TROJAN MATTERS December 19, 2017
Taxes and Income:
Understanding where tax dollars go
More online at the-blueprint.org
The origin of Christmas traditions
A look back on the good of 2017
Student and celebrity look alikes
TROJAN MATTERS Volume 5, Issue 4
On the cover
Taxes complicate earnings in America
Page 2 & 3 Sam Fu photo: Elena Redmond Money photo: Maggie Peck
TROJANS
Page 4
Page 9
Page 12
Rethinking Christmas spending
Science of sneezing and yawning
Page 18
Page 20
MATTER
Prayers to. . . The people of California as they suffer and then rebuild through the forest fires. The family of Gary Yohler, owner of Tiffany Images, as we all mourn his passing.
Student opinion crosses political spectrum Page 16
All students going through surgeries and recovery. The Tebbe and Schaffner families. (see Trojan Notes)
Exploring school in foreign countries
Broken trust in athletes
Winter Olympic Preview
Save the date Tonight - Boys Basketball vs. Shortridge at Shortridge
Dec. 21 - Girls Basketball vs. Southport at Southport
TROJAN MATTERS STAFF
Features editor Sports editor Reporting staff Photo editors Photographers:
Editor-in-chief Blueprint editor News editor Opinions editor
Emma Kennedy Katie Meek Kacee Haslett Emma Kennedy Kacee Haslett Katie Meek
Abby McDonald Janie Gleaves Greta Horton Michael Mates Carmen Sullivan Kylie Donaldson Elena Redmond Alyssa Behringer Jaeden Crawford Lydia Dessauer
Dec. 22 - Boys Basketball vs. Central Christan Academy at home Leah Engler Ashley Freiburger Nathan Horlander Casie Maexner Payten Morris Maggie Peck Sarah Scheidler Kaitlin Wallis
Dec. 23- Jan. 9 - Christmas Break
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 theBluePrint.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.
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TROJAN NOTES BCHS family welcomes new babies and employees
Opinions
You Said It
Features
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We Heard It
"I thought Hawaii was supposed to be the 51st state." I get stage fright when my phone isn't charged to 100 percent. I just protected you like Iron Man.
Baby Sarah Agnus' first weeks were full of lots of snuggling said mom Mrs. Stephanie Tebbe.
Parents Steve and Stephanie Tebbe with newborn baby Sarah at the hospital.
With math teacher Mrs. Katie Schaffner and science teacher Mrs. Stephanie Tebbe both out on maternity leave, BCHS faculty, staff and students welcomed two new members. Mrs. Stephanie Tebbe and husband Steve welcomed Sarah Agnes Tebbe Nov 20. Sarah weighs 7 pounds 7 ounces and measures 20 inches long. In addition, Mrs. Schaffner and her husband Josh Schaffner and big brother John welcomed 7-pound George Nicholas into the world at 2:45 p.m. Dec. 4.
Big brother John Schaffner holds newborn brother George Nicholas Schaffner.
Both teachers will be out most of the third quarter. Their substitute teachers are Mr. Joe Lustig and Miss Sophie Meier, respectively. Before subbing at BCHS, Mr. Lustig retired from teaching math at Guerin Catholic and had taught at Ball State. Miss Meier, a 2013 BCHS grad, is subbing for Mrs. Tebbe in AP Biology, Honors Biology and Anatomy classes. She said it was interesting to be on the other side of things as the teacher, especially since she
took many science classes with Mrs. Tebbe as a student. She plans to continue studying for the MCAT—the Medical College Admission Test—and then apply for medical school in the summer. “I’m looking forward to the start of next semester,” she said. “I know it’s going to be a lot of work, but I think it will be a lot of fun.” In addition to the maternity subs, Mrs. Alison Kaminski, mother to freshman Avery and sophomore Reese, started Dec. 4 as the new attendance officer. •Kacee Haslett
7th period finals. Vice principal of academics Mrs. Ann Taylor said the administration felt the week would flow better with the current finals schedule. “You’re coming off of a weekend and you have a chance to prep for the first final,” she said. “Any last minute prep a teacher can give you happens on Monday. When there was no final on Monday, it almost felt like a burn day. There wasn't much purpose behind it, and also at the end of the week you had one final just sitting there.” Mrs. Taylor recognizes that
some students don’t particularly like going to periods 2-7 after taking their first period final. “We [the administration] did talk about that. But that first final is only one hour, and students get a whole weekend to study for it.” She sees the current Monday schedule as a good way for student to get as much preparation for their finals as needed. For the upcoming December finals, BCHS students will continue to follow the current finals week schedule. The plan for May might still change. •Kacee Haslett
Trojan Matters Asks:
Why was the finals scheduled changed? Why do we stick with it? Last year, the BCHS administration debuted a different finals schedule during second semester than previous semesters had seen. Instead of the current schedule, students would attend all seven classes at the beginning of finals week, then two finals would occur per day until the Friday of finals week, when students would take only their
The Schaffner family at the hospital with the new addition to their family, George.
I’ve never used a semicolon. I’m scared. I love playing peek-a-boo with babies! That’s all I do during church! When I get scared, I close my ears. So we’re just now in junior year and learning how to walk? My teeth are really fat. Does anyone know how to fix a ribcage? “Do you think we need anything for Anatomy?” “We have a quiz.” “Oh.” Being 17 is such a hardship; I have to make my own decisions now. Peanuts make my feet tickle. I gave him a nerf gun because he got his appendix taken out. Life is like a box of chocolates; just eat everything you can. 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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TROJAN MATTERS December 19, 2017
income tax collection, paycheck distribution, and 401k’s
M
oney is always on the mind: how and has been given a raise since then. However, much things cost, how much a per- he remarks that the multiple taxes made him son makes, and why there are so realize how little he actually makes. many taxes. To meet the needs of the governThere are three economic tax bases which ment’s expenses, some sort of ininclude income, consumption, and come—which is called “revenue”— wealth. is accumulated through taxes. While 70 percent of income taxes Minimum wage is a starting salare divided into four major categoCurrent Indiana ary for numerous jobs. It varies by ries: national defense, health care, minimum wage state, and in Indiana it is currently job/family security while the restarting salary $7.25 an hour. Senior Matt Collier mainder are divided into 12 other started working at Jimmy John’s at groups such as education, minimum wage and said, “It’s not great, but it’s fine. You get used to it.” Collier still works there
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$7.25
Photo: Maggie Peck
MONEY IN AMERICA:
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energy, agriculture, and inter- livestock and boats. However, Based on your taxable income pletely exempt from all tax est payments on national de- three-fourths of the revenue you may be applicable for a deductions, since spirit wear partment. raised through wealth taxes is specific tax rate, which include: purchases, property taxes and There are numerous tax de- gained from inheritance, estate, 10, 15, 25, 28, 33, 35, and 39.6 FICA are removed from the ductions taken from a standard gifts, etc. percent. How much you will school’s gross income. “Since paycheck. Federal income tax No matter the size of the payis determined when you are check, other tax deductions are first hired and the W-4 form social security and Medicare, is completed. The more allow- which individuals are required ances claimed in the W-4 form, to give a specific percent of inthe less federal taxes the gov- come. Currently 6.2 percent is ernment will remove from your required for social security and paycheck. There is 1.45 percent for also a state income Medicare. These Mrs. Renee Stoudt’s explanation of the tax bracket system tax that differs deprograms help pending on state. with individual’s There are no income income and insur- actually owe depends on both Bishop Chatard does not reCurrent Indiana taxes in AK, FL, ance needs once your income and your filing ceive taxpayer dollars in the traincome tax NV, SD, TX, WA, retirement age is status (single, married, head of ditional sense in comparison to information from: bankstate.com and WY. hit. household are three examples its public school counterparts, In regards to conInsurance and of statuses). Mrs. Stoudt said, it is extremely beneficial to sumption those retirement are de- “Tax brackets need to be sim- have nonprofit/tax exempt stataxes include “luxury taxes,” ductions from paychecks that plified because people are often tus and not have to budget for or excise taxes. This luxury tax go to personally help an indi- confused.” income taxes from year to year. is used in both the federal and vidual later in life. If you are on Most recently the US Con- It allows for us to not have to state governments. It includes an employer’s insurance plan, gress is currently constructing a pass on a potentially significant various items such as fishing this deduction comes out of new tax plan that aims to sim- costs to our families via tuition equipment, airplane tickets, gas, your paycheck to help pay for plify the current plan, with in- increases and maximize our rebeer or liquor, firearms, and cig- your medical, dental and life cluding only three tax brackets sources toward forwarding our arettes. Gas excise tax is used to premiums. Retirement saving for all citizens. mission, not also Uncle Sam!” build and maintain highways, plans are another salary deducBCHS is a 501c3 nonprofbridges and mass transit sys- tion, that removes a percent of it organization which means tems. The tax works in a cycle; salary that will be taken out and income taxes are exempt from you, who has a car and buys gas put into your 401k. Some em- being filed. In laymen terms, use the roads, therefore you pay ployers match the determined that means that in the eyes of for that tax. percentage as an added benefit. the government, BCHS is still Similar to consumption tax, Social studies teacher Mrs. Re- considered incorporated, just there are taxes on various en- nee Stoudt explains that the tax not taxed. Business manager tities that display your wealth. brackets are a progressive sys- Mr. Dan Thompson explains •Katie Meek Tax on wealth include property tem where if you make more, that this allows 35 to 40 pertax. Property taxes are made on you pay more. Currently, there cent savings, in comparison for Junior Sam Fu homes, land and business prop- are seven different tax brackets. a profit company that normally poses as Uncle Sam in a photo erties, including pay approxillustration by monthly mortimately 40 Elena Redmond. gage payments. percent tax Other property on net intaxes are concome. sidered person H o w e v e r, al property tax BCHS is 501c3 non-profit: organization that receives federal tax exemptions such as cars, not com-
3.23%
Tax brackets are a progressive system where if you make more, you pay more.
BCHS is considered a 501c3 non-profit organization.
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TROJAN MATTERS December 19, 2017
Green Party:
It was founded by Howie Hawkins in 2001.
Democratic Party:
Founded by Andrew Jackson in 1828.
Defining the Liberal
Democrat
Political views are categorized into numerous political parties, which can all be placed on a larger political spectrum. A political spectrum categorizes and levels degrees of political beliefs. The earliest known record of a political spectrum is from the French Revolution in 1789. While the revolution was taking place, the terms “left” and “right” were first used in a political context. In the French Revolution, the left supported the movement away from the monarchy and yearned for change. On the other hand, the right backed the monarchy and supported their beliefs. Today, the left and right have a variety views regarding political views. Generally, the left is considered to be where many Democrats and Green Party supporters fall on the political spectrum, while many Republicans and Tea Party supporters fall on the right. The Green Party is a left-wing party that supports keeping the environment clean and maintaining a grassroots democracy. The Tea Party is a right-wing party that supports liberty and a strong military. 4
Progressive
The alternative-right (alt-right) and alternative-left (alt-left) are on completely opposite ends of the spectrum from one another. The alt-right is an unofficial term for an unorganized group known for supporting white nationalism and being known for their politically incorrect. On the other hand, the alt-left is known for their cultural Marxism, an idea that a communist utopian society without traditions, religions, or government is best for the people. The altleft is the worst nightmare of the alt-right and visa versa. The goal of a political party is to win elections and to gain control of the government. The parties do this by choosing and nominating candidates that have the same ideas and beliefs as the majority of their party. The two major political parties of the United States are the Democrats and Republicans. Many BCHS students have political views that stem from a variety of different sources. Both sophomore Hunter Boyd and junior Solomon Lee credit their political beliefs to their upbringing. Boyd said, “I think I have the political views I have because of the way my family raised me and
Indepe
how I have grown up.” Lee added, “I have the political views that I have because they are the views my parents have.” Junior Invictus Weaver attributes her political views to her heritage. Weaver said, “I have the political views I have because I am two minorities.” The left and the right sides of the political spectrum have varying opinions on taxes, economic influence, and other debatable topics. Generally, the people on one side tend to share similar beliefs which often oppose the other side. For example: the left typically believes the rich need more taxes, while the right disagrees; the right supports lowering the government’s influence on the economy, but the left believes it should be higher; primarily the left is pro-choice and the right is pro-life; generally the left supports same-sex marriage while the right does not; the left believes money should go towards environmentally-friendly regulations, and the right believes it should go to the military. Although there are many different opinions, sophomore Joslyn Wims said, “I base my political views on how candidates treat other people.” •Michael Mates
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Tea Party:
Republican Party:
Founded in 1854 lead by Abraham Lincoln.
Originally started by participants in the Boston Tea Party in 1773, but emerged in 2009 lead by the comments of Rick Santelli.
political spectrum
endent
Moderate
Conservative
Republican
Liberty Less Government
Classical Liberals
S o c i a l i s m
Libertarianism Senior Sasha Heslin places herself here and credits it to her upbringing.
Junior Invictus Weaver places herself here because of her upbringing.
C o r p o r a t i s m
Classical Conservatives
Libertarianism
Junior Noah Mazzei placed himself here and said, “I think giving people a private sector allows them to make better products.�
Liberals
Conservatives
Democrats
Republicans Freshman Calix Simpkins places himself here because he does not see himself anywhere else on the spectrum.m.
Secular Moralism
Religious Moralism
Neo-Conservatives
Neo-Liberals More Government
Tyranny
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Good of TROJAN MATTERS
December 19, 2017
Trojans reminisce on the happiest events of 2017
2017 has been a heavy year—intense politics, devastating natural disasters, terrorism, shootings—all weighing down on people throughout the year. It is easy to write off the year as a bad one, but it’s easy forget all of the good things that have happened. So here it is: the good of 2017. •Janie Gleaves At the beginning of February, the world rejoiced when Beyoncé announced that she and Jay-Z were expecting. Not just expecting, but expecting twins. Everyone loves Beyoncé, and having more babies in the world could never be a bad thing. Rumi and Sir joined older sister Blue Ivy in June.
The 20th Lollapalooza music festival in Chicago was this past summer, and many Trojans attended. Senior Lauren Powell went with friends. “My favorite thing was having so many singers and choices of who to see perform,” said Powell, “I would for sure want to go again.”
Last but not least is the highly anticipated Stranger Things season 2. “I watched the entire season in 2 days, I’m obsessed,” said junior Bella Jannazzo. If it hasn’t already been binged by Trojans, chances are it will be over Christmas break.
Photo courtesy of Lauren Powell
Despite the horrible hurricanes this fall, NFL Houston Texans defensive end JJ Watt helped to show how amazing this world can be when we come together. Watt started a YouCaring campaign, similar to the widely known GoFundMe. The fundraiser brought in over $37 million for hurricane relief.
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2017
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Looking towards 2018 - A Royal Wedding - The Winter Olymipcs - New movies: Incredibles 2, -Mary Poppins Returns, Avengers: Infinity War - Senior Graduation - FIFA 2018 World Cup
Because of upgrade contracts and soaring costs, the iPhone X is out of reach for many, yet its release still makes the list. Apple’s innate ability to invent features people didn’t even know they needed never fails to amaze.
Photo courtesy of the Citadel Yearbook
Photo: Alyssa Behringer
Photo courtesy of the Citadel Yearbook
One highlight of the year for sophomore Grace Underwood was scoring the game-winning goal in the sectional final against Cathedral. The game’s regulation time ended in a tie and went on to two quarters of overtime and it went into 2 rounds of penalty kicks. Underwood scored the last of the penalty kicks. She said, “I was so excited when I scored because the whole team wanted the win so bad and it was such a close game the last time we played them.”
Our own principal Mr. Joe Hansen came aboard this year and has been met with nothing but positive feedback. Junior Oskar Eisgruber said that he admires Mr. Hansen’s school spirit and the way he truly values students and teachers.
Also over the summer was Summer Field Studies, a trip out west Trojans can take with students from Ritter and Roncalli. Senior Sara Englert attended and said, “My favorite part was meeting new people. Being away from technology made it the amazing experience it was.”
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TROJAN MATTERS December 19, 2017
Photo: Casie Maexner
Photo: Ashley Freiburger
TROJAN MATTERS Staff Opinion
Materialism M takes over
Christmas
ost students here can remember sitting down and writing a letter to Santa, listing all the amazing toys we dreamt of littering our playroom floor. Christmas has always held a certain aspect of greed to it. The holiday is full of children craving the newest toys and parents or loved ones who are set on buying what their kids want. Slowly, this cycle has increased so much that giving to others has become an act of materialism, not love. Giving from the goodness of our hearts is no longer the most popular way to celebrate Christmas. The true essence of the holidays—regardless of religious affiliation—is showing love for others and going out of our way for those who need a light in their life. Yet, due to endless advertise-
ments for Christmas gifts, a superficial layer overshadows what should be wholesome holiday. The amount society is bombarded on television, newspaper and social media about the material things is outrageous and now control Christmastime. After Thanksgiving, we are immediately bombarded with commercials of the newest gadgets for kids, sales on clothes, and cheap vacations getaways for the holiday season. The goal of these advertisements is to make consumers spend as much as they can, manipulating the good-natured quality of Christmas. Although Santa is no longer giving us presents, that doesn’t mean that the joy of receiving and giving gifts loses its novel
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Photo: Leah Engler
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Photo: Kaitlin Wallis
Remembering the reason for the season
ty. Anyone who has ever seen a loved one or a friend’s face light up after giving them a heartfelt gift will understand that Christmas is more than just how much money people are willing to give big business. Also, when thinking of what we would like for Christmas, we should not just think of what we are seeing in the media, but of what will honestly bring us happiness. It is inevitable that some gifts are purchased, however this should not be the primary focus. Many things that matter most to people can be given for free. Going to visit a homeless shelter during the holidays and washing their feet, painting their nails or washing their clothes. These acts are of little to no cost and mean more to those people than any gift from Best Buy. Beyond the obvious help-
ing those less fortunate, finding a gift that not only pleases someone, but shows them how much you care for them should be at least one present under the Christmas tree. This Christmas season, Trojan Matters urges students to go back to the roots of Christmas. Give from the heart and ask for gifts that are truly needed. We should think long and hard about the gifts that we are giving to others. What many people feel they are missing from the holidays may easily be found by giving to those who are in need and actually buying your family something that you want to give them. We should not just judge how successful Christmas is by how many expensive gifts have our names on thier tags.
From left to right: A window ad reads “So very (very) merry,” showing stores’ manipulation of the Christmas message; Nativities remind us of Jesus’ birth; A crowded Keystone Mall on Black Friday, represents how focused people are on finding gifts; Showing little consideration for workers, a Macy’s shelf overflows with shoe boxes.
86%
exchange presents with friends and family
54%
attend religious services on Dec 24 or 25
Information from Pew Research Center
TROJAN MATTERS
December 19, 2017
But all these traditions have unique beginnings... Christmas Cards
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Every Christmas season, people hang the stockings by the chimney with care. But before the popular Christmas tradition, stockings were hung year-round to allow them to dry after being worn and washed. The Christmas time aspect came from the legend of an old widowed father with three daughters. Their family was not wealthy and the father was worried his daughters would not become wives due to their impoverished state. Saint Nick wanted to help the family and knew that they would not accept his charity. Instead, he snuck down the chimney at night and stuffed the daughters stockings that were hung to dry with gold and the jolly fellow disappeared. Now children leave stockings hung by the chimney in hope that the generous Saint Nick will greet them with gifts.
Photo: Jaeden Crawford
Photo: Sarah Scheidler
Stockings
Beginning in 1843, the Christmas ca designed by Sir Henry Cole and John ley. Less than 1000 of these cards were ed and sold for about 5 to 8 cents. A this time, printing was much more sive resulting in a lower productio a shorter amount of cards. Later p methods improved and became chea the 1860s allowing Christmas cards come more popular. Most of the cards time included illustrations of the n scene. The first known personalized C mas card wasn’t sent until 1891. No 2 billion Christmas Cards are sent United States only. “It’s a way to rea to other families during the holiday s said Agostino.
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Christmas celebrators deck the halls with decorations from nutcrackers to stockings. These decorations have spawned off of Christmas traditions that families all over the world practice. However, it’s important to remember that traditions are even more fun when you do them with the ones you love. “Holiday traditions are important because they bring a sense of unity in a family during the advent season,” said junior Peter Agostino. •Carmen Sullivan
Nutcrackers
Originally seen as keepsakes that bring good fortune, nutcrackers would be given as gifts to show strength and power. In the book, The Nutcracker and the King of Mice, the nutcracker is given as a Christmas present. This book is the basis of the popular ballet, Nutcracker Suite, which popularized the tradition after it debuted in 1892. “Nutcrackers are very festive, they’re different than the other Christmas decorations since they don’t really relate to Santa or Jesus’ birthday,” said Agostino. There are over 750 ballet productions of the Nutcracker performed each holiday season. Every year more than 8 million dollars are spent are Christmas decorations, including Nutcrackers.
Cookies for Santa
Photo: Kylie Donaldson
Photo: Nathan Horlander
ard was n Horse printAround expenon and rinting aper in to bes at this nativity Christw over in the ach out eason,”
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The tradition of leaving cookies came as a result of the tradition of hanging stockings. In order to get more gifts in their stockings, children would attempt to bribe Santa with delicious treats such as cookies and milk. Later, during the Great Depression, parents would try to teach their children to always give back popularizing the cookie tradition for Santa even more. A newer popular tradition similar to leaving cookie out for Santa is creating reindeer food for children to spread out on the front lawn so the reindeer have a chance to nibble after a long night’s journey. It is a mixture of cereal flakes, sugar, raisins, sugar, and glitter. 11 11
TROJAN MATTERS
December 19, 2017
Studying the science behind the everyday actions of yawning, hiccuping, and sneezing
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them yawning. Two studies have found this to be empathy-related. The first, done by Baylor University, found that kids didn’t begin to yawn contagiously until they were about 4 years old, which is when they usually develop basic empathy skills. The University of Connecticut held a second experiment, where they had college students watch clips of others yawn. Those that scored low on
the empathy portion of the personality test were less likely to yawn after watching the videos. Psychology and neuroscience doctoral student study Brian Rundle—who led the study at Baylor University—told Time Health there must be a connection between empathy and yawning, proved by their results. However, Time Health still calls it a controversial theory.
Photo: Sarah Scheidler
Yawning Even when simply speaking or thinking about yawns, it is a natural instinct to do it. Healthline.com calls it “one of the most contagious, uncontrollable actions a body does.” Healthline cites a 2014 study claiming that the cause of yawning is brain temperature regulation, which is highly backed by scientists. Princeton University’s postdoctoral research associate Andrew C. Gallup PhD agrees: yawns cool down human brains. When the brain’s temperature rises from the blood rushing through the neck, face and head, the air breathed in from the yawn cools these fluids, according to Gallup. Gallup told WebMD that the process is similar to a radiator. “[It is] removing blood [that is too hot] from the brain while introducing cooler blood from the lungs and extremities, thereby cooling [brain] surfaces.” When we are tired, the temperature has dropped inside of our brain because it is slowing down. The same temperature drop happens when we are bored, because there’s not enough stimulation for the brain. Freshman Paige Priami said she yawns often. “I was at [basketball] practice and I kept yawning. My coach asked me if I was bored by him.” Priami’s body was likely regulating the temperature of her brain. While one reason behind yawning is to regulate temperature, people also yawn because they see someone around
Junior Ashley Freiburger yawns during her first period class. The average person yawns five to fifteen times a day.
Hiccuping The sound we make when our vocal cords close during a hiccup is what gave them the name. Hiccups are a diaphragm spasm, which then causes one to inhale harshly. This intake of breath is then stopped abruptly as the vocal cords close. The causes of hiccups include eating too much or too quickly, feeling nervous or excited, drinking too much alcohol or carbonated beverages, a sudden temperature change, and swallowing air while sucking on candy or gum, according to WebMD. Hiccups are not caused by anything emotionally-related as yawning can be. They are purely related to a spasm inside the diaphragm. Some experts believe that holding your breath is the best way to get rid of hiccups. This technique allows carbon dioxide to accumulate inside of your lungs, and in turn may relax your diaphragm. Being frightened by a peer or eating sugar are techniques that have not been proven to cure hiccups. “My hiccups are really annoying,” said junior Rachel Sullivan. “They are super hard to stop. If I do stop them, then I get them about five more times
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through the course of the day.” Sneezing Scientific American defines a sneeze as “making a sudden violent spasmodic audible ex-
the human nose alert the brain that it is irritated, and the brain alerts other parts of your body to begin the process. The chest,
piration of breath through the nose and mouth.” The audible part of a sneeze comes from the inhaling and exhaling action. Contracting muscles force our mouths closed, but the pressure within our lungs forces it back open due to excess air from the pressure rushing out, according to Science writer Luis Villazon. “Since your tongue is pressing against the roof of your mouth, the air makes a ‘ch’ sound, and with your lips pursed, it emerges as an ‘oo’,” he wrote. “I sneeze very loudly. For some reason if I don’t, I feel like I’ll bite my tongue, so I just let it out,” said foreign language teacher Mrs. Delicia Mendez. “People always say that it sounds like I stepped on a dog.” The second part of Science American’s definition explains that a sneeze is a reflex, which is a way for us to continue breathing air by clearing out our nasal passages and remove irritation in the nose. The human body must clear mucus, germs, dust, pollen and pollutants from the nasal passage. The nerve endings inside of
lungs and throat are all involved. “The nervous impulse travels up the sensory nerves and down the nerves controlling muscles in the head and neck, and that leads to the rapid expulsion of air,” wrote board-certified physician in allergy Pamela Georgeson D.O. for the Scientific American. The pressure change inside of our chests during a sneeze changes the way the blood is
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flowing, according to everydayhealth.com. This additional pressure and blood flow change may feel like your heart is skipping beats, but this is only a phantom feeling. Human hearts do not stop during a sneeze. While the heart myth is debunked by science, the myth surrounding bright lights and sneezes is not entirely a myth. About 18 to 35 percent of humans have a photic sneeze reflex, which is also referred to as autosomal dominant compulsive helio-ophthalmic outbursts of sneezing syndrome, or ACHOO syndrome. People who experience ACHOO syndrome may sneeze when exposed to bright lights. It’s a reflex from adapting from dark to light, according to medicinenet.com. In her Medical Genetics Summaries abstract, Laura Dean MD, cites military doctors who experimented with fighter pilots who experienced photic sneezing, writing “about one in four individuals who already have a prickling sensation in their nose will sneeze in response to sunlight, but ‘pure’ photic sneezing is far less common.” Every human sneezes as a natural reflex, and usually happens when we are sick or getting rid of irritants. •Kacee Haslett
Photo: Maggie Peck
“I sneeze very loudly. For some reason if I don’t, I feel like I’ll bite my tongue, so I just let it out.”
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Senior Blake Brown sneezes during class. On average, people sneeze anywhere from three to ten times each day.
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TROJAN MATTERS December 19, 2017
Sophomore Matt McQueen and Caleb McLaughlin
“We look a lot alike; our faces are mostly the same” said McQueen.
Students resemble celebrities Junior Janie Gleaves and Julia Styles.
“I see it in the hair and the eyes but I obviously have freckles and that disSenior Sarah Mastrian and Danielle Fishel. tinguishes us,” “I personally think it’s a stretch,” said Mastrian. said Gleaves.
Junior Desirae Fuller and G Hannelius
“I think I looked like her more freshman year not so much now,” said Fuller, “I had more of a baby face and my smile was bigger.” 14
“I think I do look like Aladdin because we are tan and have similar hair,” said Dilts.
All photos of students: Nathan Horlander and Payten Morris
Sophomore Leo Dilts and Aladdin
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Students evaluate homeschool meschooling. He said the biggest surprise he met when he came to CTK was how little independent work there was. “I liked how in homeschool I could work at my own pace, but at Christ the King and Chatard I’m able to see my friends,” said Sowinski. Sophomore Mary Horlander was also homeschooled in
3%
The average home schooled student’s yearly education costs
$600
“I am able to do my school work at whatever time of day that I please. It has made things a lot easier with my schedule,” said Richmond. Richmond goes to work in the mornings, then in the afternoons she averages about 3-4 hours on school work. She likes the short, simple lessons and the individualized pace that online school offers her. Sophomore Andrew Sowinski was home schooled up until fifth grade, when he began attending Christ the King. Sowinski agreed that working independently is a benefit of ho-
of school-aged children are home schooled
grade school. When transferring to public school in third grade, Horlander was surprised by punishments as a group. She said, “At home, if someone did something wrong, they got in trouble, not 20 other people.” Horlander was also struck by the music that she was exposed to for the first time when entering public school. She heard Justin Bieber and One Direction for the first time from girls at school. When she was homeschooled, they listened mostly to Christian music. One of the factors that made her homeschooling unique was her mom getting to teach her and her siblings religion. Horlander also enjoyed being able to spend time with siblings. “We really got to grow up around each other, whereas if we’d gone to school we would not have been able to spend as much time hanging out and just growing up together,” said Horlander. However, she also recognizes that without having come to BCHS, she would not have been able to realize her love of theater or made as many friends outside of her family. Horlander said, “The mix of homeschool and Junior Charlie Steadham works on regular school has been physics homework during homeroom in good for me. I’d have a the CLC. “I like going to school because really different life withI get to experience school with students out coming to Chatard. my age,” said Steadham. I’m glad I’ve gotten the opportunities offered by both.”
Photo: Jaeden Crawford
Photo: Kylie Donaldson
About three percent of school-aged children are homeschooled. Homeschooling is often glorified by those in traditional school as sleeping in late and learning as much or as little as you’d like on any given day. However, as shown by families who have homeschooling experience, it is clear that there is much more to it than meets the eye. Junior Kellyn Richmond attended BCHS for her freshman and sophomore years, but this past summer, she and her family decided homeschooling would be a better alternative for her. Richmond has been in traditional school up until this year. She now does her schooling online from home. Richmond said, “The main reason I decided to switch was so that I could work more often. While at home, sophomore Natatlie I need to pay for car inDonaldson calculates a math problem. surance and I couldn’t Many popular movies such as “Mean do that with only workGirls” try to portray the transition of a ing two days a week like home schooled student into a normal I had been when I was school environment. at Chatard.” Saving money and allowing time for work are some of the many reasons that families decide to homeschool. Other reasons families homeschool may include: to personalize their child’s learning track, to cultivate family values and beliefs, or to have more control of their child’s environment. For Richmond, coming to school everyday was a nightmare. Between stress and anxiety, it was not a healthy option for her. With homeschooling, she has much more academic freedom and flexibility, leading to less stress.
•Janie Gleaves 15
TROJAN MATTERS December 19, 2017
Education in different countries Different methods of education are apparent in all parts of the world mostly taught adults with work and families, which made her classes have more flexible times that were often in the afternoon or evenings. Additionally, the relationships with some of her coworkers were more distant than they are here. Similarly, sophomore Linda
get two hour lunch breaks and ten minutes between each of their eight or nine forty minute classes. Li said, “I prefer an hour for each class, because the teacher could have enough time to teach and students could have enough time to digest knowl-
deeper level in comparison to US math and science classes. From middle school (grades 7-9), to high school (grades 10-12), numerous science and math courses are required to be taken. “In grade 9, we have Chinese, math, English, politics, history, chemistry, and
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la F in n U.S.A
It may be difficult to imagine not going to a school that starts at 7:50 a.m. and ends at 3:15 p.m., that starts in August and ends in May, or has seven classes a semester. However, students in other countries are just as accustomed to their own, specific way of education. In reality, different education systems are used in all corners of the world. Spanish teacher Mrs. Kerensa Edinger has had the opportunity to teach in multiple areas of the world, each region having a different technique for education. Mrs. Edinger taught English, then switched to teaching Spanish at Lingnan University in Hong Kong. While in China, she worked as an assistant teacher for about a year. In her
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Photo: Lydia Dessauer
Spanish teacher Mrs. Kerensa Edinger teaches her Spanish II class. She also taught Spanish in Hong Kong and English in Costa Rica.
time there, she found some similarities to the education in the United States. “The technology availability was the same, but the classroom culture was different,” she said. Mrs. Edinger saw that students in Hong Kong were more passive learners, and the overall class lacked much talking with the teacher. In contrast to her job now, she 16
Li attended school in her native town of Changsha, China. Her classes often started at 7:50 a.m. and would end at 5:30 p.m. for tenth grade students and 6 p.m. for eleventh and twelfth grade students. Although their days are longer, students often
edge.” In the classrooms, teachers at Li’s school usually strictly teach, and, as Mrs. Edinger noticed, rarely have social conversations with students. Also, math and science are often more rigorous courses, and are taken to a
physics,” Li added, “In high school we have to take Chinese, math, English, politics, history, geography, physics, chemistry, and biology.” Academic breaks in China are also taken much more seriously. Li said that the schools do
allow time for breaks, but it is usually “very short.” Although Asia is geographically close to Europe, the practices in Finland, for example, are quite different than the ones in China. Finland is known to be country with the best education system ever since its edu-
ceiving a higher level education to a university or college. As for their schedule, Finns go to school around 9 a.m. and finish around 3 p.m., a slight difference from US schools. However, their calendar is similar to most US schools; they start in mid August and end
This differs greatly with the style of teaching in Costa Rica, the other country where Mrs. Edinger taught. At the Polytechnic Institute of Technology, Mrs. Edinger noticed that students were more inclined to socialize and interact with the teacher, even more so than
Sophomore Linda Li studies for a test. She believes there are many differences between education in China and the US, especially in the way that teachers instruct the class.
lia
cation reform 40 years ago. The reform included students starting school when they are seven and having only one mandatory standardized test at age 16. This resulted in 93 percent of students graduating high school, and 66 percent re-
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Photo: Lydia Dessauer
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near May 30. After their ninth grade, all schooling is optional and students can choose to attend upper-secondary school or vocational school. Both are 3 year programs that help students prepare for a university or college education.
students in the US. Students in the US also have more access to technology than students in Costa Rica. In Costa Rica, Mrs. Edinger found that schools there have a different schedule than US schools have. Because the country is predominantly Catholic, there is a longer break (usually 1-2 months) for two reasons. “1) This is usually the best weather of the whole year, and 2), to celebrate Advent, Christmas and the New Year.” The curriculum in Costa Rica is also different in the way they conduct their lessons. Here,
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lesson plans are created by the teachers, and taught in their own specified way. In Costa Rica, the administrators often plan the curriculum. “The teaching is more textbook based,” added Mrs. Edinger. She prefers being able to plan her own classes, as opposed to having them planned for her. On the other side of the world, Australia has a different education system. According to a site dedicated to informing new inhabitants of the country, the education system is similar to America’s in that there is primary school (elementary school), secondary school (high school) and university or college options. However, there are some differences. The school year in Australia contains four terms. The first starts in late January and ends in April. The second continues from April to July, the third from July to September and the fourth from October to December. Breaks include Anzac Day (April 25) and Curriculum Days in which teachers take a day to plan to work on school curriculum. A typical school day there starts at 8 or 9 and ends at 3 or 4. Although the teaching styles may differ, education is still an important way to enrich the lives of individuals - no matter the way the curriculum is taught. Li believes that education is one of the most important aspects for a person’s future. She added, “Most students achieve their dreams through education.” •Emma Kennedy 17
Broken TROJAN MATTERS
December 19, 2017
From sexual harassment and abuse to stealing from bank accounts, athletes can be taken advantage of
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rofessional athletes who don’t trust anyone will likely have a hard time achieving their goals. On the other hand, those who trust people effortlessly can get duped easily. The salary and attention given to Olympic and professional athletes can attract outsiders with bad intentions into their lives. Because of this, a lot of uninformed and trusting athletes can end up getting hurt. Girls cross country coach and English teacher Miss Mallory Curtin said, “These athletes get wealthy very quickly, and a lot of people want to become close to them for the wrong reasons.” According to a study by Sports Illustrated, 78 percent of former NFL players have gone bankrupt after being retired for just two years. Sixty percent of NBA players end up in the same position after five years of retirement. Former NFL player Brian Simmons 18
(Bengals-1998-2006, Saints-2007) was one of many who fell into this group. He trusted a former teacher, Ms. Linda Frykolm, and invested in a scam called the “United Nation Trade Honduras Project.” Simmons, along with 200 other investors, was promised a 300 percent return on his money. Frykolm received $15 million in investments within one week. All of which did not go to anything that had to do with Honduras. Instead, Frykolm used the money to live a luxurious lifestyle before landing her 12 years in prison, but Simmons’ money was gone. Louis Martin Blazer III, an ex-financial advisor, was accused of scamming two professional athletes and their families by investing their money in movies. Blazer offered one client investment in cinema projects. His client did not like the idea of the investment and refused. However, Blazer forged documents that authorized the client’s money to be put into the proj-
ect. When the client discovered Blazer’s lie, he forced the financial advisor to give his money back. Blazer repaid his client using another professional athletes’ money. Famous athletes including Mike Tyson, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley all experienced similar situations and filed bankruptcy. However, athletes aren’t just exploited by those they meet through their sports careers. Some professional athletes are deceived by family members, also. Tennis star Arantxa Sánchez was deceived and taken advantage of financially by her father. In 2012, Sánchez reported that her parents milked her out of $60 million dollar of her career earnings. Her father was
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After only 2 years of retirement, 78 percent of NFL players are either broke or struggling
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Brave gymnasts take down team doctor after years of abuse
financially. Within 5 years of retirement, 60 percent of NBA players are broke.* For example: • Mike Tyson - boxer - Career earnings of $400 million, filed bankruptcy in 2003 CBS News
•Terrell Owens - NFL - $80 million contract, filed for bankruptcy in 2012 • Derrick Coleman - NBA - 15-year career (rejected a $69 million/8-year extension) - $13 million in final year, filed for bankruptcy in 2010 • Michael Vick - NFL - $130 million/10-year contract, filed bankruptcy in 2008 after serving time in prison for an illegal dog fighting ring in 2007. He returned to the NFL in 2009. He retired this year. * 2009, Sports Illustrated study trusted to handle her income. Sánchez’ father allegedly invested her money poorly leaving her with nothing. Sadly, it is not just money that professional athletes lose. In a recent episode of 60 Minutes, Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman discussed her journey of trusting too much. As a young athlete, Raisman assumed the best in people. Raisman did not know any better when her team doctor, Larry Nassar, began to take advantage of her. In the 60 Minutes interview, Raisman said, “No one ever educated me on making sure you're not alone.” Raisman is referencing a rule in the USA gymnastics handbook, which suggests to avoid being alone with a minor. Raisman, along with 130 other women, have filed lawsuits against Nassar for similar abuse. Nassar manipulated Raisman's trust by leading her to believe he was a respectable person through gifts. Nassar gained these girls’ trust and used it against them so they wouldn’t speak up after being
violated. It is not just strangers that take advantage; it is people they know and trust. “Speaking out and creating positive change so that athletes are safe is more important than any Olympic medal you could ever win,” said Raisman in her segment. Recently Nassar has pleaded guilty to three cases of sexual abuse and is sentenced to more than 25 years in prison. In addition, he was found guilty of a federal offense of child pornography and will serve 60 years. The best thing for the athletes is to be educated in finances, safety and guidelines for who to trust. NFL players now attend a personal finance camp to learn the best way to manage the money they earn. “The best thing for the athlete would be for them to be educated in their financial decisions and who they should and shouldn’t trust,” said Miss Curtin. Sports require a lot of trust, but time after time athletes are put in difficult situations because of it. However, trust can result in happy end-
Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman was one of the high-profile athletes who spoke publicly about trusting a doctor who abused her and many others. She told her story to CBS’ 60 Minutes news magazine show. Former Olympic gymnastics team physician Larry Nassar, accused of sexual assault by more than 130 women, pleaded guilty to three sexual assaults, in a deal that will send him to prison for at least 25 year and up to 40 years. Most recently, he was sentenced on a federal charge to 60 years. clickondetroit.com
ings for athletes. Miss Curtin described the motivation and trust she tries to give to her athletes, “The unique thing about cross country is that as a coach I run-side-by side with my athletes, so it is easier for them to see I’m also invested in the sport.” She added that she believes a great deal of the runners’ motivators are their teammates. Teammate trust is strong here in many sports. “I trust my teammates and coaches completely,” said senior Kevin McNelis, football player. “I trust them with my life.” McNelis said that he knows he can trust his teammates from all they did to help him and the team. “I saw how much they would do for the team and how much they put on the line,” he said.
•Carmen Sullivan 19
TROJAN MATTERS
December 19, 2017
The 2018 Winter Olympic Games: A preview into the world's competition of sports With the 2018 Winter Olympic Games weeks away, excitement has begun to build from the competitors of the 90 countries participating and viewers at home. These Olympians have been training their entire lives. The average Olympic athlete trains six to seven hours a day, six days a week, 12 months a year. The International Olympic Committee ruled three weeks ago that Russia will not be allowed to participate due to doping in previous competitions. Clean Russian athletes will be able to compete under the IOC flag. Without the team from Russia, there are still over 50,000 athletes competing in this year’s games, approximately 240 from Team USA. The 23rd Winter Olympic Games will be hosted by the city of PyeongChang, South Korea. This is South Korea’s second Olympic Games and its first Winter Games; Seoul hosted the Summer Games in 1988. The opening ceremony occurs on Friday Feb. 9, 2018, but the games begin the day before with curling and ski jumping. The Olympics end Sunday Feb. 25. PyeongChang will pass the torch to Beijing, who is hosting the 2022 Winter Olympics. Both opening and closing ceremonies will be housed at the $78 million, 50,000-capacity, temporary PyeongChang Olympic Stadium. Freshman Liam Murphy is a big fan of the
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Olympics. “My favorite part of the opening ceremony is seeing all the athletes process in with their country’s flag. It is great to see how the love of sports brings the country together.” The main two sta- d i u m s ,
the PyThe "Soohorang", an animated white tiger, is the main mascot of the 2018 Winter Games. It is a symbol of trust, strength and protection in the Korean culture.
eongChang Mountain Cluster and the Gangneung Coastal Cluster, will house 13 venues for competitions to take place. The PyeongChang Mountain Cluster will host seven and the Gangneung Coastal Cluster will host six. The Winter Games consist of seven sports with 15 varied disciplines. There will be a total of 102 events - the most ever contested at an Olympic Winter Games to date. Of the 102 events, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has added four events to the games this
year: men and women’s big air snowboarding, mixed doubles curling, freestyle skiing and mass start speed skating. Men and women’s big air snowboarding is an event where the competitor rides a snowboard down a hill, launches off a large jump tower and performs complex tricks in the air. Mixed doubles curling, similar to regular curling but teams are composed of two players, instead of the typical four to six. The major difference between regular curling and mixed doubles curling is the positioning of the two granite stones. Senior Abby Saunders, avid watcher of the Olympics, said, “I like to watch curling the most because it is such a unique sport and I do not understand how they move the stone with brooms.”
tion performing aerial acrobatics such as back flips and twists while freely gliding down a slope. Lastly, men and ladies’ mass start speed skating consists of a maximum 28 skaters racing for 16 laps in an open racing track. While anticipation for the events mounts, so do nerves regarding the events being only 50 miles from South Korea’s frontier with the north. North
The PyeongChang Olympic Stadium will house the opening and closing ceremonies. It is located in the precinct of the PyeongChang Olympic Plaza. Officials estimate that 3.6 billion people will watch the opening.
Freestyle skiing is a competi-
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TEAM USA
Watch out for these stars of the U.S. Team Korean weapon tests and cyber defense team and douPresident Donald Trump’s bling the number of troops in comments on social media re- attendance at the Games. garding Kim Jong Un have In addition to security conraised concern over the game’s cerns, money has also become a security which in turn has prevalent issue. caused questions about whether South Korea has some athletes will participate. already managed In an effort This year's medals to overcome a to differentiate, are designed with a few major obSouth Korea has texture to resemstacles, includopted to capitalize bled tree trunks, ing constructhe ‘c’ in Pyeong- symbolizing tion delays, Chang in order to the work put logistical into Korean distinguish itself conflicts culture and from North Ko- the Games and lack of rea’s capital city, themselves. enthusiPyeongyang. asm from The gold medal H i s t o r i c a l l y, weighs the most at sponsors. the games have 586 grams. Howevbrought the world er, ticket sales closer, but France has already have been slow and organizers made threats of pulling out are already $267 million short their competitors. “If this gets of the $2.4 billion budget needworse and we do not have ed to operate the games. South our security assured, then our Korea encouraged fans to focus French team will stay here. We more on the excitement of the will not put our team in dan- games instead of fear toward ger,” said France’s sports minis- North Korea, hoping for a large ter Laura Flessel. increase in ticket sales during The IOC has said it hopes the final months leading up to North Korea’s participation in the games. the Games could ease tensions, Fans at home can tune into and figure skating pair Ryom NBC or NBCsports.com to Tae-ok and Kim Ju-sik of watch more than 176 hours of North Korea have already qual- coverage of the Games. NBC ified. IOC President Thomas will air the Olympics live across Bach claims that “there is so all time zones, meaning viewers far not even a hint that there is won’t have to wait for results of a threat for the security of the highlights. Games in the context of the tensions between North Korea and some other countries.” But according to Fox News, South Korea has already ramped up security measures for the •Greta Horton Games including upgrading its
Lindsey Vonn
Event: Alpine Skiing Winter Olympics: 2002, 2006, 2010
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Nathan Chen
Event: Figure Skating First time at the Winter Olympics
Sean White
Event: Snowboarding Winter Olympics: 2006, 2010, 2014
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Elana Meyers Taylor Event: Bobsled Winter Olympics: 2010, 2014
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*Olympic qualifications are not final yet, but given previous years these are athletes to watch for this year. All photos from nbcolympics.com
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Rising Stars
Young athletes to look for this winter season
Photo: Elena Redmond
Photo: Kylie Donaldson
Photo: Leah Engler
Girls Basketball
Bowling
Wrestling
The girls basketball team gained a great asset in freshman Moira McGinley. In a tough game against Cathedral, she scored 20 points which helped the Trojans secure a close win. As the only freshman on the varsity team, she said, “The thing that has been most surprising for me is the amount of encouragement that the upperclassmen have given me.”
The bowling team is rolling in with a new player on the squad: sophomore Zach Konvolinka. Although he has bowled recreationally before, this is Konvolinka’s first year being on a competitive team. He said, “My goal is to break the score of 200.”
Sophomore Wyatt Schrader returns to the wrestling team as a key member wrestling at weight group 170 pounds. Schrader has been wrestling since kindergarten and likes how the sport is individual. He said, “I’ve been surprised by how many new kids have come out for the team.”
Photo: Alyssa Behringer
Photo: Payten Morris
Photo: Alyssa Behringer
Girls Swimming
Boys Basketball
Boys Swimming
In the pool, freshman Sofi Schmitz has made a big impact. She has been swimming for nine years, and is excited for more meets in the upcoming season. She will be swimming relays, any backstroke events and any fly events. She also swims the 50,100,200 free. Her favorite part about being on the swim team is the “support that everyone gives.”
Continuing his climb of excellence, sophomore Edreece Redmond returns to the basketball court as a starter on varsity after playing a key role on the JV and varsity teams last year. Redmond has been playing basketball since he was 4. For this season, he said, “I’m most excited to see us turn around after a tough season last year.”
Another strong athlete in the pool is sophomore Peter Bella. This is his second year swimming for BCHS, and his fifth year in all. He swims all events, but usually the 500 free and the relays. He said, “My favorite part [about swimming] is the meets with all of my teammates.” Bella is looking forward to spending time with his teammates and friends.
•All reporting by Emma Kennedy