Mady Starkey, Liv Snyder, Ainsley Davis, Aubree Bowsher, Mallory Love, Maddy Mullins, Jasmine Crumpton & Bhavya Bhan
ADVISER
Mrs. Sinclair
ON THE COVER
LETTER EDITOR
FROM THE
With the third quarter beginning, the newspaper staff is excited to announce our second edition of the 24-25 season. All of the students involved have put so much time, dedication, and effort into their pages! Your decision to read Spotlight means so much to all of us and we hope you continue to read future editions. So sit back, relax, and begin to explore what we have to offer. We hope you enjoy!
Your Editor in Chief, Lexi Reeder
Singing in the SNOW... Senior Vince Cariou performs during the winter choir concert on Dec. 10 in front of friends and family.
PHOTO BY TAYLOR WRIGHT
POLICY STATEMENT
Spotlight is published for the BV West students. Our goal is to inform, entertain, and interpret through bylined articles while providing an open forum of communication for the diverse student population. We aim to be fair, accurate, and impartial. The content of the print publication, online news site, and social media is determined by the KSPA and may contain controversial subject matter as the students use their First Amendment rights. (Spotlight doesn’t necessarily reflect the opinions of the faculty adviser, the administration of BV West or USD 229.)
WINTER CROSSWORD
ACROSS
1. You put these on a tree; they are often a sphere but sometimes different shapes
4. You get this under a Christmas tree
5. Shoes you wear on ice
8. Game played on ice
9. He has a red nose
14. Something hot and chocolaty
15. They keep your hands warm
16. White puffy things that fall from the sky
18. You put these around your house and they are pretty in the dark
20. He brings joy to the world and gives children things
DOWN
2. Hang it up; when two people are under it you kiss
3. Something you ride down hills on 6. They are red and white and minty, sometimes they are other colors
7. You put up a tree and decorate it, and wait until the presents and joy come!
10. Wear them to keep your feet warm while sledding or in the snow
11. When you are supposed to go to school but it gets cancelled
12. A long thing that wraps around your neck to keep you warm
13. You do this at people’s doors
17. You hang this on your door; it is in the shape of a circle
19. Put this on your head to keep your ears warm
TAKEOVER
WRITTEN AND DESIGNED BY
BHAVYA BHAN SOPHOMORE REPORTER
Block Blast is taking Blue Valley West by storm as one of the most highly played games. It’s an online puzzle game with a similar setup to Tetris. To play, you must place randomly selected blocks of different
shapes in an eight-by-eight square play space and the aim of the game is to eliminate as many blocks as possible to gain a higher score. The game differs from Tetris in the sense you can choose to place the blocks anywhere without the stress of the blocks falling into the wrong spot. Also, the game doesn’t allow players to turn blocks in order to make them fit like in Tetris. It is a game of strategy instead of speed and students at Blue Valley West have taken a liking to it.
Block Blast was created by Hungry Studio in 2021. Their goal was to make a game which was accessible to anyone. According to the company’s website, this casual game reached 40 million daily active players on IOS and Android devices as of November 2024. This has led it to become the eighth most popular mobile game worldwide. Block Blast is available to many players with its simple game structure and short sessions. This allows users to play the game during breaks or commutes. This is another reason high school students enjoy playing.
A current trend is students challenging each other to see who has the higher score. Block Blast has a social appeal that draws students in to compete.
Freshman Ellie Vokac said “I think it’s a really fun game. You can have a lot of fun with a lot of people and it’s a great way to connect.”
With the number of kids at West who play, Block Blast helps students break the ice and talk to each other by comparing scores and play styles.
Vokac shared her advice on how to get a higher score. “If you make combos, it will start giving a lot of points for every move.”
There are several strategies for gaining a higher score in Block Blast, such as clearing vertical and horizontal lines, taking advantage of power-ups, or making strategic block placements.
The first strategy uses the idea of maximizing moves for line-clearing opportunities and seeking chances to clear lines back-to-back. Players should avoid isolating single blocks and cluster junk pieces together for easy clearing.
To take advantage of the power-up strategy, you should prioritize using power-ups in tough situations. Additionally, you should learn all the power-up purposes and how to apply them. This allows for easy use in tight situations where clearing blocks is necessary. Finally, aim to use power-ups to help your current state and combine them to create a boosted score.
Lastly, players should develop strategies for block placement to maximize the space available on the game board. By anticipating which blocks may come next, they can avoid making singlespace gaps.
These are a few strategies that may help you gain a higher score if you’re struggling. Block Blast is a game of using a logical approach to increase your chances of getting a higher score. Along with being a fun game, Block Blast can have educational benefits. As a puzzle game, it develops users’ spatial reasoning, which is important in various circumstances. Spatial reasoning helps deepen the development of mathematical abilities and reading comprehension. Also, the game can improve problem-solving skills because players need to figure out how to clear their blocks without running out of space with the blocks they are given.
Senior Cayden Grey said, “I like playing because it engages me in a more educational way than other apps.”
Block Blast is an entertaining game among high school students. It allows them to gain academic advantages while playing an addictive online game in their free time.
TETRIS SYNDROME
After playing for many hours people can experience Tetris Syndrome, which causes people to see blocks falling in their dreams or buildings moving together to fit on the street.
A hypothesis for this condition is that the human brain is conditioned to tidy up incomplete tasks. This is why games like Block Blast and Tetris are so compelling to play for hours. Sophomore Izzy Paul said, “It’s addicting and you just fall down a rabbit hole of playing every day.”
When playing these games, the blocks represent unfinished tasks, and as you place each block, you give your brain a small feeling of satisfaction. As the game progresses, there is a continuous chain of unfinished tasks and finished solutions that can last for long intervals of time.
As games like Block Blast become more mainstream, the lines between online and reality blur, and Tetris Syndrome is an example of how immersed people can get in these apps.
WRITTEN AND DESIGNED BY AINSLEY
DAVIS
JAGS’ WINTER CELEBRATIONS
SENIOR REPORTER
WRITTEN AND DESIGNED BY LEXI REEDER
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
CHRISTMAS
Christmas, manly celebrated by Christians, marks the birth of Jesus Christ according to the Bible. It is celebrated world wide by gift giving, food and family. Sophomore Mady Baker says “I celebrate by spending time with family and doing the traditions we always do. On Christmas Eve we make a lobster for dinner and watch ‘Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.’”
NEW YEAR’S
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day celebrate the incoming of a new year. People from all over the world celebrate New Year’s in many different ways. Junior Avery Ginsberg says “I usually hangout with friends. We get dinner before [the count down], then come back to someone’s house and just hangout.”
WINTER CELEBRATIONS
HANUKKAH
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem in the second century BC. Over the course of eight nights, one candle is lit on a menorah each night. Senior Kendall Bates says “We celebrate Hanukkah by gathering as a family and lighting our menorah’s together. A special tradition we have is that we invite friends and family over one night of Hanukkah for dinner and we all light out menorah’s together. It looks beautiful when all the candles are lit.”
LUNAR NEW YEAR
Lunar New Year is the new year based on the lunar calendar. It is considered the most important holiday in China but it is also celebrated in South Korea, Vietnam and countries with significant overseas Chinese populations. Senior Elinna Kahrs says “I celebrate it with my family and friends. We all wear red and have a big feast at my house with many traditional foods like hotpot.”
WRITTEN AND DESIGNED BYJASMINE CRUMPTON
SOPHOMORE REPORTER
High school drama takes center stage as Blue Valley West’s talented cast presents this winter’s main stage show, “Mean Girls.” A modern twist on teenage heartbreak and betrayal, “Mean Girls,” delivers a story full of laughter and feelings.
With a real perspective on the struggles of teenage life during the most important years of their lives, the movie, and the musical, have left viewers feeling seen and understood. The movie explores the complex idea that not everyone is completely good or entirely bad.
New student Cady Heron (played by senior Olivia Sharma), a homeschooled 16-year-old who’s lived in the plains of Africa all her life, gets welcomed into the top of the social food chain by an elite group of popular girls called the plastics, ruled by the conniving queen bee Regina George. However, when Cady makes the major mistake of falling
for Regina’s ex-boyfriend, Aaron Samuels (played by senior Bubba Haynes) she soon finds herself caught in the plastics crosshairs. She learns that more is not always better and that true friends, ones that care about you, are hard to come by.
The show delves into the hardships of high school with no remorse in showing the cruelty that can be sparked by kids who are terrified of not fitting in. “Mean Girls” does this by exploring the negative effects of social media and how peer pressure can turn people into worse versions of themselves.
“This show heavily addresses school norms that have been set by society, and because of that this show also addresses the problems people can cause if you don’t follow those norms. It’s harsh but it’s the truth and it’s something that happens to everyone in school,” said
sophomore Madighan Theret.
There are stereotypical mean girls, such as the plastics, but the musical also explores the fact that not just one person can make a school bad. An example of this is the burn book, created by Regina George. At first it seems like Regina is the one to write in the book but we soon get to see how the other plastics and even Cady have a hand in writing all the mean things that have gone into the burn book.
“Bullying is a big part of the show. It’s not even just from Regina. It’s from Janis too, who wants to sabotage Regina’s life. I think it really shows a good example of how things actually are, especially in high school,” said senior Kenzie Alexander.
The question many viewer have is: was Regina truly evil or simply misunderstood? Junior Zoe Pearson, who plays Regina George, says,
“I think it’s probably both. I think she does have a lot of layers and like she eventually says, ‘I’m a person too. Even though I say all these and do all these things. I’m still a person at heart.’ So I think she’s misunderstood in that way. People only see her as this [bad] figure, when really she’s just a teenager dealing with her own things. But I do think that she is mean. I’m not exactly sure why.”
As with everything there are two sides to high school. There are people like the plastics and people that are considered social outcasts. In the show, Janis and
Damien are perceived to be the “rejects” of the school. Played by Theret and junior Brody Garry, Janis, and Damien give the audience a good view of the other side of high school and remind them that your actions can have real-life consequences. “Mean Girls” is a show that reaches most people who watch it.
Members of the cast have expressed their connection to the show and how much they can relate to that in their own live.
“The atmosphere in the theater department is so welcoming and I just love every person so much
because everyone is so kind. I think that theater is one of the best examples of the family cornerstone at West. My castmates are just so amazing. Everyone is so supportive of me and I know they are always rooting for me” said Garry.
Not entirely convinced you should see “Mean Girls?”
Well here are three words for you as stated by Kenzie Alexander herself. “It’s so fetch!”
The show starts Feb. 6 and runs through Feb. 8.
WRITTEN BY MADDY MULLINS JUNIOR REPORTER
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
Fantasy
enthusiasts have discovered a new gem in “Fourth Wing,” a novel that masterfully weaves dragons, romance, and adventure. Set in the elite Basgiath War College, the story follows Violet Sorrengail, a determined young woman who defies expectations. Originally destined to become a scribe, Violet embarks on a dangerous journey to become a dragon rider, bonding with two dragons, Tairn and Andarna. The story brims with high-stakes conflicts, intricate squad dynamics, and a love triangle involving her childhood friend, Dain Aetos, and the enigmatic Wingleader, Xaden Riorson. Xaden, whose father was responsible for the death of Violet’s brother, adds layers of tension and emotional depth to the narrative. Quotes like “A dragon without its rider is a tragedy. A rider without their dragon is dead,” capture the profound connection between riders and their dragons.
FOURTH
highlight the intense stakes of this world.
Themes of courage, morality, and survival of the strongest are woven throughout the story. “I think Violet, the main character, is appropriately hyped up,” said Kaeb.
Senior Maelyn Kaeb shared, “Learning about the world of “Fourth Wing” immediately gripped me. I couldn’t put the book down from the first chapter.”
She added, “It’s a fast-paced fantasy book with lots of romance. I loved the unique plot, the exciting characters, and the well-written romance. The hype is absolutely deserved.”
The novel’s unique and fast-paced plot has drawn comparisons to “Divergent,” “Game of Thrones,” and “The Hunger Games.”
Violet’s use of poison in combat, her relentless training, and her squad’s unwavering loyalty showcase her growth from a hesitant scribe to a fearless and strategic dragon rider. Tragic moments, like the deaths of Liam and his dragon,
Xaden Riorson, a standout character, has also captured readers’ hearts. “Xaden is my favorite because he always has a plan and keeps the book exciting,” Kaeb added. His ability to speak directly into Violet’s mind and his complicated relationship with her add intrigue and emotional intensity.
With a vibrant cast of characters, including Violet’s dragon-riding sister Mira and her best friend Rhiannon Matthias, “Fourth Wing” showcases the power of camaraderie and support in overcoming challenges. As Kaeb summed it up: “This book is a 5-star read. It’s immersive, heartpounding, and unforgettable.”
For fans of action-packed fantasy with deep character development and thrilling romance, “Fourth Wing” is a must-read adventure.
WRITTEN BY JASMINE CRUMPTON SOPHOMORE REPORTER
*SPOILERS
AHEAD*
Unfortunately, once again, BookTok has crowned another deeply disappointing and mediocre book as its latest obsession.
The hottest new YA fantasy book of 2024, “Fourth Wing, has sparked an undeniable fire within the book world.
“Fourth Wing” took the fantasy world by storm with its debut in 2023 and its almost, if not equally as popular, sequel “Iron Flame” in 2024.
Although fast-paced in a way a lot of the 2024 fantasy books have been, “Fourth Wing” inevitably fell into the category of packing in what the author deems “excitement” instead of substance. In short, this means packing it full of whatever ideas sound good without much thought on making it all congruent, producing an honestly hard read.
Heroine Violet Sorrengail, a 20-year-old girl with plans of living a quiet simple life as a scribe, is uprooted from all she knows when her mother, a powerful military general, forces her to become a dragon rider to prove herself worthy.
WING
Violet meets all types of people in her new quadrant, including the mysterious, but oh so handsome, Xaden Riorson, who loathes her very being just because of her legacy. Tension rises and emotions fly as Violet navigates the struggles of “Fourth Wing.”
“I think that the author meant for her to be relatable and the writing to be modern, but Violet ended up just being frustrating and the writing messy,” said sophomore Lily Pfyffer.
Over 500 pages of information overload and yet lack the thing that makes it stand apart from its competitors: actual creativity. Action-packed and a pageturner just as advertised, sure, but honestly undeserving of all the hype it receives.
“Fourth Wing” is one of those books that tries to have anything and everything in. It seemed like it was really trying to use the wow factor of dragons to hide that not a lot else was happening. The plot twists were utterly predictable and stereotypical to YA fantasy books.
All the characters in “Fourth Wing” appeared to be one-dimensional and flat. Character’s deaths, like Liam’s, which were supposed to be tear-jerking felt anticlimactic and exaggerated.
“Internal monologue and dialogue between characters was pretty cringey. The character development was nonexistent, the world-building was vague, things were super repetitive, and the story moved super slow,” said Pfyffer.
“Fourth Wing,” while not the absolute worst book to grace the romantasy platform, is a poor reflection of the genre.
THE NEXT TERM
WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY AUBREE BOWSHER
JUNIOR NEWS EDITOR
Monday Jan. 20, Donald Trump was sworn into office as the 47th President of the United States. Leading up to his inauguration, President Trump spoke on many of his objectives once he was in office. His objectives range from tightening down on immigration to potentially adding land, such as Greenland and Canada, to the U.S.
On his first day in office, Trump signed into action multiple executive orders.
Some of these orders included pardoning those convicted for participating in the Jan. 6 riot, reversing Biden’s policies regarding racial equality, and ending birthright citizenship.
During his campaign for the presidency, Trump vowed to crack down on illegal immigration and border control. He did
just that by declaring a national emergency at the border, suspending refugee resettlement, and ending “catch and release” (a system where illegal immigrants crossing the border are caught and released back to Mexico).
Possibly his most controversial order is ending birthright citizenship. Under the Fourteenth Amendment, those born in the U.S. regardless of their parents’ legal status are guaranteed legal citizenship. Because of this more than twenty states including California, New York, and Hawaii, are currently suing the President as the order violates the Constitution.
Another move against immigration that Trump took was reenacting the 1798 Alien Enemies Act which would give the
government the power to remove immigrants if they are believed to be dangerous to the country.
The Alien Enemies Act is typically a protective measure passed during war times and was last used during World War II. Trump intends to use it to eliminate foreign criminal networks and gangs. Critics are unsure of whether or not that criterion falls under the category of predatory or invasion risk required for the act.
In another executive order, President Trump delayed the TikTok ban for 75 days and protected companies that work with TikTok. Trump has promised to try to” pursue a resolution that protects national security while saving a platform used by 170 million Americans.”
CONTROVERSIAL PICKS
Linda McMahon - Secretary of Education
Trump has selected Linda McMahon for Secretary of Education. McMahon created controversy surrounding her confirmation due to her desire to eliminate the Department of Education and give parents more control over their children’s education.
Elon Musk - Co-Secretary of Government Efficiency
Tech billionaire Elon Musk has been nominated for co-secretary of government efficiency. Those who oppose him believe that he has no previous government experience and would be heading a brand new government department.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. - Secretary of Health and Human Services
Robert F. Kennedy would have a huge influence on Medicare, Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and the CDC. Kennedy is a vocal anti-vaxxer and this belief has alienated some people from supporting him.
Pete Hegseth - Secretary of Defense
As Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth would play a huge role in the U.S. military. Hegseth is surrounded by controversy because he has claimed that women should not serve in combat roles and those who oppose him claim that he is underqualified to serve in this role.
Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student, was found dead on the University of Georgia’s campus after she went on a morning run on Feb. 22, 2024. At 8:55 a.m., Riley set and was last seen alive on camera at 9:06 a.m.
Through the SOS application on Riley’s iPhone, she was able to make a 911 call at 9:11 a.m.
After numerous unanswered calls throughout the morning from Laken’s mother, step-father, sister, and roommates she was eventually reported missing later the day at 12:05 p.m. and found 65 feet off the trail
at approximately 12:38 p.m. Data from her Garmin watch confirmed that Riley’s heart stopped at 9:28 a.m., indicating that she fought for her life for seventeen minutes.
Through police investigation, suspect Jose Ibarra was brought in for questioning Feb. 23, 2024. Ibarra had visible scratches all over his arms. Later, Ibarra’s DNA was found underneath Laken Riley’s nails, which alongside other evidence led to Ibarra’s arrest.
According to ABC News, Jose Ibarra was found guilty on all ten charges, including three counts of
felony murder, and sentenced to life without parole.
Due to the fact that Ibarra is an undocumented citizen, this case raised many questions and concerns regarding illegal immigration and safety of United States citizens. This wave of concern helped to capture Congress’s attention and pushed them to look deeper into the issue and brainstorm solutions to protect American citizens’ safety.
In early 2024, Alabama Senator Katie Britt introduced the Laken Riley Act, which was passed by the Senate with a 64-35
landslide January the Donald took passing bill is thought a ofonpositiveTrump’s mass undocumented immigrants, foundational hisMemberscampaign. Congress that the goal for to Statesprotect setting regarding immigrants. Currently Department Homeland typically illegal immigrants for more crimes such murder, offenses,drug domestic but with the
landslide vote on January 20, 2025; the day President Donald Trump took office. The passing of the is thoughtgenerally to have positiveTrump’simpact goal mass undocumenteddeporting immigrants, foundationalapart of Memberscampaign. of Congress state the essential for this act is protectcitizensUnited by regardingguidelinesdetaining immigrants. Currently Departmenttheof HomelanddetainsSecurity immigrants serious such as drug or violence the new bill, immigrantsundocumented would be required to be detained for crimes such as burglary or theft. Another impact of the Riley Act that some critics ask to consider is the concern for a rise of false accusations and againstdiscrimination Accordingimmigrants. to Politico, the bill also increases the ability of governmentsstate to sue federal governments over concerns.immigration governmentsState could file lawsuits to detain immigrantsspecific or stop supplying visas. This case will likely continue to be looked back on as the controversy of rises.immigration The bill will now go through the House of Representatives and if Donaldpassed Trump will need to sign or veto
Laken Riley’s roomates and sister break down as the judge shares the verdict after the trial against Jose Ibarra on Nov. 20, 2024.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY NBC NEWS
WRITTEN AND DESIGNED BY LEXI REEDER
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
In a surprising move that has Capitol Hill talking, Congresswoman Nancy Mace has revealed a bold new initiative that plans to transform the political scene. Mace proposed a policy in November of 2024 that would forbid transgender people from using bathrooms on Capitol Hill that were not their biologically assigned bathroom.
Mace has been very vocal about the fact that this policy is targeting Sarah McBride, who prefers to be identified by the pronouns she/her, and who was elected in 2024.
Nancy Mace originally wanted the policy to be included in the U.S. House rules package, but Mike Johnson, who is the House speaker, decided to implement the rule in the policies for the 119th Congress instead.
The Jan. 3 Congressional Record reads: “All single-sex facilities — such as restrooms, changing rooms, and locker rooms — are reserved for individuals of that biological sex. This policy will be enforced by the Sergeant-at-Arms. It is important to note that each Member office has its own private restroom, and unisex restrooms are available throughout the Capitol.”
McBride responded to this new policy saying, “Like all members, I will follow the rules as outlined by Speaker Johnson, even if I disagree with them.”
While speaking to reporters about this policy, Mace said she was determined to make this work in order to protect women’s spaces.
“I know how vulnerable women and girls are in private spaces,” Mace said. “So I’m absolutely, 100 percent, going to stand in the way of any man who wants to be in a women’s restroom, in our locker rooms, in our changing rooms, I will be there fighting
NANCY MACE SPARKS
you every step of the way.”
Conservative Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia was quick to back up Mace’s act.
“WOMEN HAVE BEEN THE VICTIM OF THIS GARBAGE FOR LONG ENOUGH,” GREENE SAID.
“America is fed up with the trans ideology being shoved into our face,” Greene told reporters.
Nancy Mace’s many supporters say women are tired of having to worry about having men in their private spaces, while they are in vulnerable positions.
Bathrooms and changing rooms aren’t the only places women’s restrooms are coming into question. Biological men are entering women’s sports which grants them advantages and could put biological women in danger. Men and women are separated in these locations because of the biological differences between male and female, therefore, many say, it should stay that way.
Payton McNabb was a seventeen year old girl who played on her high school volleyball team, who became permanently injured because of a biological male on an opposing team. McNabb’s team was going against an opposing school’s team that had a biological male on their team. McNabb’s team was aware of the transgender player on the opposing team, but did not speak up about their worries.
SPARKS CONTROVERSY
During the game, the player spiked the volleyball which landed a nearly fatal hit to McNabb’s head. The ball knocked McNabb unconscious for thirty seconds, and she was rushed off the court with a concussion, neck injury, and two black eyes.
Once McNabb got to the hospital, she was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, a brain bleed, partial paralysis and loss of peripheral vision on her right side. She also suffered ongoing memory loss, confusion and severe headaches.
In a documentary about the situation, McNabb shows the camera an Instagram message from the other player, who has never been publicly named, that reads: “Wow I really am living rent free in your head, aren’t I?”
“Every single person that fights for truth, people absolutely attack them, but it doesn’t bother me because I know what I’m saying is common sense,” McNabb said. “It’s not about me. I’m in this for women and girls.”
“IT WAS 100% AVOIDABLE, IF ONLY MY RIGHTS AS A FEMALE ATHLETE HAD BEEN MORE IMPORTANT THAN A MAN’S FEELINGS,” MCNABB SAID.
Mace’s fight for women’s rights does not just stem from this topic. She was assaulted at a young age, so her desire to protect all women comes from a place of personal experience.
“Women and girls shouldn’t have to give up their safety or privacy just because the left wants to win points with their activist base,” Mace said in a statement. “This isn’t controversial – it’s common sense. I’m going to continue defending women and girls from these harmful, out-of-touch, and straight-up weird policies.”
McNabb, Mace and many other Americans agree that women should have the right to go into public restrooms, changing rooms, etc. without having to worry that there will be a man there with them. The left claims feminist concerns and are worried about women’s rights being lost because of President Trump, without realizing the irony of how allowing biological men in women’s spaces affects women’s rights. The fight for biological males to have the right to come into women’s spaces threatens biological female’s right to being comfortable and feeling safe in spaces meant for women only.
“We have single-sex facilities for a reason, and women deserve women’s only spaces,” Speaker Johnson told reporters. “We’re not anti anyone. We’re pro-woman, and I think it’s an important policy for us to continue.”
The spaces that Nancy Mace is fighting to protect are spaces where privacy does matter to many Americans. It is not bigotry to protect biological women in spaces where they are most vulnerable. Allowing biological males into women’s spaces, threatens women’s rights.
NO PAIN NO PIN
WRITTEN AND DESIGNED BY MADDY
JUNIOR REPORTER
MULLINS
Combining Strength and Strategy
Senior Elinna Khars has learned to balance the physical and mental demands of wrestling. Her key strategy is knowing that she has to be stronger than the other person and knowing what to do at the moment. Proper preparation is key for Khars. She eats protein-rich foods before bed so that her body has time to lose weight before her weigh-in. She also focuses on maintaining a positive mindset to stay motivated throughout the season. Wrestling has pushed her to grow both as an athlete and as a person, teaching her the value of perseverance. For Khars, every match is an opportunity to test her limits and improve.
Senior Elinna Khars- “You have to be stronger than the other person, but you also have to know what to do and when to do it.“
Reflecting on Her Journey
For freshman Rosie Svoboda, wrestling has been a transformative journey that started in eighth grade when her older brother Robert encouraged her to try it. Her proudest moment came during her first varsity tournament when she won her final match to place third. When preparing for matches, Svoboda listens to NF with headphones to overcome the mental challenges she faces as a female wrestler. What Svoboda loves most about wrestling is the close bond she’s formed with her teammates, and the sport has greatly boosted her confidence and discipline.
Freshman Rosie Svoboda - “The thing I love most about wrestling is the relationships that I have built with all of the girls.”
PHOTO BY ELLA BROWN
PHOTO PROVIDED BY ROSIE SVOBODA
Setting the Bar High
Junior Henry White is a key member of BV West’s wrestling program. He is known for his skill, dedication, and drive. Wrestling since the age of five, he attributes his success to the hard work and grit he’s learned through support. His single-leg takedown and careful preparation make him a tough opponent. Balancing academics and athletics, White aspires to become the school’s first undefeated state champion while inspiring others to excel in wrestling.
Junior Henry White-“Wrestling to me is a way to escape from all the outside noise and really focus on becoming stronger mentally and physically.”
Chasing Greatness
Junior Scott Fohlmeister’s passion for wrestling is rooted in family tradition and personal determination. Balancing the demands of academics and athletics isn’t easy. His ultimate goal this season is to place at state, a milestone he’s worked tirelessly to achieve. Wrestling has always been a part of Fohlmeister’s life, thanks to his grandpa, who wrestled for decades, coached the sport and encouraged him to embrace it. When he’s not training or competing, Fohlmeister finds solace in listening to music, using it as a way to recharge and refocus.
Junior Scott Fohlmeister - “I balance academics and wrestling by going to my teachers and asking for help.”
Finding Strength
Wrestling appeals to senior Logan Meinheit’s independent nature. He was inspired by the idea of being self-reliant. His favorite move, the high crotch, showcases his strategic thinking on the mat. Before matches, Meiheit visualizes his performance, often spending time alone listening to YoungBoy NBA and planning his approach. His calm yet confident mindset has made him a standout.
Senior Logan Meinheit- “Wrestling means a lot to me. I think wrestling has created and shaped who I am. Wrestling has taught me I can overcome any obstacle because no obstacle is as hard as wrestling.”
PHOTO BY ADDI BLOOR
PHOTO BY MADDY MULLINS
PHOTO BY KAYLIN BERGERON
NFL VS COLLEGE
WRITTEN AND DESIGNED BY LIV SNYDER
SPORTS EDITOR
College football and the NFL are two of the most popular sports leagues in the United States, each drawing millions of passionate fans. While both offer excitement, athleticism, and competition, college football stands out as the superior experience. From the decades old traditions and electric atmospheres in college stadiums to the unpredictability of the games, college football captures the true essence of the sport in a way that the NFL cannot match.
One of the most significant differences between college football and the NFL is
the atmosphere inside the stadiums. College football venues are often larger and louder than the NFL.
For example, Michigan Stadium, also known as “The Big House,” holds over 107,000 fans, while LSU’s Tiger Stadium, famously called “Death Valley,” is one of the most intimidating environments in sports. These massive, historic stadiums create an electrifying environment where students, alumni, and lifelong fans come together to create a sense of unity that is rarely found in the NFL.
In contrast, NFL stadiums, while impressive, tend to have a more corporate feel
with many seats occupied by season-ticket holders and business executives rather than die-hard fans. This can lead to a less passionate atmosphere, particularly in cities where fan support fluctuates based on the team’s performance.
College football is steeped in tradition in a way that the NFL simply cannot replicate. From the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry, which players and fans call “The Game,” to Auburn’s famous “War Eagle” flight before kickoff, college football traditions create a deep emotional connection between teams and their supporters. The marching
COLLEGE FB
bands, fight songs, and unique pre game rituals like Clemson players rubbing Howard’s rock before running down the hill adds to the show aspect of it all.
In contrast, while the NFL has rivalries and traditions of its own, they lack the emotional weight and historical significance that college football traditions carry. NFL teams move cities, change names, and prioritize business over history, making it harder for fans to form lifelong bonds with their teams in the same way college football fans do.
Another reason college football is better than the NFL is the unpredictability
of the games. In college football, upsets are a regular occurrence, with underdog teams frequently toppling national powerhouses. The passion and effort shown by college athletes, many of whom are playing for pride and the love of the game rather than multimilliondollar contracts, create an exciting brand of football where anything can happen. In contrast, the NFL is far more predictable. With only 32 teams and a strict salary cap system, there is less disparity between the best and worst teams, leading to games that can sometimes feel repetitive. Additionally, the dominance of certain franchises, such
as the Kansas City Chiefs in the past decade, has led to periods where the league feels less competitive.
While the NFL offers high-level competition and polished professional play, it lacks the passion, unpredictability, and deeprooted traditions that make college football truly special.
From the larger-than-life stadiums to the electric game-day atmospheres and historic rivalries, college football captures the spirit of the sport in a way that the NFL never will.
For fans who crave emotion, excitement, and tradition, college football is the clear winner.
