The Hilight: Fall Edition 2024

510 13th St. Cullman, AL 35055

Giving Thanks

What Cullman High School Students are thankful for

Cole Harrison, Staff Writer

The students at Cullman High School are thankful for multiple things. When asked, what are you thankful for either at CHS or in your personal life, the students at CHS noted the following:

The students at CHS are thankful for their families - 31%

The students at CHS are thankful for their friends - 23%

The students at CHS are thankful for their teachers - 15%

There are various other things that CHS students listed, but these three were the main ones that students gave as answers. Whether it’s the “more laughs and endless joys,” or the “loyal and uplifting friends,” we hope there is something that each and every one of CHS students can be thankful for.

Families are shown as pumpkin pie (top right.)

Friends are shown as lemon pie (bottom left.)

Teachers are shown as strawberry pie (top left.)

Every other category is shown as chocolate pie (bottom right.)

The Hilight

T H E FALL E D I T I O N

The Newspaper of Cullman High School October 31, 2024

CHS’s Twirling Talent

Who is the Bearcat Band’s Feature Twirler?

Elianna Hollis, Staff Writer

As band manager, I am privileged to be able to know and work with Nevaeh Green, our Bearcat Marching Band Feature Twirler. She is one of the kindest, most spiritually-minded people I have ever met, and certainly the most talented majorette I have ever witnessed. I was able to conduct an insightful interview with her, where she explained her rigorous sport and her achievements both on and off the halftime field.

I first asked Nevaeh how she got started twirling, and she said that while she started off with gymnastics, she soon found her home with baton lessons from Southern Starlets, founded by the late Shirley Beshears, who became her longtime coach. Mrs. Beshears’ daughter, Candy Byrd Miller, now choreographs Nevaeh’s routines for halftime shows. This marching season, though, is different in that Nevaeh choreographed the first portion of the halftime show herself, demonstrating her versatility as a majorette.

Cullman Charities

How to continue being thankful Cole Harrison, Staff Writer

This year, Cullman High School students can continue to show their thankful spirit by donating to the various charities across Cullman. Some of these charities include Cullman Caring for Kids, United Way of Cullman, St. Vincent de Paul, and The Link of Cullman.

fun, but now that she has realized her potential, she is able to work toward her goals in the sport while still enjoying herself.

As far as pre-performance rituals go, Nevaeh has a special one that I have had the privilege to witness before every halftime show this year. She prays before every performance, specifically over her batons. It is difficult to explain how moving it is to watch

When asked what motivates her, Nevaeh replied that it is “what Christ has done for me and what He has given me the ability to do.” She uses this motivation to drive her, often practicing her routine and skills until exhausted in order to ensure her performances are as good as possible. She remarked that when she first started twirling, she did it for

such an intimate spiritual moment and display of faith, but I always find it indescribably touching.

Her two most difficult tricks are her toss roundoff back handspring and her five baton move, both of which she performs in the halftime show. In addition to her personal victories, she has also won national acclaim, competing in the Summer 2023 Amateur Athletic Union National Junior Olympics and

Spooky Stops Fall Flavors

A roadtrip through America’s most haunted cites

Anna Beth Burleson, Co-Editor

Get in losers we are going haunting. Accompany me as I take you on a journey highlighting the sinister cities of the United States. Remember to keep your hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times...

Continued on page 4

How to expand your fall palate

Jacob Larker, Staff Writer

Fall is here and with it comes an abundance of flavors and foods that define the season. Autumn has some of the most diverse food palates of all the seasons and has some of the most iconic food. Ranging from the seasonal menus at a few of our favorite places...

Continued on page 5

winning in Advanced Two Baton and Beginner Three Baton. This past summer, she competed in the National Baton Twirling Association Championships, receiving second place in Intermediate Two Baton and seventh in Intermediate X-Strut, which is a complicated subcategory of baton that requires a routine structured around an x-formation. Her next major goal is to win Miss Majorette of Alabama, which would qualify her to compete in Miss Majorette of America.

As far as college plans, Nevaeh said she is striving for a feature twirler position, likely at the University of South Alabama or Mississippi State. Once she secures this position, she would like to expand the feature twirler role she has filled in high school, expanding her activities to twirling not only during marching season, but also at basketball games and rigorous competitions.

The best advice Nevaeh would give young athletes is in her words to “work hard and have fun.” She also cites Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” While she admits her sport can be both “physically and mentally taxing” as she has to keep in mind placement of her body, how high to toss her batons, and coordinate movements, it is clear that she is extremely passionate about twirling. Outside of her twirling achievements, she is most proud of her walk with Christ. Nevaeh is one of the most genuine and talented athletes at Cullman High School, and it is well worth it to get to know her.

The Origins of Vampires

Sinking our teeth into the neck of folklore.

Blyss Murphree, Staff Writer

Everyone has heard of the blood sucking monsters who supposedly originate from Transylvania. Some of these creatures have the power to compel their prey, transform into bats, and even immortality.

Continued on page 6

Pie Chart Key

By Elianna Hollis

Anna

Claire Dossey

Cole Harrison

Maggie Hope Hetrick

Avery Hice

Elianna Hollis

Reilly Johnson

Jacob Larker

Dane Mauldin

Blyss Murphree

Shaddrix

Smith

FEATURES 3

Monthly Music

“Girls to the Front”

Dane Mauldin and Maggie

Hope Hetrick, Staff Writers

In a time when girls were often overlooked, the Riot Grrrl movement burst onto the scene, using punk music to boldly express anger, empowerment, and the fight for equality. Starting in Olympia, Washington with the band Bikini Kill, the movement has prospered around the world. From Israel to Europe, Riot Grrrl has captivated punk audiences alike.

From its simple beginnings as a feminist punk movement in Olympia,Washington, Riot Grrrl as a movement has grown to insane heights. Riot Grrrl music addresses many problems in the world such as domestic abuse, sexuality, racism, patriarchy, and mainly focuses on female empowerment. The movement also includes all of the same punk traditions such as general D.I.Y and political activism.

Riot Grrrl was pioneered by a band called Bikini Kill. The group was inspired after seeing Babes of Toyland play live, which inspired the group to actively pursue female participation in the punk scene. Their tours served as a way for female musicians to come together and create music of the same type. Some of their most popular songs include Rebel Girl which is essentially a song about women’s confidence, Feels Blind, & New Radio. Their music is characteristically known as harsh & hard-core influenced. The group put together two-full length albums & several EPs before disbanding in 1997, but recently reunited in the spring of 2019.

Bratmobile, another punk band from Olympia, Washington are known as one of the first generation “Riot Grrrl” bands. Shortly after the founding of Bikini Kill, the band was formed in October of 1991. Following Bratmobile, another Punk Rock band was formed in 1992 with the name of Jack of Jill. Both bands share an alternative rock sound, and were around when Riot Grrrl first arrived to the music scene.

Dazey and the Scouts, who emerged in 2015 after playing together in a Berklee College of Music dorm room, became the face of the more underground aspect of Riot Grrrl. The group played their last official show opening for Palehound in March of 2018, but while they were still together they made a lasting impression on the Riot Grrrl movement. Their music can be described as a mixture of surf-punk & indie rock. Their influence in the genre has given Riot Grrrl a larger variety of sound, and releases some of the genre restrictions that have been placed on them by society. Their most well known song is Wet, which is very popular among various fans. It’s mainly about heartbreak; the lyrics referencing tears, depression, and an ex love.

Your Guide to Voting

What every new voter needs to know

Reilly Johnson, Staff Writer

As a high school senior approaching adulthood, you’re on the verge of a significant milestone: casting your first vote. Voting is a fundamental right and a crucial way to participate in shaping your community and country. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of this opportunity. In order to vote, you must meet the requirements for eligibility. You must be at least eighteen years old by Election Day, be a U.S. citizen, and you need to be a resident of the state where you will be voting, Alabama. First, you need to register. The process varies by state but in Alabama it involves filling out a registration form, submitting it by the deadline, and providing necessary documentation. You can find registration forms online, in person at the Cullman County Courthouse, or request for one to be mailed to you. The deadline for registration in our region is October 21,2024. If you do not submit your form by this date, you will not be able to vote in the 2024 presidential election. The state of Alabama also requires you to submit proof of identity and residency. This can be

done with a driver’s license, birth certificate, and different articles of mail. You should also get yourself acquainted with the ballot. To do this you should research who and what will be on the ballot. The November ballot will be a primary, presidential election. To make an informed decision on these matters you should look into

each candidate’s platform and their prospective action plans. You should also familiarize yourself with the different voting methods. These include early voting, absentee voting, and, of course, in-person voting on Election Day.

After preparing yourself for the democratic process, follow these tips:

Ensure that you know where your designated polling place is and its hours of operation. Bring identification in case it is needed upon arrival. Follow the instructions at your polling place to accurately cast your vote. Other quick tips for new voters: Register early and do not wait until the last minute, decide how you will vote before you arrive to avoid confusion. After the election, it is good to keep up with poll numbers and stay informed on how the election is progressing. During this time, most news sources will talk about the electoral college projections until the new president is officially announced. They will then be sworn in in January. Participating in elections is a powerful way to make your voice heard. Take the time to register, research, and vote to ensure you play a role in shaping the future.

For more information on registration and voting procedures, visit www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes.

Day in the Life of a Fair Queen Representative

Sitting down with Karalynn Kallhoff

Claire Dossey, Staff Writer

Preparing for a pageant may not sound like a lot of work but turns out it takes a lot more than one would think. I sat down with Cullman High Schools Fair Queen representative, Karalynn Kallhoff and asked her what her getting ready process was like preparing for the pageant.

This is what she said. “I woke up the morning of the pageant at 8:00 A.M., right after I woke up I got in the shower. I had to drop off tickets to the fair to some friends and family before. After that I went to get my makeup done, and all of the girls know this is not something to take your time on. Pageant makeup is done specifically to make sure that your defining facial features can be seen from the stage. Then I went to a different salon to get my hair done, and this was no regular hair appointment because pageant hair has to be very big and has no intention to look natural, your hair is used to make you stand out among the other girls. After my hair and makeup was completed. I drove home and got all of the essentials together: makeup to do touch ups, my dress, talent costume, extra shoes, hairspray, curling iron, hairbrush, and so much more. I went to pick up lunch when I left and headed to the fair theater. We aren’t allowed to have our phones backstage

so I turned that in when I arrived and then I went to the back and started setting everything up. Before the pageant officially starts I have to sit down with all of the judges and do our interviews at 3:00 P.M. where they will ask questions similar to a job interview. After all of the participants have been interviewed we will all go back and have their provided meal. There is a two hour period between when the actual start time and when we get our meals, so we will continue to prepare for our first walk out until that time.

The pageant starts at seven o’clock and will go in the following order. We will first do our evening walk where all of the contestants will walk out in their gowns, then they will come out individually and answer one question about our service project, mine being victim services for people who have been through domestic violence. After all nine contestants have completed their own state question, we will each do our talent. I am doing a dance and tumble to “Let’s Get Loud” by Jennifer Lopez. Next is our fitness walk where we model athletic wear and pose for the judges. Finally we will do our final walk out where we will find out who gets crowned the pageant winner, who got 1st runner up, 2nd runner up, Miss Congeniality, and talent winner. After

the pageant is concluded I will take photos with friends and family, then I will head home and prepare for the next school day!”

The CHS Hilight Staff would like to say thank you to Karalynn Kallhoff being a fair queen representative is like.

FEATURES 4

Spooky Stops

A roadtrip through America’s most haunted cites

Anna Beth Burleson, Co-Editor

Get in losers we are going haunting. Accompany me as I take you on a journey highlighting the sinister cities of the United States. Remember to keep your hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times; I would not want you to get snatched by a spirit, as that would be very hard to explain. Have a safe trip!

What place automatically comes to mind when you think of getting a good fright? My first thought is New Orleans, Louisiana, and that is where we are kicking off this road trip. Known as the birthplace of jazz music, this lively town is also known for its eerie history. Situated in the heart of New Orleans, the LaLaurie Mansion possesses a bone-chilling past that captures the darker side of the city’s history. The mansion was built in the early 19th century by Madame Delphine LaLaurie who was a prominent and wealthy socialite. The residence visually appeared to be a grand home that showcased its obvious lavishness through architecture and elaborate parties. Unfortunately, behind this elegant facade lies a horrifying reality. As a slaveholder, Madame LaLaurie was revealed to have treated her slaves with extreme cruelty and malintent. Her neighbors would gossip of her methods and many remained unsettled by the eerie disappearances of those who served her. The extent of LaLaurie’s horrific practices surfaced in 1834 when a fire broke out, which was believed to have been started by an enslaved woman who was trying to escape. When firefighters arrived they witnessed signs of her appalling abuse. Those who enterered saw images of unimaginable suffering. This led to outrage from the public and the ultimate condemnation of Madame LaLaurie. In the wake of the fire, she fled the city and the mansion was abandoned for years leaving the city with haunting memories. Today, many people believe the mansion is haunted by the souls who once suffered there. Visitors report strange noises, cold spots, and supernatural feelings. The mansion’s tainted past has secured its place as one of the most haunted spots in the city. It draws in different types of individuals, all eager to experience its haunted history.

While polar opposites, both Madame LaLaurie and Marie Laveau’s time in New Orleans overlapped. Marie Catherine Laveau was a voodoo practitioner and divisive historical figure. Travelers journeyed far and wide in order to gain her advice and herbal remedies. She would walk the streets of New Orleans as if she owned them. Individuals were not only afraid of being bewitched by her, they were also afraid she would expose all of their secrets as she had an unnatural ability to

find skeletons in people’s closets. Over the years, she had accumulated a vast amount of connections amongst servants in houses of prominent families who would tell her their secrets. This is due to the fact that prominent people were often blind to the help and would spill their secrets without consequence. When she died, her funeral was lavish and attended by all castes of society. Not long after her death, people had started to say that they had seen her ghost wandering around town. Surrounded by legend and lore, Marie Laveau’s character is often questioned. Did Marie Laveau really have magical voodoo powers? I suppose the world may never know.

guilt and regret, leading to official apologies and the eventual rejection of the trials as a severe miscarriage of justice.

Today, Salem’s haunted history is visible, with numerous sites that echo its dark legacy. The Witch House, once the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, stands as a testament to the era. It features period furnishings and artifacts that send visitors back to the 17th century. The Old Burying Point Cemetery, one of the oldest cemeteries in the United States, is the final resting place of several key figures from the trials, where many believe the spirits still linger. The echoes of the past are alive in Salem, making it a destination for those intrigued by the supernatural

Now that we have covered the paranormal portions of New Orleans, let us now head to the clairvoyant corner of the United States: Salem, Massachusetts. Salem, steeped in a haunted past, continues to captivate the interest of visitors and history buffs alike. Familiar to most for the infamous witch trials of 1692, Salem became the epicenter of moral panic and piloted an era of incorrect accusations, imprisonment, and the execution of 20 individuals, who mostly were women. This tragic event was rooted in fear, superstition, and societal tensions. The trials were enhanced by personal vendettas with the community turning against one another.

The hysteria reached its peak in the summer of 1692, when a group of young girls claimed to be possessed by the devil and accused several townsfolk of witchcraft. The trials that followed were marked by spectral evidence. By the time the madness had ceased, 19 individuals had been hanged and one man was pressed to death. The aftermath saw the town grappling with

and the legacies that linger long after the trials have ended.

Let us now head back to the supernatural slice of the south—Savannah, Georgia. The city of Savannah is historically haunted, as it was built upon the dead. From Native American burial grounds to yellow fever outbreaks, cemetaries due to gory battles, and natural disasters, a great deal of homes and museams were built on the bones of the cities lost souls. One of the most notable haunted locations is the Hamilton-Turner Inn. The inn was originally constructed in the mid-19th century for the well-known Samuel Pugh Hamilton. It was the first home in Savannah to have electricity. It is rumored that citizens would gather around the home to watch the lights turn on. Hamilton was a very successful civil war naval officer and a massive lover of art. He loved art so much that he turned the home into a private art museum. He took massive precautions to protect his art; he even went so far as to have a guard with a rifle on the roof. One morning when the guard did

not come down from the roof, someone went to check on him, and they found him lying in a pool of blood. It was very apparent that the guard had been mudered. The killer was never found, and the crime went unsolved. Since no one else wanted to guard the house for fear of being killed, Hamilton took up the post with the rifle and kept watch. Oddly though, just a few months after standing guard on the roof, Hamilton himself died in 1899 after he got sick. Until 1915, the house remained in the Hamilton family, where it was then sold to Dr. Francis Turner. The Turner family lived in the house, and Francis used the basement as a doctors office. The Turner family lived there until 1926; when they moved out, they converted the home into a boarding house. Two years later, it became the home of the Marine Hospital Nurses. In 1940, the Turner family moved back in, and Dr. Turner resumed his doctor’s office in the basement. Since then, rumors have swirled of ghostly occurrences at the inn, including a cigar-smoking ghost on the roof and a little girl who fell down the stairs to her death. The home was slated for demolition in the 1960s but was saved by the Savannah Historic Foundation. It later became an apartment complex and then the Hamilton-Turner Inn in 1997. The inn is currently owned by Gay and Jim Dunlop, who work with the Historic Savannah Foundation to maintain its historical importance. You can tour the inn and even stay the night, but beware, though it is a beautifully restored Victorian mansion, behind its refined appearance lie tales of the supernatural.

As our journey through America’s most haunted cities comes to a close, and we arrive back at Cullman High, it’s clear that these eerie sites offer more than just ghost stories—they provide a captivating glimpse into the nation’s history and the mysteries that linger in its shadows. From the chilling tales of Savannah to the spectral encounters in Salem and the paranormal punch in New Orleans, each city has its own unique narrative that adds depth to the folklore we cherish. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, these haunted hotspots invite us to explore the past and engage with the legends that shape their identities. I have so enjoyed our road trip together and I hope you have as well. Remember, as the witching hour approaches, let us part with a word of caution: not every door should be opened, and some secrets are best left buried. The veil between worlds is thin, and some spirits may not be so friendly. Enjoy the thrill, but always remember to tread wisely. Until we meet again.

FEATURES 5

Fall Flavors

How to expand your fall palate

Jacob Larker, Staff Writer

Fall is here and with it comes an abundance of flavors and foods that define the season. Autumn has some of the most diverse food palates of all the seasons and has some of the most iconic food. Ranging from the seasonal menus at a few of our favorite places, to the food at the fair, all the way to our Thanksgiving dinners. These are foods that we all remember and associate with fall.

This is the season of comfort and with it brings the comforting foods that bring us warmth during this cold season. It brings in the harvest of seasonal foods like pumpkins, apples, and squash which can be found at local farmers markets, and are perfect for homemade dishes. Local farmers markets are a good place to look for seasonal foods such as the Berlins Farmers Market, the Festhalle Farmers Market, or the Hanceville Farmers Market. This not only provides great food but is also a good way to support your local community and their businesses. These ingredients are amazing for dishes like pumpkin pie or apple cider or foods commonly found at a Thanksgiving dinner.

The Thanksgiving classics like stuffing, pumpkin pie, mashed pota-

toes, turkey, sweet potato casserole, and many other dishes are amazing additions to our Thanksgivign tradition. You don’t have to travel far to find these foods as they can all be found in our own homes during Thanksgiving. If you’re looking for these foods before Thanksgiving then you can find them here at the school, and if school food doesn’t pique your interest, then there are plenty of places that offer Thanks giving foods.

If you’re looking to get something on the go, then you can look to some of your favorite fast food places for their seasonal menus. If you want a drink, then the pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks is a good choice for you. If you need something sweet, then the pumpkin pie blizzard at Dairy Queen is an amazing treat for you, or if you just want a meal, then Chick-fil-A has brought back its honey pepper pimento chicken sandwich.

made pumpkin pie, sipping a warm apple cider from your local market, or grabbing a seasonal treat from your favorite fast food spot, autumn offers something for everyone. It is time to celebrate the harvest and enjoy the simple comfort foods. Enjoy what fall has to offer.

Fall invites us to savor the rich flavors and cherished tradi tions that make the season so special. Whether you’re indulging in a home

November: Full of Soul Celebrations

The different holidays on November 1 - 2

Cole Harrison, Staff Writer

The day of the dead is a Mexican national holiday celebrated on November 1st through November 2nd. The celebrants create home altars with pictures of family and friends, candles, incense, holy water, Cempasuchil and Marigold flowers, sweet treats, skulls, and tissue paper. Yellow and Orange are popular colors for the altars, and “Calacas” are used to display death personified. The holiday is celebrated to remember those who have died, celebrate their life, and celebrate their death and the afterlife. This holiday celebrates the happy spirits of the dead, and their return to the world for the holiday celebrations. This holiday has heavy Roman Catholic Church influence, but it is not an official holiday of the Roman Catholic Church. All Saints Day is celebrated on November 1st. All Saints Day is an official holiday and holy day of obligation, a required day of mass attendance, for the Roman Catholic Church. It celebrates the feast of the numerous

saints who do not already have feast days throughout the year. It is believed by the Catholic Church that saints are people who were close to God during their life, and by praying to them, they will intercede the prayers. All Saints Day offers celebration and a day to remember the saints. The Catechism says by praying to them, they will help people come closer to God.

All Souls Day is celebrated on November 2nd and is an official holiday but is not a holy day of obligation for the Roman Catholic Church. It is a day dedicated to praying for the souls of all departed baptized Christians, especially those who are believed to be in Purgatory. By praying for their souls, the Catholic Church teaches that this will aid in them being granted entrance into heaven. Each of these holidays, though different by religion and culture, still have the same purpose around them. Each of these three holidays is meant to remember those who have died, give thanks for their lives, and offer up prayers for both the souls of the dead and the living.

Los diferentes días festivos del 1 al 2 de

El día de muertos es una fiesta nacional mexicana que se celebra del 1 al 2 de noviembre. Los celebrantes crean altares caseros con fotografías de familiares y amigos, velas, incienso, agua bendita, flores de cempasúchil y caléndula, dulces, calaveras y papel de seda. El amarillo y el naranja son colores populares para los altares, y las “calacas” se utilizan para representar la muerte personificada. La festividad se celebra para recordar a los que han muerto, celebrar su vida y celebrar su muerte y el más allá. Esta festividad celebra los espíritus felices de los muertos y su regreso al mundo para las celebraciones navideñas. Esta festividad tiene una fuerte influencia de la Iglesia Católica Romana, pero no es una festividad oficial de la Iglesia Católica Romana.

El día de Todos los Santos se celebra el 1 de noviembre. El Día de Todos los Santos es un feriado oficial y un día santo de obligación, un día requerido de asistencia a misa, para la Iglesia Católica Romana. Se celebra la fiesta de los numerosos santos que aún no tienen festividad a lo largo del año. La Iglesia Católica cree que los santos son personas que estuvieron cerca de Dios duran-

te su vida y, al rezarles, intercederán en las oraciones. El Día de Todos los Santos ofrece celebración y un día para recordar a los santos. El Catecismo dice que al rezarles, ayudarán a las personas a acercarse a Dios. El Día de Todos los Difuntos se celebra el 2 de noviembre y es un feriado oficial, pero no es un día santo de obligación para la Iglesia Católica Romana. Es un día dedicado a orar por las almas de todos los cristianos bautizados difuntos, especialmente aquellos que se cree que están en el Purgatorio. Al orar por sus almas, la Iglesia Católica enseña que esto ayudará a que se les conceda la entrada al cielo.

Cada una de estas festividades, aunque diferentes según la religión y la cultura, siguen teniendo el mismo propósito. Cada una de estas tres festividades está destinada a recordar a los que han muerto, dar gracias por sus vidas y ofrecer oraciones tanto por las almas de los muertos como de los vivos.

FEATURES 6

The History of Vampires

Sinking our teeth into the neck of folklore.

Blyss Murphree, Staff Writer

Everyone has heard of the blood sucking monsters who supposedly originate from Transylvania. Some of these creatures have the power to compel their prey, transform into bats, and even immortality. But what actually is this creature? The Vampire.

The concept of the Vampire originates from a text composed in April, 1819 by John Polidori. This text goes by the name of The Vampyre in London. Why is this spelled differently? Well, a vampire is defined as: “a corpse supposed, in European folklore, to leave its grave at night to drink the blood of the living by biting their necks with long pointed canine teeth.” While a Vampyre is almost the same entity, instead of sucking blood, a Vampyre sucks energy from its victim. This idea is carried out through many different texts. The most famous text with use of a vampire is famously known as Draula composed by Bram Stoker in 1897.

Where did the idea of a blood/energy stealing monster come from in the first place? Polidori was a man of many ideas. One of his main ideas as stated previously was The Vampyre. This idea did not come from just one source; rather, many. One of Polidori’s main inspirations was Lord Byron; however, there is not any concrete evidence to why Byron was his main source of inspiration.

Where did Dracula come from? Dracula was loosely inspired by Vlad the Impaler. Vlad was a ruthless leader of Wallachia and this is where his name “The Impaler” comes from. He would kill just about anyone for anything. Another source of Stoker’s inspiration for Dracula was the disease Porphyrias. This disease is a group of disorders that come from a buildup of natural chemicals called porphyrins in the body. During the time period

of this disorder, it gained the name “the vampyre disease.” The way it gained this name were the very strange symptoms: sensitivity to light, receding gums which leaded to exposing fangs, drinking blood for medical treatment, aversion to garlic due to the sulfur contained in the herb, the unavailability of one’s reflection in the mirror came from severe facial tissue damage, and fear of the crucifix. These “vampires” were afraid of christians due to the fact that every Porphyria patient found would be burned at the stake over the assumption of being a vampire!

Most modern vampire media authors/directors have taken inspiration from Dracula. There have been so many different vampire novels, movies, and TV shows that have used the image of vampires in many different contexts. Here are a few examples:

Twilight depicts vampires as ancient mystical beings with animal-like behavior.

The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, and The Legacies depicts vampires as very powerful predators of the mortal world while also keeping their immortal values.

Babysitter’s a Vampire depicted as imortal “war machines”.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Depicted as demonic beings which take over mortal bodies.

My

First Kill Netflix series of two vampire room mates

Vlad the Imapler was known for impailing his victoms with sticks and display them on the castel walls.

Damon Salvatore from The Vampire Diaries

Edward Cullen from Twilight

Dracula (2020) created by Mark Gatiss Steven Moffat depicts vampires as beautiful ancient beings worth protection.

ENTERTAINMENT 8

Disney Movie Bracket

The Hilight staff vote on their favorite Disney film

Claire Dossey and Elizabeth Smith, Staff Writers

Murder Mystery

Party gone wrong.

Blyss Murphree, Staff Writer

I have prepared a bone-chilling chronicle for all you horror lovers and wanna-be investigators. This story may be a little hard to follow, so there will be questions to help you along the journey.

Character Profiles

Andrei - Batman

Lorali - Skeleton

Xander - Danny Torrance from The Shining Isleia- Catwoman

Brandon (may change) - Andrei’s brother

“Mom, can I please go to the party with Brandon?”

“No Andrei, I already told you that you’re stuck here. You have to pass out candy.”

“Okay whatever.” Andrei says as he returns back to his room.

Andrei approaches his bedroom door and hears his phone ping.

The text reads: “Bro you coming?” from Isleia

Andrei texts back: “Idk my mom said no.” Isleia responds: “Just sneak out man.”

Andrei sends: “You right. When’s it start?” Isleia forwards the invite to Andrei.

As Andrei begins to get dressed in his very fashionable Batman costume, Brandon knocks on his door.

“Yo, you coming with me?” Bandon says through the door.

“Nah man, Mom said I gotta hand out candy”.

“Dang…See Ya later, I’m out!” Bandon shouts with excitement through the door once again.

“Hey, put the balloon arch over the stairs.”

“I was thinking maybe we could put the red beaded curtain there so it looks like they’re walking into a horror movie. Likeyou know how in a lot of slasher movies, they make blood come out of the ceiling?”

“Oh yeah, that’s a good idea, Xander! Let’s do that. You go find a place for the balloons and I’ll put up the curtain.”

“Okie dokie Artichokie!” Xander bellows from his gut, attempting to sound like a monster.

Lorali laughs.

*****

“Hey! Are you ready? I can see them walking down the sidewalk.” Andrei’s mother says through his door.

“Yeah; on my way,” Andrei responds as he opens the door and follows his mother to the front porch.

“Trick or Treat!” the children say in unison.

Andrei helps his mother pass out candy until 11pm when they eventually run out of candy. His mother tells him she is going to hit the hay, and Andrei begins to foil out his plan. With his brother already out of the house and his father staying the night at their shop for Halloween, he only has to plan around two factors.

1.Wait for mom to fall asleep

2.Feed the cat before departure

With his to-do list ready, Andrei is prepared to leave the nest. He waits around for about 45 minutes before

His mission was successful; however, he does not have a transportation plan. He walks to the address provided on the invite.

****

“Hey! How’s the party?”

“It’s going great! Brandon just got here… but I thought he was bringing Andrei?”

“Oh, I thought I told Xander? He had to sneak out.”

“Ah, that makes sense. I’ll see Ya in a few!”

“See ya Lorali.”

Isleia and Lorali hang up the phone. During the duration of a few minutes after the conclusion of this phone call, Isleia arrives at the party. The time is now 12:23 am.

***

Shortly before Isleia arrived at the party, Xander made a Taco Bell run. With Xander being generous by nature, he purchased 3 party boxes full of a variety of menu items for everyone attending the function. Xander’s new arrival time to the party is 12:37am.

“Did you see Andrei on your way here?” Isleia asks Xander.

“No, why?” he responds.

“Well, he was supposed to sneak out to come, but I guess he fell asleep or something.” Iselia safely assumes. Xander does not give a response and starts handing out tacos.

**

The more time that passes by, Lorali begins to get worried. She knows Andrei usually is not this late to things, especially parties. Given that he had to sneak out on Halloween, yes, maybe

30 minutes after he said he was leaving is acceptable but an entire hour? She starts to think this is unusual behavior for him. Lorrali opens her cellphone to check the location of the last active spot Andrei was in. The map shows his phone last active 15 minutes ago on the side of the road; however, right when she begins to close the app, his location pings again, signaling he is active right at that moment.

Lorali decides to go pick Andrei up and drive him the rest of the way. *

Upon arrival, Andrei’s body is found with his entire Batman costume still intact. No further investigation was done on the body by Lorali.

1. What time does Andrei originally leave his house?

2. Who are the first guests at the party?

3. Where is each character at checkpoint ***? AndreiLoraliXanderIsleiaBrandon4. Who found the body?

5. What could the murder weapon be?

a) Knife

c) Mask

b) Vehicle

d) His own hair

Check Out the answers on page 23 for the solution!

Psychic Readings at CHS

Enter this spooky season with Hilight’s exclusive Palm and Tarot readings

Aubrey Shaddrix and Blyss Murphree, Staff Writers

DISCLAIMER: This is a parody and not meant to be taken seriously.

Lily Abbott

• Fate Line- Lily has a very versatile doubled fate line which could influence a successful career along with a hard-working and goal-oriented nature.

• Life Line- Her lifeline tells us she will maintain good health although its faintness suggests periods of low energy and vitality.

• Heart Line- With her heart line we find Lily is an emotional and well-rounded person with an extroverted and passionate mentality.

Vesta Howe

• Fate line- Emma holds a very faint fate line, meaning she could experience difficult decisions; however, she has a very adaptable approach to life and her good-natured mentality will benefit her.

• Life Line- Emma’s lifeline is very prominent and promises her an emotionally rich life.

• Heart Line- As her heart line starts low it reflects her cool-natured personality. Her line also ends low and suggests she has a reserved personality.

Jay Lee

• Fate line- Strangely, Vesta is missing her fate line, meaning her journey is not predetermined or affected by external influences.

• Life Line- Her palm suggests she will maintain good health throughout her life and her life line’s shallowness suggests that she is not easily influenced by her peers.

• Heart Line- Following Vesta’s heart line we find she is a cool-natured and easy-going individual who finds her balance with her appreciation for nature.

Grab a stick. Spin the wheel to have your very own fortune fortold through the universal forces between you and this paper

• Fate line- Jay has a very distinct fate line, promising him a successful and influential career along with adapting to change very well.

• Life Line- Jay’s shallow lifeline suggests he has a very prosperous and healthy life awaiting him and is easily influenced by external forces. His lifeline seems to fork at the end, indicating a shift in his vitality.

• Heart Line- Jay’s heart line begins at a low point and ends high, telling us he is of cool nature with a very unique and outgoing character.

Izzy Canada

“You need to keep your mind where your feet are. There will be someone or something to help you with this journey through mind and body unison.

“There will be a decision coming your way. With this decision, make sure you take in all perspectives and this will help you form your final choice. This will bring you a higher understanding of whatever is to come.”

“You need to focus on keeping your mind where your feet are. This will pose as an obstacle for you. Just focus on staying in the present moment.”

Rigo Simon

“You need to keep your work- to -play balance. This balance you have is already formated very well, just focus on keeping this balance as well organized as it already is.”

Emma Potter

Dylan Tisdale

Cash Woods

ENTERTAINMENT 10

It’s Spooky Season! A Guide to All Things Halloween

Avery Hice, Staff Writer

Five Scary Movies to Watch This Halloween:

Five Family Movies to Watch This Halloween:

Five Spooky Songs to Listen to This Halloween:

Five Nostalgic Things About Halloween:

1.) The Shining

2.) Black Christmas

3.) Get Out

4.) Hush

4.) Us

1.) Corpse Bride

2.) Spookely the Square Pumpkin

3.) Frankenweenie

4.) It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

5.) Garfield’s Halloween Advenenture

1.) Ptolemaea: Ethel Cain

3.) Wicked Game: Widowspeak

4.) Nutshell: Alice in Chains

5.) Sun Bleached Flies: Ethel Cain

3.) Wearing Costumes to School

5.) Carving Pumpkins

4.) Trick-or-Treat Buckets

2.) Pillsbury Pumpkin Cookies

2.) White Nights: Psychic TV

1.) Glow-in-the-Dark Vampire Teeth

HOMECOMING 12

Day in the Life of a Homecoming Queen

Mack Rudder, Co-Editor

Meet the canidates!

Four senior girls were elected by the senior class to represent the grade on homecoming court. Voting took place the weeks leading up to Hoco Week. Meet the girls and discover how they took part in the week’s events.

All about Hoco...

Monday

As Monday was fair day for CHS Students, the main event that took place was the pomping boards being due that day. Each grade worked on their board tiredlesly the few weeks leading up to hoco week.

AliceAnn, as she is SGA President, was very hands-on for the entire pomping process. She helped to design, create and setup the senior class’s pomping. Ava Flores also on SGA, also helped to setup pomping. As far as the competition between grades the junior class came first place, the seniors came second, the sophomores came third, and the freshman came in fourth place. While pomping was taking place Neveah was busy shopping and planning her dress up day outfits for the week, and Janae was participating in the CHS Volleyball Team’s senior night.

A word from our girls! Alice -Ann Janae Ava Neveah

“I’m just so grateful for the opportunity to be on Homecoming court and just honored that the class chose me for this role... it really means so much that they even thought of me! I just remember all the girls who were on Homecoming court when I was a freshman and how much I looked up to them and it just feels so surreal that now I’m in their shoes. My hope is that I can serve as a positive roll model for underclassmen just as those girls did for me! And of course Happy Hoco!!!

“I am so honored that my classmates nominated me to be a representative on the Homecoming court. I am also honored to be able to stand with AliceAnn, Neveah, and Janae. CHS has brought me so many good memories and knowing this is my last HOCO is a good but also sad feeling. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to make the most of my last Homecoming. Not just on the court, but being able to dress up, participate in events, and wear black and gold. I will forever be a Bearcat!”

"Being nominated for Homecoming court as a senior is such an incredible honor, and I'm honestly so grateful to the senior class for thinking of me. It's hard to believe we are in our last year of high school, there's definitely a mix of excitement and nostalgia. It feels bittersweet knowing this is our last homecoming, but that just makes it even more special. I'm so thankful for the memories we have made, and I can't wait to experience it with all of you. Thank You!"

“Being on the Homecoming court as a senior is definitely something I didn't expect! I am so excited and grateful for all that God has done in my life, and I can't wait to see what He has in store in the future!”

TWENTY TWENTY-FOUR

Tuesday

Tuesday’s dressup day was Duo Day. The events were to tell the truth during bearcat enrichment and ultimate frisbee after school. For Duo Day AliceAnn dressed up with her duo as the Lorax and the Onceler, Neveah dressed up as Tom and Jerry with hers and Janae dressed up with her friend as Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde from Zootopia.

Wednesday

Wednesday’s dress up day was Icon Day. AliceAnn and Ava threw things back dressing up as a childhood classic, The Cheetah Girls, with their friends, Janae wore an American flag costume, and Neveah dressed up as her only true icon: Jesus Christ. Wednesday after school, pumpkin painting occured, and Ava Flores along with Jazmin Conn secured second place for the seniors. The juniors won first, the sophomores got third, and the freshman came in fourth.

Friday

Thursday

On Thursday during school The annual Lip Sync Battle took place. All four senior homecoming court grils participated and helped take home a victory for seniors. Freshman got fourth place, Sophomores got third, Juniors got second, and Seniors got first. All four senior reps particpated in lip sync.

Later that night, the Homecoming Bonfire happened. At the bonfire Neveah Green, one of the senior court reps, performed with the CHS Bearcat Marching Band as their Feature Twirler. During this Neveah dazzled the crowd with her batons of fire. The other three girls were in attendence and could be seen helping Southerner capture CHS memories. After the bonfire Powderpuff football took place. Alice-Ann, Janae, and Ava participated. The seniors and sophomores took the win that night during powderpuff and Ava scored the winning touchdown.

On Friday before school the seniors gathered on the football field for senior sunrise.

During school the Mega Pep Rally took place, filled with games, band music, performances, and school spirit! Neveah performed her Basketball halftime baton routine and then continued to do stand dances with the band. Janae, decked out in black and gold, sat in the senior section and cheered on the game participants.

Meanwhile, AliceAnn and Ava could be seen doing their SGA duties and helping the peprally run smoothly. At the pep rally, thanks to everyone who particpated in the dress up days and activities, it was announced that the seniors won not only the spirit stick but also Homecoming week!

Friday night the football team defeated Columbia and secured homecoming week’s place in history as a fantastic week.

During halftime the homecoming court walked onto the field with the Bearcat marching band and the 2024 homecoming queen was crowned as Wind Beneath my Wings played smoothly in the background.

A word from SGA!

“I’d say homecoming is one of the most involved things that I get to do as an SGA representative. It’s extremely stressful and there is genuinely so much planning and time put into it, but it’s so satisfying to see your hard work pay off. As someone who hasn’t always been in SGA. I don’t think people understand how much effort truly goes into it. Although the events may seem superficial all of the class and big SGA and our sponsors officers organize things months in advance to try to provide the best week possible. And as class president it really helped enhance my leadership skills forcing me to stay on task and learn to delegate tasks. I’m so glad I had the support system of my classmates and fellow officers and that we got to secure that senior dub!!!” - LK Granger (Senior Class Representitive)

And the 2024 homecoming queen is...

Racing into Fall

Quick interviews with our Bearcats Cross Country Team members

Aubrey Shaddrix,

Staff Writer

Questions:

1.) What’s your favorite song to listen to while you run?

2.) What’s your favorite part of being in cross country?

3.) Where is your favorite place to go running?

4.) What is your favorite race of the season?

5.) Which horror movie killer do you think you could outrun best?

Mason Gobble

1. “I don’t listen to music when I run but if I do I just pick a random Riley Green song.”

2. “My favorite part of being in cross country is seeing the improvements that I have been able to make in my racing and workouts.”

3. “My favorite place to go running is by the cow pastures around where I live.”

4. “My favorite race of the season is State.”

5. “The horror movie killer I could outrun the best would be Micheal Myers.”

Mabry Free

1. “Steal my girl” by One direction

2. “Being able to spend time with my team everyday.”

3. “Anywhere that I can look at something pretty outside.”

4. “Oakville.”

5. “Michael Meyers.”

Noah Casey 1. “Reptilia” by The Strokes

2. “Racing is great, but it wouldn’t be nearly as fun without my team. We have a really good time together.”

3. “I ran in Pigeon Forge at sunrise one time and I thought it was cool.”

4. “Definitely ‘Dew it on the Trails’ in Decatur. It’s a super flat course that I look forward to every year.”

5. “The Shark from Jaws, because it can’t run.”

Ann Marie Land

1. “Pink Matter” by Frank Ocean

2. “The team.”

3. “Around the town or St. Bernard.”

4. “The Hillbilly Run Cross Country Meet at Thomas Nelson High School in Bardstown, KY”

5. “Chucky because he is tiny, and if he gets in my way, I can kick him.”

Some Insight Into Cullmans Fall & Winter Sports

Postview of Cullman High Schools Fall Sports, Preview of Winter Sports

Maggie Hope Hetrick, Staff Writer

Post View of Our Beloved Fall Sports

Football -

This season, The Cullman High School football team has brought in seven wins out of nine games. The first game of the season our Bearcats started off strong, coming home with a win after beating Bob Jones forty-eight to twelve. This fantastic start has followed the team as the season progressed, seeing as we play in the first round of playoffs at Parker High School November first. As of right now, the team is ranked 104th in the state.

Volleyball -

This volleyball season has been a very exciting one for Cullman High School. For the first time ever, the Lady Bearcats are going to state! The team is ranked nineteen in Alabama’s Division 6A rankings, and sixty-eighth overall. In total, this season they have scored a kill percent of 32.9% - and a hit percent of 0.141%. Top performers include Clementine Hollingsworth, Olivia Dover, Ava Ray, Karina Harris, Livi Smith, and Blakey Brannon.

Preview of Our Highly Anticipated Winter Sports Mens Basketball -

This upcoming men’s basketball season has a lot in store for avid Bearcat fans, according to Coach Vincent Stuedeman. With basketball season nearing closer and closer, it’s time for students & faculty to get ready to display their most devoted support for our players. Coach Stu displayed optimism about the upcoming season, expressing confidence that players will have an excellent opportunity to realize their full potential. According to Stu, the roster this year looks very promising, and is made up of a mixture of “veterans and underclassmen.”

Preparation for the season is going as planned so far, and is composed of a mix of lifting weights, conditioning, playing pick up, and skills practices. The team also takes up extra practice in a Fall League in Guntersville. Coach Stu stated that he believes this season promises a lot of wins for our Green Bearcats, but “winning is never the focus,” winning is “doing our jobs with high character and to the best of our ability for every practice and every game.”

Womens Basketball -

The women’s basketball team, like the men’s, has much to offer this upcoming season. The varsity team has been built with a colorful variety of upper and lower classmen, including three seniors, four juniors & three sophomores. Based on the roster, Coach Jessica McBrayer believes that the team promises a winning record, and is full of girls who “know and understand the expectations we have for practices and games.” The team will be playing a handful of challenging schools, one of which is Hazelgreen, who are 6A State Champs. Coach McBrayer also mentioned the coaching regime, which has shown to be very impactful of the girls’ performance and mindset going into this upcoming season. She has stated that she believes to have great strength with Coach Lydia Burgess, Jada Golden as the best JV head coach, and Tyler Calvert, a new addition to their staff, who influences the girls with his incredible work ethic and desire to be great.

Their team vision is to win the area championship, host and win the rub regional game, and compete in the sweet sixteen which is held at Wallace State. McBrayer believes that this is a highly possible outcome for this year, and thinks this season is going to be “fun, hard, and one we will never forget!”

Indoor Track -

The upcoming indoor track season is a bit more challenging to scale. The overall performance is based on each players’ dedication, which has been proven to vary person to person. Coach Trent Dean has mentioned many promising members, who he has been very impressed by; this includes Mabry Free and Andrue Barnett who have shown they can run “elite” times in track and field, as well as Isaihah Moore and Bryant Hupp in the throwing events. Coach Dean has also been impressed with Clementine Hollingsworth, Slade Turbeyfield, Jameson Inchino, Alex Renteria and a few others performances in the jumping events. Dean believes that the team has made tremendous progress throughout the past four years, and is excited to see others’ potential grow as the season starts and continues. As far as practice goes it has not yet started, but distance-runners are improving with Cross-Country season, and the sprinters, jumpers, throwers, and hurdlers are either actively involved with another fall sport or doing general strength and conditioning, as well as a “steady diet of technical work” to improve in each of their specific events.

Fishing -

This fishing season, set to start in De cember, has a lot in store for Cullman High School’s fans. There will be numerous tournaments, some of which the team will have to travel to. There will be a tournament on Neely Henry in Gadsden, Logan Martin in Lincoln, Lay Lake in Columbia, and Weiss Lake in Leesburg. The state tournament will be held on Smith Lake at the end of May. The team is stronger in number this year, with nine Anglers fishing the Alabama Bass Nation High School Trail. There are no formal practices, but the Anglers are expected to team up with their partners & boat captains to prepare when possible. During this time on the water, anglers practice techniques for the conditions they will see during the tournaments. According to Susan Boyd, the team is hoping all of our boats qualify for state so they can compete in the State Championship. Boyd also stated that members plan to hold team tournaments to encourage a bit more practice, and “a little competition is always fun.”

CAMPUS NEWS

Behind The Bell

Meet Mrs. Borden

Reilly Johnson, Staff Writer

What inspired you to become a teacher and what made you choose your subject?

My oldest son who struggles with Dyslexia inspired me to become a teacher. I chose Special Education to help students reach their full potential.

What do you find most rewarding about being a teacher?

When someone says they can’t, and we show them that they can.

Can you share a memorable experience with a student that had an impact on you?

I have many exceptional students. I also have a student who is one of 500 in the world. That amazes me and helps me recognize how lucky I am to be their teacher.

What impact do you hope to have on your students, both academically and personally?

I hope to instill a love for learning. I want my students to go out into the world and feel empowered. They are so much more than any label.

What advice would you give students to help them succeed academically and personally?

Be yourself!! Who cares what others think about you. They are just jealous that they can’t be as awesome as you!! Academically try what is hard. Work hard and reach for the stars.

What is one thing you want to tell students about your life outside of Cullman High School?

Life is not always kind, happy, or fun, but you can be that for someone. You can bring a smile to people’s faces by just being their friend.

A Word of Encouragement

The 26th Principal of Cullman High School addresses her students

Cole Harrison, Staff Writer

Cullman High School students,

As we continue another exciting school year, I hope Cullman High School has welcomed each of you. This is a year of growth, learning, and new opportunities. Our school is a place where you can explore your passions, challenge yourself, and achieve great things. Whether you’re returning or new to our community, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Remember, success is not just about grades—it’s about developing your character, being kind to others, and embracing challenges. Let’s make this year one where we lift each other up, aim high, and work together to create an inspiring and inclusive environment. I hope you’re all settling into the new school year with excitement and curiosity. As we continue to grow and evolve as a school, I’m thrilled at the community we have become. Let us all strive in Character, Citizenship, and Scholarship!

Go Bearcats!

Principal Allison Tuggle

Chick-Fil-A Leader Academy

New Opportunies at Cullman High School

Elizabeth Smith, Staff Writer

This year, Cullman High School was proposed by their local Chickfil-a to establish a leadership program called the Chick-fil-a Leader Academy. This program is meant to take the next generation of student leaders and help them grow as well as make impacts on their communities through actions. Thirty students, chosen from applications by a selection committee, will work together this year and participate in community service actions. An example being Chick-fil-a’s Million Book Giveaway, where students will bring books to Cullman Primary School in October. Students will also meet monthly and participate in leader labs, which will teach them valuable skills needed to become a successful leader in life. This program will be a great opportunity and resource for Cullman High School and the community. Mrs. Dutton, sponsor of the academy, says, “This is our pilot year for the Chickfil-a Leader Academy, but we are excited for what the future holds for both our participants and our community impact.”

Chick-fil-a Leader Academy Members: Alana Tyler, Anna Beth Burleson, Annaliese Dunn, Ava Claire Floyd, Bailee Henderson, Blakely Brannon, Elizabeth Smith, Emery Peed, Harper Sparks, Henry Crocker, Kambelle Gentry, Karina Harris, Lillie Hogue, Lillie Smith, Luke Sessions, Mackenzie Rudder, Max Miller, Molly Dorough, Olivia Dover, Presley Reeling, Reagan Duke, Sadie Graham, Sarah Spann, Sloan Nobinger Sponsors/Partners: Shannon Dutton (CHS counselor), Randy Earnest (CFA Operator), Breana Posey (CFA Operator)

Students above participated in Chick-fil-a’s Million Book Giveaway by writing notes to and distributing bags with books to CCPS students

April Borden, Special Education

CAMPUS NEWS

Roaring 20’s at CHS

How our AP Lang class celebrates The Great Gatsby

Aubrey Shaddrix, Avery Hice, and Blyss Murphree Staff Writers

Annually, the students who are enrolled in AP Language and Composition read F. Scott Fitzgerald’s, The Great Gatsby. The world-renowned novel portrays the dark side of the American Dream. After reading this literary masterpiece, Mrs. Lunsford’s students celebrate the completion of the novel by holding The Gatsby Party. Mrs. Lunsford told us how she began doing the Gatsby Party in 2022, which was her first year teaching AP Lang; however, the tradition was carried on from years prior by former AP Lang teachers Ms. Calahan and Mrs. Hartline. Mrs. Lunsford encouraged the party by stating, “It is a wonderful culminating project that is fun but also allows each student to contribute in a creative way that plays to his or her strengths.“ Made of multiple parts, the party has digital aspects as well as tables decorated for each chapter, encapsulating the feeling and setting of the chapters section. All students work together by catering food relevant to the time period and drinks portraying the Gilded Age. In addition to the decor and atmosphere, students also dress according to the time period. When asking Mrs. Lunsford about

her favorite part of the party this year, she said, “...I particularly enjoyed seeing how student’s decorated the round tables…” The AP Lang students worked diligently for weeks in order to make the party a fun and exciting experience, one that they will remember for years to come.

The Old Man and The Old Moon

Look behind the curtains of Cullman Theatre’s fall show Elizabeth Smith, Staff Writer

The Cullman High School Theatre Department puts on a show annually for one of their two competitionsTrumbauer. This competition requires an entire set on a 10 by 10 area, which is to be set up in only fifteen minutes before performing in front of judges. This year, the cast will be performing a storyteller theater piece called The Old Man and The Old Moon. The production is about an old man, played by Slade Turbyfield, on a mission to find his wife through a series of trials by land, air, and sea- being filled with action-packed adventures. Behind the scenes, the cast and directors put in a lot of hard work into perfecting their performance. The directors, Wayne Cook and Sarah Skinner, support the kids by offering them helpful advice as well as encouraging words. The cast, who are filled with amazing energy, are there to support each other and put their time and energy into making this show the best it can be.The show is set to be shown to the public November 4th through the 7th. Set your calendars; this is a show that you will not want to miss!

CHS students performing a part of the show onstage during rehearsal.

ADS 18

The Future of Football

What are guardian caps and how are they changing the game?

Mack Rudder, Staff Writer

While football is a huge part of American culture, especially in Southern states, it is also incredibly dangerous. Every game, players- young and old- risk permanent and life-altering injuries. The Boston University CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) center found that 345 out of 376 former NFL player’s brains they had studied were diagnosed with CTE. This is 91.7% of the players they worked with. While CTE research is newer and the CTE Center said “NFL player data should not be interpreted to suggest that 91.7 percent of all current and former NFL players have CTE, as brain bank samples are subject to selection biases,” it does show that taking repetitive hits to the head, and head contact in general, is the main culprit for the causing CTE. In another Boston University brain study conducted on 164 brains of men and women, only one case of CTE was found, and that one case was the brain of a former college football player.

Researchers believe CTE is caused by a buildup of a protein called tau. In brains with CTE, buildup of this protein has been found around blood vessels. Tau proteins are responsible for stabilizing neurons within the brain. Ironically, though, when too much tau protein is present it ends in the nuclei collapsing in on itself which disrupts the genetic material found within the neurons. This disruption causes the neurons to no longer be able to communicate with other cells, leading to the damaging of muscles and what researchers believe to be muscle atrophy. While tau protein buildup in CTE is different from tau buildup, which is found to be a part of other diseases, too much tau protein has also been linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

CTE can not currently be diagnosed on a live brain and there is no active treatment or cure. Research has ad vanced rapidly in the last few years, though, which has led to ways to at least reduce the risk. The best way to reduce the risk of CTE is to limit the risk of concussions and to try and prevent re-injury after a con cussion or head injury. Second-impact syndrome occurs when someone goes back to participating in a risky activity

before their concussion fully heals. Taking another hit while healing from a concussion can lead to brain swelling and intensified concussion effects.

One increasingly popular way to protect yourself from concussions and CTE while participating in contact sports, such as football, is a Guardian Cap. A Guardian Cap is basically a helmet for your helmet. It’s a padded, soft-shell layer that goes on top of your normal helmet and It’s specifically engineered to reduce the impacts of hits. The company that produces the caps claims the helmet reduces harm (Head Acceleration Response Metric) by up to 40%.

Guardian Caps are effective because the soft outer material absorbs a big portion of the hit which means the hard shell of the helmet below the cap will receive a smaller amount of the hit; so by the time the hit reaches the inside of the helmet the already existing padding will receive an even smaller amount and by the time the impact hits the player, the impact has been greatly reduced. The engineers behind the Guardian Cap compare the technology to that of a car’s airbags.

As of 2024, the NFL has implemented the use of Guardian Caps during preseason and in-season practices for players who experience direct contact. They also now allow the use of them, by the player’s choice, in games. While there are many skeptics of the cap’s ability to reduce head injuries, NFL Vice President Jeff Miller backs up the NFL’s choice to use the caps saying, “The last two seasons, we saw about a 50% decrease in concussions in the positions that we mandated to wear them.” Many college teams such as UGA, Alabama, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Stanford, and Penn State, have also begun using Guardian Caps during their seasons.

College and NFL teams are not the only ones to start using the

they aren’t even the most important teams to begin using them either: many high school teams have begun using Guardian Caps. This is significant because concussions have a far greater impact on younger, still-developing brains.

Cullman High School is just one of many Alabama high schools to implement Guardian Caps with their football players. Officially Guardian Caps are not mandated by the Alabama High School Athletics Association, but coaches at CHS made the decision to require players to wear them during all practices. Football coach Tyler Pitzing says this decision comes from “an effort to reduce head injuries, such as concussions, to players during daily practice.” While the coaches agree that Guardian Caps are the way to go for reducing head injuries, many of Cullman’s players are split over the decision to wear them and some think the possibility of them becoming mandatory within games is daunting. There are a few high schools throughout the nation that are implementing Guardian Caps for players, not just in practices, but also in games. Park High School in Minnesota is one of the high schools on the list. They implemented the caps during the 2023 season and then quickly mandated them for every player during every game and every practice. Their head coach stated during an interview that player safety is their number one priority and that is what led them to mandate them during games too. Currently, Guardian Caps are only mandated during practices at Cullman High School and some players want it to stay that way.

acknowledges the negative impact it had on him saying, “It made [football] very frustrating because I felt fine but the risk of second-impact [syndrome] was too high to come back.” Despite this acknowledgment of the dangers Conway is still against the mandatory use of Guardian Caps within high school football games. He states that they would make the game “too soft” and that if you play football “you should already know the risk of concussions beforehand.” This exact line of reasoning is the same one many other Cullman players share with Conway.

Even the players who said they wouldn’t particularly care if the caps became mandatory during games conceded that they could see why others would care simply because of the way the caps look on the helmet. Senior CHS player Cooper Ogstad is one of many players who wouldn’t mind them being implemented in games but can understand why other players are against it aesthetically. When asked about the implementation of them within games he said he “wouldn’t mind” and that “ it’s definitely way safer than not having one on,” and when asked why he thought other players disagreed with him he said it’s “because everyone thinks they look weird on the helmet.”

The safety of all football players, specifically those playing in high school or youth leagues, within games and practices is sure to stay a heated and highly debated topic. Despite the coach’s desire to protect players, there are still many factors to consider when implementing Guardian Caps, such as effectiveness, cost, and for some, aesthetics.

Senior CHS football player Ben Conway is among

football-related concussion before and he

Cullman is just one of many schools trying to protect their players from as many injuries as they can. Coach Pitzing declares that in regard to CHS football players and their guardian caps, “player safety is the number one priority in sports, so any time you can reduce injuries and keep players

Left to right: Kamron Myers (Cullman HS), Kyle Hergel (Saints), Kyle Morris (Jaguars)

EDITORIALS 20

Living as a Teen with No Social Media

Benefits and Drawbacks

Elianna Hollis, Staff Writer

The vast majority of teenagers have access to some form of social media. This is a given in our digital age. This is why it surprises many that as a Gen Z teen, I do not have any kind of social media. While the main reason is that my parents forbid it, I would like to speak about the pros and cons of this approach to technology and explain why it really doesn’t bother me as much as one might think.

From a young age, my parents have restricted my access to screens, allow-

ing me only 30 minutes a day on the computer. While I loathed this policy at the time, now as a matured young adult who has witnessed the fruition of a generation of iPad kids, I fully understand this mindset and actually approve of it. Instead of spending all my time in front of a screen, I developed a vivid imagination from playing outside and entertaining myself with whatever my creative mind could fabricate. By not relying on screen time for entertainment, my young mind was able to flourish and grow as I became an avid reader and engaged in artistic endeavors I may never have discovered had I been glued to an iPad. This segues into teen addiction to social media. Personally, I don’t understand the hype around social media like Instagram and

The Podcast Epidemic

“Dude, let’s start a podcast”

Jacob Larker, Staff Writer

For the past few years, there has been a surge in podcasts especially among content creators who decide to start a podcast due to reasons unbeknownst to us. These podcasts lack any personality and are only created to be used as clips on TikTok; usually paired with some sort of stimulating video on the side. Podcasts are not bad in and of themselves, but there are a few spe cific types of podcasts that every one who would fit its description seems to be carbon copies. A lot of these content creators that create their podcasts like to bring on the same guests and comedians as an attempt to bring some sort of depth to these podcasts that are one-dimensional in their basis. These podcasts are usually lastditch attempts to cling to relevancy, as seen with people like Hailey Welch.

have brought around the phrase “‘Dude , let’s start a podcast’”- a satirical phrase commonly used to make fun of them, as they all have a commonality within them. Amongst recent podcasts, I have noticed a similar format that they follow every episode, that format being: one of the friends says something

Snapchat. As a socially awkward and relatively private person, I wouldn’t know what to post if I had an account. Besides that, scrolling and/ or consuming content like Reels or TikTok is also statistically shown to be extremely addictive, especially to young people. The only thing I really feel like I am missing out on is the socialization, and the niche cultural references I can never grasp in conversation. From what I have gathered, most teens communicate through snapchat, so I am frequently left out of group chats and have to be informed of drama and other social happenings by my friends. In addition, any reference to the goings-on of TikTok is entirely lost on me and often requires explain-

ing.

Many studies have shown the addictive qualities of social media, something of which I am glad I am missing out on. As the following generations become more and more dependent on technology, I fear in-person connection will become increasingly difficult. I don’t think my lack of social media is a bad thing, and honestly, I’m pretty content to continue on with my life just having YouTube and Pinterest.

whom I mentioned earlier is Haliey Welch. She has not been outward with her beliefs but has a big conservative demographic and weirdly enough has Trump supporters wearing “Hawk Tuah” merch at his rallies. She is very southern and is someone that rightwing people would claim as one of

Amongst this ecosystem of podcasts are these multi-person podcasts, composed of two or more friends, talking about random topics that nobody asked for their input to begin with, but decided to create their podcast anyway. These types of podcasts

space is the conservative bubble, which has been one of the most successful forms of conservative media. It has a wide landscape including people who may not even state their political beliefs but attract a conservative fanbase. One of

odd appeal to her and the podcast that conservative men have.

Expanding on the conservative bubble, there are the full-on right-wing podcasts like Candace Owens and Steven Crowder, the “red pill” podcasts

like Andrew Tate and Fresh & Fit, and the “intellectual dark-web” podcasts such as Joe Rogan and Jordan Peterson. These are all different forms of right-wing content but palatable to more people, expanding the conservative sandbox. The red pill podcasts are the worst of them all, like I described before, these podcasts all follow similar formats and lack anything meaningful about them. These men with two or more people create podcasts usually in the likes of Andrew Tate, and do nothing but demean women. Yeah… the words they say lack any sophistication and ultimately sound dumb coming out of their mouths, which makes sense as to why they are not that popular. Unlike Andrew Tate, they do not have the ability to attract a very wide audience, but the conservative men will eat it up anyway, and no matter how useless these podcasts may seem there will always be an audience for them, especially with conservatives.

Presidential Prophecy

A prediction on what life might be like with each candidate

Anna Beth Burleson and Mack Rudder, Co-Editors

Disclaimer:

These are simply predictions based on the candidate’s policies listed on their official campaign website. All information and quotes were sourced from the candidate’s official website and do not reflect the views of The Hilight or of any staff writers.

The day is January 20th, 2025, the day of the presidential inauguration, and history will be made today. Today is the first time a woman is ever sworn in as President of the United States, the second time an African American is sworn into the presidency, and the first time we will have an Indian president. Harris’s unique and diverse background is what she says taught her “to believe in the promise of America.”

Harris’s campaign promised Americans a “New Way Forward” and so for her first official order of business as U.S president she will begin her work on rebuilding the middle class. Harris’s plan for this rebuilding first includes restoring two tax cuts, the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit, that were, “designed to help middle class and working Americans.” After restoring the Child Tax Credit, they will extend it to provide a 6,000 dollar tax cut to American families with newborns. These tax cuts for the middle class will be the first of many as Harris and Walz make history and work to “[make] our tax system fairer.” Building off of Harris’s previous work as Attorney General of California, where she “took on the big banks to deliver twenty billion dollars for middle class families who faced foreclosure and helped pass a homeowner bill of rights, one of the first of its kind in the nation,” she will enact her three part plan to make homeownership more affordable and attainable. Her plan starts with building three million more rental and housing units within the U.S, and continues with “[cutting] red tape” in order to make sure houses get built faster. She also has promised in this plan to punish firms that “hoard” houses and drive up prices for homebuyers in the area. The final part of her plan promises to provide historical and generous

support for first time homebuyers.

ous criminal gangs and “illegal aliens” to go free in the U.S. without consequence. He is commiteed to sending them back home.

After Harris’s extensive economic plan is enacted, Harris will turn her focus to “safeguarding our fundamental freedoms.” Harris has promised to “never allow a national abortion ban to become law,” and she has backed this statement up with promises to sign any congressional bill that “restore[s] reproductive freedom nationwide.” Aside from reproductive rights, Harris will also focus on voting rights. She will pass “the John Lewis Voting Rights and the Freedom to Vote Acts.” These are laws she claims will “enshrine voting rights protections” and will “expand vote-by-mail and early voting.” Harris will also secure two billion dollars in funding as promised.

The day is January 20, 2025, the day of the presidential inauguration, his devoted followers cheer loudly, the rest assume a state of shock. It is official: Donald J. Trump has been elected as the 47th President of the United States. He has successfully won the vote of the American people and tells the crowd before him that the nation will once again be based on truth, justice, and common sense in order to “Make America Great Again.”

In the weeks following the inauguration, he sits in the Oval Office and declares his first order of business: “[Sealing] the border and [stopping] the migrant invasion.” He is ready and willing to carry out a plan of the utmost aggression to stop open-border policies that opened the floodgates to “illegal aliens, deadly drugs, and Migrant Crime.” He vows to end the “Invasion at the Southern Border” in order to restore

Next she will fight to pass the Equality Act, an act that defends fundamental rights Harris has fought for since 2004 as California’s Attorney General. This act will provide “anti-discrimination protections for LQBTQ+ Americans in healthcare, housing, education, and more.” Harris will also fight for women and their right to healthcare promising to introduce a bill to protect all women across the nation’s access to necessary medical care.

If she lives up to her promises Harris will defend all the rights of people of all races, ethnicities, sexes, ages, and financial statuses. A New Way Forward will be charted under her direction and unprecedented growth of the middle class will occur.

American people, and deliver a prosperous future for all. He will “...halt all releases of Illegal Aliens into the interior,” complete the Border wall, give large portions of Federal Law Enforcement to Immigration Enforcement, and implement the use of new and advanced technology to monitor and secure the Border. He will also use various branches of the US military “...including moving thousands of Troops currently stationed overseas to our own Southern Border.” He also plans to use the Navy to impose a full Fentanyl Blockade. He will strengthen ICE, and increase penaltieas for illegal entry, overstaying Visas, and more. This includes invoking the “Alien Enemies Act to remove all known or suspected gang members, drug dealers, or cartel members from the United States, ending the scourge of Illegal Alien gang violence once and for all.” He will also bring back the Travel Ban, and use Title 42 to end the child trafficking crisis and return all trafficked children to their families in their Home Countries. Along with this, he plans to “carry out the largest deportation operation in American history.” The Republican Party is extremely commited to reversing the acts of the Democrats Open Door Policies that have allowed danger-

After sealing the border and deporting immigrants nationwide, he turns his attemtion to his next challenge: the economy. He will “...tackle the cost-of-living crisis, improve fiscal sanity, restore price stability, and quickly bring down prices.” He plans to enact change by “...unleashing American Energy, reining in wasteful spending, cutting excessive Regulations, securing our Borders, and restoring Peace through Strength.” He will also enact large tax cuts for workers, and no tax on tips. He says that the Republican party will make the Trump Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent as it spurred economic growth for all Americans. He also says that the elimination of taxes on tips would aid millions of restaurant and hospitality workers. With each of these components, how can he fail? He cannot, or at least this is what he believes.

After countless wars and industry hold-ups, Trump has an epiphany- he needs to make America independent on the basis of energy and manufacturing. He shares that the Republican party stands for an “America First Economic Policy.” They have a plan to protect workers, farmers, and industries from foreign competition. He, along with the Republican party, are committing to reforming trade and securing manufacturing independence. This includes being energy-independent and dominant as well. He claims that he will build a self-reliant and prosperous America.

It is known of his plans to strengthen the military in order to protect the American people but he is reiterating it. He states that Republicans will “...ensure our Military is the most modern, lethal and powerful Force in the World.” The government will invest in only the most advanced technologies and best research possible and support the troops with higher wages. Although he will build the military, he will end the weaponization of government against the American people. This means holding accountable those who have been reckless with government power, the declassification of government records, and rooting out and firing corrupt employees.

If this my is correct then he will defend the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and our fundamental freedoms in order to unite the country and elevate it to a record breaking level of success. Along with making peace in the U.S., he will make peace globally and prevent world war three which will establish his place in history forever.

EDITORIALS 22

Sweet DreamZ

Haunted house review

Dane Mauldin, Staff Writer

Many thrill-seekers are searching for the ideal haunted experience as Halloween draws near, and this year’s Sweet DreamZ Haunted House looks to be just that. Located in Joppa, this haunted house has grown to be a favorite attraction of many, drawing large crowds of people looking for a little fun and terror.

One standout feature of Sweet DreamZ is its attention to detail. The decor is extremely impressive, with haunting visuals and props that create a truly immersive experience. They really hold themselves to their description of “Broadway Worthy.”

Another thing that really blew me away was the actors and actresses present during the experience. I mean you can really tell they love their job. The costumes and makeup are also extremely well-done to a professional degree. That is always my favorite part of haunted house’s is to see all of the intricate costumes the actors and actresses wear.

The greatest addition of all (apart from the haunt itself) is the price for the attraction. Ranging from $13 to $22 dollars is extremely good pricing for this Hollywood level experience. You just can’t beat that price especially for the level of greatness this haunted house is on.

If you want to experience Sweet DreamZ Haunted House for yourself, it can be found at 16127 AL-69, Joppa, AL.

How to Romantacize a Woman to Death

An analysis of the Manic Pixie Dream Girl in film

Aubrey Shaddrix, Staff Writer

We have all met her. The young woman who wisps through our narrator’s life, teaching some irreplaceable lesson on love and growth. However, upon meeting this character through film we see only a skewed idea of a woman, only knowing the lens of which she is represented. Let us talk about her and by her I mean the infamous Manic Pixie Dream Girl.

Whether it be through film or personal experience the manic pixie dream girl can be better described as a brief and unique relationship for our male protagonist. She typically has some unresolved and not well explored trauma, vibrant personality, killer fashion sense, and most importantly an awful taste in men. For example Ramona Flowers in Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World, Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby, and Summer in 500 Days of Summer These women are unreachable, as this is the exact purpose they play. A manic pixie dream girl is not a normal female love interest, especially as they are not introduced as people, but the persona of lessons men learn from love. The MPDG exists in the fantasy of insecure male writers reminiscing on either a lost love or simply reflecting their sexist ideals of women. This being that these women’s unique and ditzy character traits exist solely to save our wonder boy from himself. Willfully our fairy-like MPDG takes him from his troubles after a chance interaction and incorporates her lively wisdom into his gloomy lifestyle. I hate this. I especially hate the male protagonist in these films. Most of which are morally gray, pessimistic, and honestly completely uninteresting. It is actually funny how in all these movies the most interesting character is never the lead and simply exists to uphold the lives of these boring men. Our male protagonists all seem to share the quality of having no personality, and when they do their

come to a conclusion of who she is. Despite her interesting characteristics and actions, her as an individual is rarely explored in the movie. The difference between a woman being known through film and a woman being known through a man is that a woman through film is given the right of character. I argue that some female characters have been wrongly thrown into the pile of MPDG’s for example, Jess from New Girl and Clementine in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Despite their typical MPDG personalities, through the course of their stories we learn who these women are and that they are not captured soulessly by the perception of the film’s male protagonist. Jess is weird, yes, but she is also her own independent character with cause and reason for her personality and simply an interesting female main character. Clementine is not just a hot girl with dyed hair and commitment issues, she fights to make the point through the film that she too is a person “looking for [her] own peace of mind,” and that she will in fact not fix her male protagonist because that is not her purpose. The normal traits of the manic pixie girl change shape when given to a solid character, making a well formed and unique woman instead of a mindless accessory to a man’s fantasy.

In every film I find myself caring more about the MPDG than the relationship or the man chasing her around. The downfall of this is that her entire character is viewed so narrowly and in such a biased light she is hardly a person, but some kind of unattainable creature. For example, Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World is generally a good movie, however the main character, Scott, is an awful person. He falls head over heels for the classic box-dyed hair of Ramona Flowers. This movie gives us a good example of a Manic Pixie Dream Girl but also an outlook of how ridiculous these tropes are. Ramona is so wildly out of Scott’s league it really makes you wonder, on what planet do men like Scott reach women like

Ramona?

Simply the MPDG archetype creates interesting women with the sole purpose of creating a man. These mopey-indie male characters depend on wistful women to prop up their lives and take them away from whatever plagues their gray-scale reality. Again, I hate this. Unfortunately, a sporadic and fairy-like woman will not sweep you up and save you from yourself because that is not her job. I find it sick that an entire character archetype was created on the idea that a woman’s personality should exist to support a man. Why can a woman in film not have interesting qualities without a man taking that and using it for himself? These women simply exist in the perception of their sad lovers and are enclosed in the shackles of perception. Being with a cool girl does not make you a cool man, and you only have the privilege of being with a person not becoming them.

Films, of course, influence us and do have real world implications. On the topic of the Manic Pixie Dream Girl it is important we stop looking to the characters in these films for inspiration. This character trope creates a grim outlook on love, making it seem more like a leeching and codependent relationship rather than a beneficial connection. This trope creates some unrealistic idea that we all encounter a Manic Pixie Dream Girl type of love in our life and simply never love the same again as they were far too cool and far too unique. Maybe that is right, maybe we do not experience the same emotion with an individual again, but creating the false idea that these women are out of reach is really just reflecting the insecurities of men who write these stories. So if you are a man (or should I say boy) genuinely reading this through, be aware of the fact that you are not a sad indie-sleaze director with a very questionable legal history. Do not base your perception of dating, or of any woman, off the idea of a mysterious once in a inevitably doomed love. The Manic Pixie Dream Girl exists for a man, but a real breathing woman exists for herself.

Shown above is a scanned copy of an original oil painting by 10th grade guest artist Zarybeth Flores Contreras of Neveah Green, CHS Feature Twirler, and her batons of fire.