tm
September 13, 2019
TROJAN MATTERS
p.4-5
FIGURE OUT VIOLENCE IN SOCIETY p.6-7
PLASTIC:
WHAT CAN WE DO?
p.16-17
DRINK WATER BUT WHY?
p.2-3
tm
Front cover: Losing connections -
students use so much media every day that many forget about daily human interactions.
TROJAN MATTERS
PHOTO BY OLIVIA SMITHERS
Volume 6, Issue 1
PRAYERS
News: Page 4-5 Too much violence in the news can numb viewers.
Opinion: Page 10-11 Diversity builds up community.
in our community:
in our world:
For a strong academic close to the first quarter.
For the damage of climate change and its impact, especially the burning Amazon Forest.
For those on retreats this upcoming weekend, you are in our prayers.
For all those sick and hurting in our community.
For those in the path of natural disasters, especially those impacted by Hurricane Dorian.
For a fun and successful spirit week and homecoming.
For our world leaders, to find peace in the midst of so much disagreement.
For a safe and relaxing fall break.
For an end to gun violence in America.
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 20-21 Hydration matters, but how much water do you really need?
CATCH US ONLINE AT: @blueprintbchs @bchsblueprint @theblueprint @blueprintbchs
CALENDAR SEPT. 13
SEPT. 15
SEPT. 20
Homecoming hall decorating is today at 2:15 p.m. Freshmen, sophomores and juniors plan to stay and help your class decorate today. Senior decorating time is Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
Retreats: Sophomores - leave BCHS at 7:30 a.m. for Camp Rancho Framasa Junior girls - 3:30 p.m. at The Benedict Inn; Junior boys load bus to St. Meinrad 7 a.m.
Homecoming football game - 7 p.m. vs. Southport. BCHS stadium
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.
Want to read more? MORE ONLINE AT WWW.THE-BLUEPRINT.ORG
News Opinions Features Sports
trojan notes When it comes to price of tuition, BCHS strives to find balance of expenses and value When choosing where to attend high school, cost can often be an important factor. BCHS fares well in this category in comparison to its north side competitors. BCHS costs $13,125 per year, or $10,090 for students who are members of Archdiocesan parishes, while Cathedral High School costs $15,765 and Brebeuf Jesuit Prepartory School costs $18,300. Why is BCHS less expensive than its competition? Director of Business Operations Mr. Dan Thompson said that a major reason comes from BCHS’s mission to “provide an affordable Catholic education for all.” The lower cost does not mean a lower quality. Mr. Thompson said, “We get into the same colleges and have the same graduation rates. We do everything they do for a more affordable price.” Your dollar goes just as far, if not further at BCHS However, BCHS is more expensive than felthan at other similar schools. low archdiocesan high - Director of Business Operations Dan Thompson explain- schools. For students who ing the differences in area school tuition costs are members of archdiocesan parishes, the west deanery school, Cardinal Ritter High School, costs $9,190; the south deanery school, Roncalli High School, costs $9,830 and the east deanery school, Scecina Memorial High School, costs $9,930. Mr. Thompson said that Ritter and Scecina have fewer staff members, as well as more parents using the state voucher system to help offset tuition costs, making for an overall lower tuition cost. He also said that Roncalli costs less than BCHS due to their much larger student body of around 1,300 students, allowing them to take less money from more people, but still cover all of their costs. Another reason for BCHS’s higher cost in comparison is their competition. The other three archdiocesan high schools are the only Catholic high schools on their side of town, while BCHS is one of three on the north side (a fourth Catholic school - Guerin Catholic High School is in the Lafayette Archdiocese, but still draws some students from BCHS’s area). This means that BCHS has to fund and staff more overhead in different areas to compete in attracting students to attend the school. Mr. Thompson said, “Your dollar goes just as far, if not further, at BCHS than at other similar schools.” -Patrick Felts
“
”
trojans ask. . . Why are the academic eligibility standards for athletes at BCHS higher than the Indiana High School Athletic Association requires? BCHS requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 each quarter to remain eligible for sports here. The official Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) rule is for students to pass at least five of their classes in a given semester as a baseline, but schools are allowed to institute their own rules. So why are the requirements higher here? Director of Athletics Mr. Mike Ford said that “having 2 Fs and 5 Ds is just not enough for us. That’s an academic problem. A C-average is only going to get you so far, and we think that you aren’t really putting in your all.” -Patrick Felts 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."
you said it we heard it Is the game in the second half or third half? Florida is in my top 50 most favorite states. That’s not an island. Where’s the grass? What does that sound like to you? The government seizing control over the economy. I’ve never heard someone describe their dog as down-to-earth. Don’t look at me. I’m yearning. Maybe you should take Pediasure. You had two options and you chose the third. You’ve eaten 15 popsicles! You are going to die. Why do they call it the World Cup? The trophy isn’t even a cup! I can’t stop milly rocking and it’s a problem. I heard they canceled Shrek 5. I just really want to play Fortnite with Mr. Bach! Are there people in China writing down little charts to learn English and stuff? You’re so old that when you were a kid, rainbows were black and white. Who’s VSCO? Don’t ever get on a wheelchair without a helmet. I literally thought Italy was a state in this country. 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 September 13, 2019
THE
LOSING
HUMAN TOUCH Increasing amount of technology affects everyone’s daily lives.
N
In a school-wide survey, 87% of students behind a screen. Sophomore Patrick Couneed to talk to a friend? Text them. Need to solve a math problem? said they send texts to friends to make plans tryman said, “I’d rather talk to someone I Use a calculator. Want to avoid instead of calling them or asking them in don’t really know online first because it lines? Try the self-checkout. Don’t know person. “I make plans over texts because it takes a lot of the awkwardness out of meetsomething? Google it. Technology provides is just more convenient. I can check my cal- ing people for the first time.” Agreeing with Countryman, junior Ellen both easy access and instant gratification in endar or ask my parents while I’m texting people’s daily lives. However, does the role someone to secure plans,” said sophomore Keefe said, “Technology is great and all, but I think teenagers rely on it too much when it plays in our lives come at the expense of Sara Kelly. In addition, science teacher Mr. Gary it comes to using their phones while talking social interactions? According to sites.psu.edu, a study found Pritts believes that individuals are losing to friends or enabling people to judge others while they hide behind a that 77% of people surveyed screen.” thought that society relies too Along with the negative immuch on technology to sucpacts, technology also proceed. “It makes everything vides convenience that attracts much more readily availcorporations. Regarding the able, so it increases a sense new kiosks at restaurants and of immediacy,” social studies self-checkout lines, Mr. Pritts teacher Mrs. Renae Stoudt said, “Those are popular besaid. “The urgency makes everyone kind of impatient -Science teacher Mr. Gary Pritts responding to the use of self-checkouts cause of capitalism and corporate greed. It is cheaper in the with each other.” In that same study, responders explained the human touch. “We are losing prob- long run to invest in a machine rather than that “30 years ago, 90% of the kids were lem-solving skills because we are com- an employee.” Mr. Pritts said he personally does not preoutside getting oxygen and playing sports.” pounding the problem by making it public. However, now the study surveyed that more Instead of having a problem with someone fer the kiosks and self-checkouts; however, than 75% of children are staying inside and privately, people talk about it with everyone he is aware of their appeal. “You don’t have but that person over social media. Now, to worry about the cashier getting your orplaying video games. Aside from the over-reliability, Mrs. there’s a written record that is public and is der wrong or being judged for staring at the Stoudt evaluated the psychological effects available for anyone to be involved in your menu for so long. There’s a security in anonymity,” he said. on the individuals. “From a psychological problem,” he said. When surveyed, 77% of BCHS stuWith all the new technology and social standpoint, technology is harming in some ways because there are less personal inter- media available to people today, it makes dents who responded said that they use communication that much more attractive self-checkout at grocery stores. Keefe said, actions,” said Mrs. Stoudt.
“There’s security in anonymity.”
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News
“It is faster and less awkward to use the self-checkout lanes rather than speaking to a cashier and having to make small talk.” While Mr. Pritts thinks that kiosks just fuel corporate greed, Mrs. Stoudt believes that they are there for convenience. “Self-checkouts and kiosks are for convenience, not for the fear of human interaction. I think people like the human interactions, but at the same time, the sense of immediacy from technology makes people want it faster,” she said. Where does society go from here? Mrs. Stoudt said that people should be taking more action to prevent the implications technology carries. She said, “I think it’s important to take those breaks from technology and have downtime that has nothing to do with technology. You’ll see even then how much you rely on it and how much it influences your daily interactions.” “Technology is more complicated whether it is helping or harming students. I think it has just created a new normal that is different than what previous generations are used to,” Mr. Pritts said. “Both the challenges and opportunities that arise are things that have not been experienced before. What do these devices do to our brains? Do we really know? We don’t know because we haven’t had a lifetime to study it. But, it’s going to be different, and I think people are confusing different with harmful.” -Belle deCastro
Opinions Features Sports
Senior Joseph Solomon sends texts on his phone, while senior Wyatt Prather tries to talk to him.
Are you more likely to... 77% use self checkout go to cashier to checkout
Photo by Olivia Smithers
23%
Are you more likely to... 87% send a text to make plans call a friend to make plans
13%
Are you more likely to... in canvas or online 51% search for help talk to teacher for help 49% design by B. deCastro | 3
tm TROJAN MATTERS September 13, 2019
VIOLENCE
surges in society today. In a single week, incidents in Gilroy, CA, El Paso, TX and Dayton, OH claimed a total of 36 lives. One week. Seven days. 36 dead. What is the reason behind all of this? Part of the reason that Americans have seemingly become so numb to violence is the sheer amount of mass shootings that happen in America. According to Gun Violence Archive, a mass shooting is any shooting with three or more casualties. The United States had 338 of these incidents in 2018 alone. The commonality of such senseless violence normalizes it to American society and makes it difficult to view these shootings in isolation as the tragedies they are. Instead they be-
orlando, fl 6/12/2016
49 dead 4
come “just another” mass shooting. Senior Liam Wojciechowski said, “It's become so regular that it’s not even a surprise to see a mass shooting in the news anymore.” Mass shootings have become so common to the point where society seems to follow a cycle every single time; the s h o ot ing happens and is reported, people mourn and are shocked that it happened, they debate and demand gun control, then they forget all about it and another shooting happens. Rinse and repeat. Orlando, Las Vegas, Parkland, Newtown, Pittsburgh, San Bernardino, Virginia Tech, you name it. The cycle repeats itself after every single one of
these tragedies. Because of a failure to make adjustments or change, more innocent American lives are lost. So what can be done to break the cycle of both violence and inaction? A popular solution is legislation. Following a mass shooting that left 35 dead in 1996, Australia banned shotguns, semi-automatic rifles and self-loading rifles. Australia had 14 mass shootings between the 1980s and 1996, claiming 117 lives. The country has experienced two mass shootings since 1996. Similarly, New Zealand’s parliament voted 119-1 in favor of banning assault rifles and semi-automatic weapons following a
las vegas, nv 10/1/2017 parkland, fl 2/14/2018
58 dead
17 dead
Opinions Features Sports
Photo by B. Pappas
News
Students are constantly bombarded with news about violence in society today. When any type of news app is opened, it is not unusual to see an article regarding the latest shooting or murder. Senior Lottie Ogorek and freshman Adam Harkness are seen looking at a news article of these violent crimes. shooting that killed 50 people in March of 2019. America has not made similar federal restrictions despite similar tragedies. Junior Kyle Haslett supports the idea of increased federal gun restrictions and said, “People like to have their own freedoms, but in a society, sometimes you have to sacrifice that for the safety of everyone. It’s time to take away assault weapons.” Another solution involves addressing issues that affect the shooters themselves. A recent study from the Los Angeles Times stated that the “vast majority” of mass shooters they studied had been exposed to violence and trauma at a young age and had a major life crisis in the weeks or months before the incident. Senior Sam Alvis believes addressing mental issues in addition
to gun control is a potential solution. He said, “The catalyst for any shooting boils down to those mental issues that plague so many.” However, it might not just be what affects the shooters themselves that needs to be considered. Senior Nora Barth believes that American society as a whole has to look in the mirror. She said, “Focus less on the shooters, and more on the victims. People need to start caring again.” Mass shootings inspire a lot of things; hatred, blame, fear, panic. But in the face of all the terror is a glimmer of hope to stop the violence. Wojciechowski added that “If anyone can change it, it’s our generation. We grew up with it, we can end it.” -Patrick Felts
pittsburgh, pa 10/27/2018 el paso, tx 8/3/2019
11 dead
22 dead
“If anyone can change it, it’s our generation. We grew up with it. We can end it.” -Senior Liam Wojciechowski commenting on violence in society
dayton, oh 8/4/2019
9 dead design by M. Borchers | 5
tm TROJAN MATTERS September 13, 2019
Single-use plastics threaten land and sea life
should care about the decisions they make “ People and see the whole picture on how these decisions can impact other people and other life. ” - Science teacher Mr. Cameron Huffman, regarding the importance of being environmentally conscious
polluting the oceans. People are astonished that plastic has reached uninhabitable areas, including the Arctic. According to Environmental Science teacher, Mr. Cameron Huffman, the ocean pollution problem can have effects on humans when they eat fish that have consumed this plastic. Roughly 5000 miles south of
6
fish consumes these single-use plastics, it results in an immediate, often fatal, injury. The concern over plastics littering the oceans will only increase with time; however, there is hope that change could be on the horizon. A special that recently aired on CBS This Morning focused on Boyan Stat, a young entrepreneur who
”
-CAROLINE CREAMER
71%
An estimated of seabirds and of sea turtles have been found with plastics in their stomachs.
30%
source: sailorsfromthesea.org
Photo By n. donaldson
has come up with an invention aimed to clean up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. He said, “When I was scuba diving in Greece, I saw more plastic bags then fish, and I thought why can’t we just clean this up?” Stat and his team began designing a contraption that would clean the ocean in small sections at a time. While this will not immediately resolve this enormous problem, it is a first step that can be taken. There are little things we can all do to help this process. Senior Molly Grant said, “I try to be conscious of my actions and how I can try to do the little things to save the planet. I have started by reducing the amount of single-use plastics I use and recycle as much as possible.” Many Indiana families have gotten a head start by contributing time and money to save the environment, specifically by completely getting rid of single-use plastics in their lives. A video from the Indianapolis Zoo that plays before each dolphin show quotes a local mother who said, “By helping the oceans, you are helping the animals, you are helping the planet, you are helping yourselves and you are helping others.’’ There are many ways to lessen the amount of single-use plastics that end up in the ocean. Senior Aidan Kramer does this by using a reusable water bottle instead of a disposable one. She said, “I use a reusable water bottle because I realize all the harm that single-use plastics has on our planet.” If everyone changes one small habit, perhaps the growing problem of single-use plastics will begin to dissipate.
n. donaldson
the Arctic lies one of the five major areas in the oceans made entirely of poorly disposed plastics and other trash: the infamous North Pacific Garbage Patch. This patch of garbage is over twice the size of the state of Texas, totaling around 617,764 miles. Garbage patches like this are the result of thousands of pounds of trash being carried by various currents into the oceans. It has taken roughly 30 years for it to reach its current size, and if the amount of waste does not drastically decrease, this man-made island could quickly double in size. Mr. Huffman said that “People should care about the decisions they make and see the whole picture on how these decisions can impact other people and other life.” Plastic waste has also been destructive to marine life, as many animals consume plastics that resemble their food. Plastic bags, for example, have been known to appear to look like a jellyfish to predators. When a
Photo By
Have you ever been strolling along a sidewalk and been alarmed by the number of plastic bags in your path? Or seen straws thrown outside of a restaurant? You are not alone. Today, the misuse of single-use plastics, ones that never get reused, has become an increasingly alarming issue in our world. After one use, these plastics are often dumped into a landfill, the ocean or scattered in the environment. When plastic bags, straws, utensils and water bottles are not properly disposed, it has a detrimental impact to the environment. According to recent reports, tiny particles of plastic have been discovered in ice masses near the Arctic, an overall-unpopulated area. In an article written by Matthew Green for Reuters World News, scientists have been finding large pieces of plastic and microplastic particles in the Northwest Passage. Many people believe that today’s society has become numb to the fact that plastics are
Senior Miranda Stickel recycles her plastic water bottle in a blue recycling bin while senior Katherine Board demonstrates what not to do with a plastic water bottle.
News
Opinions Features Sports
Did you know. . . Quick fact:
4.4 lbs. x 324 mil. = 700,00 tons of trash per day
people in the US
of trash made every day in the US
At BCHS. . . 68.6%
of students use a reusable water bottle.
but only
Plastic pollution in Ghana; 2018 photo By Muntaka Chasant; downloaded to Wikipedia
22% use
a reusable straw.
How can you help You can easily eliminate tons of trash by making simple exchanges: reusable water bottle
1
=
1
=
1
=
1
=
1
=
reusable bag
reusable cup
metal straw
cloth towel source: calpaclab. --com
167
plastic water bottles
TEDxGreatPacificGarbagePatch; photo by Nels Israelson; shared on his photostream
170
plastic bags
500
coffee cups
540
plastic straws
7300
paper towels Recycling efforts are working. At the Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, the program generates $400,000 before expenses that are returned for base projects. Photo courtesy of the United States Air Force
design by C. Creamer | 7
tm TROJAN MATTERS September 13, 2019
Consumers caught in A Game of
MONOPOLY
When you watch a movie or click on a website, there is not much choice as to who those products or services come from. That’s because several markets in the United States are dominated by monopolistic mega corporations. “A market with a true monopoly is where you only have one option,” clarifies business teacher Ms. Beth Jacobs, “so places like Amazon and Google
ENTERTAINMENT
are not true monopolies, but they have monopolized the market for the products and services they provide.” Therefore, markets like cell phone carriers and pharmaceuticals are oligopolies, meaning there is some, but very little, businesses competing to sell a certain product or service. Here are some examples of markets that are an oligopoly: -Grayson cates
A
lmost anyone’s favorite TV show or movie is owned by one of five media companies. Disney recently closed a $71.3 billion deal with 21st Century Fox, creating the largest media merger in history. With this deal, Disney now has the rights to the X-Men, The Simpsons and Titanic. Disney’s portfolio also includes ABC, ESPN, A&E, Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, National Geographic, History Channel, partially Hulu and more including their stores, cruise lines and theme parks. Junior Sam McCarthy-Young is concerned about only a handful of corporations owning most of people’s entertainment options. “It’s not good for customers because companies can increase prices or make a choice no one wants, and customers don’t get options,” he explained.
FOOD/BEVERAGES General Mills
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ust ten companies own nearly all packaged food and beverage brands in grocery stores. While there are other major players (see chart to left), Coca-Cola Company and PepsiCo alone control most people's favorite drinks. Coca-Cola owns Minute Maid, Dasani, Fanta, Sprite, Honest Tea and Vitamin Water to name a few. Some drinks PepsiCo possess include Gatorade, Tropicana, Aquafina and Starbucks bottled drinks, plus Quaker Oats, Aunt Jemima, Fritos, Doritos, Cheetos, Tostitos and more food brands. “It’s surprising that few companies can make so much money on so many people’s favorite drinks,” said freshman Kennedy Leppert.
News
Opinions Features Sports
Science teacher Mrs. Stephanie Tebbe’s classroom pet snake, Stewart, emerges out of an Amazon box. The online retail giant is the world’s third largest company with half of U.S. households subscribed to Amazon Prime. This leads to 608 million Amazon boxes being scrapped or, in this case, repurposed annually.
technology
S
ince technology is constantly advancing and changing, every new innovation has had a monopoly at one point. Just a few Silicon Valley companies own most of consumers’ digital hardware and software. Samsung and Apple are the key players in the tech hardware market, selling smartphones, tablets, smartwatches and desktop computers. Samsung also manufactures TVs, dishwashers and vacuums and Apple exclusively services Apple Pay, iTunes, and Apple TV. Sophomore Lilli Rondinella thinks Apple dominates the market because “they come out with bigger and better things every year.” Apple controls almost half the global smartphone market.
Other monopolies. . . AGRICULTURE
UTILITIES
AIRLINES
Four companies dominate 66% of hogs, 85% of steer and half of chickens produced in the U.S. Four companies also control 85% of corn and 75% of soybean seed sales according the Dept. of Agriculture.
Utility companies are geographic monopolies because they are the sole provider of water, gas and electricity for their area. Indianapolis utilities like Citizens Energy and IPL are regulated by state government.
Four airline companies - American, Delta, United, and Southwest - fly 80% of passengers within the U.S. according to The Economist. At 93% of U.S. airports, one or two airlines sell the majority of seats. design by G. Cates | 9
tm TROJAN MATTERS September 13, 2019
discover
WHY
staff opinion
is
diversity
important
10
Photos By m. stickel
2.5% 12.3%
Indiana total
2.5%
Enrollment 2018-19 by ethnicity Enrollment 2018-19 by ethnicity
0.1%
2.5%
5%
12.3%
5%
5% 0.2%
12.3%
9.7%
0.1%
White
5%
Hispanic
0.2% White
0.2%
Hispanic American Indian
12.3%
Multiracial
12.3%
White Hispanic
5%
5% 0.3%
American Indian 4.6%
0.3%
African American Asian
American Indian
Multiracial
Multiracial
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
67.6%
Asian
9.7%
2%
2%
White Hispanic
4.6%
Native Hawaiian or Native Hawaiian orother Pacific Islander other Pacific Islander African American
12.3%
Opinions Features Sports
BCHS enrollment 2018-19 by ethnicity BCHS enrollment 2018-19 by ethnicity
12.3%
2.5%
0.1%
0.1%
0.2%
12.3%
News
Enrollment 2018-19 by ethnicity
American Indian
White
White
Multiracial
Hispanic
Hispanic
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander African American
American Indian American Indian
Asian
Hawaiian or Native Hawaiian Native or other Pacific Islander other Pacific Islander African AmericanAfrican American
Multiracial
African American Asian
Asian
67.6%
Multiracial
Asian
67.6%
information courtesy of:
67.6% https://compass.doe.in.gov/dashboard/overview.aspx https://compass.doe.in.gov/dashboard/overview.aspx https://compass.doe.in.gov/dashboard/overview.aspx
78.4%
78.4%
https://compass.doe.in.gov/dashboard/overview.aspx https://compass.doe.in.gov/dashboard/overview.aspx
Diversity defines all the di- preciation for each other.” According to the Catholic mensions of the human person: Schools age, sex, race, socioeconomic https://compass.doe.in.gov/dashboard/overview.aspx Management (CSM) status, religion, ethnicity, you the standard amount of diname it. However, if it defines versity is 17 percent, and the who we are, then why does it diversity percentage at BCHS seemingly define invisible di- is 20 percent. In response to visions in society today? The these statistics, Mr. Mayer said, important role diversity plays “Looking at it from those numin schools helps the develop- bers, BCHS is doing pretty well. ment of not only an individual However, I don’t know if anyas a student, but also as an adult one has an answer to a desired level of diversity. I don’t know about to go out into the world. Vice President of Admis- how you could ever quantify sions Mr. Tyler Mayer shared that. I would rather be focusing his outlook on the diversity on making students who are in topic. “Diversity is all about the minority feel valued and a having a school with people part of our community.” Howfrom all walks of life, all cen- ever, he added that this is “subtered around the same purpose jective, so you have to refer to and goal, which is to help pre- numbers for more objectivity.” Moreover, diversity is an impare students for life after high portant factor for parents sendschool,” he said. Elaborating on the role di- ing their children to school. versity plays in schools, senior Science teacher Mrs. Amanda Hayden Redelman said, “Diver- Horan has adopted two chilsity opens us up to new perspec- dren: an African American girl tives. It is so easy to get into this named Sybil and a baby boy, little bubble of what we think Collin, from Nigeria. With no and how we think things affect other African American chilus. But, having not only diverse dren in BCHS Trojan Tots, Mrs. students and teachers, but also Horan said, “I feel like a horridiverse opinions and ideas to ble mom for sending Sybil there work with can expose new ways because she is very aware that of thinking and a newfound ap- she is the only African Ameri-
can in her class.” When Mrs. Horan adopted Sybil, she wanted whatever baby came to her first. After adopting Sybil, she went into the adoption process for Collin with a new outlook. She wanted any baby that was not 100% white. “My husband and I wanted Sybil to know that we value her and her differences,” said Mrs. Horan. When asked why diversity is such an attractive aspect of schools, Mr. Mayer said, “Adults as they have gotten out into the world and have experienced new relationships with people, they have come to see the value in how much they have learned and become better humans by interacting with people of different backgrounds. Because of this, they want their kids to be more prepared to better understand the world before they go out into it.” Diversity enables students to embrace the different backgrounds that they will face after high school. “Everyone needs to understand how to interact with people who are different than them,” Mrs. Horan said.
design by B. deCastro | 11
tm TROJAN MATTERS September 13, 2019
Thanks, but no thanks
Social media consumes our everyday life. It is something that everyone relates to and everyone communicates with. While it is meant for enjoyment, here are some of the things that annoy high schoolers today (even if we are guilty of doing it ourselves):
o posts To the girl wh ture on the same pic social every single nt: media accou ing my
To the friend wh o put the “like my recent” picture on their insta story : th
tter thank you for clu t. same. feed with the exac picture.
ank you for making me go back and unlike it just because.
To the sophomore who retweets every one of Mr. Hansen’s tweets:
alwys 2 my bff who sing txts me w/o u r any gramma
thank you for retweeting what we already follow.
an To the freshm to who requests d then follow me an e right unfollows m after: me another thanks for giving w you. reason not to follo
ts thx 4 making ur tx <3 impossible to read
To the guy jamm ing at the concert w ith his friends:
thanks for the blurry an d shaky videos on your st ory. You would be glad to kn ow nobody watched it.
n who To the perso e up! puts the “Slid us” on It’s anonymo their story: ALL ting thank you for pos that no of the responses . one cares to read
To the senior who posts a “Senior Sunday” picture every week:
thank you for making sure your entire profile is your photo shoot.
To the girl who posts birthday shout outs with 10,000 pictures :
ers To the teach ewho post hom ers: work remind sly, it’s
ho To my mom w n all of comments o my posts:
To the junior who posts a new meme everyday:
thank you for reminding everyone that you “love her to the moon and back.”
no thank you.
riou thank you. No, se member to the only way I re k. do my homewor
thank you. No one thought the first one was funny either.
Editor’s note: This column is written for purely humorous purposes. We are clearly aware that we are guilty of the same kinds of postings. We are not trying to call out or embarrass any one person. We are simply pointing out a wide range of acts that many mentioned as annoying.
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School costs & bills add up
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It is crazy to try to imagine all of the little things BCHS has to spend money on every month. Director of Business Mr. Dan Thompson explains what the school pays for in monthly expenses. From paying teachers, to keeping the building running, to all of the activities the school offers, here is what it costs to run BCHS for a month: -Mary Borchers
Costs
(58.7% yearly) $450,000/month on personnel costs Personnel costs would include paying teachers, administration, counselors, cafeteria staff and any other employees. 80-85% of total monthly budget (3.6% yearly) $330,000/year on extracurriculars $220,000/year on coaches ($750-$1,000 per coach depending on sport with head coaches being paid higher than assistant coaches. Some are volunteer coaches and are not paid at all.) $110,000/year on clubs (0.8% yearly) $70,000/year on student life (Student life includes any events like homecoming, pep rally, t-shirts, prom and more. On average, this costs the school $7,000 a month. For example, last month the morning tailgate cost $2,000 which came from student life funds.) (3.2% yearly) $25,000/month on school debt
Savings
BCHS has money set aside in endowments, which is money invested in stocks and bonds. The school has a total of $1.2 million in the endowment which is currently making the school $5060,000 per year based on earnings. These earnings go toward teacher raises and bonuses. The budget also has cash reserves for operations. Currently, the school has $200,000 saved, but would like to increase that number to $600,000 in the future, according to Mr. Thompson.
(2% yearly) $15-16,000/month on utilities $8-10,000/month on department budgets Department chairs, directors, principal and vice principal can all make a purchase requests. This request will let the school know they need money for any educational supplies they may need. Purchase request over $500: Mr. Dan Thompson, business manager, must approve. Purchase request over $1,000: Mr. Thompson and Mr. Bill Sahm, president, must approve. All checks are written out of BCHS, not the teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal account. $5-6,000/month on technology $350,000/year on food for cafeteria - $35,000/month Most of the cost of food is paid for when students buy lunch.
Revenue
$100,000/year on capital improvements Most of these capital improvements take place during the summer months when students are not in school. The new parking lot and bleachers will cost $2.5 million. This will include tearing down the current houses on Evanston, repaving the parking lot and building new bleachers.
tuition, fundraising and archdiocesan collection and funding.
$9.2 million total on yearly expenses.
$10 million is raised annually through
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tm TROJAN MATTERS September 13, 2019
From games to prosthetics, brain-computer interface brings possibility of super hero traits
With new advancements in BCI technology, scientists have been able to cure blindness and return hearing to a deaf person.
Smart watches and smartphones will no longer be necessary when you can tell time with your thoughts. With a BCI unit implanted into the brain tissue, amputees will be able to control prosthetic limbs with their thoughts, which would feel extremely similar to normal body movements. Athletes will be able to “mute” pain receptors with the help of a brain-computer interface, which can be useful for physical therapy.
s medical technology advances, scientists are learning more about how to treat medical conditions that have not been treated in such advanced ways. In order to fully understand the technology behind making a blind person see again or a prosthetic arm function as though it were real, it is important to first understand the brain. The brain has around 86 billion nerve cells called neurons, and electrical signals move from neuron to neuron to allow people to move, feel, think and speak. This transfer of electric signals is what we know as “thinking.” By creating a device that measures these electrical signals, called a brain-computer interface (BCI), the device can relay those signals to a computer which allows a person to control a device using only their brain to do what he or she is signaling. 14
The procedures can be completely non-invasive, like wearing a hat that can read your mind, or minimally invasive, with a 2-inch chip sitting on the brain surface to relay signals. This pioneering research has created a pathway for limitless applications of the technology.
“Typing to text someone is so 2019.” -Senior Claire Otolski after hearing the implications of BCI Currently, BCI technology is primarily used for medical purposes, such as improved motor controls for a person with a disability or a communication tool for
Source: waitbutwhy.com
someone who had a stroke. Elon Musk, creator of Tesla and SpaceX, has recently started another company, Neuralink, which focuses on the applications of BCI in the modern world. Musk wants to use this technology to improve memory, make humans smarter, help with decision making and act as an extension of the conscious mind. This technology will eventually be so advanced and so smooth that it will feel almost like everyday thinking and regular brain activity. Tim Urban, creator of website Wait But Why, sat down with Musk to talk about this new technology. “A wholebrain interface would give your brain the ability to communicate wirelessly with the cloud, with computers and
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3 real-life examples of BCI devices
Electroencephalography (EEG) is the most studied non-invasive interface, mainly due to its fine temporal resolution, ease of use, portability and low set-up cost. This technology has been built into toys and gaming devices. Here are three examples: In 2009, Mattel partnered with NeuroSky to release one of the first commercial brain wearables. The device was an EEG headset that could be used to play a game called Mindflex, from Mattel, in which users move a ball around a small obstacle course using their “brain power.” Increased concentration raises the ball in the air, via a motorized fan, and relaxation lowers the ball.
In March 2012, g.tec introduced the intendiX-SPELLER, the first commercially available BCI system for home use which can be used to control computer games and apps. It can detect different brain signals with an accuracy of 99%.
In November 2011, Japanese company Neurowear created a pair of supposedly mind-reading plush cat ears, called Necomimi, that could react to a wearer’s moods. Neocomimi runs on the EEG technology used to detect seizures and measure brain activity. The ears are powered by four AAA batteries and feature two motors along the headband, which help the ears react to signals being sent out by the wearer’s brain. with the brains of anyone with a similar interface in their head. This flow of information between your brain and the outside world would be so effortless, it would feel similar to the thinking that goes on in your head today,” writes Urban. Imagine being able to think about texting someone, and in that instance, the text has already been sent - no cell phones, no laptops, no screens at all. Everything would be controlled by our thoughts, screens behind our eyes, making every task more efficient. No more wasting time typing with two fingers when you can think about a text you want to send and have it sent instantaneously. What about being able to talk to any person on earth, no matter the language barrier, and have a conversation with them while the language
is being translated into your head instantly? Senior Claire Otolski agrees that BCI will be more efficient. “Typing to text someone is so 2019,” said Otolski. Not only will computers and phones be connected to our brains, but the technology
“Who doesn’t want to make pizza rolls from three rooms away with your brain?” -Senior Alec Moore after hearing the possibilities of BCI can have the potential to allow a blind person to see again, a deaf person to hear again or an amputee to control a prosthetic limb as though it were real. It could even “mute” certain nerves prone to chronic pain by dis-
Source: analyticsindiamag.com engaging the pain receptors, which senior Wyatt Schrader thinks would be “useful for almost any athlete.” BCI technology can allow a person to have enhanced decision making skills, heightened intelligence, and improved logical thinking. With artificial intelligence implanted into the tissue of the brain, people would be able to solve problems more quickly and effectively than an average human. Instead of Google searching for a fact, a person with BCI technology would just know it. All humans would have perfect photographic memory, wider vocabularies, and enhanced physical abilities. Senior Alec Moore is excited for BCI technology to become mainstream. He said, “Who doesn’t want to make pizza rolls from three rooms away with your brain?” -Aidan Sullivan
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tm TROJAN MATTERS September 13, 2019
Public education vs private education:
Transfer students spill on major differences
both public and private schooling. Atha transferred to Westfield from BCHS after her sophomore year. “For me, the biggest difference between Chatard and Westfield is that Westfield is a lot bigger,” she said. Attending Westfield was Atha’s first experience in a public school. “It was a little overwhelming at first, but now I enjoy getting to meet so many new people,” she said. A larger student It was a little overwhelming at first, but now I enjoy p o p u l a getting to meet so many new people. tion can - Lily Atha, reaction from going from BCHS to Westfield HS g r a n t public school distinction between tax-fund- students more opportunities ed schools and BCHS, as pub- outside the classroom. Hosting lic schools do not offer weekly 3,772 students, North Central Mass, confession, or prayer High School has about 95 clubs, time before every class. Sopho- in addition to IHSAA and permore Mara Foley attended IPS forming arts extracurriculars. Center for Inquiry School 84, In comparison, BCHS had 712 across the street from Immacu- students and about 25 clubs last late Heart of Mary, for elemen- year. However, making the cut for tary and middle school. “I was kind of nervous about theology tryouts or auditions can be class,” she said. Foley had never much more competitive. “They enrolled in an academic theol- (coaches and directors) already ogy course prior to arriving at have you scouted out and are BCHS and did not know what looking for the best of the best,” to expect starting her freshman explained senior Trey Geary. He transferred out of BCHS year. Westfield High School senior his junior year to Carmel High Lily Atha has also experienced School, but returned to BCHS Deciding between attending a public or private school is a major decision students and parents make before enrolling in a high school. While 90% of primary and secondary school students in the United States attend a public school, 80% of BCHS students have never received any kind of public education. Religion is the most obvious
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old school and BCHS. She for his senior year. Unlike Atha, Geary thought said, “The rules were there, the biggest difference between but weren’t enforced at all. EsBCHS and public schools was pecially towards the end of the scheduling. He explains, “Every year, our phones were out all day we had four classes, each the time.” “I was on my phone constantan hour and a half long.” It was hard for him to transition back ly at Carmel because they don’t to BCHS’s jam-packed six class- really care at all if you are on es per day schedule, including your phone or not,” Geary said, seminar or Mass, after his year “There are some classes where the teachers do care, but other at Carmel. Atha’s schedule at Westfield is than that, there are constantly different from BCHS’ or Car- phones out.” Going to a private school can mel’s. They have 12-week long trimesters – dividing the year also have the advantage of makinto three parts instead of two ing sure teachers and students semesters. “I like only having can have a more personal bond five classes each trimester,” Atha with smaller class sizes. Geary said, “but The teachers [here] have a lot more of a at the personal connection with you and it makes it same time, easier. . . to ask for help. I like - senior Trey Geary, returns to BCHS from Carmel HS the rotating schedule at Chatard and only said, “The teachers at Chatard having finals twice a year versus have a lot more of a personal connection with you and it three times.” Foley’s schedule at CFI 84 in- makes it a lot easier to commucluded three 90-minute classes nicate with them and ask for plus an elective, meeting with help.” Foley adds, “Chatard has a each class twice a week. Her school day was from 9:20 a.m. really good family feel and everyone really cares about you, to 3:55 p.m. Foley noticed a difference in especially your teachers.” phone policies between her -GrAYSon CAteS
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PHoto bY A. ArMStronG While there are many significant differences between public and private schools, one obvious one is transportation. In public schools, bus transportation is provided. At BCHS, students drive, carpool or parents provide transportation. Photo from Northview Middle School in Washington Township. 16
Gene make-up has a major impact on taste buds Red hair, brown eyes, and dimples. These are just some of the traits you receive from your parents, but have you ever considered that your taste buds are influenced by family? Junior Fletcher Vielee said, “I wouldn’t be surprised if our genes affected the way things taste to us because almost every trait we have is passed down from our parents.” The idea of genetics playing a role in your food choices is not new, as a blog post on the website Today’s Dietitian dates the discovery of genetics influencing taste back to the 1930s. Ms. Lisa Bramen of The Smithsonian writes that children have a preference to sweets and candy, things that should not be eaten on a regular basis. Ms. Bramen then describes “PTC,” or phenylthiocarbamide, a compound that tastes bitter depending on genetic makeup. The gene that causes the bitter flavor is called TAS2R38. That gene has multiple variations, one which raises the tolerance for sugar in children. Ms. Bramen warns parents to look out for their child’s sugar intake to lower the risk of diabetes. Junior Owen Cuniffe said, “If I knew I had that gene I would definitely have to cut back on the amount of candy I eat, so I can stay healthy.” Ms. Bramen believes that children prefer sweeter foods because children are more sensitive to bitter tastes. According to DNA From the Beginning, the publisher breaks down major events in genetic history. One such event transpired in 1978, when Herbert W. Boyer and his colleague Robert Swanson produced the first genetically engineered human insulin to help people with diabetes. Biology teacher Mrs. Kim Shaw said, “If genes were programmed to where they didn’t like fats, we wouldn’t be as tempted to eat them which would make us healthier. I think it’s cool that we can manipulate genes and fight obesity.” According to the CDC, over 13.7 million children have been impacted by obesity. The widespread engineering of insulin can help cut down obesity rates and push children to eat healthier. Everybody has fallen victim to the common cold. A significant impact from the common cold is a loss of taste. “If you know someone who has lost their taste buds, it would be a struggle to eat, and we have to eat to live. We could become unhealthy by losing too much weight and not wanting to eat,” said Mrs. Shaw There might be a solution for that problem. Mr. Ale Rodriguez of NeuWriteWest writes that genes allow the taste buds to recognize the five common tastes, salty, sweet, sour, bitter and savory. Mr. Rodriguez claims that scientists are currently building an electronic tongue to simulate each of the five tastes for someone who has lost their taste buds. “The advancements we have made in the medical field, shows that we have a bright future for humanity’s health,” said Vielee. Knowing what gene receptors you have can go a long way in helping you have a safer and healthier future.
Q&A
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about determinates: Source: https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/primer/
Are fingerprints determined by genetics?
While humans are born with a specific ridge pattern, some conditions can slightly change the pattern, but for the most part fingerprints are genetic. Fun Fact: Identical twins who have the same DNA have different fingerprints.
Is eye color determined by genetics?
Yes, with the exception of a pigmentation mutation.
Is intelligence determined by genetics?
While there is some inherited traits for intelligence, it is also strongly influenced by your environment including home learning influences, parenting, experiences and nutrition.
Is handedness determined by genetics?
Like most aspects of human behavior, handedness is a complex trait that appears to be influenced by multiple factors, including genetics, environment and chance.
Is the probability of having twins determined by genetics? Perhaps for fraternal twins, but not identical twins.
Is hair texture determined by genetics?
Yes, genetic factors appear to play a major role in determining hair texture—straight, wavy or curly—and the thickness of individual strands of hair.
Is height determined by genetics?
Scientists estimate that about 80 percent of an individual’s height is determined by the DNA sequence variants they have inherited
Are facial dimples determined by genetics?
Yes, but dimples don’t always last a lifetime and may skip a generation.
Is athletic performance determined by genetics?
There are definitely some inherited traits that help like strength of muscle and fast and slow twitch fibers, but the environmental factors have a much bigger impact.
Is temperament determined by genetics?
Large studies have identified several genes that play a role in temperament. But, home environment plays nearly the same impact.
-Corbin Hubert
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tm TROJAN MATTERS September 13, 2019
Game companies make big bucks through loot boxes Picture this: you just bought a bag of barbecue potato chips. You open the bag to see that you got regular chips, with an advertisement telling you to “pay $1 for barbecue seasoning.” This “pay more” concept has become a reality in the video gaming industry as many recent games have implemented in-game purchases. In-game purchases, commonly known as “microtransactions,” are a gaming practice where companies put additional in-game content for sale in a virtual shop. The purchases are made by using a game-specific virtual currency, which is usually obtained with real world money. Purchases can be put into two main categories. Cosmetic items, such as shoes for your player in NBA 2K or alternate costumes for your character in Fortnite are one common type. Another common purchase is items that affect gameplay, like a car or upgrade in Forza Motorsport or players for your Ultimate Team in Madden NFL. Microtransactions have become an incredibly common practice in the video game industry. This practice has proven to be a lucrative venture for many
companies involved. According to a survey from LendEDU, almost 70% of players of the popular free-to-play shooter game Fortnite made an in-game purchase, and each player on average spent $84.67 between July of 2017 and June of 2018. Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite, has made a $1 billion profit since its launch in 2017. Keeping in mind that the
paid for the game?” He said his worst interaction with microtransactions came when Electronic Arts in 2015 released Star Wars Battlefront, where certain weapons were only unlockable either through purchases or excessive amounts of gameplay. It is not just missing content that has people riled up about microtransactions. Many of
“Content should be unlocked through achievement, not through your wallet.” -Senior Logan McCurdy, regarding in-game purchases game is “free” to start, it is obvious that many players are paying for microtransactions. Nearly 55% of surveyed BCHS students have made an in game purchase, and 42.4% made an in-game purchase in a free game. To call microtransactions successful for companies would be an understatement. However, that popularity brings loads of controversy. Many people, including senior Noble Thompson, find it unfair for content to be locked behind a paywall. He said, “It’s a terrible practice. Why should I pay more money if I already
the purchases made are “lootboxes”— packs of randomized items that may or may not contain what you want. Some have likened the sale of lootboxes to gambling due to their addictive and unpredictable nature. In fact, bipartisan legislation was introduced in the Senate in May that would regulate the sale of lootboxes due to the similarities with gambling. Thompson added that he plays Blizzard’s popular first-person shooter game Overwatch, which has lootboxes. While the game’s lootboxes are all cosmet-
ic, he still insists that they are “easy to get hooked on.” Regardless of the qualms people have with microtransactions, and even with government intervention, they probably will never go away entirely due to the pure profitability of the venture for companies. With that being said, gamers will continue to push against what they deem as unfair business practices. In 2017, EA removed pay-to-win content from Star Wars Battlefront II due to extreme fan backlash. Senior Logan McCurdy added, “Content should be unlocked through achievement, not through your wallet. We need to continue to remind companies of this before every game becomes pay-to-win.” -Patrick Felts
Epic Games battle royale phenomenon Fortnite earned 'the most annual revenue of any game in history' across 2018 - $2.4 billion. For premium games (those you have to buy to play) PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, Bluehole was the top seller with $1.028 billion revenue. Source: The Telegraph
Star Wars Battlefront II maker faces backlash from gamers over loot boxes and extras When EA DICE games released the fourth major installment of the Star Wars Battlefront series in November 2017, there was immediate backlash from the added in-game charges for game advantages. Gamers took to social media and EA relented, making the loot boxes and extra cost merely cosmetic, no longer affecting game play. Nonetheless, EA games made
$1.3 billion a year overall from extra content
according to the chief financial officer of the company as reported to shareholders. 18
Loot Lingo: Know the terms
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• Cryptocurrency - A digital currency that is encrypted and works independent of a central bank. An example of a cryptocurrency is Bitcoin. • CS:GO aka Counter Strike: Global Offensive - A shooter game with teams of players fighting as terrorists or counterinsurgents. It was one of the first games to make skins popular. It is a hugely popular eSport, played in stadiums and streamed online. • eSports - electronic sports - This is the umbrella term for organized competitive computer gaming, usually between professionals. Games, such as League of Legends and CS:GO, can be played in sports stadiums and streamed online for fans to watch. • Loot box - Found mainly in video games, these treasure chests can be
opened to receive ‘loot,’ such as avatars and skins. Users can either pay money to open these boxes or use credit accrued by game play.
• Microtransactions aka MTX - The process of purchasing virtual goods, such as skins, by making a small one-off payment of usually $1 or less. • Skins - Colorful graphics used to cover game characters and weapons/acces-
sories to make them look ‘cooler’. These usually cost money or can be earned or found in a loot box.
• Twitch - A live streaming video platform focused on broadcasting video
game battles. The videos can be viewed in real-time or via video on demand. Source: Parent Zone - The experts in digital family life.
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tm TROJAN MATTERS September 13, 2019
Rethink
Hydration is a key issue many athletes struggle with during their season. Coaches have always stressed the importance of staying hydrated throughout the day. However, a recent scare has caused athletes everywhere to question their hydration habits. According to CBS News, two high school football players have recently died from consuming four gallons of water and Gatorade after practice. In addition, multiple marathon runners have received medical attention after drinking one hundred cups of water periodically throughout a race.
Average amount of water Trojans drink per day More than 64 ounces Just a little bit- going to the drinking fountain At least 64 ounces
So what is responsible for these harmful happenings? The culprit is hyponatremia, a condition caused by drinking excessive amounts of water. As athletic programs have grown more intensive and demanding of their participants, overhydration has increased its relevance among athletes today. When an individual consumes more water than his or her body can excrete, the blood salt levels in the body drop below average. This leads to the swelling of blood, brain and muscle cells and the discontinuity of vital body functions, according to CBS News.
7% 10% 20% 24%
At least 16 ounces At least 32 ounces
20
39%
Although overhydration can cause life threatening symptoms, it is extremely rare and easily avoidable. Coaches and trainers at BCHS do their best to monitor hydration and ensure the safety of all athletes. However, the proper hydration routine is still up for debate. Whether athletes should drink throughout the day or rely on thirst is a popular question among coaches and health specialists nationwide. Biology teacher and cross country coach Mrs. Stephanie Tebbe explains the importance of practicing a regular hydration routine as “the water, salts and electrolytes that you drink will eventually leave your body through sweat.” Replenishing the water lost during a workout is necessary for athletes to keep the salt levels in their blood balanced. BCHS athletic trainer Mr. Rick Santerre suggests people “drink half their body weight in ounces if they are inactive, and if they are active in a sport or workout, they should drink more as they become thirsty.” Another way to account for lost body fluids is to “weigh yourself before and after practice to see how much water weight you need to replace” according to Mr. Santerre. St. Vincent sports performance recommends drinking between 16 and 24 ounces of water per every pound lost. Even with these baseline instructions, hydration varies depending on the person, activity and environment. During the fall sports season, outdoor athletes exercise in high temperatures, causing an increased de-
sire to drink cold water. Issues with this are visible out on the football field. Junior Isiah Ford said, “At practice I either feel dehydrated, or I chug water too quickly and feel like I’m going to throw up.” Physical education teacher and football coach Mr. Eric Quintana is aware of these symptoms, and he addresses them both during football practices and gym classes. Throughout his career, Mr. Quintana has noticed countless signs of dehydration, but has rarely encountered a case of overhydration. A tip he gives his players and students is to moderate their urine. “Darker yellow and brown shades are signs that they need to replenish water and electrolytes,” according to Mr. Quintana. Signs of dehydration are also present among other fall sports athletes. Cross country runners at BCHS report symptoms such as dizziness, drowsiness, thirst and nausea during their runs. Knowing that their athletes will be running for a long period of time in the heat, BCHS cross country coaches always have water available, and occasionally chocolate milk or popsicles. “Chocolate milk is really refreshing after a hard workout,” said senior Charlie Jacoba. When it comes to outsmarting the risks and rewards of overhydration and dehydration, preparation and awareness are key. As long as coaches communicate the proper ways to handle hydration, their athletes should be feeling their best every time they participate. -KIM boWerS
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Photo by L. Hofmeister
“The water, salts and electrolytes that you drink will eventually leave your body through sweat.”
During the varsity football game against Brebeuf Jesuit High School, senior Max Schrage drinks from one of the provided water coolers on the sidelines.
-Biology teacher Mrs. Tebbe explains the importance of hydration
Students should “drink half their body weight in ounces if they are inactive, and if they are active in a sport or workout, they should drink more as they become thirsty.”
Cross country runners are encouraged to hydrate throughout the day. Junior Christopher Taylor hydrates with the rest of his teammates before participating in a workout.
-Athletic Trainer Mr. Rick Santerre suggests proper drinking routines
74.9
Do you believe in overhydration? Yes
25% No 25.1 Do you believe in over-hydration?
No
Photo by L. Hofmeister
75% Yes
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Fall Sports: Rising Stars Every sports season, Trojan Matters interviews top freshmen athletes from every team. Here is a look at this year's freshmen: -KIM boWerS
lily cridge
Although she only has one year of prior experience, freshman Audrey Donaldson has been an above-par asset to the girls golf team. This season she has enjoyed getting to know many upperclassmen teammates. “My goal is to improve with every match I play,” said Donaldson.
Freshman Davis Falcon is willing to go the distance during his first season on the boys cross country team. Falcon began his running career in fifth grade, and he met his personal goal of competing in a varsity race this season. Falcon is grateful for his new teammates as they have helped him “feel welcomed at Chatard.”
On a team as big as the football team, every athlete must play his role. Coach Matt Jennings said this squad is especially strong in their work ethic. "They have shown up since Day 1 ready to work." He has been especially impressed with the defensive side and appreciates their efforts.
brianna buels
PHoto bY A. DeSSAUer
davis falcon
PHoto bY A. DeSSAUer
PHoto bY K. rULonG
design by M. Borchers
CoUrteSY oF Mr. M. borCHerS
PHoto bY n. DonALDSon
With the addition of freshman Will Dietrick, the boys tennis team is serving up success. Dietrick has played tennis competitively for three years, and he aims to have a winning record this season. Dietrick said his favorite thing about BCHS tennis is “how supportive all the upperclassmen are.”
football
ben harless
PHoto bY M. StICKeL
Freshman Lexi Thatcher sets up the BCHS volleyball program for success this season. Thatcher has been playing the sport since fourth grade, and she hopes to continue her setting career on the JV volleyball team this year. She said that her favorite part of volleyball so far has been meeting new teammates.
Freshman Lily Cridge hit the ground running when she joined the BCHS cross country team. Cridge has already met an early season goal of running a 5K in under 19 minutes. In addition, she wants to help her team make it to state. “I love how everyone tries their best in practices and pushes one another,” said Cridge.
audrey donaldson
will dietrick
PHoto bY H. PrAtt
PHoto bY K. rULonG
lexi thatcher
The varsity girls soccer team scored big with the addition of freshman Brianna Buels. She plays for her club team, FC Pride, in addition to BCHS. Buels said her main goal is to “play hard every game, never give up and always be aggressive.” Her team hopes to win the sectional championship.
Freshman Ben Harless sets big goals for the boys soccer team this season. Harless has been playing soccer for 10 years, and enjoys making new teammates along the way. His biggest accomplishment so far this season was completing a hat trick, scoring three goals in one game, against Herron High School.