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Bishop Kenny High School Volume 66 | Issue 4 Jacksonville, Fla. BKToday.org
News
A&E
Opinion
3 March for Life
Feature
4 Blood drive 5 Theatre department 7 Teen court 12 Camp I Am Special
Graphics by Rita Albert
15 Kenny Kravings 16 Kenny Kupid 17 Spoilers Ahead
9 Due Process 10 Max’s Corner 11 Hello Gorgeous 14 Victim advocacy
Sports
18 Wrestling weight loss 21 Powderpuff 22 Abby Bruner
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The Shield is a member of FSPA. It is published six times a year by journalism students at Bishop Kenny High School 1055 Kingman Ave., Jacksonville, Fla. 32207 phone: (904) 265-9390 fax: (904) 398-5728 The policy of The Shield is to provide a forum for student expression. If you are interested in advertising in The Shield email newspaper@bishopkenny.org for more information. Letters to the editor are encouraged. Please submit them to room 224. Letters must be signed; names can be withheld upon request.
Editor-in-Chief Emily Willis Design & Layout Editor Franchesca Peralta Managing Editor Max Montana Business Manager Niah Aleger Web Manager Megan Yates News Editor Rachel Lechwar Features Editor Julia Rodriguez Opinion Editor Emily Willis Arts & Entertainment Editor Franchesca Peralta Sports Editor Max Montana
Staff Reporters Rita Albert Kaitlyn Bateh Dailey Jackson Katie Loberger Reilly Nance Tara Shear Mary Shoemaker Destiny Tran Emily Yalch Adviser Jessica Durbin
Follow The Shield on Twitter and Online: @bkhs_newspaper www.bktoday.org
Cover: Bishop Kenny students march in Washington D.C. to protest the legalization of abortion. Photo courtesy of Omar Zumot
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March to the End
Thousands of activists rally against abortion in nation’s capital Franchesca Peralta | Design and Layout Editor
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than 100,000 participants completed the demonstration in just under two hours. Senior Omar Zumot has participated in the march for the past two years and is a vocal supporter of the pro-life movement. “It’s a very important topic to me
“This represents a step towards a prolife generation and the people standing against abortion.” and it’s an amazing sight to see all these people come together for something so important,” Zumot said. “It makes me feel like a part of something bigger.” Banners with names of the groups
represented, posters stating abortion statistics and videos on electronic screens showing abortions and how the procedures look filled the streets. During the march, participants recited rosaries and sang Christian songs. Students for Life and Knights of Columbus are two Catholic organizations that provided thousands of signs to marchers that stated “I am the prolife generation,” “Defund Planned Parenthood” and “Love life, choose life.” The groups distributed banners at various entrances to the event, ensuring that all participants would have a sign to hold if they chose to. “I want to stand up for the unborn, who can’t even speak for themselves, yet they breathe like us,” senior Francise Soereh said. “This represents a step towards a pro-life generation and the people standing against abortion.”
Photo courtesy of Omar Zumot
orty-one students made a pilgrimage to attend the largest pro-life rally in the United States in Washington, D.C., the 46th annual March for Life. The student group, accompanied by chaperones Father Martin Raj, Deacon DeLuca, science teacher Victoria Schmitt, religion teacher Noreen Thurson, home economics teacher Bernadette Bakkar and retired religion teacher Lucy Chastain, departed Wednesday morning Jan. 16. The march took place Fri. Jan. 18 at 10:00 am. Christian band Sidewalk Prophets performed and editor-in-chief of the Daily Wire Ben Shapiro and Director of Civil Rights for the Unborn with Priests for Life, Dr. Alveda King, who is also the niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave speeches. The march began east of the Washington Monument and concluded at the U.S. Supreme Court Building. More
Pro-life groups distributed signs and banners to the 400,000 participants of the March for Life.
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for Those Who Can’t Blood donations provide benefits for donors, recipients Kaitlyn Bateh | Staff Reporter
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ishop Kenny’s annual blood drive takes place in January, during Catholic Schools Week. According to Campus Minister Alex Maples, this tradition has continued for more than a decade. Campus Ministry partners with the OneBlood organization, and they came on campus January 31, allowing seniors with parental consent to donate. As blood is in demand this time of the year, people can help patients in need and make a difference in their community. Approximately 55 seniors participated this year. “This blood drive helps save lives right here in Jacksonville,” Maples said. Someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds, according to the Red Cross. January is National Blood Donor Month, celebrated at this time because blood is in higher demand during the winter. Inclement weather and rises in flu-like illnesses nationwide cause facilities, such as the Red Cross, to run short on donations, failing to fulfill the demand necessary for patients. Since human blood cannot be manufactured, the generosity of donors is the only source for recipients in need. LifeSouth is a blood center that serves hospitals in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. The organization declared that donating in advance before extreme weather conditions would stabilize blood availability for local hospitals. Weather events can cause a double hit to the blood supply, meaning blood is in higher demand as emergencies arise. As one might imagine, the northeast also experiences shortage.
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Recent cold weather and winter storms have caused an interruption in the blood supply in New Jersey. The blood use report stated the total blood collected in the state has been decreasing since 2013, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. New Jersey has failed to meet the need of transfusions for citizens since 1996. Recipients depend on donations to receive the gift of life. In 2014, according to the National Health Service, about 67% of blood donations were used to treat patients with medical conditions including anemia, cancer and blood disorders. S u r g i c a l procedures including cardiac and emergency surgeries use 27% of blood that is donated. The last 6% of blood received from donations are used to treat blood loss after childbirth procedures. According to risk management service brmonline. com, blood donations not only keep recipients alive and healthy, but benefit the donor as well. Donating reduces
the risk of hemochromatosis, a health condition that arises due to extra iron absorption in the body. Regular action in donating is a possible solution to reduce iron overload. Additionally, donating reduces the risk of heart and liver ailments, also caused by your body having too much iron. Iron-rich diets may cause an increase in the body’s iron levels, and only certain proportions are absorbed. Whatever iron isn’t absorbed is stored in the heart, liver and pancreas. Iron overload in these organs increases the risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, pancreas damage and heart abnormalities. It is crucial for donors to make sure they are in good health to avoid potential issues post-transfusion. “According to the Gospel of John,” Maples said, “there is no greater gift than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend, and that’s what we have the opportunity to do in the annual blood drive.”
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Superiors Staging Scenes Theatre department prepares for Thespian State Festival Tara Shear | Staff Reporter
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Haley Sweat
Tyler Thompson
Photos by Tara Shear
ishop Kenny’s Troupe 2411 has performed the fall play “Our Town,” Districts Day on Nov. 17, and will put on the musical “Godspell” in the spring. This year, the theatre department earned more awards at Districts, a competition among high school thespians performing various acting or musical scenes, than in years past. Bishop Kenny earned 12 Superiors, the highest possible achievement, followed by five Excellents and two scores of Good. Among the Superiors is senior Haley Sweat, who competed in Districts with three pieces: a solo musical, “Funny;” solo monologue, “Boys”/Buried Child;” and ensemble acting, “The History of America Abridged.” Sweat earned a Superior rating for each event. “Practice makes perfect,” Sweat said, “so I definitely made a promise to myself to practice at least one of my events every single day. It was a great way to make sure I stayed on top of it without overwhelming myself on the process.” Additionally, Sweat won a scholarship award at the November competition. She will attend and compete at the Florida State Thespian Festival in March, where students who earned Superiors at Districts compete. Another standout from the Districts competition is junior Tyler Thompson. Thompson is treasurer of the Theatre Club, and he has performed at Districts since his freshman year. Thompson earned his first Superior as a sophomore, and obtained a second one this year with his solo musical performance of “And
They’re Off” from “A New Brain.” “I, of course, felt nervous, but instead of letting those nerves overtake me, I use them to my advantage and incorporate that extra energy into my performance,” Thompson said. “Afterwards, I drank lots of water and continued cheering on for my friends for the rest of the competition.” Thompson will carry this musical solo to the States competition, and will star in the spring musical “Godspell” as Jesus. Students also have the chance to perform and compete with their friends. Junior Annie Pritchard and sophomore Lauren Massias received a Superior in a duet piece. “Lauren and I practiced often in class and after school for almost a month,” Theatre Club Secretary Pritchard said. “Before performing I was extremely nervous, but I was also confident that all of our hard work would pay off, and it did.” States competition takes place March 20 through 23. Theatre students will travel to Tampa to participate in acting workshops and perform the pieces which earned them Superiors in the fall. During the festival, thespians will also have the opportunity to watch a variety of shows, musicals and contemporary comedies. Rehearsals for the spring musical “Godspell” have begun. The musical will be held on April 11 and 12 at 7:00 p.m. each night. Tickets are $5 in Crusader Corner beginning on April 8, or at the door on the night of the show.
Annie Pritchard
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Graphic by Rita Albert
Opinion
Sophomore participates in Teen Court Rachel Lechwar | Staff Reporter
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Photo courtesy of Breanna Hernandez
ophomore Breanna Hernandez spends her Thursday evenings giving advice to her peers and interacting with different groups. Unlike most teens, she does this within the walls of the Clay County courthouse as an attorney for teen offenders. Through a program called Teen Court, teenagers volunteer at courthouses to work with peers who are being tried for various misdemeanors. The system offers restorative justice for juvenile offenders to divert further criminal behavior and avoid a stain on their permanent records. The benefit extends to teens from 12 to 17,
like Hernandez, who has remained active in this program for three years. “I like how you can help kids, whether they are older or younger than you, because a lot of them do bad things in general,” Hernandez said. “A lot of them are good kids; they just need to be brought to the right path.” She began as a jury member and was given the opportunity to take a test to advance to an attorney position after serving on six juries. Hernandez is interested in pursuing law as a defense attorney and she takes on this role in teen court as well. During her time in court, she
has come out of her shell and acclimated to the setting. “It was intimidating for me at first, especially because the courtroom is so big, so a lot of us have a hard time speaking loud enough for the people in the stands to hear us,” Hernandez said. The structure as well as the size of the court parallels that of Juvenile Court, with opening statements of the defense and prosecuting attorneys, questioning of defendants and closing arguments. The case is passed on to the jury, who decide a fair punishment for the crime in the form of sanctions that include community service, counseling, letters of apology and restitution. The completion of these requirements determine whether the charge is dismissed or sent for trial in the Juvenile Court, according to the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. Hernandez spends time talking with offenders and helping them to realize the extent of their actions. Since her parents were in the military and she actively participates in NJROTC, she explains the importance of clearing criminal charges to those interested in joining the military. “I like meeting new people and hearing their stories,” Hernandez said. “A lot of them have stress issues, so it’s nice telling them that they have other ways to help.”
Breanna Hernandez (third from right) meets with the Clay County Teen Court two Thursdays a month.
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Vital role of due process in American justice system Rachel Lechwar | News Editor
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lone hero stands in the midst of a battle-torn city, cape rippling behind him as he gazes upon the aftermath. Amongst the gravel lay the remnants of an evil force that has plagued the city, put to justice by one powerful individual. The citizens shower him with praise; with the villain foiled and the city cleansed of this evil, they can finally be safe. This remains the stereotype for superhero comics and movies, and it so often leaves out a centerpiece in the concept of criminal justice. Considered saviors in their fictional universe, those who act as ‘superheroes’ would most certainly be under scrutiny of the law in the American justice system. “The big picture is that all of us have rights to privacy guaranteed by the Constitution, and even when people are arrested, the police are upheld to the same standards to protect those,” Duval County Circuit Court Judge Dawn Hudson said. Due process, the requirement for states to respect legal rights of individuals, is a key aspect of the justice system, one that is often overlooked in the fight for vengeance and punishment of the guilty villains in most superhero stories. It puts authorities under the same scrutiny as the accused, and if guilt-rendering evidence is obtained illegally, it is no longer valid. More common in superhero comics would be crime control, the concept of presuming guilt and and repressing crime, according to Research Gate. Superheroes often use their powers in violence against villains rather than allowing authorities to handle their
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judgement. This serves to represent an extreme example in which the hero’s moral compass is assumed to be above the law of man. Reality does not function in such a way or else it would descend into chaos. A similar event took place in 2014 in which a mob of people beat a man into a coma after he accidentally ran over a ten-year old boy in Detroit, according to NBC News. Surveillance cameras later revealed that the young boy was at fault for stepping in front of the car, but the crowd took the law into their own hands. This is the danger of “vigilante justice” in the absence of due process. Like in the superhero world, the justice system is not perfect and it is difficult to accept that violations do occur. Fear and bias often creep in and take precedence over the rights of others. For example, police pursuits can result in
unintentional deaths without due process because a police officer perceives that his or her safety is in danger. In 2015, a Jacksonville teen suffered injuries from an officer who responded to a call about an “armed prowler.” In the heat of the moment, the officer misjudged the threat and failed to realize that it was an Airsoft gun pointed at him, according to NBC News. There is no denying the impact of such stories and the underlying themes that make it more than a mere fight of good vs. evil. We recognize that the world is not separated into groups of heroes and evil forces, and more often than not, the lines of truth are blurred. Though we will not soon find the world plagued with alien invasions or dastardly villains, an unbiased system is important to ensure that the concept of innocent until proven guilty withstands the test of time.
Graphics by Rita Albert
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Opinion
Understanding why pro-life is pro-truth Max Montana | Managing Editor
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es, Lord, bless the womb house, the Church house, the White House … Lord, please bless every home, every house, every person, everywhere,” Alveda King, niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, said in closing the 2019 March for Life rally. “For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever!” Following this prayerful battlecry, the congregation of an estimated 500,000 inspired mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, and clergy began the walk through frigid Washington, D.C. on Jan. 18, 2019. This marked the forty-sixth year in a row that a band of pilgrims would journey through the National Mall united for a common purpose: to end abortion in America. Abortion, the execution of a prenatal person in his or her mother’s womb, purported as a woman’s ‘right’ despite the personhood of the baby being scientifically established at conception, became a ‘constitutional right’ in the 1973 Supreme Court decisions of Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton. These rulings, which effectively ruled abortion legal on demand throughout the entire nation, are not only a blatant misinterpretation of the U.S. Constitution, but a moral blot on the country. The legalization of abortion, handed down by Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun, is rooted in the arguments against the personhood, viability and likelihood of an unborn baby. Personhood, the condition of being a part of Homo sapiens, is undeniably present in an unborn baby starting from the moment of conception. At conception, a zygote, or single-cell organism, is created and possesses DNA distinct from any other human that ever lived. After three weeks of development, the child’s heart beats and blood begins to pump. Wait a few more weeks and the baby’s brain waves will be detectable, her reflexes ready and her skeleton formed. Despite these clear human traits developed by the sixth week, abortion is still perfectly legal and targets a member of the human race at the most vulnerable
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stage of life. Viability, or the point at which the baby can survive outside of the woman’s body, was defined as a “compelling point” in development when Justice Blackmun stated that “The fetus then presumably has the capability of meaningful life outside the mother’s womb.” Today, the medically-defined point of ‘viability’ is 24 weeks pregnant, and about 39% of babies born at that age will survive, according to the Quint V. Boenker Preemie Survival Foundation. Still, many babies have survived premature birth prior to this stage of development and the existing Supreme Court ruling permits abortion to take place after the twenty-fourth week
“We all have a stake and are called to have a voice in this fight. ” for reasons intending “to preserve the life or health of the woman.” This loophole is explained in Roe v. Wade’s accomplice in Doe v. Bolton where the Supreme Court asserted that a woman’s health encompasses “all factors – physical, emotional, psychological, familial, and the woman’s age – relevant to the well-being of the patient.” Essentially, although many state laws attempt to protect life in the womb, an abortion up until birth, regardless of a baby’s ‘viability,’ is still deemed a ‘constitutional right.’ Unfortunately, this reasoning was just codified through New York’s Reproductive Health Act signed into law on Jan. 22 and has reduced babies at all stages of a pregnancy to subhuman status. Though the state of Florida doesn’t recognize the so-called ‘constitutional right’ to an abortion after ‘viability,’ that point is subjectively determined by a doctor who may not recognize the true nature of the baby’s vitality in the womb since conception. Prenatal technology has rapidly improved in the last century, which has graciously saved many
premature babies from tragic death, but the capabilities of our doctors and medical equipment should not be the ultimate decider of when a baby’s right to life exists. Lastly, the likelihood argument, or the probability that a child will not be a ‘wanted’ child and amply provided for, is easily countered when you notice that there are approximately two million infertile American couples eagerly waiting to adopt every year, according to a 2012 “LifeNews” article. With approximately 885,000 abortions occurring on U.S. soil in 2016, according to Abort73.com, and just 57,000 foster kids adopted in the country that same year, according to the North American Council on Adoptable Children, one could deduce that with the proper counseling and perspective, many aborted babies could have a loving home today. The secular realities of the trauma abortions cause are apparent, but what does the Bible and Catholic Church say about this issue? “Before I knew you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” In this verse, Jeremiah gives a voice to God’s acknowledgment and love for life in the womb before birth, which is part and parcel of the Catholic Church’s resolute stance against abortion, infanticide and stem-cell research. Abortion took the lives of 42 million innocents worldwide in 2018, according to LifeNews, and this number far outweighs deaths caused by car accidents, HIV/AIDS and cancer. Abortion remains the global and American cataclysm that has lingered under the surface of mainstream culture for years, but deserves everyone’s full attention and effort as it manufactures a maelstrom of sorrow and death every day. Whether by marching on the National Mall, reaching out to a loved one who has suffered from an abortion or contacting your elected representatives, we all have a stake and are called to have a voice in this fight.
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A guide to making sure your face and neck are one shade Julia Rodriguez | Features Editor
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hen choosing a new foundation, many people just grab the shade that they think looks closest to their skin color. Others may try to match it to the back of their hand. Little do they know, there are many factors to consider such as skin type, undertone and oxidation. When determining which foundation to buy, you should first consider which type of skin you have. If you have dry skin, your skin would not be complemented by a foundation that is mattifying. It would make your skin look more dry and cracked. Instead, you should purchase a dewy skin foundation. These tend to have more moisturizing properties that would make your skin look less dry throughout the day. If your skin is oily, you should choose a matte foundation. This way if your face gets super oily throughout the day, your skin will only look a little dewy instead of looking like you spritzed your face with water. If you have combination skin, where parts of your face are dry and
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parts are oily, you could go either way depending on which look you are going for. The second factor to consider is undertones. If you do not know what undertone you have, either go to Ulta Beauty or Sephora and ask an employee to shade match you and ask them questions about your undertone. A big mistake for many people is that they choose the wrong undertone and their face ends up looking either too pink or yellow. This can also happen if you swatch the foundation on your hand or arm. Sometimes the skin on your hands is more tan and, therefore, a slightly different undertone than your face, especially if you use a self-tanning product. When matching foundation, make sure you match it to your neck. Then do not purchase it right away. If you are at an Ulta Beauty or Sephora, you can get a sample of it and try it out the next day. If not, put a small amount on your jawline and blend up into your cheek and down your neck a little bit. Make sure you go
out into direct sunlight. If it doesn’t match in direct sunlight, it will not match at all. Another reason to not bite the bullet right away is so you can make sure the foundation does not react with the oxygen in the air and get darker. This reaction, known as oxidation, is a common theme amongst drugstore and prestige brands alike. You will put on your foundation in the morning and it will look great. Then, halfway through the day, you are driving and you will look at yourself in the rearview mirror at a stoplight and notice that you look a little orange or pink. It may take a little while to find just the right shade. Many brands will not have an exact shade match for you and you may have to shop around. There are so many brands that carry foundations, so you’re bound to find a shade and formula that is best for you.
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Graphic by Rita Albert
Feature
Catholic Charities’ special needs camp touches lives Max Montana | Managing Editor
Photo courtesy of Charles McMillan
Photo Courtesy of Annette Himmelreich
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one among many that have kept campers, buddies and leaders alike so eager to return. Camp I Am Special was founded in 1983 by Bishop John Snyder on the site of Camp St. John, and what began as a weekend respite for campers with special needs to swim, share a meal and simply belong to a community where buddies welcomed them as they are. Rebecca Aleman, the Camp and Ministry Director since 2010, has expanded the scope of Camp I Am Special by holding four residential overnight camps and three day-long camps each summer, along with four ‘Super Saturdays’ and one ‘Mini-Camp’ during the off-season. Aleman, along with the rest of her staff, works all year to raise funds, awareness and interest for Camp I Am Special. “Camp to me is a special place where anyone is accepted,” Aleman said. “There are few camps like ours, many do not offer one on one [accommodations].” By allowing buddies to spend time
Daniel Troxell, right, holds Kaci Himmelreich, left, in December 2009.
Former Camp Leader Charles McMillan helps a camper get back into her wheelchair during Session 7 of Summer 2017.
with the same special needs camper all week, Aleman has seen how the pairs form lasting friendships and how buddies become more involved at Camp I Am Special, even to the point of a career change. “I remember when we did our first life skills week and that’s when I realized we could actually cause change and development in the campers,” Charles McMillan, a former buddy and leader at Camp I Am Special, said. “That’s when Camp changed [from] my happy place to more than that.” McMillan, a 21-year-old Health Science Major on the pre-occupational therapy track at the University of Florida and a Bishop Kenny alum, began his time as a Gator pursuing a degree in business. Being a buddy at Camp I Am Special for 10 weeks during high school, however, incubated the idea of helping people with disabilities for the rest of his life, leading McMillan to shift his focus to occupational therapy. This type of therapy involves the child and his family working on motor
Photo courtesy of Rebecca Aleman
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aniel, there’s a spider.” After taking a brief rest by sprawling out on the cool tile of the dining hall while his camper received his medication, Daniel Troxell, a volunteer caretaker, or “buddy,” during Camp I Am Special’s 2009 summer session, sprung to his feet out of fear of the eight-legged, encroaching critter. Daniel soon realized, however, the petrifying proclamation had been a hoax and looked to the girl who cried wolf, Kaci Himmelreich. Himmelreich, then a five-year-old first-time camper diagnosed with Down syndrome, grinned after finally being able to get Troxell to his feet and, soon after, played tag and hide-and-go-seek with him. A decade later, Troxell visits Himmelreich, now 15 years old and a nine-week veteran of Camp I Am Special, everytime he returns to Jacksonville and fondly remembers the holidays he enjoyed with the Himmelreichs. Himmelreich and Troxell’s memorable moment at Camp I Am Special that planted the seeds of a great friendship is
Camp Leader Mikayla Batteh, right, rests her head on a camper on the dining hall’s front porch.
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Camp Buddy Mike Truss, right, poses with his camper and a goat during Week of Summer
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to leave,” Annette said. “The parting is not sweet sorrow.” Kaci Himmelreich has attended Camp I Am Special during summer and winter sessions since she was six years old. Under the pine trees at Camp I Am Special, Himmelreich has found a haven to be herself and develop timeless friendships. “She’s got her own social network of people [from Camp I Am Special]. She’s even gone on to have relationships with some of the buddies where they’ve done sleepovers or gotten together for ice cream,” Annette said. “I love seeing the effect that she has on others.” More high schoolers are needed as buddies this summer with so many campers wanting to attend Camp I Am Special. “Not only do you build a bond with [your] campers, but you also get to meet other high school students who are willing to make a difference in the community,” Bishop Kenny senior and camp buddy Mike Truss said. “I see nothing but God and joy at Camp.”
Photo courtesy of Rebecca Aleman
place each summer where she met such an important person. “I’m marrying a guy who I met at Camp,” Coster said. “Basically my core group of friends I met at Camp.” With Camp I Am Special being a place where Coster has formed close relationships with other buddies and campers, she isn’t surprised that Camp has grown so much in the past decade and, with it, the abounding love of special needs individuals in Jacksonville. “Everyone in the Catholic community knows Camp I Am Special and [what] their mission is,” Coster said. “Now it’s kind of grown into something that is hard to get into and that everyone wants to do. The stigma [against disabilities] is going away and it’s starting to be something more appreciated. People are appreciating the differences among the population of special needs people.” Kaci Himmelreich’s mother, Annette, who is a job coach at the North Florida School of Special Education, has seen for herself how vital Camp I Am Special is to her daughter. “She’s so enthusiastic to go and she’s one of those campers that doesn’t want
Photo courtesy of Rebecca Aleman
Photo courtesy of Mike Truss
skills both with the therapist and at home. “Camp, I always say, taught me more than I’ve ever given it,” McMillan said. “It really exposed me to the population that I want to work with for the rest of my life.” McMillan served at Camp I Am Special last summer as a member of the support staff for eight weeks while Elizabeth Coster, a former Camp buddy, leader and Bishop Kenny alumni, volunteered as a nurse for a third year in a row. Coster remembers coming to Camp I Am Special for the first time as a buddy in 2010, before Aleman’s efforts made it so popular. “I kind of signed up for Camp on a whim,” Coster said. “I never did summer camp so it was my first time away for the week so I was definitely a little bit reluctant about that and that I had never worked with special needs kids either. We had a great time. You see everyone in their best light.” Coster graduated from Jacksonville University with a degree in nursing and is currently employed as an emergency room nurse at UF Health in Jacksonville. She’s grateful to have gone into a field that gives her the chance to return to the
Camp Leaders, Buddies, and Campers elevate the parachute during Activity Time.
Bishop Kenny sophomore and l buddy Olivia Farah, left, poses for a picture with her camper, center, and Camp and Ministry Director Rebecca Aleman, right, during Week 5 of Summer 2018.
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Opinion
Knowing the victim, not the killer Emily Willis | Editor-in-Chief
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is Amendment 6, also known as Marsy’s Law. It passed in Fla. on Nov. 6, 2018 and provides comfort to victims and their families. It states that courts and law enforcement inform victims and families of the updates of a case throughout prosecution. “Today was a true bipartisan victory. It
Graphic by Dailey Jackson
ary Kelly. Caryn Campbell. Timothy McCoy. Do you know these people? Jack the Ripper. Ted Bundy. John Wayne Gacy. These names are more likely to sound familiar, or at least ring a bell. Jack the Ripper killed and mutilated 25-yearold Mary Kelly in November of 1888. Bundy killed 23-year-old Caryn Campbell in January of 1975. Gacy beat and killed 15-yearold Timothy McCoy in January of 1972. This observation begs the question: why does the public remember the killer rather than the victim? In a survey of Bishop Kenny students, 140 students identified infamous pseudonym “The Zodiac Killer,” but only 5 students recognized Darlene Ferrin, one of the the women he killed. This fact is unacceptable. This issue is spurned by the release of “Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes” on Jan. 24, which focuses on a series of interviews journalists Stephen G. Michaud and Hugh Aynesworth had with Bundy while he was on death row in 1980. While the documentary includes several interviews with victims’ family, and even the sole survivor of his killing spree, it does not change the fact that it is over four hours of footage dedicated to a rapist and murderer. When it comes to serial killings and mass attacks, it can be difficult to focus on the victims due to the sheer amount, especially if you do not personally know the person killed. Sometimes it is just easier to be angry at the one person who caused the deaths. But envisioning the victims as a nameless, faceless bunch of humans is unfair to those individuals. The 9/11 Memorial in New York City is an example of a just tribute to the casualties of the attack: sitting atop of the ground where the World Trade Centers used to be, the monument bears the names of the 2,977 people killed in the attack. Another step in the right direction
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was not about Republicans or Democrats, but about men and women who have been victims of crime being treated with the dignity and respect they deserve, “ director of Marsy’s Law for Florida Greg Ungru said in an interview with “Miami Herald.” When the public forgoes remembrance of the victims, they are giving the killer what they want: fame. Now, why would someone resort to murdering another human for attention? In a study conducted by Radford University, 68% of serial killers experienced some type of childhood abuse. This neglect, throughout time, turns into a craving for attention in the budding killer. For
example, Richard Ramirez, also known as “The Night Stalker,” claimed that his father physically abused his entire family. Ramirez went on to murder at least 13 people. Even if a person did not have a troubled childhood, they may just have a desire for notoriety that they would do anything to achieve. Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, who killed 13 people and injured 24 after attacking Columbine High School with guns and homemade pipe bombs in 1999, did not have any record of domestic violence. Videotapes of Harris and Klebold prior to the shooting show them predicting that their armed rampage would be remembered forever. Studying why criminals kill people can help deter homicidal behavior in the future. If we know that killers murder for glory and fame, less media attention towards the backstory and life of the killer might repress the appearance of “copycat killers.” That being said, the media needs to cover tragedies; it is their job. However, more focus on the lives of the victims is crucial if the media desires fewer killings. On Dec. 15, 2012 , “The Observer” published an article titled “Adam Lanza: the quiet friendless boy whom no one knew.” It was entirely devoted to the Sandy Hook Elementary shooter and his childhood. This title of the article reads as if the subject is a victim, not a man who murdered 20 children and six adults. In an attempt to victimize the killer, the writer causes readers to feel bad for Lanza. This is a prime example of how the media glorifies killers. One of the victims of Lanza’s attack was Victoria Soto. She hid her students, then died in an attempt to protect them. She posthumously received the Presidential Citizens Medal and the Stratford Town Council approved a decision to name a school after her. This is how homicide should be treated. Spotlight the individual who lost his or her life, not the individual who took it.
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Franchesca Peralta | Design and Layout Editor ave any plans this Valentine’s Day? Are you going to take your number one match on the compatibility survey to a cute but casual night out? Or are you going to eat your feelings away and cry while watching a Nicholas Sparks movie? Either way, do I have the restaurants for you! Eat (or get takeout) at these Riverside spots with your special someone to ensure an emotionally and physically full future.
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Lola’s | 1522 King St, Jacksonville, FL 32205 | Fish Taco and Steak Taco, Chooie’s Chimmy A trip to this burrito and burger joint will 100% ensure a second date with its upbeat atmosphere. From the hanging motorcycle above the entryway to the endless amount of banners surrounding the restaurant, this spot’s set-up is anything but ordinary. And the songs that were playing throughout my visit were total jams, ranging from classic rock to modern alternative. Three potential date meals that I ordered from here include the Fish Taco, the Steak Taco and Chooie’s Chimmy Burrito. The individual tacos were priced at a little more than $3 a piece, so I ordered two. The tacos each had great textures and flavors in the beginning, but after the first bite both tacos started to taste a little bland. This, however, could be fixed by using one of the many hot sauces Lola’s has placed on every table. The Chooie’s Chimmy Burrito is an excellent choice for those who are craving a classic but still want something new. Stuffed with grilled steak, beans, rice, cabbage and tomatoes, this no-fail dish will leave you full and happy when served with some hot sauce on mention it is also filled with creamy Chimichurri the side. Not to sauce made with parsley and garlic.
Florida Creamery | 3566 St Johns Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32205 | Superman Ice Cream, Cappuccino Chip Milkshake Take your love interest to this sweet spot to close out a fun-filled evening with a delicious cherry on top. From milkshakes to ice cream to unique candies, this dessert heaven will satisfy any sweet craving. Two dessert ideas include Superman Ice Cream and the Cappuccino Chip Milkshake. I’m going to say it: the Superman Ice Cream here has to be the best version I’ve ever tasted. It was not icy at all, like I have tried from other ice cream shops. This ice cream was creamy, like the restaurant name suggests, and smooth and although it left me looking like I devoured a Smurf, it was a 10/10 I’d do it again. The Cappuccino Chip Milkshake is a classic treat perfect for those who want something sweet but still portable as you can take it to go in a styrofoam cup or stay inside with a glass dish and chat for a while with your date. With its smooth texture and chocolate chunks in every sip, this treat is sure to please your Valentine’s date. Or maybe you two could even share a milkshake with two straws to fulfill your romcom dreams.
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Dear Kenny Kupid, I’ve been playing with a girl’s feelings for a minute now and it’s finally caught up with me. I didn’t really care that much but then I realized the best holiday is on its way: Valentine’s Day. And what’s worse than receiving zero gifts on the best holiday of the year? If you really think about it, Valentine’s Day is the superior holiday. It’s like a second
Dear Single Senior, Step 1: Make her feel sorry for you because nothing works better than the art of manipulation. Post sad things on all your social media that are obviously about losing her. It’ll show that you miss her or (if she’s smart enough) that you’re just bored. Nonetheless, when she sees all the little hints about her, she’ll start to think about how much she misses you. She’ll start following your social media around to see if you’re miserable without her. Step 2: Talk to all her friends about how much you miss her presence. Describe to them the pain you were in when she stopped talking to you. Try to
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Christmas; you get to ask for the rest of your wishlist from your significant other. Anyways, I didn’t write to talk about Valentine’s Day, I wrote to talk about my predicament. Basically, I got caught talking romantically to a another girl. I’ll call the girl I was talking to Daisy and the other random girl Violet. So I told Violet that I would take her to the movies or something... I don’t really remember all the details. Then Violet went around
telling all her little friends, who eventually told Daisy. And Daisy was not was entertained at all. She cut me off and stopped returning my texts, FaceTime calls and Snapchats. Please help me get her back before the upcoming holiday season. I don’t think I’ll be able to go another year without a Valentine’s date. Sincerely,
seem as distraught as possible and maybe watch some scenes from a Nicholas Sparks movie for inspiration. You’ll need to perfect this craft for the future; it’ll help you out in the long run. Step 3: Remind her that no one wants to be alone for the most romantic time of the year. If you have classes with her, talk to her about what you would get your valentine. Make and sell scenarios that only she could dream of. She’ll begin to wonder if she really made the right choice cutting you off. Step 4: Maybe apologize to her in person. I heard this myth that girls love apologies and love to be told that they are correct. That might not be true but I would give
it a shot because if manipulation doesn’t work then this is your only choice. Start by saying how much better she is without you but don’t forget to beg for her forgiveness and for a second chance. Step 5: If all else fails, go buy your love matches from the Computer Fun survey! You’ll get to see your top 10 most compatible matches in the school. They say variety is the spice of life, so maybe you can find a Valentine after all. Computer Fun has a 99.9% success rate since 1985, so give it try and encourage your friends to buy theirs on February 14. Sincerely,
A Single Senior
Kenny Kupid
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Diving into Aquaman’s life story Rita Albert | Staff Reporter
WARNING: Spoilers Ahead
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he rain beats against the lighthouse as a slight glimpse of white scales on the surrounding rocks catch the lighthouse keeper’s eye. Noticing a woman who has been injured, he carries her into his home to help. In a sudden rush she awakens in a state of fear, confused by her surroundings. Panic washes over her and she starts to attack, throwing a trident at the TV. She is the queen of Atlantis, and immediate chemistry is sparked with the lighthouse keeper, Tom Curry. Through the rest of the opening, their love story blossoms, which leads to the birth of their son, Arthur, who represents the merging of two different worlds. When Arthur is a toddler, the Atlantis military attacks his home and warns the queen that she must return. Humans and Atlanteans marrying is forbidden in Atlantis policy. To protect her family, she leaves, promising to return to them when she can. As a child, Arthur is bullied during a school trip to the aquarium. All the sea creatures swarm in a flurry behind him and, as he opens his eyes, they turn gold. This is the moment Arthur finds out about his powers. “Aquaman” is the newest of the DC Extended Universe movies. It was released December 21, 2018 and continues to hold popularity. Recently, the movie has reached the billion-dollar mark in the box-office tallies. Throughout the movie, gorgeous visuals dance across the big screen with the vivid blue waters and an assortment of vibrantly-colored sea creatures. The bright and intricate city of Atlantis glows with jellyfish and other sea animals and ancient architecture merged with highlyadvanced technology. Their weapons are made of Atlantean steel and pearls. When attempting to enter into the city, there is a bridge made of pillars and holograms combined with a high-tech security system. The movie, however, was not filmed
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underwater at all. The effects team relied largely on CGI (computer-generated imagery) and harnesses to sculpt the world of Atlantis and to make the characters seem like they were underwater. The sound effects accompanying the ocean waters are calming and give one the feeling of being within the movie, sitting in an underwater world. In the final battle scene, there are noises of animal distress and underwater explosions as well as music of triumph. The costumes on land were normal tough-guy style clothing with sleeves of tattoos, leather vests and muscle tees, but the fun costumes are for the Atlanteans. Mera, Aquaman’s love interest, wears a green and blue iridescent bodysuit paired with fiery red hair representing her sassy personality. Aquaman’s costume is that of a golden chest plate and dark green shiny pants. The casting of “Aquaman” was done well with a strong Jason Momoa portraying the cheeky and bold hero. Other talented actors appearing in the film include Amber Heard, Nicole Kidman, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Willem Dafoe.
The movie was skillfully written with sarcastic commentary, a developed romance and heroism splashed throughout. However, I feel as if it lacked some connections. There were two villains involved which seemed messy within the story. It felt kind of unnecessary to the main plot to have the villain from the beginning of the movie. Regardless, I thought the movie was good. Hurry into theaters and watch “Aquaman” before you have to wave goodbye.
Graphic by Rita Albert
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Dangers of unhealthy weight loss methods practiced by wrestlers Mary Shoemaker | Staff Reporter
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hen most people think of wrestling, they probably think of John Cena throwing chairs at people. They probably do not think of high school athletes starving themselves. High school wrestling is organized is by weight class, meaning that athletes are split up into different groups based on their weight. This ensures that the wrestlers are fairly placed against one another in competitions. Losing weight has been a factor in wrestling for years, however, it has only come into the spotlight in recent years. The thought process behind “cutting weight” is that the wrestlers can lose enough weight to drop one weight class.
This is the “goal,” as they want to be at the top of the weight class so that they are wrestling against athletes lighter than them. “It really helps to make a lower weight class when competing,” area high school wrestler Zach* said. “Because once you gain more weight after weigh-ins, it’s just a really big advantage.” Due to this push to lose weight, athletes may turn to unhealthy practices such as “water management,” the use of “sweat suits,” spitting into water bottles and even starving themselves. “Water management is when you have a meet on Friday, so you drink gallons [of water] on Sunday and Monday,” Zach
said. “Then, you slowly start to wean down, to where you’re barely drinking before you make weight.” Typically during this process, wrestlers will also turn to the use of “sweat suits.” The athlete will wear layers of warm clothing, then put on garbage bags, layer a sweatshirt and sweatpants on top, and finally tape off their wrists and ankles to keep any heat from escaping. After the dressing process is done, they perform strenuous physical activity such as weight lifting, or low intensity workouts, such as running, for extended periods of time. The hope is that all of the heat from the “suit” will make them sweat out excess weight.
Making Weight
(responses from BK survey)
“Wearing heavy clothes to lose water” “Chewing gum” “Eat healthy and do cardio” “Running stairs” “Run in sweatpants and a jacket”
*pseudonym
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Sports Some athletes spit in to water bottles, hoping to drop every ounce of weight possible. “You end up losing a little bit of weight throughout the day,” Zach said. The simplest, yet most dangerous, form of cutting weight rapidly is fasting. Instead of, and sometimes in addition to, the other weight loss habits, many wrestlers will resort to eating nothing at all. “Most good wrestlers do [skip meals],” Zach said. “You lose a bunch [of weight] before you weigh in, and then you get about an hour or so to eat however much you can. It’s the only way to get energy back from all of the [weight] cutting.” These practices are unhealthy and irresponsible. “These quick weight-loss methods can cause serious dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. They can result in poor mental and physical performance, unconsciousness and even death,” according to the Marshfield Clinic Health System. The Association of Ringside Physicians, an international non-profit organization focused on the safety of Boxers and MMA athletes, has also spoken out about the serious health issues that come along with these unhealthy practices, including decreased muscle strength and endurance, decreased cardiovascular function, reduced energy utilization, heat illness, decreased kidney function, electrolyte problems and increased risk of brain injury. While the weight loss techniques used by wrestlers may be a widespread issue, not all athletes ascribe this behavior.
Design by Mary Shoemaker
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“I eat a lot of protein and very little carbs,” said senior wrestling captain Andrew Slade. “I also do a lot of exercising. For the most part, we try to be as safe as possible.” Bishop Kenny wrestling coaches are prepared to deal with these issues, and they have precautions set in place to keep wrestlers from engaging in dangerous weight loss methods. “I always tell our kids, especially our JV wrestlers and ones just starting out, that wrestling is not a sport where we will ask you to cut weight,” said assistant Coach Brian Reese. “Now some of our more experienced varsity wrestlers and state capable ones know to make weight because they know they will have an easier time in certain weight classes.” The wrestling program also institutes a weight certification course that all athletes must complete and an evaluation process at the beginning of each season. “There is a difference between losing and maintaining weight,” Reese said. “In the beginning of the year all of our athletes go to see our trainer Greg [Heeter]. He comes up with a plan for them to either lose, gain or maintain their weight based on their body fat.” Rules and regulations are in place to keep athletes from cutting too much weight in an unhealthy manner. “A lot of these kids, say they need to get down six or seven pounds throughout the year, they actually have to do it over a gradual period,” Reese said. “They aren’t allowed to just crash course cut it all the way down at once.” Athletes also get something called a pound allowance throughout the year. Every few weeks they get to add an extra
pound or two to the weight they have to make. This makes it easier for them to keep hydrated and refuel their body properly. “I stress dieting, eating the right foods for your body, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest, instead of starving yourself,” Reese said. “That’s sort of an old school mentality. Even back when I was in school there was more emphasis on dropping five pounds in one day, and that is something I would never ask of my kids.” Some parents have noticed their children practicing unhealthy weight loss methods and have expressed concern to the coaches. “I would be lying if I said we haven’t had kids who have done crash course dieting,” Reese said. “But we make it very clear in the beginning of the year at the parent meeting that this is not our philosophy. We will also have sit down conversations with parents and kids and say ‘Hey you’re going about this all the wrong way, this is how we’re going to fix it.’” Even with the expressed concern about these unhealthy weight loss habits, and with rules and regulations established to keep them to a minimum, these practices seem prevalent. Just like students who procrastinate on homework until 15 minutes before the deadline, some wrestlers will inevitably cave into the pressure to cut weight in the days and hours before a match, despite wise advice from coaches, because cutting weight in a healthy manner takes time.
*based on survey of 107 students
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Senior women beat junior ladies Dailey Jackson | Staff Reporter
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Photo by Dailey Jackson
he annual Powder Puff game, a season expenses, including buses, jerseys tradition where girls from the junior and other equipment that is needed and senior classes compete in a flag throughout the year. Just like traditional football games, football game, was held on January 14 at William Johnston Football Stadium. This the Powder Puff game has official rules game acts as a fundraiser for the girl’s and regulations that must be followed. softball team. This year, the senior women were victorious, beating the junior ladies 30-6. Girls’ softball coach and Dean of Students Laurie Wray has been in charge of the event for more than 20 years. “I think that it has been a great tradition from the girls of the junior and senior classes to play some football,” Wray said. The proceeds from the football game go to the softball team’s The senior girls crouch together in an offensive formation, preparing
There are halves of the game, each consisting of a 25-minute running clock. Additionally, each team gets three timeouts per half where the clock will stop counting down. To ensure safety, all players must remove all jewelry and are restricted from grabbing, pushing or kicking other girls on the field. Both the juniors and seniors had three practices to learn the basics of the game, including specific plays and timing, and to receive positions and jersey numbers. This was senior Sam Williams’ second year participating in Powder Puff. “The game is by far the best part because all the practice put into preparing is being utilized, and all the girls are supportive and pushing each other to do their best,” Williams said.
themselves to run the ball
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Photos courtesy of Abby Bruner Clockwise, from top: Bruner performs a “wolf jump”; Chalk flies in front of Bruner as she prepares to mount the balance beam; Bruner poses for her senior photos, wearing a leotard bedazzled with “senior” on the back.
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Student athlete recovers after back injury Destiny Tran | Staff Reporter
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enior Abby Bruner ties her hair in a bun while she sings along to “Glorious” by Macklemore. Once she is ready, Bruner enters the competition floor with her teammates and coaches. The announcer calls Bruner’s name. She takes a deep breath and rubs the chalk in her hands. “I am going to nail the acro series,” Bruner thinks. “I got this.” She walks to the beam and hoists herself onto it with confidence. Bruner has participated in gymnastics for 14 years. She has been doing vault, beam and floor at North Florida Gymnastics for 11 years. “My mom put me in gymnastics when I was four years old, and I loved it from day one,” said Bruner. “When I joined the team, I really fell in love and couldn’t imagine my life without it.” Bruner has reached the tenth and highest level of the sport. Each level has skill requirements that demand the gymnast to push her limits to graduate to the next stage. Bruner strives to continue climbing this all-too-familiar ladder by practicing six days each week for three-and-a-half hours. She travels
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nationally every few weeks for meets, usually during the winter and spring months. Every year, her team attends gymnastics camp in Crossville, Tennessee. “I’ve been going there every year since I was 10 and I get to work with amazing coaches,” said Bruner. “I’m
“This whole experience has taught me to appreciate the support and do it because I love it.” planning to be a counselor there this summer and stay for nine weeks!” Bruner plans to continue participating in club gymnastics in college. She originally tried to be recruited, but recently fractured her back. This injury has harmed her chances of receiving a scholarship. “I have a really special relationship with my coaches, and they really inspire me to stay strong through all the injuries and frustrations throughout
my entire career,” said Bruner. “I want to work hard for them and they have changed my life more than anybody.” In 2017, Bruner qualified for Eastern Nationals in ‘level nine’ and traveled to Lansing, Michigan to compete. “It was such a fun experience and the first time I’ve gotten to fly to and meet! I also practiced and completed on a fractured back all last season, and I recently had to take five months off to heal it,” Bruner said. “The recovery didn’t go as planned and I was questioning whether I would get to compete my senior year or not.” Bruner was released in November and her comeback was the most difficult challenge she has ever faced. Due to her injury, she could not do some of her beam skills on the floor anymore. Yet, through persistent effort, she’ll be able to try out for a spot on either the University of Georgia or Florida State University gymnastics team this fall. “This whole experience has taught me to appreciate the support and do it because I love it,” Bruner said. “[It’s] not because I feel like I have to.”
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