PAST PRESENT
Columbus North High School • 1400 25th Street, Columbus, IN, 47201 • Volume 101 Issue 4 • Dec. 22, 2021
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Megan Allman Michaela Brown Tanya Iyer Anushka Nair CONTENT EDITOR Sanjana Penmathsa MANAGING EDITORS Alyssa Green Elaine Sanders
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INDEPTH EDITOR Katharine Brunette COPY EDITOR Addy Rogers SECTION EDITORS Ananya Adur Josie Elwood Ananya Ramanujapuram INDEPTH TEAM Kaitlyn Ayers Abinaya Ganesan Addy Rogers PHOTO EDITOR Jordan Brady ART DIRECTOR Annagail Fields OPINION COORDINATOR Lawrence Delano ASSISTANT CONTENT EDITOR Ryan Clulow STAFF Natalie Brown David Chen Carolina Davidson Samantha Dearing Carson Embree Emily Johns Abigail Lovins Kya McQueary Liam Milne Izabelle Munn Alexandra Osburn Bladen Petro Paula Ramos Perez Ajay Singireddy Abigail Smith Novah Ulm Deshna Venkatachalam Grace Wheatley Mia Wilson Jasmine Yang ADVISERS Roth Lovins Rachel McCarver
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11 EDITORIAL POLICY The Triangle is the designated forum for student expression at Columbus North High School. The student staff chooses all content. Signed columns published in The Triangle express the writer’s personal opinion and not the views of The Triangle, student body, BCSC, administration, board of trustees or faculty of Columbus North. The Triangle practices ethical journalism by providing balanced and fair coverage as determined by community standards. The Triangle strives to achieve 100 percent accuracy by checking sources, spelling, and quotes and attaining multiple sources. The Triangle encourages letters to the editor, but reserves the right to reject them for reasons including but not limited to lack of space, multiple letters of the same topic and personal attacks contained in the letter. The Triangle will not edit for content, but reserves the right to edit for grammar and length. Letters should be submitted to room 1507 or sent via e-mail to administrator@ cnhsmedia.com. All Letters much be signed by all persons involved in writing the letter, which the staff will check for validation. A letter sent via e-mail must be validated with a signature from the writer before The Triangle will publish it. If responding to a publication, letters must be turned in within one week of that
publication’s distribution. In the event of death, The Triangle will run a standard obituary. Pertaining to work submitted via social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, etc.), The Triangle will only accept written submissions from the original poster and owner and will only publish entries with the permission of the original poster and owner. The Triangle will not edit submissions for content and reserves the right not to publish them for reasons including but not limited to lack of space, multiple submissions of the same topic, vulgar or incendiary content. The Triangle will not publish photographs from Facebook. Posts on The Triangle’s social media pages by readers are owned by the readers and do not necessarily express the views or opinions of the staff. The Triangle is not responsible for their content and reserves the right to delete and report any inappropriate and unnecessary posts. By posting on The Triangle’s social media pages, the poster grants The Triangle permission to publish the contents of that post. In cases when a source’s information may bring ridicule or incrimination upon himself or herself, the editorial board reserves the right to cite the source as anonymous. The Triangle will never use composite sources and pass them off as anonymous sources.
14 INDEPTH
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NEWS STUDENTS SET TO STAR IN
5 PREPARING FOR WINTER DRIVING 6 THE CHOIR’S CAROLS 7 NUTCRACKER PERFORMANCE
PAST PRESENCE How nostalgia influences North students’ current personalities
8 STUDENT LIFE STUDENTS PLAN TO FLY
8 DECEMBER DONATIONS 9 RACE TO GRADUATION 10 FINISHING STRONG 12 FOR THE HOLIDAYS
cover photo by Annagail Fields
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OPINION 18 ‘TIS THE SEASON...NOW 18 CONCERTS VS COVID
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SPORTS 21 WHO LET THE DOGS OUT? 22 SHOW TIME 23
DIVING INTO THE DIFFERENCE
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on cover Sophomore Ian Jackson and brother Julian Jackson
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THE SIDES OF NOSTALGIA
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riving to school on a cold winter morning, you hear your favorite Justin Bieber song from 2012 on the radio. Instantly, you feel happiness, but you can’t tell if you miss that song or your life as a 7-year-old in 2012. The described feeling is nostalgia, a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past. The feeling is typically associated with a period or place with happy personal associations. Maybe when hearing your favorite childhood song, you think of the first time you heard the song as a happy little kid, or singing the song with your friends in your bedroom. Either way, nostalgia is often accompanied by a blissful feeling, but why do you feel this way? Several researchers, including Clay Routledge, a social psychologist at North Dakota State University, have intensely examined the feeling of nostalgia for years, trying to highlight what makes someone feel this way. When the moment begins, the first feeling is loss, however it is soon followed by
joy and longing. “When you’re nostalgic about something, there’s a little bit of a sense of loss, the moment has happened, it’s gone, but usually the net result is happiness,” Routledge said. “Nostalgic memories typically entail cherished, personal moments, such as those spent with loved ones. Those memories, in turn, inspire positive feelings of joy, high self-regard, belonging, and meaningfulness in life.” Although nostalgia typically results in feelings of happiness and meaningfulness in life, as concluded by Routledge, other researchers have suggested that nostalgia is not a positive experience, instead having a negative impact on someone’s outlook of life. This is seen through different types of nostalgia, such as personal nostalgia. According to researcher Krystine I. Batch, personal nostalgia is that feeling that you get when you miss what you had in the past. “It’s the type that leaves us connected and inspired to recreate such happy moments in the present
and future,” Batch said. However, it is possible that people begin reliving the past too soon, which can affect the way they see the future. “But we can miss things too soon. This is called ‘anticipatory nostalgia’,” Batch said. “We miss and long for something before it’s even over, and it leads to sadness, worry, and anxiety.” Nostalgia can also lead to mental health issues, such as depression. “Depression can mean we go over the past again and again, judging ourselves as unworthy and feeling consumed by guilt and self-hatred,” Batch said. Although nostalgia can bring about negative emotions, it is more likely to impact your life positively, by inspiring you to live your life to the fullest and reach the amount of happiness you felt during 2012 when your favorite Justin Bieber song was released. It [nostalgia] can help us feel more connected, inspired to deal with the present and like we have a stronger sense of self,” Batch said.
Many resources available
NUTCRACKER PERFORMANCE
STUDENTS SET TO STAR IN
Students share how they felt about their first live performance since pandemic. by Jasmine Yang design by Ajay Singireddy
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s audience members wait, lights suddenly shine on the stage and all eyes are drawn to the dancers. The music starts and as they move around the stage, people watch in awe and wonder for the next few hours. This is what people were able to experience when watching The Nutcracker, a live performance on Dec. 18 at the auditorium in Columbus North. Due to COVID-19, The Nutcracker hasn’t been able to be performed live since two years ago. Junior Isabel Fay shares how the process for preparing for the Nutcracker started. “Dancers Studio began preparing for the Nutcracker in August 2021 with a weekend of auditions that were open to the whole community,” Fay said. “After the show was casted, we
began rehearsals in early September.” Senior Megan Allman has been dancing for about twelve years, and she went into a bit of detail about how she feels about being able to perform in The Nutcracker. “For me, being able to perform for an audience the way that we do with the Nutcracker is this indescribable feeling. I cannot describe the way it feels to be on the stage and being able to perform and tell a story with just movement,” Allman said. “I feel like it’s so much more powerful than when you’re using words, because the one little detail in the way you move your body can completely change the whole meaning of what you’re trying to say through what you’re doing.”
“Dance is such a beautiful form of art. There are so many benefits that come with it, not just portraying a story and being able to inspire people through what you’re doing, like your movements and the way you move through music”
senior Megan Allman
Sophomore Vanessa Holloway’s favorite part of the Nutcracker strays away from the feeling on the stage, and focuses on the growth of the younger dancers. “My favorite part is getting to watch the younger kids dance, they kill it every time,” Holloway said. While Holloway likes watching younger kids grow as dancers, Freshman Sasha Varchenko likes to focus on the emotional benefit she gets from being able to dance. “I really like to get myself moving so I can let out all my energy. If I have Senior Megan any Allman played the Sugar Plum stress or Fairy in the negative Nutcracker emotions, performances it all Dec. 17-19. leaves me and I feel photo by instantly Isabel Fay
better,” Varchenko said. Allman’s favorite part of dancing overall is a combination of the aspects of the work behind dance and the emotional output dancing can be. “Dance is such a beautiful form of art. There are so many benefits that come with it, not just portraying a story and being able to inspire people through what you’re doing, like your movements and the way you move through music,” Allman said. “We’ve all matured mentally because it takes so much maturity to be able to discipline yourself. I enjoy being able to perform and being able to tell a story, but I think I also really like that I’ve been able to learn through dance that I can apply to other things.”
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PREPARING FOR WINTER DRIVING
With slick roads and icy climate, students share how to keep themselves and others safe with winter driving tips by Paula Ramos design by Ananya Adur
Why do you feel it’s important to drive safely this time of year? “It’s just so easy to be overconfident because even inexperienced drivers feel like: “Well, I’ve driven a lot and I can handle anything”. That’s good, I want [students] to be confident but you also have to be smart and know what the weather is like and what kind of conditions are out there. Driving is always a dangerous thing to do, and when the weather is getting bad we just need to be extra cautious and extra safe because sometimes things can get out of our control.”
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What items do you think are necessary or essential to keep in your car? “Definitely an ice scraper, as simple as that seems. That way [you] can get the windshield and windows cleared. It’s a good idea to have jumper cables because the cold can really zap a battery. There’s nothing worse than being at a function and you walk out and your car is as dead as a doornail. Keep warm items in the car: a blanket; an extra coat; Just in case [you] do get stranded on the roadway, [you] have something to keep warm. Always be aware of the gas gauge. As simple as that sounds, it’s a big deal. If [gas] is running really low, [you] ought to take an extra minute to go get gas. If [you] get stranded on the road and your car runs out of gas, you’ve got a real problem.”
What is your biggest concern with students driving to school in the winter? “Driving too fast, usually. Folks think, “Oh, I can go as fast as I want; I’m safe”, but we can’t account for other people. My number one is speed but also having other people in the car being distracted. We hear the term distracted driving all the time but it’s literally the number one reason why people get into wrecks.”
Medicine
Gloves
What advice would you give to new drivers who are inexperienced with this weather? “I would encourage [students] to talk with their parents about driving conditions and to ask advice before leaving in the morning. Consult the weather; look at the weather app; listen to the warnings. Just be as informed as they can be prior to getting on the road. Take a little bit of extra time and make sure we’re aware of what the conditions are before going out there and making sure our car is safe to drive.” If you have specific questions or concerns regarding your situation, contact Officers Stevens at stevense@bcsc.k12.in.us or find him in the Dean’s office.
THE CHOIR’S CAROLS
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Columbus North Show Choir prepares for their annual Winter Concert By Mia Wilson design by Ananya Ramanujapuram
veryone has a favorite holiday song, whether it’s a classic like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer or Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas is You.” Whichever song you hold close to your heart, the Columbus North Show Choir brings these songs and memories to life in the winter concert, under the instruction of choir director, Jennifer Gafron “When a choir sings together, everyone’s heart beats the same. It is the most connected to others I have ever felt,” Gafron said. “Since music is already a more emotional subject, it puts me in a position where I can be available to my students whenever they need.” One of those students is senior Morgan Allen. She has had a passion for choir since fourth grade, and a talent for show choir since ninth grade. “I love choir because of the family that I have gained through it. In January we will be going to show choir competitions, which means I get to spend all day doing what I love with the people that I love,”
Allen said. “We are always goofing around, laughing, singing, dancing, and just having a good time. I know I can be myself around these people and the added bonus is just performing.” As a senior, this will be Allen’s last Winter Concert here at North, so she plans to make it one she can cherish forever. “I am super excited because since I am a senior, this is the last Christmas concert that I will be performing in, which makes the night even more magical,” Allen said. “There is a spirit that comes with singing Christmas songs that is unexplainable, especially when sharing that joy with my friends and family. I know that there is still a lot of work that needs to be done, but everybody is putting in the effort to make the night truly incredible.” The show choir performed a wide variety of holiday music, including “Bring Me Love” by John Legend, “Like It’s Christmas” by the Jonas Brothers, “Run, Rudolph, Run” by Chuck Barry, “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey, and more. Gafron’s personal
favorite is a Hebrew song called “Erev Shel Shoshanim”. Although the choir will not be performing this piece this year, Gafron still loves it. “Choirs sing it often in this time of the year not because it is necessarily associated with Hanukkah, but because it is a nice contrast to always only singing songs about Christmas,” Gafron said. “I like to be representative of the community we are performing in, and as not all community members (or choristers) are Christian, I like to provide variety in my programming.” Whether it’s a favorite holiday treat, song, or tradition, everyone has something that brings them joy this time of year. For Allen, it happens to be holiday decorations. “There is something about the cute holiday decorations that just lifts my spirit and makes me immediately in a better mood,” Allen said. “I could stare at a Christmas tree forever just because of the beauty of it. All of the music and winter smells also contribute to the spirit of Christmas that makes me the happiest.” Continued on CNHSmedia.com
CHRISTMAS CHOIR PLAYLIST “Bring Me Love” by John Legend “Like It’s Christmas” by the Jonas Brothers “Run, Rudolph, Run” by Chuck Berry “Red Red Rose” “Mr. Grinch” ...and more!
photo by Isabel Fay North’s girls choir, North Stars, poses at the end of their musical number of “Run, Run, Rudolf” in Columbus North’s Choir Winter Concert.
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STUDENTS PLAN TO FLY FOR THE HOLIDAYS
As students and families start their plans for winter break, some are planning on traveling miles away from their homes
by Deshna Venkatachalam design by Abby Smith
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or many, winter break is about spending time with family and friends, enjoying time off and/ or Christmas, enjoying New Years, and lastly...vacation. Students at Columbus North are traveling all over for winter, including out of the country. Freshman Ishita Kute talks about her plans to go to the Dominican Republic over Christmas. “I’m leaving on Dec. 23 and I’ll be there for six days,” Kute said. Kute is planning on going with her three other families and has a few things planned for her trip. “For Christmas we have this restaurant reserved for the 4 families, and then we have scuba diving lessons and stuff,” Kute said. The families also have plans to go to a water resort and the beach. Freshman Briney Lopez, on the other hand, doesn’t have much planned but is heading to Greece for her break. “We’re
going to go look at the beautiful sites and visit new places there,” Lopez said. Lopez and her family have been to many different places such as the Dominican Republic, Germany, and Mexico. She enjoys traveling and being on planes. “My family is the type to see where the day takes us. We like to try new things every day rather than the same,” Lopez said. Although being a traveling family, they prefer to have a loose schedule and not be in a hurry to do anything. Traveling over break is ideal, but COVID still remains to be a problem. “We couldn’t go anywhere last year, but this year we have all of our vaccines so we aren’t really worried about that, but just like if the borders get closed we can’t go,” Kute said. Lopez on the other hand does not have any concerns thus far. “I plan to take many pictures and also try new foods,” Lopez said.
Indianapolis to the Dominican Republic. Basic Economy
$636
Indianapolis to the Greece. Basic Economy
$2,772
As students and families start their plans for winter break, some are planning on traveling miles away from their homes. photo by Novah Ulm
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Indianapolis to Orlando, Florida. Basic Economy
$693
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YES WE
CAN Members of Student Assembly discuss what they do to prepare for can drive and the holiday season of giving back
by Josie Elwood design by David Chen photo by Grace Wheatley
“It makes me grateful that I can help out with the can drive.” sophomore Fisher Mantooth
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s the giving season approaches, student assembly starts to prepare for the annual can drive. Can Drive is one of North’s most important and cherished events of the year. Not only does it give back to the community, but it also makes all who donate feel like they are making a positive impact. Any student or teacher can drop off canned goods in the Commons under the Christmas tree. Sophomore Fisher Mantooth discusses what members of Student Assembly do to prepare for can drive. There is a lot of time and energy that goes into this event. “First, we hang hangers to give people an idea of when we will be collecting cans. Then, we go to their house and pick up cans for families who need food,” Mantooth said. Can Drive is in November and December. Donating cans during this time of year makes it even more meaningful for students. Junior Zoe Bishop is also a member of student assembly and
explains the end process. “On the last day of school, we all get together in the Commons and make boxes to sort the cans so that each family can get a certain number. Then, we deliver them to different families that need it,” Bishop said. Anyone can donate cans for this event. Once all the cans are collected, students will take the cans and distribute them. The cans will go to one of two places in the community. “We take the cans to a church and whoever needs them will go there. We deliver some to people’s houses” said Bishop. Bishop also shares what makes can drive so special to her. “It makes me feel good that I’m doing something, especially around Christmas time when there’s families who really need help.” Anyone is welcome to donate for this cause. If there are any questions, social studies teacher Dan Marsh and Assistant Principal Jenn Hester are the coordinators for can drive.
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RACE TO GRADUATION by Izabelle Munn design by Annagail Fields
Senior Rebekkah Wills is graduating a semester early
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raduating is a big event in one’s life. It is a symbol of growth, achievement and starting a new chapter in your life. It shows academic accomplishments and how four years of hard work pays off, but for Rebekkah Wills, it is only three and a half. Wills is a senior at Columbus North High School who is graduating in December of 2021, and attending Purdue University starting in January of 2022. “I really wanted to get a head start on college and another is that a lot of my classes that I would be taking next semester were going to be a lot of, just like, ‘fluff’ because I’ve already done most of the things I need to do,” Wills said. Wills is a senior this year and decided that she wanted to graduate early over summer break and wanted to gain the benefits of graduating early, while getting a head start on the college experience. This experience will be starting in January when Wills will head to West Lafayette to start her
freshman year as a Boilermaker with her sister, despite the rush to finish all of her work a semester early. “It is a little bit stressful. I have to make sure that my senior project is done, which I’m presenting tomorrow. And then, and it’s a little bit weird to do it against the norms, and if I have any questions I have to email my counselor,” Wills said. Wills agrees that it is hard to graduate and keep up with some of the more stressful elements, it is overall a good experience for her, and that she can benefit by going to college earlier than some other students. “Most of them are very excited, and some of my friends are sad that I’m going to be leaving them, but they’re also excited that I’m continuing with my life,” Wills said. While Wills’ family and friends are happy, and proud of her for her accomplishments, it also means that she will be leaving for college sooner than expected. Wills’ friend senior, Shreeya Ettireddy is very excited for her friend, but is
disappointed to see her leave so soon. I really think I’m going to miss her at those times,” Ettireddy said.
“I am super proud of her, and I’m really going to miss her a lot, Because Wills is graduating in December, and leaving for college in January, she will be missing a lot of events during second semester at North. Ettireddy says these are some of the times that Wills’ will be missed the most. “I’m really going to miss her a lot, especially since she’s going to be missing graduation and prom, so I really think I’m going to miss her at those times.”
THE FINAL COUNTDOWN
by Natalie Brown design by Alex Osburn
How students prepare for the end-of-term tests and the anxiety that comes with it
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Sophomore Emily Wart studies for her finals. Finals week ended last week. The schedule was adapted this year due to it being the first full year of in person learning on block scheduling.
photo by Grace Wheatley
have down, don’t feel like you need to study really hard for them because that can be intimidating… spend the time wisely, spend it on things that you don’t understand and you need to get done,” she says. Kate Russel has a lot more confidence coming into finals. Some of her AP classes include AP Computer Science, AP Literature, AP Physics, and AP Calculus. Despite this, she’s going into the tests strong. “I’m not really a nervous test taker and I spend an adequate amount of time studying so in the past I haven’t had a lot of stress regarding finals. Due to the lack of excessive stress I usually have done fairly well,” she says. To articulate how she thinks test taking stress impacts others, she goes to the negative impacts stress can have on your body- and your grades. “I personally don’t have a lot of test taking anxiety, however I understand that it can very negatively affect the outcome of a test. Not only does it cause someone to over exceed the recommended levels of stress for peak performance, but it can affect what is retained from studying and can also cause a lack of sleep which is also going to negatively affect how the test itself goes,” she says. To study, Russel has many strategies. “In my opinion the best way to prepare for a final is to find out what’s going to be on it first. Most teachers will provide a review or syllabus for the test and if they don’t you can quite literally ask them “what do I need to know for the test” and usually they’ll give you an answer. Once you have that information you have to think about what you need to prioritize when reviewing and focus on some of your weakest points. It’s also a good idea to look over homework from the semester and rework some problems.”
Stay well rested
Don’t cram
Take study breaks
STUDY TIPS
esting anxiety affects students every day. And for many, this will be their first time taking tests of this caliber. The stress and tension that come with the preparation are intense and hard to get a grip on. For Freshman Emily Wart, finals pose a unique challenge, despite taking high school classes in middle school. “All my classes are doing finals. The ones I am studying for…. It’s a lot of stuff to study for. Even the ones that aren’t doing an official final are doing projects that are weighted as finals,” she says. The method Wart uses for studying is the most common technique- going over materials already presented. “Normally I don’t prepare too much for tests, but when I do, I use my own notes and presentations on itslearning,” she says. Itslearning and Powerschool are amazing resources to view grades, assignments, and tests. But don’t let it overwhelm you. “Do your best, and the ones you
Make the process fun
Ask questions
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FINISHING STRONG Seniors continue to finish off their last first-semester with graduation-needed semester classes
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by Alyssa Green design by Sanjana Penmathsa ix months left of high school, and about three weeks left of the first semester. As seniors still have these crucial months left before graduation, students are still staying focused on passing semester classes required for graduation. For the necessary senior project class, senior Carlos Fabian saw the stress of his last year of high school, and is making his school work a priority for his graduation. “It has been really interesting, I have to say that it has been more stressful than others considering all the work we had to do as seniors inside and outside the classroom, college applications, essays, senior projects, research papers, etc,” Fabian said. “It is just a really hectic semester in general.” With the stress, the senior project class Fabian is taking has felt the importance in taking this class although it is a semester long. It was definitely faster than a
normal class, but significant enough to make it more challenging,” Fabian said. Along with taking semester classes senior year, senior Nicole Meza has continued to finish off her year with taking required classes, which has added to her stress. “At times it feels like we’re going through the material too quickly, and there’s no room to breathe after each chapter,” Meza said. “Once we take a test, we usually have another one the following week.” Additionally, Meza comments on her opinions regarding full year classes. “I prefer year-long classes
because you get to be around the same people and teachers for a longer duration of time,” Meza said Meza offers advice for success in semester-long classes. “I would like to have known that the class would end so fast and try to get as much out of it every day,” Meza said. “Ask as many questions and really learn the most on these smaller time frames.”
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DECEMBER DONATIONS
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Students share how they’re donating to the community during the holiday season by Jasmine Yang design by Abbi Lovins
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s time progresses and we anytime that she can to volunteer start, sophomore Frankie Polyak get farther into the holiday around the community. describes the benefits that season in December, “I try to not only volunteer during the community service and volunteering something that is usually seen holiday season, but to stay active all have given him. at store doors is someone year long,” Baker said. “It really just “It helps put it into the perspective with a bell ringing for donations. depends on my schedule.” of how lucky I am, and how grateful I This is one of the many possible For students that might be on should be to be in this situation I am in. ways to donate to the community the fence about whether or not A lot of people don’t have nearly as during the holiday season. While community service is something to much,” Polyak said. community service is something that Lin describes some more benefits is done year round, the amount of of volunteering that differ from just people that participate in donations having the difference of lives be put and fundraising tends to grow into perspective for you. during December and January. “I do think everyone should help Senior Rebecca Ives utilizes these because it not only helps the At opportunities and volunteers at her community, but it’s also an enjoyable the church and the hospital. experience,” Lin said. end of “I do a lot of it through my church Since community service and year, since around this time they really volunteering can help benefit students, heightened the opportunities. I many will continue to do it in their donations usually do it through [the church] just future, and Ives is one of those who are made to because they make it easier to gather will choose to continue in her future. churches, information about how to,” Ives said. “I do plan to continue volunteering. charities that serve “More recently I have been doing it Obviously it’s harder right now, but the poor, or children’s more through the hospital since I feel when things go back to normal I charities. like helping the people who have would love to get back to working helped us through the pandemic.” within the community and meeting a Senior Nathan Lin has also been variety of people,” Ives said. using this time to help others in People usually look to the future, the community. but looking at the past, Ives “My family usually gives described why she decided to out clothes that we don’t start volunteering. need anymore to donate,” “I feel like giving back is Lin said. “In my most recent always a good idea, but community service I went to around this time I think it’s a church to help package important for everyone meals for Thanksgiving, to come together and What do you More than and then me and some donate most celebrate the variety of 63% of friends helped deliver holidays at this time,” during the Americans meals to Edinburgh for Ives said. “Through holidays? 36% some families.” donations or typically donate to While Lin usually volunteering I money, 21% an organization or only volunteers try and clothes, 18% toys, can charitable cause in around the help someone 13% food and 12% the last two weeks of holiday season, enjoy their junior Alaina volunteer time. holiday just a the year. Baker utilizes bit more.”
JOY OF
GIVING
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PAST PRESENCE How nostalgia influences North students’ current personalities by Kaitlyn Ayers and Addy Rogers design by Katharine Brunette and Abinaya Ganesan
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t’s a crisp fall day in 2012. There’s a Lunchable waiting in the fridge, a Wii in the living room, the sounds of Disney Channel blare in the next room and a cautious scan of the floor reveals several Legos strewn treacherously about. Life is easy. The biggest concern is beating that island in Poptropica. Childhood favorites such as these formed a key part of this generation’s identity. Some students, such as sophomore Marco Figueroa, can even trace their current favorite activities back to their childhood. “I think focusing on soccer as a kid made me more dedicated to the game,” Figueroa said. “I have made it far in soccer, such as starting on varsity in high school.” Even if a connection to childhood is not this clear, movies, toys, games, books and snacks create shared experiences among Gen Z. From the lessons of perseverance learned from Pokemon and Poptropica to the important lessons about friendship learned from beloved Pixar movies, the past often wields a heavy influence on students today. Nostalgia is something instilled in all of us. Things from our past that made us who we are today. Reminders of our childhood that give us flashbacks from our youth. Toys, TV shows, music, and many more things people can cherish their entire lives. Nostalgia can remind you of emotions you once felt and can bring you a sense of comfort you once had. Nostalgia can mean something different to everyone, junior Ashley Garcia shares her definition. “To me nostalgia is a feeling I get
from something,” Garcia said. “It would be a feeling that reminds me of the past.” Junior Ritisha Rashmil’s definition is a little more longing. “I think of nostalgia as a feeling associated with wanting the positive feelings and memories of the past again,” Rashmil said. Nostalgia can bring us back to times we miss and wish we could relive. It can even remind us of memories we’ve once forgotten.
“[To me], Nostalgia is remembering or re-living a meaningful or special moment in your life” freshman Alexis Duncan Organizations like Pew Research consider Gen Z to be people born between 1997 and 2012. That places most students at North, who were born between 2003 and 2007, firmly in the middle. By 2012, when the youngest were five and the oldest were nine, YouTube was starting to take off. Unlike today’s YouTube Kids, which has millions of kid-friendly videos, the YouTube of 2012 was not a wise place for children to explore unmonitored. Gen Z was still firmly
FLASHBACK FACTS
What is nostalgia?
According to Oxford Languages, nostalgia is “a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past typically for a period or place with happy personal associations”
planted in the world of cable TV. It was a wonderful world, with networks like Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network offering up both live action and animated shows to suit every taste. For students like freshman Shriya Shirvadekar, cartoons were especially important. “My favorite TV shows from my childhood were a lot of cartoons like Spongebob [and] Barbie Life in the Dreamhouse,” Shirvadekar said. Premieres of new series, original movies, or crucial episodes were staple events of a Gen Z childhood. On Nick, the 2010 preview of the salacious “iCarly” episode “iSaved Your Life” attracted 11.16 million viewers. On Disney Channel, the 2007 series debut of “Phineas and Ferb” had 10.8 million viewers. Interestingly, many of these shows foreshadowed trends that are popular among Gen Z today. “iCarly” featured a group of friends that started a viral web show, similar to the popularity of creating TikTok videos now. Some shows have also been rebooted, with “iCarly” again being a good example. The 2021 spinoff has thirteen episodes, and the characters of Spencer and Carly Shay and Freddie Benson make a return. The premise is similar to the original show, but it’s set nine years later. Carly, Freddie and several new cast members come together to relaunch the titular web show. It’s been renewed for a second season, a testament of the high demand among Gen Z for nostalgia.
55% of people would choose to return to the past if given the option to time travel
Why do we feel nostalgia? Gen Z kids have been classified by world changing events, such as 9/11, the stock market crash, and the pandemic. As they have grown up, they have been taught to look back at the world before these events even if they don’t remember them. The only window into that past is TV shows, films, and fashion which is why those are becoming more popular especially now during the pandemic. Sources: https://partner.studentbeans.com/blog/gen-z-trends/gen-zs-nostalgia/ and https://www.marketingweek.com/power-nostalgia-building-brands/
9 out of 10 people have experienced feelings of nostalgia
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TOY TIME
A timeline of the most popular children’s Christmas toys each year from 2009-2014. 20 09
Zhu Zhu Pet
20 10
Toy Story 3 DVD
20 11
Nintendo 3DS
20 12
Furby
20 13
20 14
Hoverboard
Minecraft Figures
Source: https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/12/21/ most-popular-christmas-gifts-year/
The younger set also had access to an array of specifically designed children’s shows on Playhouse Disney (“Little Einsteins,” “Special Agent Oso,” “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse”) and Nick Jr. (“Dora The Explorer,” “Wonder Pets!” “The Backyardigans”). Many of these shows, most prominently Dora the Explorer, sought to teach children useful skills, such as Spanish phrases. Most of it didn’t stick, but it was enjoyable nonetheless. Candy land, Barbies and Legos are things we almost all remember and can connect memories with. Along with other toys and games that have some of our comforted memories attached. Some can be basic toys almost every child in this generation used or more unique games made between friends. “Playing house with my little sisters and being a teacher and my stuffed animals were my students.” Pendleton said. “I loved my American girl dolls.” American girl dolls, the dolls with their own stores and restaurants, along with hundreds of accessories you can buy your doll. From beds to sending your doll to the hospital to get fixed, they had everything. American Girl Dolls were on the tops of many Christmas lists. Other people liked more digital games like senior Kasaclee Pedigo. “Stuffed animals were my favorite toys and I played a lot of games on the Wii and on my computer,” Pedigo said. Wii, Xbox, and even other Iphone games kids were all over. Games such as Minecraft, Poptropica and Cool Math Games were a big part of this generation’s childhood. Playing on the computer at school or at home, these games were always looked forward to. Everyone had different favorite games and things they enjoyed but it still helps us connect together when remembering the past. Freshman Alexis Duncan liked what most of us think of when we reminisce about the past.
“My favorite toys and games were Nerf guns, Candy Land, Monopoly, Pretty Pretty Princess,” Duncan said. “And anything having to do with dinosaurs.” Beyond what can be easily categorized, there’s a dizzying array of ingredients that go into making a childhood. This miscellany includes such memories as Zoo Plates, Magic Tree House books, Club Penguin, Lunchables, Snuggies infomercials and “I’m a Gummy Bear.” Sophomore Kenzie Pendleton remembers these things fondly. “I loved Goldfish and Disney music. I also LOVED my stuffed animal -- Pablo the Penguin. I read and watched tons of American Girl Doll books and movies,” Pendleton said. The early 2010s were a great age for online trends, too. Countless hours were invested in online role playing games like Animal Jam and Poptropica. By exchanging usernames, friends could find each other in these colorful universes. A key social hub was Club Penguin, which had 200 million registered members at its peak, according to BBC. The site’s closure in 2017 was widely mourned among both former and current players. In another stunning example of reviving an old favorite, a remake of the site was released just a few days later. The game, christened Club Penguin Rewritten, has garnered several million accounts (and the attention of Disney’s lawyers.) Despite legal action, the site is still up today. Players can sign up to be whisked back immediately to the 2010-2012 era of the original game. Then, there was the Wild West world of YouTube. Compared to today, the site was more freewheeling, with more small creators and a shared lore of viral videos. Who didn’t love tuning into “Charlie Bit My Finger” or making fun of Rebecca Black’s “Friday” music video? YouTube was also home to educational
“[My] favorite thing from my childhood that still affects me today is having a family fun day full of games and jokes every weekend.” senior Nisha Patel
videos, according to Junior Pranav Ramnath. “I used to be addicted to cool chemistry and physics experiments that involved magnetism,” Ramnath said. In the midst of these activities, why not grab a bite to eat? Luckily, the snack options are endless. Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy a cup of Trix Yogurt, an interesting concoction with two flavors in each cup. If it’s possible to do so without getting third degree burns, enjoy a Totino’s Pizza Roll. When in doubt, Lunchables are a standby option (though the “sandwich” variety doesn’t come highly recommended). Gen Z has often been characterized as a nostalgic generation. Cultural observers cite the popularity of Y2K and 90s fashion, “Friends,” and retro filters as evidence of a rudderless generation that has known only hardship, from 9/11 to the pandemic. Reporter Holly Thomas summarized this point of view. “Romanticizing the [2000s] seems to play into Gen Z’s reasonable desire for something recognizable, and less overwhelming than the
grim (almost) post-pandemic, burning planet reality they’re facing,” Thomas wrote for CNN. Others take a more positive view of nostalgia. It creates a shared set of generational experiences that can help people from diverse backgrounds find shared experiences. Ask a Zoomer for their opinion about “SpongeBob” or “Dora the Explorer” and the conversation will quickly become animated. An anonymous freshman identified with this view. “My favorite things from childhood strengthened my connection to the rest of the population by creating shared experiences,” they wrote. An argument can be made that longing for the past plays a crucial role in cultural traditions. When people continue to revisit the same things on a regular basis, as is the case with holidays, they start to associate certain ideas with them, such as childhood. It’s common for people to prefer to spend holidays like Christmas with their family, perhaps due to the childhood memories the holiday season tends to evoke.
“I think that I can connect with others because we have watched and done similar things.” freshman Maddie Stanton And at the end of the day, many people find it fun to look back on simpler times. Stressed during finals week? Get lost in the world of old favorite shows like “iCarly” or “Good Luck Charlie.” Nostalgia is the chance to escape the present, even if for just a fleeting moment. Watching the Christmas movie on repeat, enjoying a Lunchable, or digging up the old 3DS can bring joy. “Whenever I run into these things now that I’m older, it makes me smile and reminisce on old memories,” Pendelton said.
BACK TO THE FUTURE
“I’ve always loved art. Drawing and coloring was fun, and I still draw to this day. [My childhood] helped me form my taste in music for sure. My music taste had changed from pop to just indie pop or indie rock. Nostalgia for me is finding something that reminds me of good times.” junior Carleigh Fauber
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CONCERTS VS COVID Artists are still having concerts in the midst of the pandemic, but is this COVID-friendly? by Izzy Munn
A
fter beginning to spread in January of 2020, Covid-19 has been infecting people all across the world, and even mutating into new variants that are even more contagious. And although Covid numbers have gone down, they have not completely disappeared. Due to the decrease of cases, some artists have decided to start having concerts again, and even began touring the world, but is this Covid-friendly? Artists such as Alicia Keys and Greta Van Fleet have started performing concerts with “health checks” where before attending the concert you must either be vaccinated against Covid-19, or receive a negative test 48 hours before the concert begins. And some artists have even gone as
far as reorganizing their tours so that concerts are outside and socially distanced, so that there are even fewer chances of catching Covid. After all of this, are concerts still safe to attend even with precautions? I think that right now, as long as you are vaccinated or testing negative for Covid right before, concerts are safe to attend. People have been locked inside, quarantining, and taking extreme precautions for nearly two years, and now that we have a vaccine and less cases, we should be seizing this opportunity to go to concerts again. Covid is still very present in our lives, and we shouldn’t forget to be careful, stay safe and socially distance, but we should be able to follow these precautions and have fun at live concerts.
’TIS THE SEASON..NOW
A
It’s meant for late December
h, Christmas music. Every year it pops out of nowhere. One minute you’re enjoying a pumpkin spice something or other and then bam! You’re up to your knees in jingle bells. Nothing particularly wrong with some cheer, but in November? For crying out loud, let the kids finish their Halloween candy first. Finish off the Thanksgiving leftovers, then start decking the halls.
by Lawrence Delano The sooner you start playing jingle bells, the sooner you get so sick and tired of them that you smash your speakers. Wait till it’s below freezing to start playing “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” It’s one thing to play it at night, but no one wants to walk through the doors first thing in the morning hearing about balls of holly unless it has something to do with coffee.
Get Involved
BCSC and the United Way of Bartholomew County team up every year to help people in our community. Here is how you can get involved: • Give or advocate any time by going to uwbarthco.org • Advocate for United Way and BCSC by sharing your support with others • Volunteer in your community by going to uwbarthco.galaxydigital.com
Learn more by scanning the QR codes below
LIGHTING UP THE HOLIDAYS As the end of the year holidays approach, many different traditions are celebrated
A star is placed as a Christmas tree topper in many homes on Christmas. It’s stands as a symbol for the Nativity of Jesus birth.
by Sam Dearing
1. When is Chinese New year? A. Between May 23-June 20 B. Between July 26- August 1
A long Christmas tradition is to to give Santa Clause milk and cookies when he delivers presents on Christmas Eve night.
Santa Clause comes from the old tradition of St. Nicholas who brings gifts to well behaved children on Christmas.
C. Between January 21- February 20
2.
How many days does Hanukkah last?
The dreidel is a popular game during Hanukkah used to help children study the Torah.
A. 4 Days Hanging stockings came from an old tradition of St. Nicholas putting small gifts in the shoes sitting on a hearth.
B. 8 Days C. 6 Days
3. What is another name for Santa Claus?
A. St. Nicholas
Lighting lanterns is a tradition for the Yuan Xiao Festival for Chinese New Year.
Candy Canes are an old sugary treat that dates back to Germany. Their often used as winter treats or Christmas tree ornaments.
Building a snowman is a winter season tradition when the first snow of the season falls.
B. Mrs.Claus C. Rudolph ANSWERS DISPLAYED BELOW
The candles on the Menorah is used to celebrate Hanukkah. It’s celebrated by the Judaism faith and is finished lighting over an eight-day period. www.History.com, www.Foxnews.com
Question 1:C Question 2: B Question 3:A
DIVING INTO THE DIFFERENCE by Deshna Venkatachlam design by Liam Milne photos by Bladen Petro
Swim and Dive team discuss the difference between the two sports.
J
unior Pratt Badve completes his last lap for his event of the meet, stepping out of the water, he grabs a towel as his team claps for him. The swimmer can now take a break as the dive portion of the meet begins. Senior Cole Wheeler steps up to the block in place of where Badve once was. “It’s a completely different sport,” Wheeler said. Junior Helen Alderfer discusses the difference in the dive portion of the meet is like and how the winner is determined. “The divers train to compete six dives in the same meet, and try to get the highest score possible,” Alderfer said. For diving, there are dual meets, where the divers compete six dives and get scored from one to ten. On the other hand, swimming is a bit different. “You usually compete to see who can get first, and stuff like that,” Badve said. The swimmers have different events that they are assigned. They then compete in those events. “Both sports are more technical oriented,” Badve said. Badve explains that one similarity the two sports have is that they focus on technique, but it’s ultimately different in what they focus on.
“With diving, it’s more like your core, your balance, and how well you can control your body in the air,” Wheeler said Divers focus more on their form and they train to master a dive. “The swimmers train more for like, like they train a lot of cardio and divers are more about flexibility,” Alderfer said. Swimming also focuses on form, but they practice swimming distances and times, hence cardiovascular training. “We usually practice in the pool a lot. And then diving, I believe a lot of their stuff is actually on dry land,” Badve said. Both teams practice together, but also separately at the same time. “It’s something I’ve done for four years now and I’ve lived my life jumping on trampolines, learning how to do flips, tricks, backflips, twists, so it kind of just feels natural when it comes to diving compared to swimming,” Wheeler said. Badve, Wheeler, and Alderfer have all tried, at least once in their life, the other sport. All three athletes prefer what they currently do over the other section of the Swim and Dive Team. “We act as one team but like they’re completely different in the aspect of training and everything,” Alderfer said. ABOVE: Swimmers finish warm-ups to prepare for the meet. BELOW: Sophomore Lydia Putney dives at the North vs. East meet
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Freshman Cole Stevens wrestles at the North East wrestling meet on Wednesday, Dec. 15. photo by Bladen Petro
WHO LET THE
DOGS OUT?
Columbus North teams share their thoughts about rivalry week
by Mia Wilson design by Elaine Sanders
T
hree times a year, North and East come together to battle it out in a week of athletic competitions, in what’s come to be called “Rivalry Week”. As students dress up in their school colors to support their teams, the competition ensues. The week showcases a wide variety of sports from swimming and wrestling to basketball and cheerleading. Each sport requires its own unique set of skills and provides its own obstacles during this week of friendly competition, as Bull Dogs and Olympians go head to head to see who rises to the top.
“I am a cheerleader because I enjoy supporting our schools teams and like to go to all of the games. At cheer, we usually start preparing for rivalry week a couple weeks before. Typically, we combine JV and Varsity to make big pyramids and to learn new stunts and dances.” junior Josiah Green
“I’m preparing for [the North vs. East meet] just like any other duel... there are always nerves going into a duel, but I’m treating it like any other meet. If I win, I will treat it like any other match. If I lose I will do the same, watch the film and get better.” senior Olivia Sprong
SHOW TIME
Show choirs at North prepare for the upcoming competition season
by Alex Osburn design by Carson Embree
Students in the Columbus North show choir discussing plans for future events, rehearsals, and competitions.
C
photo by Bladen Petro
heers rise up from the audience like a wave. Electricity runs across the stage as every performer moves in sync. Judges scrutinize every note and movement. Members of North Stars and Vocal Pointe, North’s all-girls and mixed show choirs, respectively, have been training tirelessly for the experience of the third quarter competition season since late summer. Junior Ella Fisher, who participates in North Stars and Vocal Pointe, believes rehearsals help to fine-tune the performance and to improve the on-stage dynamic. “If we’re not agreeing with each other or something, conflict is going on, you can tell that in the dancing because we’re not together, we’re frustrated,” Fisher said. “Practicing outside of [after school rehearsal] time and in class helps us all look uniform as one group instead of just individuals.”
Senior McCarty Elliott, who is part of Vocal Pointe, thinks the effort level in these rehearsals determines how effective they are. “I think it [practice] does [help] as long as everybody wants it and stays on task and does the best they can,” Elliott said. “We’ve had, especially I’ve heard in the past years, that there’s been too much slacking off to get ready.” Sophomore Fisher Mantooth, who is in Vocal Pointe, shares how this rehearsal atmosphere changes as competitions approach. “At the beginning, it’s more chill, we’re just reviewing, and then as we get closer to competitions we start cleaning and nitpicking to make it perfect for the competition,” Mantooth said. In the final weeks before competitions, nerves can cause tension among show choir members. “Everybody is stressed and mean
and we all understand that that’s how it’s going to be until after, and then we’re all smiley faces and hugging and taking pictures,” Elliott. “It’s just a very nerve-wracking, stressful environment when you get closer.” Even though it can be a stressful time, freshman Sarah Gross is looking forward to the competition experience. “I’m really excited about it,” Gross said. “I think it’ll be really fun, and it’s different to perform in front of judges and other show choirs because the atmosphere is different. They know what you’re doing.” Having been in past competitions, Fisher feels confident about the choirs’ preparation this year. “I actually feel really good about competitions this year,” Fisher said. “I think we’re so much further ahead than we have been in past years.”
2022 COMPETITION DATES FEB. 26 Location
@ Huntington North
FEB. 19 Location
@ Center Grove
JAN. 15 Location
@ Lebanon
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Buy or make jewelry for a mother or sister!
