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April 27, 2020
TROJAN MATTERS
THE
ADVANTAGE OF
p. 2-3
FIND OUT THE DANGERS OF SUN EXPOSURE
p.7
READ ABOUT THE BIGGEST REAL LIFE HEISTS
p. 16-17
EXPLORE
SOME OF THE WORLD'S ODDEST JOBS
APPEARANCE
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TROJAN MATTERS
Volume 6, Issue 6 April 27, 2020
Front cover: Have you ever experienced advantages or setbacks based on your looks? Cover design - Mary Borchers Cover photos by beginning and advance photography students
Feature: Page 10 How do streaming services keep viewers hooked?
PRAYERS
Features: Page 7 Learn about some of the most elaborate heists in history
in our community:
in our world:
For students, teachers and support staff, that we may stay connected while we remain far apart.
For healthcare-related workers, that they continue to fight on the frontlines of this pandemic.
For the Class of 2020, that they may enjoy a bright future after their current losses.
For all workers providing essential goods and services, that they remain safe and healthy.
For families and businesses suffering from financial insecurity, may they have strength in the Lord.
For the families and friends of those have died from Covid-19, may they find peace.
TROJAN MATTERS STAFF Editor-in-chief Blueprint editor News editor Opinions editor Features editor Sports editor Copy editor Reporting staff
Mary Borchers Belle deCastro Kim Bowers Belle deCastro Aidan Sullivan Patrick Felts Patrick Felts Grayson Cates Caroline Creamer Corbin Hubert
Photo editor Photographers
Kaylee Rulong Ava Armstrong Amelia Dessauer Natalie Donaldson Katie Grote Bella Pappas Holli Parker Harrison Pratt Miranda Stickel Aidan Sullivan Gloria Vasquez Emma Washington Anna Wuensch
Sports: Page 20 The mood of players, coaches, officials and spectators all affect the game
CATCH US ONLINE AT: @blueprintbchs @bchsblueprint @theblueprint @blueprintbchs
CALENDAR May 8 Last e-class day for seniors
May 11
Chatard-a-bratio
Online AP testing starts - through May 22
Trojan Matters Mission Statement: We promise to bring you, the students of BCHS, the most obtainable version of the truth through courage, integrity and freedom of speech. Unsigned staff editorials reflect the opinion of at least two-thirds of the staff. Columns with bylines reflect the opinions of the writer. The magazine will publish letters to the editor, but may be edited for the length and clarity. Trojan Matters is the monthly news magazine produced by the Advanced Publications - Magazine class. Trojan Matters is considered a public forum and the voice of the student body. In addition, daily news updates can be found online at the-BluePrint.org. Letters/Comments can be submitted through The Blueprint or dropped off in the Publications Room (210). Mrs. Tracy Luke, MJE, serves as publication adviser.
May 22 Last e-class day for all students
Want to read more? MORE ONLINE AT WWW.THE-BLUEPRINT.ORG
News Opinions Features Sports
trojan stats Where do trojans get their news?
you said it we heard it
Editor's note: in light of not being in the school building, we thought you might enjoy some social media posts - some from well-known people as well as from Trojans.
in class 3.4% parents newspaper 0.4% radio
12.5% 9.4%
20.8% snapchat 8.6% 12.9%
tv news
1%
31%
news apps
trojans ask. . . What happened with the trojan activity fund? In 2018, BCHS’ annual Walk-a-thon raised money to go towards the Trojan Activity Fund. Just over $17,500 was raised to go to help fund new and current clubs. The idea was that students could use the funds to start new clubs, or current clubs could use the funds to kickstart new initiatives. After almost two years, Trojan Matters investigated how that money has been used. Business director Mr. Dan Thompson said that about $8,000 of the money has been used for items including a Latin club field trip, the improv team, Best Buddies’ t-shirt costs and the “Angel Fund.” The “Angel Fund” is a special teacher fund where teachers can donate money to help students pay for practice packs and club fees. Instead of using money from this fund, some money was taken from the Trojan Activity Fund. Principal Mr. Joe Hansen told teachers at the beginning of the school year that there is still about $9,500 left. Vice principal of Student Services Mr. Ben Reilly sent a form out to club moderators to request money, but no action has been taken, and no students have approached asking for the funds to start a club of their own. -Mary Borchers
From Walk-a-thon 2018 photo from Citadel archives.
The Latin Club participated in Fall Latin Day this past November. photo by L. Hofmeister Do you have a question you'd like Trojans Matters to investigate? Tell a staff member or send it to us at the-BluePrint.org or submit it to us in Room 210. The staff will investigate it and post in "trojans ask."
Did you hear something funny? Submit You Said It, We Heard It quotes at the-blueprint. org/contact or to Room 210.
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tm TROJAN MATTERS April 27, 2020
Photo By: Kaylee Rulong
Protect against Senior Libby Taylor applies sunscreen before lacrosse practice. “My face is sensitive to the sun, so I always bring sunscreen with me anytime I’m outside.”
Look at any advertisement on social media or a website and you’re bound to find common misconceptions surrounding sunburns, sunscreen, spray tans and tanning oil. It is important for people to know the severe impact the sun can have on their skin, and the proper products they should use in order to protect it. The sun gives off two types of radiation that reach the earth: UVB and UVA rays. UVA rays are responsible for signs of early aging skin, such as sagging or wrinkles. UVB rays are more noticeable in a shorter period of time and contribute to sunburns. When the two rays are combined, UVA rays allow UVB rays to become more reactive and even deadly, according to Healthline.com. In order to protect the skin from both types of rays, people should purchase broad spectrum sunscreen. According to WebMD.com, if a sunscreen does not say “broad spectrum” on the bottle, there is a high risk of obtaining skin damage from sun exposure. Some people approach sunburn with the attitude that it
Common Misconceptions
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If I get a spray tan before vactions, I don’t need to wear sunscreen.
False- Spray tans and any self tanning product without SPF are not justifiable replacements for sunscreen
•
I’ve never gotten burnt without sunscreen, so I don’t need to wear it.
False- Everyone is susceptible to harmful sun exposure. Even though a burn doesn’t appear, their is still damage 2beneath the suraface.
2
•
will turn into a tan and give them a healthy glow. However, potential skin cancer is what should really be on their minds. According to Lifescience.com, when sunburns turn into tans, skin cells are dying and the leftover melanin causes people to appear darker. Becoming suburnt is not something to be proud of. “In high school, I never used sunscreen when we went on vacation. I would be happy about being sunburnt and thought it made me look better,” said English teacher Mrs. Molly Mohrfeld. In addition to not wearing sunscreen, Mrs. Mohrfeld also went to tanning beds twice a week. “About five years later I noticed all these sun spots on my face called melasma, and they will be there for the rest of my life,” said Mrs. Mohrfeld. Melasma is just one of the things sun exposure can cause, in addition to melanoma and other types of skin cancer. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “there is no such thing as a safe tanning bed, tanning booth, or sun lamp. Just one indoor tanning
Lotion sunscreen works better than spray sunscreen
False-both sunscreens have their pros and cons, but ultimately the best sunscreen is the one you actually use.
•
•
Getting a tan gives my skin a healthy glow
False- Tans are a result of skin cells dying on the surface of your skin. Although a tan might look good now, it can lead to skin cancer, wrinkles and other harmful occurences later.
I don’t need to reapply sunscreen with SPF • 100 because my skin is fully protected.
False- SPF 100 only blocks 1% more radiation than SPF 50. You should reapply at least every 80 minutes despite the degree of SPF.
session can increase the risk of developing skin cancer (melanoma by 20%, squamous cell carcinoma by 67%, and basal cell carcinoma by 29%).” Another misconception about wearing sunscreen is that people with dark complections do not have to wear it. Senior Derion Gilbert said he is not worried about developing skin cancer because he has “gone without using sunscreen his entire life and has never experienced any burns.” However, according to Healthline.com, most people mistakenly believe that people with darker skin tones do not need to apply sunscreen, yet deadly skin cancer appearances are actually higher among African Americans. This misconception has led people to believe that if they get a spray tan or use self tanner prior to going on vacation, their skin will be more protected from sunburn. Yes, the burn will less likely be visible, but the damage beneath their skin will still be equally as bad or even worse than the damage done without the spray tan. According to Mayo Clinic,
Tanning beds are safe because you aren’t exposed to the actual sun.
False- Tanning beds expose you to the same UVB and UVA rays as the sun. One treatment can increase your risk of skin cancer up to 67%.
News
Opinions Features Sports
sun exposure the color in self tanners comes from the active ingredient, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which penetrates dead skin cells on the surface of the skin to create the illusion of a tan. Not only is self tanner temporary, but it also contains no sun protection. Any product whether it be self tanner, spray tans or make up cannot replace the application of sunscreen if they do not contain SPF (sun protection factor). Another confusing aspect of sunscreen is choosing the proper SPF. Some people would argue that the higher the SPF, the better protection it has; however, this recently was discovered to be a big misunderstanding. According to Ewg.org, people tend to overexpose their skin to harmful rays when they use a higher SPF because they think they can go longer before reapplying. It would make sense that using SPF 100 would provide double the protection of SPF 50, but there are studies that debunk this. “Properly applied SPF 50 sunscreen blocks 98% of UVB rays; SPF 100 blocks 99%.” Also, high SPF sunscreens are worse
at protecting against UVA rays than lower ones (Ewg.com). In addition to using the proper SPF, people also need to know what form of sunscreen to use. Spray sunscreen can be more convenient and quicker to apply, but the fumes they give off are dangerous if inhaled (Lifehacker.com). People tend to not fully rub spray sunscreen all the way in, causing it to quickly wash off or leave streaky marks. However, both spray and lotion sunscreens are effective if properly applied. Dermatologists have concerns with spray sunscreen, but if people apply them to dry skin 15 to 30 minutes before going outside and fully rub them in, they can be just as effective as lotion. Despite the type of sunscreen, what really matters is that people use it correctly (Webmd). People also should refrain from applying body sunscreen to their face. Face sunscreens consist of different formulas that are more sensitive to skin. Using a body lotion on the face could cause significant irritation and the development of acne. Also, avoid using spray sunscreen on the face because it
Tips for sun safety
is “full of alcohol,” which dries out the skin (Health.com). After learning all of this, it is recommended that people use ol ep co e k a lotion based sunscreen of at d an least SPF 30 and reapply evrated d y h ery 80 minutes. People should Stay reapply even more if they go into the water or sweat. “I apply sunscreen before every lacrosse practice to keep my skin safe since we are outside for hours,” Wear h said senior Libby Taylor. chap ats, sung tsick Other simple things people with lasses, an can do to avoid sun damage is d SPF. wear sunglasses, hats and chapstick containing SPF (Webmd.com). Skin is not the only thing that needs to be protected ers against the sun, and most peoituriz o m ith ple forget about their eyes, scalp urn w b n u s and lips. Treat oe vera When it comes to sunscreen, d al it is better to be safe than sor- an ry. Mrs. Mohrfeld regrets not taking better care of her skin in high school, and now has Stay in to live with the consequences. inside the shad Her advice to young kids today e. or un der a Apply sun is “wear sunscreen and never n um go to a tanning bed.” There is brella screen . always a possibility that skin cancer is in your future. A tan today is not worth the skin damage tomorrow. -Kim Bowers
On last year’s El Salvador spring break trip, seniors including Kaylee Rulong, Lucy Kellison, Laura Smith, Katherine Board and Libby Taylor relaxed in the sun. Rulong wore a yellow hat and Smith wore sunglasses to protect their face and eyes from harmful sun exposure.
design by K. Bowers | 3
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The “beauty bias” factors into society H
ave you ever felt mistreated or judged because of your looks and appearance? If you have, you are not alone, this is a common experience known as “beauty bias.” There is an study of the economics of being beautiful - pulchronomics and a professor at the University of Texas has written a book, Beauty Pays: Why Attractive People Are More Successful addresses beauty privilege. People may have very little control over how we initially treat people based on their appearance. Not many can honestly say they have never judged someone due to his or her looks. According to SocialTalent.com, tall people are treated like leaders from the beginning of their lives and attractive women are given better opportunities in the workplace than those considered less attractive. Children are groomed for this mindset from the beginning. Adults comment on their children’s looks to insinuate that good looks are important for success. Those messages also tell children that people who are better looking are also better overall people. Chemistry teacher and father of two, Mr. Jeff Bach does not think parents should move away from this tactic. “We should help them recognize their God given abilities, whether it is physical or mental,” said Mr. Bach. A study conducted asked kindergarten4
ers to pick an imaginary boat captain. Their choices were current politicians. Eighty percent of the children picked the more attractive politician. “Unattractive” students are also given the cold shoulder. According to PsychologicalScience.org, teachers perceive more attractive students as smarter and more capable than “unattractive” students. Junior
money because of the successful interview. The dating world is also impacted by beauty. A survey conducted by Tinder determined that most people prefer to date someone who is more moderately attractive than them. The study found that preference is most prevalent in men. The study found men care less about their own look than their date’s. Attractive people generally flock to others who are attractive instead of those they believe are unattractive. Scientifically, people with good looks typically have symmetrical faces. The proportions are even on the face, and according to ScienceNewsforKids.org, people find symmetrical faces more attractive than any other face build. “In a general sense it tends to be more appealing to the human eye,” said junior Kaden Morgan. In China, “good looks” are a requirement in order to join the Chinese Navy. The “good looks” are defined by being tall and having a balanced facial structure. China’s reason for this is so that foreigners see the best of China whenever the navy is deployed in another country. A study done by Cornell University found that juries were more likely to consider
“We need to be open minded and bring new people into our lives, regardless of looks. We should be one diverse community, not haters.” -Freshman Alexander Naas Cade Weber said, “The teacher’s expectations are different. The ones they think aren’t smart might actually be smart, but their looks take away from the smarts.” In the workplace, women are given more promotions and incentives compared to other workers. According to Forbes, workers are more likely to work better with attractive coworkers than unattractive coworkers. Attractive people get into the workforce after college, another place where beauty bias is noticed. College admission interviews generally go better for those who are more attractive than others. Those people are then given more scholarship
an attractive person not guilty. If monetary damages are involved, the plaintiff with better looks often receives the most rewards. Unattractive people were given an average of 22 more months of jail time than an attractive person. Abercrombie and Fitch advertises and produces clothes for people of a certain size. In 2006, the CEO of Abercrombie and Fitch, Mike Jeffries, said he doesn’t want “fat” or “not so cool kids” wearing his clothes. Abercrombie and Fitch does not offer sizes XL or XXL for women. There has been some change. Now, Abercrombie and Fitch has offered a size XL for women. In an interview with Business Insider, Robin Lewis, the co-author of The New Rules of Retail, believes the reason that Abercrombie and Fitch only offers XL and XXL sizes for men is to appeal to beefy football players and wrestlers. Abercrombie and Fitch is not the only clothing company that discriminates based on size. Lululemon does not sell leggings past a size 12, which is the cutoff for plus-size clothing in womenswear. “It might be the clothing or size, but in reality (any size person) can be the best people we meet,” said freshman Alexander Naas Naas said, “We need to be open minded and bring new people into our lives, regardless of looks. We should be one diverse community, not haters.” -Corbin Hubert
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ommunication is an integral part to the formation of a community. At the heart of all communication, linguistics serve a purpose to reach and to interact with people from all walks of life. Learning a second language has become increasingly more necessary in the world today. The Lead with Languages organization reported that some benefits to learning a new language include better communication, more global opportunities, increased cognitive skills, a boost in confidence and new perspectives. In today’s global economy, bilingual workers are in high demand. According to IEU College, studies have shown that “bilingual employees can earn between 5% and 20% more money per hour than those who speak only one language.” Newameri-
caneconomy.org said that jobs demanding bilingual workers had increased over 150% in 2015. Latin teacher Mrs. Kelly Williams-Islendorf explained that learning more about a language gives people “a wider understanding of the world and a greater understanding of people.” She said, “It enables you to be less fearful in going to another country and meeting new people.” At BCHS, the languages offered are Spanish, American Sign Language and Latin. There are many benefits to learning a second language; however, it requires a lot of time and dedication. According to the Learning Center from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, many people’s biggest setback to learning a new language is the fear of making a mistake. “The biggest hurdle in trying to learn a new language is the desire to be perfect. Being afraid to mess up or wanting to always produce perfection is the most common way to get stuck,” said Spanish teacher Mrs. Anne Marie Gerritsen.
prender учить For me, teachingapprendre students a newμαθαίνω language is disa vaccinenaučiti against imparare mokytis foghe lernen xenophobia .” m matuto leren aprann aprender -Spanish teacher Mrs. Gerritsen учить pprendre μαθαίνω discite lernen naučiti mparare mokytis foghlaim matuto leren prann aprender apprendre μαθαίνω discite
When did she start learning and how long did it take her to become fluent? Despite the challenges learning a new language presents, it “sends a message that you care and respect different cultures, and that you believe it’s worthy of being learning,” according to Mrs. Williams-Islendorf. While most students at BCHS speak only English, senior Ana Apfelbacher grew up learning Spanish as her first language. “My mom is from Costa Rica. She spoke to me at home in Spanish, and when I started elementary school, I began to study English, too.” Growing up in this culture with English as a second language proved to be challenging for Apfelbacher. She said, “English was hard. I didn’t know any at all when starting school, and it was difficult to adapt to that new environment because Spanish was my first language. Whenever a teacher would speak to me, I would just look at her because I didn’t understand what she was saying. That made it harder to fit in.” By the time Apfelbacher was in first grade, she was in ESL, English as a Second Language, and she could understand and speak both languages. Now, completely bi-lingual, she said, “The benefit of knowing both languages was that I could communicate with my family in Costa Rica perfectly as well as easily learn at school.” When growing up in society today, it is easy to get stuck in your own point of view. Mrs. Gerritsen explained how learning a new language is a good way to expose yourself to new cultures, new ideas and new perspectives. “Not everyone thinks the way you do, and that is okay. That is a really hard concept for people to learn. For me, teaching students a new language is a vaccine against xenophobia,” said Mrs. Gerritsen. -Belle deCastro
design by C. Hubert | 5
tm TROJAN MATTERS April 27, 2020 Editor’s note: This editorial was written prior to the pandemic striking the world. While this was timely prior to the school shutdown, we acknowledge that the working environment is quite different now.
Students find job experience is beneficial
Senior Erik Bowes cleans the indoor pool at the Riviera Club.
When students get to high school, they have countless options for after school activities. One opportunity is being legally able to have a job. Working in high school teaches valuable skills that may not come up in the classroom. Plus, students can enjoy being independent with their finances. Senior Destiny Booker works at McDonald’s in Broad Ripple five days a week totaling about 37 hours. She started working there last year. “My favorite part would be being able to see all my friends when I work,” she said. For her, meeting new people, learning new things and building social skills are the most fulfilling parts about working at McDonald’s. But some students can’t commit five days each week to working like Booker. Senior Libby Taylor works in the child center at Lifetime Fitness and only works on the weekends because she plays for the lacrosse team. But, before her season started, Taylor said, “I used to work two or three times during the week after school until 9 p.m.” She said her favorite part of her job “is being with the kids and seeing them recognize me right when they walk in and give me the biggest hug is the best thing. The most rewarding thing about my job would be
when I get to help a child learn their animals or colors, and they feel so accomplished with themselves.” Working with children can be hard for Taylor at times. “The most challenging part is dealing with all sorts of different kids and trying to discipline different age groups and kids with different behaviors,” she said. But nonetheless, her child care job may prove beneficial for her future career ambitions. Taylor wants to be a nurse, and she said, “I might end up being with pediatrics where I can help take care of children.” Jobs in high school can help students get hands-on experience for future careers. For example, working at a dog kennel can help someone gain experience with a variety of dogs before studying veterinary medicine. However, jobs can also teach soft skills that can be applied to any career path. Sophomore Justin Garing works at Sullivan’s Hardware on Keystone. He has been working there since last fall. His schedule depends on the season; he currently works one day a week but used to work two or three. Garing said the biggest lessons he’s learned are “never be late and respect your seniors, especially those who have worked at Sullivan’s longer than me.” Some students can’t find the
photo by B. Pappas
photo by E. Washington
staff opinion
time during the school year to hold a job. Junior Rory Pachciarz is a lifeguard at the Riviera Club and only works during the summer months. Pachciarz said that she too has gained soft skills such as “have respect for others, be polite and be productive.” Of course, one of the most enticing benefits of a job is the paycheck. Garing said, “One of the benefits of working is I can be financially independent.” With his income, he plans on buying an electric guitar. Having a job is not for everyone. Some people don’t have enough time to hold a job for long. Some people would rather volunteer or intern, which also opens many opportunities. But, having that experience before graduating high school can be very valuable. Pachciarz recommends that high schoolers get a job “because they learn many life lessons and make a lot of money before going out into the real world.”
6 | design by G. Cates
photo by E. Washington
Sophomore Zizi Wuensch straightens up shelves at Salon 1|4 where she works as a reciptionist. Senior Matthew Williford also has a job at the Riviera Club. He checks in a guest at the front desk.
News Opinions Features Sports
Real-life heists read like a movie script In the last few years, true crime entertainment has skyrocketed in popularity thanks to hit series such as Netflix’s Making a Murderer, the Casefile True Crime podcast, Buzzfeed Unsolved: True Crime and others. by Patrick Felts
Here are some of the most thrilling real-life heists in history:
The Gardner Museum Heist
One of the most infamous art thefts took place at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in 1990 in Boston, Massachusetts. In the early hours of March 18, two men disguised themselves as police officers and were let into the museum by a security guard to investigate a “noise complaint.” When the two men entered, there was no investigation of a noise complaint, and both security guards were tied up in the museum’s basement while the thieves stole 13 pieces of art worth a combined value of $500 million in under two hours. Some of the works stolen included one-of-a-kind pieces from iconic artists such as Manet and Rembrandt. To this day, the case remains unsolved and the missing artwork has never been found. Stewart Gardner Museum The museum still offers a $10 million reward to anyone with information leading to the recovery of the works.
The Mysterious Case of D.B. Cooper
Thanksgiving week travel can be a nightmare, and it certainly was for passengers and crew on Northwest Airlines flight #305, but in a much different way than expected. After the flight from Portland to Seattle took off on the day before Thanksgiving 1971, a man in an all-black suit who went by the alias of D.B. Cooper showed a flight attendant what he claimed was a bomb in his briefcase, and Cooper proceeded to hijack the plane. After landing in Seattle, Cooper demanded $200,000, four parachutes and food for the crew before the plane went south by his demand. Local Air Force jets and helicopters followed the plane out of Seattle, and once the plane was a few miles north of Portland again, Cooper sent the flight attendant to the cockpit while he used two of his parachutes to jump out of the plane with the money. Cooper jumped into the night sky and was never heard from again. Nine years later, a young boy found $5,800 buried under the sand north of Portland, and the FBI said that the serial numbers on the money matched those of Cooper’s. The case of D.B. Cooper remains unsolved.
The Millenium Dome Raid At the turn of the millennium, thieves in London attempted one of the most high-stakes and daring diamond robberies of all time. In November 2000, a massive De Beers diamond exhibition was being displayed at the Millennium Dome in London, the perfect target for a local gang. The four gang members broke down the fence surrounding the building with a stolen earthmover from a construction site. The plan was for the robbery to move quickly and to escape on a speedboat on the River Thames before entering a getaway car. Three of the robbers entered the vault equipped with sledgehammers, smoke bombs and gas masks. However, their plans were foiled by the Flying Squad of the Metropolitan Police Service. The gang members were already under surveillance for The De Beers Diamond other failed robberies. Had they been successful, the theft would have been worth a massive £350 million, or around $450 million.
The French Bank Vault Tunnelers
In 1976, criminals in Nice, France pulled off what reporters at the time called “the heist of the century” when they robbed a branch of the Société Générale bank through a series of elaborate tunnels. The criminals spent months preparing and used rafts to surf through the sewers in order to dig the tunnels. They broke into the vault from underground and got away with 46 million francs, the equivalent today of roughly $32 million. In the immediate aftermath of the robbery, police found the tunnels, reinforced with concrete walls, along with cigarettes, wine bottles, food and pictures of scantily clad women. Only one person was arrested for the crime in the months following the incident, Albert Spaggiari, until Jaques Cassandri admitted his involvement in a 2010 book under the false belief that the crime was too old for him to be prosecuted under French law. Cassandri was put on trial in 2018, and no other suspects nor the stolen money have been found.
The Västberga Helicopter Robbery
In 2009, a raid of a cash depot in Stockholm, Sweden went down like a scene from a Hollywood blockbuster. A group of thieves landed their stolen helicopter on the roof of the G4S cash depot in the Västberga area of Stockholm, then detonated three large explosives and lowered themselves in on ropes and stole bags of cash from the depot and got away. The robbery was thoroughly planned, as the criminals had used metal rods to block off nearby roads, planted a bag marked “bomb” at the police station and decided to execute the heist just days before Sweden received their monthly salary so the depot would be full with money. The thieves stole the equivalent of about $5 million, and ten men involved with the incident were charged in 2010. In 2018, Deadline reported that Netflix was making a movie about the robbery called The Helicopter Heist, written by Stephen Knight and starring Jake Gylenhall. design by C. Hubert | 7
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he term “binge watching” has been around since 2003, but has only been used ubiquitously since 2012. Whether it is on Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ or even cable television, people watch TV for unhealthy periods of time. After Netflix added favorite TV shows including The Office and Friends to their catalog, viewers found it easier to digest a 30-minute show compared to a full-length movie. Junior Maccoy Lewis is currently watching That 70s Show, another previously aired show added to the Netflix lore. “It always gives me a good, quick laugh when I need it,” said Lewis. Then, Netflix added their own content like House of Cards and Stranger Things, which gave people even more reasons to watch episodes at a faster rate. But what makes a show binge worthy in the first place? CheatSheet.com created a three-step process to determine how binge worthy a show is. Step one is that the show must have a
Most-binged TV shows on Netflix of 2019 according to movie and TV tracking tool TV TIME
1. Stranger Things 2. Lucifer 3. Orange is the new Black 4. 13 Reasons Why 5. Marvel’s “The Punisher” 6. The Umbrella Academy 7. Marvel’s “Jessica Jones” 8. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina 9. Santa Clarita Diet 10. You 8
seamless and continuous story. Step two is that the show has to have a slow burn leading to the final climax, in order to keep people on their seats. The last step in the process is to create the expectation of a resolution so people can feel proud of the hours put into watching the show. According to Wistia.com, it isn’t the show itself viewers crave, but in fact, the pleasure from watching episodes back to back. When people watch a show they enjoy on loop, it releases dopamine into the body. Dopamine gives the body a pleasurable and rewarding feeling. The brain will also send a signal to the body to keep doing what it is doing because it feels good. Although binge watching may not feel bad while actually watching, Americans pay the price for binge watching. SleepReview.com that Americans who identify as “binge watchers” report higher levels of anxiety, stress and depression. The Jakarta Post adds that
Streaming goes mainstream in less than 20 years
88% of American adults reported a loss in sleep due to binge watching. Junior Adam Sellmer can agree with the report. “I’ve stayed up late to watch Ben 10 and I regretted it the next morning. I haven’t done it since,” said Sellmer. Netflix plays a part in the loss
goal of a binge racer is to watch every episode of a show within 24 hours of its initial release on Netflix. “It’s harder to commit to one night a week (for months) than it is to sit down and watch a full season in one go,” said junior Mason McDonald. Hulu isn’t far behind Netflix in “Some shows are so good I have promoting binge watching. The to binge watch even when I’m streaming service announced that it busy with work and school.” will reward view- Fletcher Vielee, junior ers who watch three or more episodes of a show with an episode free of commercials. of sleep too. After episodes, the Binge watching can do some auto-play function goes into good for viewers, too. Accordeffect. Auto-play takes viewing to TheLoop.com, binge ers from one episode of a TV watching increases our emoshow to another, thus looping tional intelligence. The article the viewer into one more epiexplains that people relate more sode. Netflix CEO Reed Hastto family members, and emings even described sleep as the pathize with political leaders. company’s biggest competition. Their stance is that binge watchNetflix coined a term for peoing affords a better understandple who treat binge watching ing of other’s life choices and like a sport: binge racer. The relationships.
Amazon Video on Demand was launched as Amazon Unbox
20 00 Netflix began as DVD mail-to-user movie rental plan. Netflix streaming began in 2007.
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Netflix debuts original content: Lilyhammer for three seasons
20 07 Hulu was founded with many partners including AOL, Yahoo! and Myspace. Went Live in 2007
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Trojans love their shows:
Top 10 shows that students binge watch
No. 1
No. 2
No. 4
No. 5
No. 3 6. Jane the Virgin (tied) 6. Gilmore Girls (tied) 8. That 70s Show 9. Gossip Girl 10. Mandalorian according to school-wide student survey, Feb. 24
The University of California conducted a study about how binge watching can help. The study determined that people create bonds and treat the characters like friends. The show also provides a sense of escapism. The study found that people who were dealing with common colds used TV shows to help them forget about their illness. Another bond is created when others watch the same TV show.
The study from the University of California found that people enjoy the idea of being a part of a fandom. They enjoy the idea of socializing about their favorite moments from a show. Art teacher Mrs. Lisa Johnson, said, “I watched all seven seasons of Mad Men last summer because I felt like I missed an iconic show, and I wanted to be in the cultural loop.” Mrs. Johnson limits her binge watching to summer and
Netflix streaming shows collect 14 Emmy nominations, a first for streaming programming.
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20 15 Facebook Live makes a big splash. As of April, 2015, it reports that 100 million hours of video is streamed every day.
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of time. This has been coined as “Netflix cheating.” The study also found that relationships ended not long after the act of treachery was discovered by the significant other. People around the world binge watch so that they can have new experiences with TV. They expect to be immersed in new surroundings with positive results. “Passive entertainment is the American way, I guess,” said Mrs. Johnson - Corbin Hubert
If you could only have one streaming service, which would you pick?
Hulu hits the 20 million subscribers mark. They are averaging 26 million hours of streaming daily.
Amazon wins top prize for Best TV Series with transparent.
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school breaks, but others watch anytime. “Some shows are so good I have to binge watch even when I’m busy with work and school. Directors purposefully end shows well to loop us in,” said junior Fletcher Vielee. Bonds with real people can be broken through binge watching. Netflix themselves conducted a study which found that half of the couples who binge watch shows together will watch the episodes on their own ahead
2019 Disney+ is launched which offers Disney, Pixar, ESPN, Marvel.
according to fastcompany.com, digitaltrends.com, vator.com
Disney+
Hulu % zon 4 a m A Apple TV 6%
Netflix
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tm TROJAN MATTERS April 27, 2020
explore the impact different can have on health
DIETS
- Written by Mary Borchers
photo by A. Wuensch
Munching on grapes for lunch, theology and Latin teacher, Mr. Matt Hilton eats a vegan diet.
vegan
What is it: Vegans do not eat meat, chicken, fish or any animal byproducts (including dairy, eggs, honey and more). Advantages: Reduces the risk of cancer more than other diets (specifically in females), reduces risk of heart disease, decreases asthma symptoms Disadvantages: Can be dangerous if pregnant (may need additional B-12 and vitamin D supplements) Theology teacher Mr. Matt Hilton is vegan and said, “Based on articles I have read, I am convinced the health benefits are significant enough to do. I think clearer after becoming vegan.”
keto What is it: The keto diet cuts carbohydrates out of meals and instead, puts the body into a state of ketosis which is when the body begins burning fat for energy, instead of carbohydrates. This high-fat diet shifts metabolism away from carbs towards fats. Advantages: Can result in weight loss (especially in the short term), fights obesity when monitored by a doctor Disadvantages: The “keto flu” (the body feels unwell after the sudden stop of eating unhealthy foods, and it can be a large adjustment)
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paleo
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***It is important to talk to a doctor when deciding whether to start a new diet. Different types of diets are healthier for different types of people. Make sure to consult a doctor before trying any of these diets.
how does dieting affect the brain?
What is it: The paleo diet consists of eating foods that hunter-gatherers would have eaten during the Paleolithic period 10,000 to 2.5 million years ago. This consists mainly of nuts, fruits, vegetables, unprocessed meats, fish, eggs and others. Advantages: High in protein, rich in potassium, eliminates processed foods from the diet Disadvantages: Eliminates an entire food group so essential nutrients are lost, decreased fiber and calcium, the world and the people in it have evolved since the Paleolithic period
vegetarian
With about 45 million Americans dieting every year, according to NBC News, it is important to understand the effect on the brain when dieting. Sandra Aamodt, PhD, said, “Whenever your weight changes too much, your brain will intervene to push it back to what it thinks is the correct weight for you. And you might not prefer the same weight your brain prefers.” Similarly, when your body is at the “non normal” level of fat, it will try to get itself back to that by craving any food and decreasing metabolism. With people around the country working so hard to eat healthy, it seems their own brain can be their biggest obstacle. What-happens-your-brain-whenyou-go-diet-ncna802626 Everyone has a set point where your body is comfortable. This may vary from your desired weight.
When you diet, you deprive yourself and your set point goes into alarm mode creating cravings.
What is it: Vegetarians do not eat meat, chicken or fish. There are different variations on whether they eat animal byproducts, but this is the main standard. Advantages: Good for heart health, prevents type two diabetes, lowers blood pressure, promotes bone health Disadvantages: Can develop deficiencies in certain minerals and vitamins, can lead to eating empty calorie snacks that fit the criteria but are not nutritionally valuable Senior Aidan Kramer is on a vegetarian diet and said, “I’m a vegetarian because of the environmental impacts, the waste that CAFOs (Concentrated animal feeding operation) produce, as well as the large amount of plastic waste that the commercial fishing industry produces. If we chose to switch to a more plant based diet, it would solve a lot of problems like greenhouse gas emissions, antibiotic resistance, and even global food insecurity.”
But, you can change your set point with more excercise, better sleep and changing out unhealthy snacks for those with higher nutrition value
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tm TROJAN MATTERS April 27, 2020
Learn about the famous women from
Indiana
The month of March was dedicated to celebrating Women’s History and the varying achievements of women across the planet. There are many notable women from Indiana who have gone on to make an impact on the world. Here are a few of them. Senior Maddi Felts said, “I’m surprised by how many famous women are from Indiana because it’s not something we ever learned much about.” - Caroline Creamer
Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson, the younger sister of the brothers in the former band, The Jackson Five, and world renowned singer. She was born in Gary, Indiana in 1966. Jackson was raised in a lower-middle class family. She began her career in 1976 on the variety television series, The Jacksons. Her first musical break came in 1982 when she signed a recording contract with A&M records. By 1986, Janet Jackson was a highly known pop icon after the release of her albums Rhythm Nation and 1814. In 1991, Jackson became one of the highest paid artists after signing a multimillion dollar contract with Virgin Records. Last year in 2019, Jackson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has currently sold over 180 million records worldwide.
Jenna Fischer
A star of the popular 2000s TV show, The Office, Jenna Fischer, who portrayed Pam Beesly, has been a popular name ever since the show gained widespread fame. Fischer was born in Ft. Wayne in 1974 and was raised in St. Louis, Missouri. She originally began her acting career in her high school plays and musicals, and she eventually moved to Los Angeles. In 2007, Fischer was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Since the final season of The Office, which she produced, Fischer has appeared in movies such as The Promotion and Hall Pass. Today Jenna Fischer lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Lee Kirk, and their two children. Senior Rachel Kelsey said, “I watch The Office so often and it's really interesting that one of the main characters is from our state."
Madame C.J. Walker Madame C.J. Walker (Sarah Breedlove) was born in 1867 on a cotton plantation in Louisiana. Her parents were freed slaves and she was their first child born into freedom. At age 7, Walker was left orphaned when both of her parents died. She then moved in with her sister and brother-in-law who severely mistreated her. At 14, Walker married a local man named Moses McWilliams and less than a year later gave birth to her daughter, A’Leia. After the death of her husband, Walker and her daughter moved to St. Louis. In the mid 1890s, she developed a scalp disorder and immediately began to experiment with home remedies to treat her hair loss. In 1905, she moved to Denver, Colorado to become a hair-care product entrepreneur. In 1910, she moved to Indianapolis where she continued to do much work for the African-American community. She set up a laboratory and beauty school in Indy. Until her death in 1919, Madame C.J. Walker advocated tirelessly for the rights of African-Americans. Netflix recently released Self-Made, a film based on her life. 12
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Jane Pauley
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Jane Pauley was born in 1950 in Indianapolis. She attended Warren Central High School, where she was hailed as “Speech and Debate Champion.” Pauley then went on to study political science at Indiana University. Directly after she received her degree, Pauley began her Newscasting career at WISH-TV in 1975 when she joined Floyd Kalber at NBC and became Chicago’s first woman news anchor on a major channel. Later that year, she was chosen to replace Barbara Walters on The Today Show. After that, Jane Pauley became an iconic symbol for professional women, specifically female journalists. After 13 years, Pauley chose to leave The Today Show which resulted in the show losing 10% of their viewers, and it fell behind ABC’s Good Morning America as most watched morning network. Today, Jane Pauley is the host of CBS Sunday Morning.
Karen Pence
Karen (Batten) Pence was born in 1957 and was raised in Broad Ripple Village of Indianapolis. In 1975, she graduated Bishop Chatard as the valedictorian and then went on to study education at Butler University. In 2013, she became the First Lady of Indiana when her husband, Mike Pence, was elected governor and remained in that position until 2017. During this time, she worked to promote the arts in children’s education. On January 20, 2017, Karen Pence became the Second Lady of the United States, when Mike Pence became the Vice President of the United States. In 2019, Pence additionally returned to teaching art in a private school in Virginia. Today, she resides in Washington D.C with her husband.
Florence Henderson
Florence Henderson was born in Dale, Indiana in 1934. She was one of ten children born to a tobacco farmer. While Henderson was most well known for her role as Carol Brady in the 1970s sitcoms, The Brady Bunch, she was also a singer and was able to sing 50 songs by the age of two. Throughout her life, Henderson sang at the Indianapolis 500 a total of 23 times. She sang “God Bless America,” “America the Beautiful” or “The Star-Spangled Banner.” After her death Nov. 24, 2016, Henderson was laid to rest in a private cemetery in Los Angeles, California. Senior Heidi Copple said, “I grew up watching reruns of Florence Henderson on The Brady Bunch, but I had no idea she was from Indiana until she sang at the Indy 500. It was really cool to find that out.”
Other notable Hoosier women: Carole Lombard, was an actress in the 1940s from Ft. Wayne. She starred in several movies such as My Man Godfrey and other short films.
Anne Baxter, was an actress from Michigan City who rose to fame in the 1940s. She won an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and an Emmy for her work in the film and movie industry.
Shelly Long, aslo from Ft. Wayne, was a TV icon in the late 1980s. Her role on NBC's sitcom Cheers gained her world wide recognition along with many awards. design by C. Creamer |13
tm TROJAN MATTERS April 27, 2020
You get paid for that?
You do what?
How can I get that job?
How much do you make for that?
Jobs you can't believe exist For those with special interests or skills, there are many careers available. And for those with special interests or skills, odds are there is a job for those specific interests. Cryptozoologists work to discover new animal species, including Bigfoot and the Loch Ness monster. Moirologists, also known as professional mourners, are paid to visit funeral services to increase attendance and make expressing sorrow feel more acceptable. Here are some more descriptions of real jobs that seem unbelievable. Written by Grayson Cates
Iceberg watcher
After the Titanic tragically sank in 1912, the International Ice Patrol (IIP) was founded. Today, this organization exists under the United States Coast Guard. According to their website, the IIP primarily surveys the northwest Atlantic Ocean for icebergs from Feb. 1 to July 31. The planes that conduct these searches must spend five to seven hours per flight and the information is charted in a database. Sophomore Nate Joven would not want to join the IIP. “I think the Coast Guard should have more important things to do than watch icebergs,” he said. Only about one to two incidents with icebergs happen in the Atlantic Ocean every year, almost never involving loss of life.
Foley artist
Snake milker
According to the World Health Organization, five million people are bitten by snakes a year, and in order to save lives, an antivenom must be produced. A snake milker extracts the venom out of some of the world's most deadly snakes, which is the key ingredient in creating the antivenom, similar to how the flu vaccine contains small amounts of the virus to build immunity. This job is very labor-intensive as some snakes can be milked multiple times a day. Plus, the milkers are usually in charge of breeding and taking care of several snakes in a laboratory, and they must comply with U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations. Snake milkers can earn big; some venoms sell for $2,000 each. “I never would have thought a snake milker was necessary,” said freshman RJ Bradshaw, “but actually their work saves lives.”
Golf ball diver
“Foley artists work behind the scenes in filmmaking and television, using props to recreate all the physical sounds that are integrated into a movie or TV show,” defines fhe U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Oftentimes, microphones on sets are not designed to pick up mundane noises like footsteps or rain hitting an umbrella, just dialogue. But, these noises can be essential to the storytelling and must be added into the production. Foley artists come up with creative ways to reproduce those mundane sounds to be later added into the movie. For example, a foley artist can recreate the sound of rain by capturing the audio of bacon sizzling. Sound mixers choose Foley artists’ creations over premade sound effects because they can recreate the noises in any particular scene specifically and accurately.
Golf courses have sand traps and water hazards to make holes more difficult. But when a golf ball goes into the pond, it is never used again, until a golf ball diver visits. Golf ball divers oftentimes pay the course property owner to look through their ponds and collect golf balls for resale after being cleaned. This allows golfers to buy more balls for less money. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that “golf ball divers must be at least 18 years old and be certified for unrestricted commercial scuba diving.” Senior Maggie Schaffer works at Highland Golf Course’s pro shop and helps sell the used golf balls. “The golf balls our diver collects with a net from the course’s two ponds are one of the most popular items at the shop,” she said.
Golf ball diver
Hippotherapist
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Professional TV watcher
While this job seems like a dream come true, there is much more work that goes into it. Professional TV watchers must scan through loads of TV and video clips, looking for the perfect snippets. The job requires keen attention to detail and it can take a while to sift through hours of video. Late night TV like Jimmy Kimmel Live and The Daily Show hire professional TV watchers to find clips to use for segments in their shows. Wages for these jobs can vary. When Jimmy Kimmel Live posted they were hiring a professional TV watcher, they offered $500-600 per week, according to Investopedia. Sophomore Nolan Bosley is disappointed with the job requirements. “I was hoping a professional TV watcher could watch whatever you wanted, but you must watch whatever Jimmy Kimmel wants and for long hours,” he said.
Dog food tester
Pet food companies want feedback on their treats, bones and food products. But since dogs will eat just about anything, human testers are used. Dog food testers examine for taste, texture, consistency and smell. Smell is one of the most important characteristics to test because pet owners do not want their houses smelling bad. Dog food testers always spit out the product after tasting it. This job requires writing many reports and offering recommendations on how to improve the nutritional value of the food without compromising good taste and smell. Dog food testers, on average, get paid a $40,000 salary.
Hippotherapist
Hippo is Latin for “horse” and hippotherapists use horse riding as a means for therapy. The American Hippotherapy Association reports that the momentment the rider feels from the horse helps to promote sensory and cognitive systems. Research has shown that this method for treatment works best for physical, occupational and speech therapy patients. There are other nontraditional methods that therapists can specialize in. Horticulture therapists use gardening and maintaining plants as a way to relieve stress and gain focus. Bibliotherapists offer different books for patients to read that may help with self awareness, empathy or self confidence, according to Psychology Today.
Other odd jobs
(or jobs you never realized existed): Avalanche forecaster Odor judge Netflix genre tagger Fireworks designer Space psychologist Color consultant Chimney sweeper/repairman Professional cuddler Sand sculptor Storm chaser Face feeler Font designer Laughter therapist Water slide tester Cremation ash artist Veterinary acupuncturist Professional mermaid Ethical computer hacker Fortune cookie writer Information above courtesy of Business Insider and livescience.com
Snake milker
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tm TROJAN MATTERS April 27, 2020
photo by A. Armstrong
GAINING PERSPECTIVE Take a look at sports through the eyes of coaches, referees and parents. sonal life impact the attitude and actions they have that day, regardless of if they are parents, players, officials or coaches. Boys basketball head coach Taylor Wayer says his personal life and coaching easily become intertwined. When it comes to coaching, it can be difficult to completely keep personal experiences separate from impacting one’s coaching style and interactions with players. Coach Wayer admits that most coaches have another job in addition to coaching, and the stress of working two jobs can affect their attitude on any given day. Parents and fans view ballgames from the stands with a vested However, most interest. coaches attempt
photo by M. Stickel
With all of the energy, excitement and suspense a game can bring, it is easy to become overwhelmed with emotions. The athletes themselves are not the only participants impacted by an earned victory or tough loss. Coaches, referees and parents all play an important role in practices and games, and their actions can influence one another. In general, it is easy to let one’s per-
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to be their best selves and have a positive impact on their players. “Being in the gym with the athletes allows me to forget about the many other things life throws at you, good and bad,” said Wayer. This same challenge is faced by the athletes themselves. Student athletes face pressure to balance academics, extracurriculars and a social life on top of playing a sport. There are often days where exhaustion and stress distract athletes from focusing on their sports, and it can be difficult for some coaches to understand this. Senior basketball captain Edreece Redmond said, “The coaches I’ve had have done a good job of recognizing all of my activities outside of sports including school and not holding it against me.” Parents are also highly involved in their child’s athletic career. They
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evoke strong frustration among parents, players and coaches when they disagree with a call. “I’ve definitely gotten mad at a referee, but I try not to confront them to avoid a technical foul,” said Redmond. Since Redmond is captain, he has the option to speak with a referee when a poor call is made, but usually keeps to himself and controls his emotions. The way coaches compose themselves in these situations says a lot about their character. Coach Wayer says that when a bad call is made he “tries to set a good example for his players by moving onto the next play and coaching the team versus worrying about the referees.” Although Wayer coaches with an energetic presence, he says he attempts to “channel as much of that energy into a positive manner.” Coaches should not be judged for acting passionately or being strict. In fact, The Athletic Network claims that “the best type of coach is the tough one.” This idea that tougher coaches build tougher players is recognized by athletes. According to Redmond, he has never had a coach that was overly aggressive, and he understands why they need to be strict during Athletes must keep their cool under the watch of three referees at a varsity basketball games.
photo by G. Vazquez
attempt to be at as many games as possible to cheer on their kids. “Both of my parents are very loud in the cheering section, and they come to all my games,” said Redmond. However, some parents express their emotions in a way that seems rude or angry rather than supportive. Edreece’s mother, Mrs. Erika Redmond, has observed that BCHS parents are very respectful during games and she believes that if parents do become worked up, it is because they are passionate about their child and the team. “Because my kids have a strong love for sports, I root for their success,” said Mrs. Redmond. From a different perspective, Edreece has noticed some parents shout to an extent that is almost embarrassing. “Some parents yell at the referees and it reflects badly upon them and our school.” Referees play a major role as they control the behavior and potential outcome of a game. Because referees hold such great power, they
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practice and games. “Even when we run sprints as a punishment, I know it is beneficial and will make running during games a lot easier,” said Redmond. There are strong relationships between players and coaches, and also between players and their parents. Another important connection is made between coaches and parents, as coaches temporarily mirror the role of parents for a portion of the day. According to athleteassesments. com, “Coaches are known as an athlete’s primary caregiver. They are the people in the athletes’ lives who are expected to provide security, safety and emotional support.” Parents want the best coaches for their children knowing that there will be some days when their kids see their coach more than themselves. Effective coaches are not only preparing their players for life on the field or court, but also life outside of the game, just like parents. At the end of the day, the success of an athlete during a game is insignificant compared to their success in the real world and the values they learn from playing a sport. The bad calls and mistakes do not matter to a player, parent or coach in the grand scheme of things. Redmond said, “It is never about winning. It is about giving your all, and learning from your mistakes both of which are important lessons that you should use in sports, school and life.” -Kim Bowers
design by B. deCastro | 17
C
LASS OF 2023
Avery Nagel, Softball
Freshman second baseman and outfielder Nagel is proving to be a grand slam for the softball team. Nagel has been playing softball for as long as she can remember and spent the last four seasons playing travel softball. She said that her greatest asset to the team is her work ethic and that she “always tries to be a good teammate.” In the next four years, Nagel’s biggest goal is to win a sectional championship, but this season, the first goal she wants to accomplish is beating Cathedral. She called her older teammates “very helpful,” and senior Caroline Thompson said, “[Nagel] is an incredible player and will be a part of the team’s future for years to come.”
Christopher Board, Boys Volleyball
Board was setting up for success this upcoming boys volleyball season. Board, setter and libero, has played volleyball for five years, including three seasons on the Academy Volleyball Club travel team. He expects to play mostly for the freshman and JV teams this season, with a personal goal of improving his game and potentially playing some varsity. While he said that adjusting to his new teammates is new, he has also found some familiarity. Head coach Jim Joven also coached Board at St. Simon, and Board said that keeping the same coach is helpful because he is “somebody who knows what they are doing and knows how photo by K. Rulong to play the game.”
While the spring season never quite got underway, coaches and teammates took notice of some incoming freshman. JP Polackin, Baseball
Polackin was expected to be one of the most versatile players on the baseball team as a freshman. While he is primarily a shortstop and pitcher, Polackin can play any position on the field except for catcher. He has been playing baseball since he was 4 years old and recently, Polackin was named a Junior All-American and has played in multiple All-Star events around the country. By the time he graduates, he wants to win a state championship. He expects it to be a challenge to play against more experienced competition, but he plans to “work hard and give everything” on the field, and credits his teammates, specifically senior catcher Sam Peck, for helping him adjust.
Ellie Pratt, Girls Lacrosse
Midfielder Pratt is a player to watch for on the girls lacrosse field. Although she has played lacrosse for six years, Pratt thinks that there is a large adjustment photo by A. Dessauer between the middle school and high school level because “the girls are bigger, stronger and a lot faster.” She sees it as an opportunity to improve her own game and reach their levels. She said that her coaches and teammates, namely sophomore Ruby Mason and junior Audrey Russell, have helped her get used to high school competition. Her biggest area of focus this season is improving her left-hand stick skills and becoming a better all-around player.
Zade Kalesparis, Boys Lacrosse
Kalesparis was ready to make a big impact for the lacrosse team in his freshman season. Kalesparis has been playing since third grade and expects to play mainly offense for the varsity team this season. He said that the biggest challenge for him is adjusting to the “high intensity” of high school play, but he plans to work hard and credits his teammates, specifically junior Kyle Haslett and senior Michael Duffy, for helping him adjust.
Grace Felts, Track and Field
Freshman runner Felts would have been competing in three events in her first season here. She will race in the 200 meter dash, 100 meter hurdles and jump the long jump. She knows it can be quite a task for a freshman, but she credits her coaches and older teammates for “demonstrating drills, offering advice and setting the tone.” This season, her goal is to improve in all of her events and “set a solid foundation for the next four years,” and she knows that the support will be there because her coaches “do an amazing job of helping each runner reach their full potential.”
photo by H. Parker
