ability to flood the market with new styles so fast, which have made it a favorite among shoppers. As Shein continues to expand, it’s clear that it’s changing fast fashion, leaving competitors like Zara struggling to catch up.
Fast fashion harms the environment in many ways. One major issue is the huge amount of water it takes to make clothes. For example, one pair of jeans can use up to 2,000 gallons of water, which puts a strain on water resources. Additionally, synthetic fabrics release tiny plastic fibers into the water when washed, harming marine life. Fast fashion also creates tons of discarded items. Clothes are often worn only a couple of times before being thrown away, and many are made from materials that take hundreds of years to break down in landfills.
TikTok Shop has made fast fashion even worse by encouraging impulse buying through viral trends and sales, making it easier for consumers to purchase low-quality, cheap clothing with just a few taps.
This constant stream of flashy deals and trends leads to unnecessary purchases, further fueling the cycle of overconsumption while promoting a throwaway culture in fashion.
What can we do? One great way to start is by choosing to buy fewer clothes. Thrifting is also a great way to reduce the number of clothes that end up in a landfill while also finding unique pieces at affordable prices.
By choosing secondhand clothes, you help reduce the demand for new production and give them a second life, contributing to a more sustainable fashion cycle.
Statistics from Kleiderly Converting Clothing. Graphic by Gia Villarrubia
Top Left: Displaying art for Youth Art Month, the Sullivan Munce Museum supports ZCS student artists on March 12. Photo by Josie Brackett Top Right: Fighting for the ball, the ZCHS varsity girls lacrosse team plays against Westfield, winning, 14-5, on March 6. Photo by Gia Villarrubia
by Jack Parr
Unscramble the headlines, follow and DM the @zchsharb Instagram with your answers to win a prize, winner announced on 3/28!
