THE
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Bishop Kenny High School Volume 67 | Issue 4 | Jacksonville, Fla. BKToday.org
Working It Out
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SHIELD
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; names can be withheld upon request. Editor-in-Chief Rita Albert Copy Editor Rachel Lechwar Managing Editor Sports Editor Dailey Jackson Business Manager Katie Loberger Web Manager Emily Yalch News Editor Destiny Tran Features Editor Kaitlyn Bateh Opinion Editor Tara Shear A & E Editor Reilly Nance Staff Reporters Ilaria Georgi Alyssa Hampton Abigail Parker Sarah Roberts Ethan Sapp Mary Shoemaker Meghan Williamson Adviser Jessica Durbin
FEATURES 3 6 8 13 19
CHORUS CORONAVIRUS TECH DETOX SENIORS OF 2020 TEACHERS’ WORKOUTS
A&E 20 21 22 23
WORKOUTS TO TRY HELLO GORGEOUS RITA RECOMMENDS KENNY KUPID
OPINION 24 25 26
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR SHE SAID, SHE SAID SUMMER SCHOOL
SPORTS 27 28
BOB WEST STATES ROUNDUP
SINGING TO SUPERIOR Sound of Kenny Katie Loberger • Business Manager
D
o you hear the choir singing? The choir sings at every Mass, during most school events, concerts and qualified for the States Competition this year. They are the voice of the school, carrying the tune of Bishop Kenny. The choir class at BK does not just teach singing; it takes on the role of teaching students how to read music and learn the anatomy of the voice. Students learn what parts of the body create the voice. For example, the vocal folds raise and lower along with the larynx to create sound. Those entering choir are divided into sections. These sections are soprano, alto, bass and tenor and are based on a person’s vocal range. Sopranos are the highest
vocal range and basses are the lowest vocal range. Students must understand the different parts of the voice to achieve control that perfects their sound. Band Director Collin Clark will implement a new website in his class, Pink Trombone, to show how each part of the mouth can affect the sound a person can make with vowels. The vowel changes with different types of musical style and it is important to understand how to make the vowel sound a certain way. Clark has been teaching at BK for two years and has made changes since then. “I added sight-singing daily, a different approach to read music fluently, and afterschool choir,” Clark said. Sight-singing is the ability to read and sing music at first
sight, also referred to as vocal sight-reading, according to Earmaster.com. Students must look at the notes on the sheet music and be able to sing without hearing the notes played on the piano. The after-school choir, which meets every Monday, increases involvement in the music department. Those who do not take the class can join the after-school choir and perform at concerts and Masses as long as they do not miss more than three practices per semester. This year, the hard work paid off as the choir earned a Superior from every judge at the District Music Performance Assessment on March 7. They performed “An Irish Blessing” by Becki Slagle Mayo and “Come in from the Firefly Darkness” by Amy F. Bernon.
Each year, the students also perform a Christmas Concert at which they sing Christmas classics and a Spring Concert that has a new theme each year; however the annual Spring Concert is cancelled due to COVID-19. “The most memorable moment I have of choir is having 60 people on stage singing at the Christmas Concert,” Clark said. In 21 months, the choir students have an opportunity to travel to Rome and do a Christmas concert at St. Peter’s Basilica and perform for the first Mass of the year on New Year’s Day. “My favorite part of being in choir is the different friendships that I have made from the various grades and my own grade,” senior Sarah Broadhurst said.
The Bishop Kenny Choir sings Silent Night with the Assumption choir at their Christmas Concert.
FEATURES | ISSUE 4 3
4 THE SHIELD | MAY 2020
ADS | ISSUE 4 5
COVID-19 How pandemic took world by storm Dailey Jackson • Managing Editor
W
elcome to your first day of distance learning,” read students from countries across the globe. Suddenly, students switched on computer monitors, unplugged iPads from chargers and replaced desks with pillows and couch cushions. Coronavirus disease 2019, coined COVID-19 by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a respiratory illness that was first identified during an investigation from a viral outbreak in Wuhan, China, according to the Center for Disease Control. Primarily affecting the respiratory system, COVID-19 symptoms range from a runny nose to a sore throat in mild cases. For more serious cases, fever, dry cough and tiredness can lead to pneumonia in both lungs, organ failure and, in about seven percent of cases, death. Though not confirmed, the first case of corona, called ‘patient zero,’ traces back to a resident of Hubei, China, on Nov. 17, according to the Chinese government’s medical records. Since then, scientists and doctors alike began to track the disease as it navigated its way through
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the first major epicenter: the central China city of Wuhan. By Dec. 31, the Chinese government alerted the WHO of the outbreak, and in the weeks following, countless other countries reported their first cases. By Jan. 21, the US found its first case in Washington state after a man returned home from visiting Wuhan. A little over a month later, on Feb. 29, the first US death was reported in the same state. On Mar. 11, the WHO announced that COVID-19 would be considered a pandemic, which means that the disease has reached national levels of severity. As of the beginning of April, the confirmed number of cases worldwide surpassed one million, and nearly every country around the world has taken measures to halt the spread of coronavirus. Once this pandemic reached the US, many universities and high schools began to consider the option of temporarily closing to allow for deep cleaning procedures. As the disease progressed further, the permanence of these closures became more apparent, causing the Florida Department of Education to
release an official statement of closure for middle and high schools statewide on Mar. 17. Two weeks later, on Mar. 31, this closure was extended to May 1 throughout the state, and finally, on Apr. 18, Governor DeSantis announced that all Florida schools will remain closed through the end of the school year. After Bishop Felipe de Jesús Estévez, the bishop of the Diocese of Saint Augustine, released additional statements of closure, Bishop Kenny followed the guidelines adopted by Duval County Public Schools. The school temporarily cancelled all events and initiated the plan of “distance learning.” This concept allows students to use online resources to learn at home rather than physically going to school. These closures had effects internationally, reshaping the way teenagers across the world live and work, but on a smaller scale, this disease has impacted the class of 2020 in different ways than other grades in high school. From prom to grad bash, schools like Bishop Kenny cancelled once in a lifetime events
indefinitely because of the effects of COVID-19. Though disheartening, schools and communities alike are hoping to come up with solutions and alternatives to the events missed and are looking to students to be patient and optimistic for the future. Academic advisor and school guidance counselor Scott Sberna sympathizes with the senior class as they finish the end of their year alone. “I would label the class of 2020 as the toughest, most resilient class in as long as I can remember,” Sberna said. “Your class is going to be prepared more than any other class for everything that is going to come your way in life.” Sberna is eager to see this international issue resolved as soon as possible but hopes that the senior class will remain resilient through it all. “Now, the class of 2020 will always be remembered as the ones that didn’t get to do the traditional things, but it’s a sacrifice you have to do for society as a whole.” Sberna said. “You can’t just give up.”
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DEMYSTIFYING DIGITAL DETOX Exploring trend of limiting technology use
H
ow many times have you found yourself checking social media in your free time? How many times does “just one minute” turn into hours of TikToks on a never-ending loop? How many times do you compare your life to the pictureperfect smiles and filters on Instagram? If the answer to any of these is “frequently,” research shows that it may be time to give yourself a break. Digital detoxification, commonly known as detox, refers to the intentional abstinence from technology, especially social media platforms. This trend derives from concern over the negative effects of constant internet connectivity. Studies show that while technology is intended to channel productivity, its various uses can cause distractions. Such distractions take up an average of two and a half hours of work per day, adding up to 70 hours a month, according to a study
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by the University of California. “Sometimes, when I need to get things done, I procrastinate by scrolling through random things on my phone,” freshman Olivia Wakefield said. The active use of social media can be a source of not only distraction but also low self-esteem as individuals experience Fear of Missing out (FOMO). As people connect with friends, they can view others’ lives as more rewarding and feel the need to stay connected. FOMO has a strong correlation with Social Networking System (SNS) addiction, according to CyberPsychology Behavior and Social Networking. On top of this, individuals who spend 30 minutes to an hour on their phones before sleeping may experience vision problems and decreased quantity and quality of sleep, according to Healthline. The high energy, short wavelength blue light may affect vision and prematurely age eyes
according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). The blue light delays the body’s internal clock or circadian rhythm when on technology an hour before bed. The AAO also states that blue light suppresses the release of melatonin, which makes it difficult to fall asleep. This delays REM sleep and makes the body less alert in the morning. Growing concern over the overexposure to blue light has led to the development of blue light glasses to block or filter the high-energy blue light. For those seeking to minimize the negative effects, however, the AAO recommends simply limiting technology use before bed instead of investing $50 in the glasses, according to WebMD. Technology takes a toll on health in other indirect ways as well, such as taking up time that could be spent on productive activities like exercise. Increased technology usage
is associated with decreased cardiovascular health, though conflicting studies show that increased technology use can increase long term health habits through health monitoring apps, according to BMC Health. When considering a digital detox, there are other negative factors associated with completely removing all technology. For those going through Internet Addiction Disorder, individuals can undergo symptoms similar to withdrawal from drug use, according to WebMD. Also, when one removes the storehouse of information that humans are accustomed to using, it results in perceptual blindness, a psychological phenomenon in which one misses important details in plain sight. An example of this could be trying to remember directions without a GPS and missing a turn. This results from the increased activity in the prefrontal cortex and can also reduce the emotional balance as the brain “runs
out of fuel,” according to the American Psychological Association. For those looking to limit technology use, the path to detoxing is not a straight shot. Research shows that completely removing technology from the modern lifestyle is neither practical nor productive in a technology-centered world. Instead, those interested can look to three main focuses to see results in their period of tech abstinence: time, space and alternatives.
Time Instead of outlawing technology completely, a productive technology detox restricts the time users go on the phone or other technology. This might involve using the Settings App to set time limits on certain apps or types of apps. There is a way to regulate social media usage and track progress. “I limit myself from technology almost every Saturday to keep that day to relax and destress without the need of watching TV or using social media apps,” senior
Isabella Chrisphonte said. “I try, at most, to have an hour or so using technology if I do need it.” As well, individuals can self-regulate by turning their phones off at a certain time each night. The presence of a phone decreases cognitive capacity even when turned off, according to a 2017 study of 800 phone users at the University of Texas.
Space Another aspect of the detox is creating physical spaces in which technology is not permitted. Whether this is a rule to put away phones at the dinner table or keeping the phone plugged in away from the bedroom at night or while doing homework, the aim is to ease away from reliance on the phone in places where it is not necessary. “When I’m with family or friends, I happily put my devices to the side to spend time with the people around me,” freshman Celine Torres said. “Sure, technology allows my imaginary juices to flow; however, I require daily social interactions to go through my
day.” These digital-free spaces can increase conversations and build relationships outside the digital realm. Teens who had no screen time for five days witnessed an increase in non-verbal skills and a decrease in depression, according to a University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) study.
Alternatives With the spread of Internet Addiction Disorder, individuals may undergo a period of withdrawal if separated from their technological device. Instead of initiating a split from the phone to sit in silence, alternatives provide a way to shift one’s attention to another outlet. This may be finding a new hobby, socializing, volunteering, exercising or reading a book. With conflicting studies and lifestyles, a digital detox may look different for each person. The aim is simply to decrease those hours spent on technological distractions and improve the quality of life.
FEATURES | ISSUE 4 9
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ADS | ISSUE 4 11
SENIORS OF 2020 Look into lives of future graduates Dailey Jackson • Managing Editor Ilaria Georgi • Staff Reporter
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KOURTNEE HOLZENDORF Kourtnee Holzendorf says that over her four years of high school she has matured immensely because of the knowledge she has gained and the friends that she has made that she’ll keep for life. Her favorite memory was when her Latin class did a Valentine’s Day exchange and surprised her teacher with a giant stuffed bear. Out of all the sports games she has attended at Kenny, her favorite was the Bishop Kenny versus Bolles basketball game when the stands were packed and everyone had great energy. Holzendorf credits her participation in clubs at BK to allowing her to develop many different networks of friends and connect with people she wouldn’t typically connect with.
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TREVOR STOCKARD Trevor Stockard’s favorite memory he has made at Kenny is getting the fumble while playing football in the Bishop Kenny vs. Bolles game his junior year. Being at BK has taught him that you have to work hard at something if you want to achieve it. Stockard says that he will miss Poncho and all of the friends he has made when he leaves. The advice he would give underclassmen is to join clubs and sports and to put everything you have into them because you don’t want to look back at your time at BK wishing you had done more.
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GRACE MCCORMICK If Grace McCormick could give one piece of advice to the underclassmen it would be to value every single moment, both good and bad, because you can learn from everything. McCormick says all of her favorite memories at Bishop Kenny have happened on the stage. She recalls performing in theatre productions, being inducted into National Honor Societies and representing Bishop Kenny in the Miss High School Sweetheart Pageant. She has been doing theatre since the third grade, and she hopes that it will always be a part of her life. She is thankful to be involved in so many clubs and activities because they have provided her with so many incredible friends.
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GIOVANNI ROSA Giovanni Rosa, cross country and track runner, says that he will miss all the fun moments that his friends and he had at school over his four years. His favorite teacher is Janalene Phillips, as he thought her classes were always fun and he valued that they are both Puerto Rican. Other than all of the academic things he has learned, he says that Kenny has taught him to keep a schedule and use the resources given to him in a meaningful way. His most memorable moment of senior year was when he got the opportunity to travel with his team to Tallahassee to run an invitational. Rosa will be attending the University of Central Florida and plans to major in electrical engineering.
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HAILEY KLEIN Hailey Klein’s two favorite clubs at Bishop Kenny are Theatre Club, where she feels as if there is a very close family connection between members, and Red and White Girls, where she is able to attend baseball games and interact with friends and new students. She says that her favorite teacher, Jeanie Wilks, always lets her go and talk to her whenever she needs to and is very welcoming and sweet to everyone. Klein advises underclassmen to never slack off, especially not during junior and senior year. She will be attending Flagler College and plans to major in education of the deaf and hard of hearing.
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NO DOUBT ABOUT WORKING OUT How BK staff members stay fit Abigail Parker • Staff Reporter
P
hysical education teachers naturally stay physically active because it is a part of their job.
However, the majority of staff members spend their time sitting all day inside of their classrooms. Nevertheless,
some staff members who do not coach sports find time to make working out a part of their daily routine.
School Counselor Scott Sberna has been working to stay fit ever since high school when he ran track, played basketball and golfed. Since he became an amputee, he has gained upper body
strength from using crutches during the day. At home, Sberna uses his prosthesis, which enables him to walk around and stay active. Sberna focuses on making sure his children stay active as
well through bike riding, gym visits and basketball. Sberna also kayaks occasionally. “[Kayaking] is more sitting and upper body,” said Sberna. “It kind of makes me feel whole again.”
Vice Principal Vincent Saladino started his healthy living routine around three years ago. Before that, he played football in high school and remained active but did not focus on healthy living. When Saladino began his
fitness journey, he jogged, tracked his meals in an app every day and monitored his sleeping habits every night. Now, he has a set routine he performs every week. This routine includes riding a stationary bike at least five
days a week, running four to 10 miles at least twice a week and getting seven hours of sleep every night. “Sleep is the one I am working on the most and the hardest to achieve,” Saladino said.
Chemistry Honors teacher Patrycja Puiu started CrossFit two years ago when she still lived in Michigan. Her husband recommended they try it together, and she has been doing it ever since. Before CrossFit, Puiu played soccer and tennis for a year in high school as club sports.
Puiu compares CrossFit to an obstacle course in which the goal is to do as many repetitions as one can in a certain time frame. She says that the movements are always something different in order to keep a variety within every routine. One physically straining workout she has
been able to do because of CrossFit is weight lifting. “I think for girls it’s really hard to do weight lifting,” said Puiu. “By doing CrossFit, they walk you through the movements and teach you how to do it properly.”
AP Psychology teacher Alex Maples had been training for her first double Ironman for several months. Her workout routine was abnormal from having to train through the night or early in the morning. Maples started running marathons in 2008, a year after she graduated from college, when she signed up for a volunteer program with
her friend. After this, she began signing up for more marathons ranging from several day adventure races, which include mountain biking, hiking and paddling to completing her first Ironman, which consists of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bicycle ride and a 26.22 mile run. She has also run in the Boston Marathon eight times.
“For the past decade, I’ve been training for some long distance event,” said Maples. “From running for marathons to the double Ironman.” On March 13, Maples successfully completed her first double Ironman with a time of 30 hours, ranking as the second female and fifth place overall.
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WORKOUTS FOR SUMMER Four training styles for your fitness goals Sarah Roberts • Staff Reporter
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ith summer just around the corner, students are faced with the attraction of getting a
“summer body” or “glow-up.” Typically the first instinct is to start working out. Whether you are looking to improve
your athletic performance or just feel better about yourself, here are some workout plans to help you determine what
you want to improve in time for summer.
agility. Speed training normally includes short sprints with short rest times in between. It is not recommended to try this workout every day due to the
possibility of overworking your legs, according to Jen Reviews. You can begin this training plan with basic sprints, uphill sprints on ramps and ladder drills.
injuries and gives you a goodlooking torso, according to Very Well Fit, another online fitness publication. Like the other workouts, it is not recommended daily unless you
are working out your upper abs one day and your lower abs the next. A simple core training workout can include crunches, planks and push-ups.
every day, but it is advised not to overstretch your muscles to avoid the risk of tearing, according to Jen Reviews. Backbends will stretch your stomach and build flexibility in
your back, and holding your leg as high as possible in front of you can improve your hip flexors and hamstrings.
requiring you to work against gravity or that uses stretch bands or large elastic bands can be classified as resistance training, according to Jen Reviews, an online fitness magazine. This training can be done every day; however, it
is not advised to exercise the same muscle group, such as calves and biceps, two days in a row. For a resistance workout at home, start off by doing push-ups. Then, add a stretch band with lunges and squats before adding more exercises.
Speed Training If you want to improve the rate of your athletic performances, speed training is a workout plan to consider. These workouts improve stamina and
Core Training Otherwise known as abdominal exercise, this training is centered around building a strong core and ab muscles. A well-performed core training workout helps prevent
Flexibility Training This workout plan is ideal for almost every sport to prevent injuries and improve athletic performance by stretching the limbs farther than normal. You can work on flexibility
Resistance Training In resistance workouts, you use dumbbells or stretch bands to push against the muscles, pressing them to work against the force of gravity. This training strengthens your muscles and lengthens your endurance. Any workout
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Fitness casual looks for summer Kaitlyn Bateh • Features Editor
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ith the summer season on the rise, you can dress comfortably while staying active. Having the right outfit to work out is a great motivator to getting exercise and staying healthy. Staying at home
during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is time to lock down on a fitter physique. Here are ideas to style yourself comfortably for the rare day out or find a look to rock on workout days.
High Waisted Leggings with a Cropped T-Shirt On days when you are working with weights and it’s not too hot outside, leggings are a great option. Leggings provide support to your legs and buttocks as you lift and perform high intensity activities. There is a wide range of leggings according to brand and price. The graphic below provides insight
on brand and price before investing in a new pair of leggings. When it comes to crop tops, you can always crop your own shirt or find cropped fitness tops at your local department or fitness stores. A cropped, breathable t-shirt can allow your body to cool, even with your legs covered.
Running Shorts with a Muscle Tank With summer approaching, the Florida heat is making a return. Running shorts with a muscle tee provide style while allowing you to stay cool. On days in which you’re running outside or in the gym, these clothes can keep up with cardio and allow your skin to breathe. When it comes to the style of your muscle t-shirt, any style goes. There are options you can find in fitness sections at stores like Academy Sports and Outdoors and Dick’s Sport-
ing Goods, or you can even make one of your own. You can always take a t-shirt and cut the sleeves and stretch the sides for your own style and preference. For running shorts, there are many brands capable of keeping up with your workout or maintaining a comfy, casual look during the day. Nike’s running shorts have always been a reliable, comfortable style that I can count on, but there are other options such as Adidas, Under Armor and BCG.
A & E | ISSUE 4 21
RITA RECOMMENDS
Hottest ice cream shops around Jacksonville Rita Albert • Editor-in-Chief As the sun beat down on a new spring day, I thought to myself, “What would make this moment more enjoyable?” The cold, refreshing, sweet
dessert as it melts in the blazing sun: ice cream. In a large city with an often sweltering temperature like Jacksonville, there are plenty of ice cream
options to satisfy any sweet craving. With so many choices, I tested a few so that you know what is worth your money.
DREAMETTE ICE CREAM $3.35 The location was a little store with limited parking spots and only two benches on which to sit. I did not let that deter me, though, and I was still excited to try their ice cream. I ordered a medium strawberry
cheesecake, which is only thirty cents more than the small. It arrived shortly after I ordered. When I tasted it, I was confused because the cheesecake pieces were firm and powdery. The vanilla ice cream and
strawberry topping were good, but overall, it was kind of basic. The flavoring was just simple, not bad, but not unique or extraordinary. I was slightly disappointed, but the ice cream overall satisfied my craving.
had not, he began to explain the story behind The Hyppo and how the popsicles are made with fresh ingredients in St. Augustine. There are a variety of options, from blueberry lavender lemon to Mexican hot chocolate, and they rotate flavors with the seasons. There are also dairy-free options available. I ordered the chocolate cheesecake popsicle, which they grabbed out of the freezer that displayed
the individually wrapped popsicles. The chocolatey dessert was delicious, refreshing in a strange way and not overly sweet. The cheesecake aspect gave the pop an extra creaminess that would not appear in one of the fruitier pops. I loved it so much that I went back to the counter and purchased a popsicle pin and sticker. Overall, for $4.50, I feel like it was worth the experience.
but the option to sample the flavors helped. I settled on a pilot size, two large scoops with a house made waffle cone. I chose the Datil Dark (datil peppers, cocoa nibs and dark chocolate ice cream) and the Aviator (Nutella ice cream, hazelnut pieces and Biscoff cookie chunks). Each ice cream comes with complimentary sprinkles and a brown
sugar galette cookie made in the shop. The Datil Dark was delectable and chocolatey with a slight kick at the end from the peppers. The Aviator’s tasted like subtle Nutella with nostalgic Biscoff cookie chunks embedded generously. I enjoyed the experience and, while it was the most expensive option, I believe you get the bang for your buck.
THE HYPPO $4.50 With a bright, vibrant atmosphere, great staff and delicious pops, The Hyppo is the place to be this spring and summer. I walked in and experienced an instant mood boost as I laid eyes on the colorful mural and popsicle themed merchandise lining the walls. As soon as I entered, the friendly worker greeted me and asked me if I had been there before. When I replied that I
MAYDAY ICE CREAM $5.50 The pastel themed shop filled with natural lighting streaming through the windows had such delicious and unique options. The menu offers different flavors, sizes and even styles, such as Coke floats or affogatos: an ice cream scoop in espresso. There are also dairy-free options available here. It took me quite a while to finally decide on what I wanted,
22 THE SHIELD | MAY 2020
I have been in a relationship for a year now, and my boyfriend would rather play Minecraft at night than call me on the phone. We used to talk nearly every minute of the day. He used to pay for my meals, and now we hardly ever go out to eat. I know he still loves me, or at least I think he does. I can’t really tell anymore, especially since it seems like I am the only one putting any effort into our relationship
anymore. These days, I have to beg him to go shopping with me when he used to jump at the opportunity to spend time together. I’m beginning to think we have lost our spark. I might be seventeen, but somehow, we have become an old married couple. I just miss having a reason to get dressed up and show the world that he’s proud to be dating me. Am I overreacting?
I do not think you are overreacting, per say, but I do think we also have to recognize that the honeymoon phase is simply a phase. Yes, he should still be taking you out on dates and showing all his friends on social media that you are the prettiest girl in his eyes, but don’t assume he has fallen out of love with you. In relationships, some people grow more comfortable than their partners, and you two just need to have a talk about this. If he doesn’t see how his lack of effort causes you to question the relationship, you need to drill it into his brain. If he refuses to make a change, leave. You deserve to be treated like a princess even if your ‘hanging out’ is simply watching ”Stranger Things” alongside each other
on a Saturday night. Feeling comfortable with each other and ‘losing the spark’ does not mean your love for each other is any less special. Because you have grown content and confident in your relationship, you will not need to constantly pamper each other. Being in a relationship and maintaining independence will save you in the end. Perhaps after having this talk with your boyfriend, you could begin to enjoy your own hobbies during a time when you’d normally be insecure about your relationship. You most likely have nothing to worry about. Ensure he is willing to make the changes you’d like to see, but remember that you should be confident in your relationship. I wish you the best of luck!
A & E | ISSUE 4 23
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Stay motivated while getting active Rita Albert • Editor-in-Chief
W
e all know the anxiety of this time of year as summer approaches. Everybody wants to get into shape and work hard toward looking their best. While doing this has the potential to be fun and exciting, motivation can drop as time passes. There are many easy ways to maintain motivation to go to the gym and get fit.
Get a Gym Buddy Being active with a friend is a great way to stay consistent and motivated. It holds you accountable for getting up and going to the gym so you do not let your partner down. It can also make the gym more fun because it adds a social aspect. You can share exercises, workout playlists and outfits to keep things interesting.
motivational notes. Setting reminders to get water or to move every hour can help push you to implement good habits and stick to them. Set motivational quotes as your device’s wallpaper because it can remind you of the goals you strive to achieve. We tend to gravitate towards doing things that are enticing, so consider creating an aesthetically pleasing mood board with the help of Pinterest to inspire you. Along with this, you can use a calendar app to help keep track of when you exercise different parts of your body, such as leg day, arm day, ab day, etc. You should be working out different areas on different days so that you do not harm your body. It is also important to take rest days when necessary, so make sure to implement those into your schedule as well.
Tech To Your Advantage
Find New Workouts
Use gadgets and your phone to your advantage by setting alarms and adding
Researching on the internet can also be helpful for finding new workouts
Letters to the editor are welcome and can be sent to newspaper@bishopkenny.org
24 THE SHIELD | MAY 2020
so the same routine does not become boring. Simply searching workouts can provide a plethora of options that target different areas, such as abs or legs. From high to low intensity workouts, the internet has it all. It is important to change up your regimen every once in a while because your body will adapt to your exercises, and the routine will stop being effective. With the warmer weather and beach season approaching, working out is going to be making its way onto many people’s checklists. Working out is a way to grow to love yourself so put in the effort to get where you want to be. Exercise is beneficial to your body and mind as it releases endorphins that improve your mood, can serve as a way to relieve stress and keeps you healthy. Remember to work in moderation and to take care of your body afterwards. Now get up and get moving!
For the final time,
SHE SAID, SHE SAID Does PE really impact physical fitness? Abigail Parker • Staff Reporter Reilly Nance • Arts and Entertainment Editor
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YES
ccording to the website Health, 65 percent of high schools in America require physical education for students so that they stay fit. Of course, if class time is not used wisely, there will be no positive impact on your physical fitness. Most of the time, gym teachers require their students to do something physical. While the teacher usually lets their students choose their own exercises, this does not mean the students should do the bare minimum and roll a ball around for an hour. Instead, the students should perform actual exercises or even play a game of volleyball. Though many students think this hour-long class is not enough time to work out, most people make it a goal to perform at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day, as recommended by the American Heart Association. This means that all the exercise you should do for the day can be done during that class period. Most people who had fond memories of their gym classes still work out to this day, while those who did not have great gym class experiences tend to not work out in their adult years, according to a 2018 New York Times study. By starting a routine and gradually becoming more active as the days pass, you can see the impact of physical fitness and productivity of time spent in gym class. It all relies on making the most of your time and staying motivated.
F
NO
or decades gym class has been portrayed and satirized as a time of awkwardness and humiliation for both middle and high school students. While this is not the true reality for many schools, required Physical Education classes still hold more cons than pros. Parents and students alike question why it is a mandatory credit students must complete. At Bishop Kenny, students must take one year of physical education class or take two years of NJROTC. Typical P.E. classes involve games or kickball, baseball and frisbee. These activities require very little motion, and most students do not participate to the best of their abilities. On average, students only spend around 16 minutes being physically active in a 45 minute P.E. class period, according to an MSNBC investigation. The remainder of class time is spent socializing, sitting around and spilling the latest gossip. In today’s society, when standardized test scores and core GPA are so crucial, students should not be robbed of this precious academic class-time. Some schools have noticed this pressing issue and adjusted the curriculum accordingly. Instead of the stereotypical running laps and being forced to reach a certain number of pushups, students are instead taught how to maintain healthy eating habits and the benefits of doing so. This offers a more impactful education for students and provides them with information that will be useful in the future.
OPINIONS | ISSUE 4 25
FOUR WEEKS FOR FREEDOM Encouraging students to enroll in summer school classes Meghan Williamson • Staff Reporter
A
sk any high school student, and they will tell you that the best part of the school year is leaving for summer vacation. Students look out of classroom windows and long to go to the beach and travel during summer vacation. No one imagines their summer as sitting in a desk listening to a video on the Revolutionary War. Even though it seems like an added chore in your summer, some say that it saves you much stress during the school year. Summer school offers the opportunity to remediate your grades after doing poorly in a class during the school year, but many students also opt to take an extra course over the summer to gain another spot in their schedule. They can then use that spot for an extra math or science class or an artistic elective such as Creative Photography or Theatre 1. At BK, the courses offered over the summer vary, with options to remediate online with Florida
26 THE SHIELD | MAY 2020
Virtual School instead of in class, but the courses mainly attended are history. It is currently uncertain whether or not summer school will occur in-person at BK, or if the school will offer summer school courses online to help accommodate the growing COVID-19 pandemic. Many students actually want to participate in summer school, but they are reluctant to sign up because of the time it would consume. “They think it’s a good way to get history off their belts so they can have another elective,” school counselor Jackie Hardin said. “They just can’t stand the idea of losing part of their summer to be back in school. The idea of summer school is not to ruin a student’s summer; it’s to enhance their future school year.” The summer school program at BK lasts for four weeks with an extended July 4 weekend. The fee for prospective summer school students is $520. Classes
last from 7:40-2:50, which is longer than an average school day. The students have two 10 minute long breaks and a 30 minute long lunch. As a past participant in summer school for both World History and United States History, I know it sounds long and grueling; however, the days go by quickly, and with the right teacher, it can be fun. There are many people who dislike the idea of taking class over the summer, but the reality is it only takes four weeks away, leaving you with five weeks to spare. Another issue many students have with summer school is the idea of being left out of summer activities. They might see their friends going out to the beach while they are stuck in class and feel excluded. This is the main reason that students want to opt out of taking a class over the summer. “I always travel over the summer with my family and it never has been an option for me to do in the past.
Plus, I think it’s a big cost for something you can just do during the school year,” freshman Ian Kirsch said. Students also might be against summer school because they want to take a higher level history class that is not offered over the summer. But, if students work hard in their summer class, they can get an A average for the course and take a higher level academic elective during the school year. BK works hard to make summer school enjoyable for students, allowing teachers to have a set curriculum for the four weeks. Instead of having a varied curriculum each year, the curriculum remains the same to provide the most efficient teaching style for students’ chosen courses. In the end, attending summer school is a personal preference, but if you want to get history class out of the way, there is always an option for you.
BACK ON THE BALLFIELD Coach Bob West recognized for dedication to BK baseball program Rachel Lechwar • Copy Editor
O
n another clear Saturday afternoon, the baseball stadium is packed with spectators, but most are not here for just another ball game. For many, it was them standing on the field years ago, eyes trained on the same man who stands behind the podium now. They gather in reverent silence as the name is unveiled from the scoreboard: Bob West Baseball Stadium. The man behind the podium is surrounded by his wife and children and Bishop Kenny baseball fans who came out to witness this dedication. “You never think something like that is going to happen and when it does the experience is unbelievable,” West said. On March 7, BK dedicated the baseball stadium in honor of West, the retired coach who devoted 39 years to the BK community as a teacher, administrator and baseball coach. After graduating from Robert E. Lee High School, where he played baseball, West came back to the sport as a volunteer coach at BK while attending college. He taught biology and became involved as an assistant coach for both baseball and football
until 1993, when he took over as head coach for baseball. “Everybody has a dream of having a job that you look forward to getting up every morning and going to work, and that’s what that was,” West said. He influenced his teams through rigid practice schedules and drilling. West aimed to prepare players for every situation they might encounter in the baseball game. Players would not be caught walking across the field; once their feet hit the grass, they were sprinting to the dugout. This tradition continues, to this day, as a way to get players in the mindset of the game. “There was a method to the madness,” John Redenius, Class of 1991, said. “It’s a mental game, so being a mental game, you have to push your players and put them in tough situations; otherwise, this is a game of failure right off the bat with baseball.” West’s practice schedule paid off with a 549-131 record, 17 district titles and one state championship win in 2002. He was inducted into the Florida High School Athletic Association Hall
of Fame in 2016 and has won numerous coach of the year awards. During his first year as head coach, the team had a 32-2 record, nearly undefeated before their second loss in the state championships. It was a special moment for West as he returned to school the next morning to find that all the seniors on the team had slept in the dugout instead of going home and leaving the team. “As the season would wind down, it became more emotional because you didn’t want it to end and each one of those teams had a special bond,” West said. West maintained that bond with students and families by assisting players and helping them find their role on the team. Players remember that he was not afraid to be emotional and told students to openly express love for their family, even if they thought it was corny. As a former player under West, Coach Tommy Edwards witnessed him develop the team and worked with him to execute practices. “There aren’t many of them out there anymore that
stay in it for long periods of time,” Edwards said. “He was able to do it and built a program and sustained a program over the years and had an impact on so many people that I think it’s a fitting situation for that dedication.” West never truly left the sport, retiring in 2016 and continuing to watch his sons play baseball at the college level. Instead of mowing the field on Sunday, one may find him planting vegetables and flowers in his yard as a part of his newfound gardening hobby. He still keeps up with the team through the Crusader Vision live-streams, but that Saturday was his first time watching a BK game in person since he retired. “It was special not just going back to the facility but the turnout from the ex-players and teachers I taught with and coaches that I coached with and just people that were fans that had followed us,” West said. “Those are the most special parts of it.” Photo Caption: Surrounded by family, former coach Bob West receives plaque and dedication of the baseball stadium in his name.
SPORTS | ISSUE 4 27
WINTER TAKES IT ALL
Teams compete in post-season championships Meghan Williamson • Staff Reporter
VARSITY GIRLS SOCCER
Photo by Sarah Roberts
The girls soccer team ended its season with a bang. The team won the state title 2-1 in a game against Cardinal Gibbons.
Junior Megan O’Connell-Becker looks to see where to throw a foul ball back into play.
Photo by Ilaria Georgi
The boys basketball team’s season came to an end after the regional final game against Paxon, with a final score of 69-56.
Senior Patrick Tucker shoots a free throw at the Senior Night game against University Christian.
VARSITY BOYS BASKETBALL 28 THE SHIELD | MAY 2020
The girls basketball team ended its season strong, winning the 4A Region. The team advanced to the state championship and were runners up 61-46 against Lake Highland Prep at the State Final.
Photo courtesy of Scott Wheeler
VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALL
Juniors Casey Cusick and Ivy Saig celebrate after the team won the state semifinal game.
Photo by Ethan Sapp
The boys soccer team advanced to the state championship against Mariner, with a final score of 5-2.
Senior Alex McAninley waves to the student body at the assembly to celebrate winter sports.
VARSITY BOYS SOCCER SPORTS | ISSUE 4 29
