The Hilight: Senior Edition 2023

Seniors: 11 School Days Until Graduation!

editors’ notes

CHS, I am happy to present you our last & final edition of TheHilightfor the 2022-2023 school year! The past two years being a part of this staff have been filled with nothing but the most amazing memories. I want to thank this year’s staff for their constant dedication, Elley for her neverending support, & finally Ms. Calahan for her repeated encouragement, wisdom, & kindness through every situation. She has been the best supporter & mentor; I cannot thank her enough. These papers could not have been accomplished without you all! I wish you all the best of luck moving forward into the next school year, & know you guys will continue to make this paper so incredibly marvelous. To the CHS seniors: Congratulations & good luck as you enter the next chapter of your life.

Go Bearcats!

Anna Beth Mauldin, Editor-in-Chief

I want to thank the entire Hilight staff for putting forth such dedication to the Cullman High School newspaper this year. Everyone has had a positive attitude & a relentless work ethic throughout the 2022-23 school year. Specifically, I want to thank our editor, Anna Beth, for demonstrating incredible leadership this year; she has truly assumed her role with stride & has not misstepped once. We would not have been able to curate quality papers without her, & we will lose a vital member when she leaves for college next year. I know, though, that she will go on to do impeccable things. I would also like to acknowledge all the care Ms.Calahan gives to her staff. She is a loving, dedicated teacher who is an essential aspect of TheHilight. I genuinely hope everyone enjoys this edition as much as we do. That’s a wrap for Cullman High School’s newspaper staff- we’ll see you again next year!

Elley Atchison, Junior Editor

Anna Beth Mauldin

Junior Editor

Elley Atchison

Staff Writers

Olivia Britton

Anna Beth Burleson

Kaleigh Green

Juan Fuentes

Ruby Hudson

Jonah Jarett

John Mark Johnson

Reilly Johnson

Mimi Lunsford

Mack Rudder

Alecia Scott

Destiny White

Drew Williamson

The Road to Senior Year: A History

Remembering our past

Ruby Hudson, Staff Writer

Primary School:

Kindergarten (2010-11): This was our first official year as a student in the Cullman City School System, and we had no idea of what was to come. But as 5 or 6 year-olds, we weren’t concerned with the future. Instead, we were wholly concerned with the Playdough, playground, and coloring sheets that made up the best parts of kindergarten. Who needs Chromebooks when you can play with a LeapFrog? Why worry about graduating high school when that’s 12 years away? Spelling was not too important yet, as evidenced by the daily journals that are still somewhere at my house, but as long as you kind of knew the alphabet and how to count, you did not need much else to thrive in kindergarten.

1st grade (2011-12): In first grade, our curriculum mostly focused on writing coherent sentences with somewhat correct spelling, and being able to count to 100. However, most importantly, this year, the “Cha Cha Slide” was all the rage. You may remember practicing this dance for what felt like every day in P.E.. We then performed it at field day for our parents in our class-colored CCPS shirts. Currently, the primary school is undergoing rennovations to make it even better, so it will be much different now than when we were students there.

Elementary School:

2nd grade (2012-13): This was the first year of elementary school. No matter if you went to East, West, or neither, this was where you found some of your best friends. This is also the year of spelling tests and learning how to pronounce words. Some of the activities we did may have been useless, such as raising butterflies, but we had a lot of fun in second grade.

3rd grade (2013-14): In 3rd grade, we continued learning foundational math, language arts, science, and social studies, but school was still more fun than work. This year, I remember learning songs to help us memorize the multiplication tables. Most importantly, though, this is the year Frozen came out in movie theaters.

4th and 5th grade (2014-16): These are the years where elementary school became slightly more demanding as we reached an age where we were able to begin learning harder subjects. We began to drift away from the coloring sheets and fun activities, but we still had the occasional movie and popcorn day. 5th grade consisted of much more writing and academic activities than the previous years of elementary

school. By the end of this year, we were looking forward to 6th grade and being the biggest kids at the school.

6th grade (2016-17): I may not remember much from 6th grade, but I do remember this as the year “x” was introduced in math, and everyone was waiting for the world to end. I mean, letters in math? Who would have thought of such a thing? This is also where we began the concept of switching classes, but the teachers avoided mass chaos by having the class orderly walk in a line from class to class.We probably did not appreciate ementary school as much as we should have. However, we will all fondly remember Mr. Wiggins and his kindness towards each and every student. Everyone who went through East Elementary will miss him, and knows that he cannot be replaced.

Middle School:

7th grade (2017-18): The transition from elementary school to middle school was slightly daunting. We knew that we would have mch more expected of us than in elementary school. Also, this year, instead of swapping classes with your entire class as a group, you would be expected to swap classes by yourself. And lockers? No more cubbies or hooks labeled with your name on colorful laminated paper. Instead, you got your very own locker with a combination lock and everything. Also, this may or may not have been the year that school went from fun and games to work. Hard work. However, we did enjoy the newfound freedom that came with middle school.

8th grade (2018-19): This year, we graduated to the coveted round building. Walked past your class? Just keep going, you will get there eventually! By the end of 8th grade, we had most of the foundational knowledge we needed for high school, but in high school we would be taught to dive deeper into everything we knew. For example, we would go from being able to discuss plot and theme in 8th grade, to being able to analyze the significance in plot and theme in the later years of high school.

High School:

9th grade (2019-20): Most people remember this as the last year we had a 10-minute break, and some say this was their favorite year of high school, but how could we ever forget the most significant event during our freshman year: COVID-19? It seems crazy that COVID has been around since our freshman year, but that means that we have never had a true high school experience. However, we did have

a normal first half of freshman year, and who would have known that once we went virtual, it would take a long time to begin to return to normal?

10th grade (2020-21): This is the year the hybrid school system was born. When you were at school, you wore a mask and were spaced out from the other students in your classes. When you were virtual, you attempted to pay attention to the teachers on the Zoom meetings. To be frank, this was one of the worst school years.

11th grade (2021-22): So close, yet so far. You may remember hearing people say that junior year is the hardest, especially since this was the first year we were able to take AP classes. For example, we went from learning that the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell in Pre-AP Biology, to learning the exact process of how and why the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell in AP Biology. This year was not only harder because of the classes, but also because we had to begin thinking about college and what we wanted our future jobs to be. Instead of focusing on the present, during junior year, we began thinking more about our futures.

12th grade (2022-23): Finally, it is senior year. It seems that we have been dreaming of this year since the beginning of high school, and now that it’s here, we have to fight the urge to want to rush through high school and finish. With senioritis infecting students by the hundreds, graduation can’t come soon enough. I hope that when we look back on our senior year, we remember it fondly.

Cullman Primary School

East Elementary School

West Elementary School

Cullman Middle School

Cullman High School

The Education Fund Surplus

The fight over the current education fund budget

Mack Rudder, Staff Writer

During the last fiscal year, which ended in September, Alabama Legislation passed a 7.7 billion dollar budget, but Alabama got an unexpected 10.4 billion dollars from different taxes that back the education fund in Alabama. This means Alabama has unexpectedly gained an extra 2.7 billion dollars to spend.

Since this discovery, lawmakers have been discussing what could possibly be done with that extra cash. State Superintendent Eric Mackey is proposing a

though, one that might not be completly legal. When the Eductaion Trust Fund was made in 1927 it specified the fund was only supposed to be used for education purposes. Kay Ivey plans to use this money for several different projects. First on her list of projects being funded is the World Games, which would get 5 million dollars in Ivey’s proposed budget. This is because The World Games, hosted in Birmingham, brought in 165 million dollars less than projected; they are now 14 million dol-

Too Cool for School

place where it could take the hit. If the tax on groceries is actually appealed, it would not be all at once. It would start slowly focusing on taking tax off of foods considered essential by the WIC program. It is not certain if this tax will actually be repealed or if they will use this surplus money to repeal it. Either way, the state education fund overall may take a hit as the current grocery tax helps fund it.

It is currently uncertain where the extra 2.7 billion dollars in the education fund is currently going, but it most likely is not fully going towards education.

Budget friendly places to cool off this summer break

Mack Rudder, Staff Writer

With the summer heat approaching, here are some affordable pools, lakes, and waterfalls to cool off in this summer.

1.) Welcome Falls is a waterfall located in Morgan County that features a 30-foot drop. While it is a short hike to the actual waterfall, it is a steep and tricky climb down to the area where people usually swim.

2.) Smith Lake Park Pool is located next to Smith Lake Park on 416 Co Rd 385. Admission is 5 dollars and features a gated pool with two diving boards and a concession stand.

3.) Rickwood Caverns State Park Pool is on 370 Rickwood Park Road in Warrior, Alabama. Admission is 7 dollars per person, and operating hours are 10:00 AM to 5:45 PM.

4.) Hanceville Community Pool is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM all week. They offer three different admission prices ranging from three to five dollars and they also have military and first responder discounts.

5.) Arab City Swimming Pool and Splash Pad are open Monday-Saturday 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM; admission is 3 dollars per day. It is located at 844 Shoal Creek Trail in Arab.

6.1 billion dollar budget for next year for public k-12 schools. This would be 799 million dollars more than what the current budget is. Mackey says the reasoning behind such a huge increase in the budget is inflation and the current teacher shortage.His goal with this extra money is to hire 3,000 more teachers statewide, focus on lowering class numbers, put more money into special needs education programs, and hire more school counselors and nurses statewide. Inflation has hit everything hard in the last few years post-covid, including schools. Many schools that were previously under construction in Alabama are now having to pause as the price has raised more than expected, which is why Mackey would also like to put 500 million dollars of the surplus into construction projects related to schools. If all of Mackey’s requests get approved this would leave 2 billion dollars still in the surplus funds, which some Alabama lawmakers believe should go into more educational projects.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has a different idea for this money overflow,

lars in debt. Next, she wants to send 25 million dollars to Montgomery to help with the ongoing construction of a waterpark, WhiteWater Rafting, which has already cost taxpayers 50 million dollars and gone over their initial projected budget. Lawmakers have stated they are using the education fund for this project because it will provide real-life and hands-on opportunities for engineering students. Ivey also wants to send 100 million dollars to a new Alabama prison, stating that the money will be used to fund education programs inside the prisons. There is only one problem with that: the prisons have not even been built yet.

One final way to spend the overflow money has been proposed. The proposal is to use the surplus to phase out the state’s 4% tax on groceries. Alabama is one of only three states with a full tax rate on groceries and one of thirteen states that tax groceries at all. While this tax cut has been proposed for years in Alabama, many lawmakers are saying now would be the perfect time to actually act on it as we have this surplus of funds, and the state is in a

6.) Mardis Mills Falls in Blount County, Alabama is a gorgeous local treasure. It spans 35 feet wide and has a 15-foot drop. It is hidden from the main road and has a very secluded feeling, but it is a very easy hike down and has become a popular spot for swimming.

7.) Hurricane Creek Park is located at 22550 2nd Ave NW, Fairview, Alabama, and is a 70-acre park with an excellent watering pool near the bottom, as well as several hiking trails.

8.) Smith Lake is a community classic for the people of Cullman. Located at 403 Co Rd 386, Cullman, AL 35057 with no admission fee. The campgrounds and pool located there do have a price, though.

Pictured above is Erin Mackey, Alabama’s Superintendent of Education.

From President to Defendent

The indictment of former President Trump

John Mark Johnson, Staff Writer

On March 30, 2023, former president Donald Trump was faced with 34 counts of falsifying business records. These records are in connection with alleged payments used as hush money over alleged affairs with former adult film star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy magazine model Karen McDougal made before the 2016 presidential election. According to the indictment document, each count in-

May 2011: Daniels begins to tell her story

October 26, 2016:

cluded the date of the falsification and brief information about where each of the entries were made, such as those relating to invoices made by Trump’s former attorney Michael Cohen and various checks dating back to 2017.

Cohen, being a former ally of Trump, is mentioned several times in the indictment,previously serving time in prison for a one hundred thirty thousand dollar payment to Daniels. Once

January

known as Trump’s Fixer, Cohen said he made the payment at the direction of the former president. Each of the 34 counts mentioned in the indictment is a Class E felony, meaning Trump could face more than 100 years in prison if he recieves the maximum sentence for each charge.

August

February

March

May 6, 2019:

July 9, 2020: Trump forced to release tax records

The Dangers of Hazing When Greek life ends a life

Mack Rudder and Jonah Jarrett, Staff Writers

Almost every university in the United States has some sort of Greek life on its campus, with over 1,500 sororities and fraternities across North America in total. While for some of these universities, joining one is a great way for students to find a local community and life-long friends, for others, it only brings tragedy and death.

Hazing is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as “the imposition of strenuous, often humiliating, tasks as part of a program of rigorous physical training and initiation” and it has been plaguing North America’s Greek life for a while now. Most cases of hazing in colleges in the U.S. have contained some sort of alcohol abuse or sexual misconduct. Hazing is anything but new, though, as it has been around since the early 1700s

with the first reported death occurring in June of 1738. Since then, at least one documented and reported case of hazing death has surfaced at a university every year from 1969 to 2023, with the only exception being 2022. These are only the cases that have been reported though. Although deaths from hazing are often reported, cases without fatalities often go unseen. A 2008 study found that 95% of students who were hazed did not report it at all and 9 out of 10 students that were hazed did not even realize themselves that they were being hazed. Not only have universities started to ban hazing, but they have also started to suspend Greek life as a whole and have begin banning certain fraternities altogether. Researchers do not believe that univer-

April

sities will permanently implement bans against Greek life, though. Membership of fraternities has increased over 50% in the last decade and for some people is a huge part of choosing a college.

Now 44 out of 50 states in the U.S have laws in place against hazing, but this still has not stopped members from finding a way around these bans and restrictions, despite the risk of persecution from the law and punishment from their university. The first anti-hazing law was passed in New York in 1894 after an incident at Cornell University where chlorine gas was released into the annual freshman banquet. This incident killed one staff member and injured countless others. After New York’s law was passed, other states

Vacation

Faves Cullman’s go-to vacation spots

Drew Williamson, Staff Writer

When you think of summer break, what else comes to mind but vacation? Summer is the time for relaxing and relieving stress before the next phase of life begins. Everyone has a different definition of the ideal vacation. We surveyed CHS students to find out what their idea of a perfect vacation looks like.

soon followed suit. While these laws are in place in all but 13 states, they are not doing much to help and some believe it is because the punishment is not strict enough.

Most cases where hazing led to death have ended in a settlement and little to no jail time for the hazer. There is not a definite reason for why hazing still occurs, but some researchers believe it is due to peer pressure and that education on the subject will help to lower the numbers of hazing happening at universities.

Cohen makes a wire transfer of $130,00 to Daniels’ attorney. First Republic Bank, which handled the transaction, reports it to the Treasury Department as suspicious.

12, 2018: The Wall Street Journal publishes story that says Cohen arranged $130,00 payoff to Daniels that included an NDA.

13,2018: Cohen admits to paying the $130,00, but does not implicate the involvement of Trump’s campaign

21, 2018: Cohen pleads guilty to eight charges related to tax fraud, and other monetary crimes, admits to making payments to two women on behalf of a political candidate

Cohen bgins 3 year prison sentence

30, 2023: Manhattan grand jury issues a sealed indictment against Trump

4, 2023: Trump scheduled to be arraigned in Manhattan

Daniel Santulli who was left permantely brain-damaged at age 19 after a hazing incident.

Parents of Max Gruver, a victim of hazing.

Parents of Timothy Piazza, a victim of hazing at Penn State University.

Make It a Routine, Wear Your Sunscreen

A few nice sunscreen reccomendations

Elley Atchison, Junior Editor

I am exceedingly passionate about skin health; being proactive with skincare can majorly influence its well-being. While there are many ways one can care for his/her skin- umbrellas, hats, sunglasses, etc.- one of the best ways to take care of it is by applying sunscreen daily. Regular sunscreen effectively shields UVB rays, and broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against UVB and UVA rays. Implementing sunscreen into your daily routine will help combat premature skin aging, sunburns, and skin cancer. Scribbs.org disclosed a study revealing that those who use broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly “experience 24 percent less skin aging than those who use sunscreen only intermittently.” In addition to skin aging studies, numerous studies stress the importance of sunscreen as an effective method against skin cancer. Having said that, here are some exceptional brands of sunscreen that you can now start using.

CHS Flashbacks

La Roche-Posay’s ANTHELIOS

MELT-IN MILK SUNSCREEN

SPF 60: This sunscreen is on the pricier side with it being $37.99 for 150 ml; however, I believe is entirely worth it because of the light texture of the mixture. You can use this for the face and the body, so it comes in handy when you are in a rush. This sunscreen is great for all skin types.

Checking in with a few alumni

Juan Fuentes, Staff Writer

Questions:

1.) What have you been up to since graduating?

2.) Did your high school experience(s) shape your future goals and if so, how?

3.) What is your favorite memory from high school?

4.)Have you kept in touch with any of your high school classmates? If so, who?

5.) What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced since leaving high school?

Eduardo Fuentes

1.) I have been working and going to Wallace.

2.) No, not really.

3.) My favorite memory from high school was probably just being on the field with the boys .

4.) I’ve kept up with a good bit of the boys in soccer.

5.) Biggest challenge is trying to figure out what I really want to do with my future and what path to take without wasting time.

me want to help those in my community through advocating for them when they aren’t able to. Finally, Mrs.Tankersley’s courses quite literally allowed me to learn about and choose the career I am now working towards.

3.) My favorite memories in high school were probably every single studying game before Anatomy exams in Mrs.Tankersley’s room, because we were all so competitive and those tests were pretty hard, so 10 points were basically gold.

4.) Personally, I have kept in touch with almost all of my friends, but I talk to Bella, Jamie, & Adam on a daily basis.

5.) I feel like the biggest challenge is probably making sure you have constant motivation because everything in college is your responsibility, and there’s no one pushing you to do your assignments. Also keeping a good school/work balance can be difficult because you don’t always have time to go out with your friends because of work or class schedules. I’m only a year out, but semi-adulting is tough.

Eucerin’s Age Defense Face Lotion

SPF 50: This is a great option for a face sunscreen because it is very lightweight, non-greasy, and non-comedogenic. This sunscreen does not leave a white cast, so it is a nice option for all skin tones. This sunscreen costs $14.49 for 2.5 fl oz.

The Bondi Sands SPF 50 Fragrance-Free Sunscreen Lotion: I love this body sunscreen because it is water resistant and great for a sweaty afternoon or a day at the beach. It is also an awesome option because it is cruelty-free. This sunscreen is $13.00 for 5.7 fluid ounces.

to push myself to become the very best version of Joey possible, and how to make and keep good habits that I will continue to carry into my future. In the three Spanish classes I took taught by Mrs. Bishop (formerly known as Ms. McCutcheon) she allowed me to foster my love for language and cultures of the world, which I am glad to be pursuing a career in. And of course, it’s hard for me to talk about CHS at all without mentioning Mrs. Burroughs. She is a brilliant educator and is responsible for pulling me out of my shell. Apart from literature, she taught me the value of having an open mind and always encouraged me to be inquisitive. Mrs. Burroughs valued my opinions and taught me to pick myself up, and for that I am thankful. Something else that I consider integral to my life in Cullman has been Troop 219. I am an Eagle Scout, and have been involved in Scouting for the last twelve years. It is through Scouting that I learned the value of service and citizenship, and at the World Scout Jamboree I met people from all around the world and discovered my passion to enter a career in international relations.

3.) Definitely the Paradise Lost trial last year. It is an excellent example on the effectiveness of teamwork and what can happen when great minds collide. Especially watching my brother (who also won!) participating in the trial this year, it’s beautiful to see a group of people working in tandem with a common goal.

lenges. I have learned more about myself since August than I think I have in any other period of my life. I am still trying to figure out how to be an adult and how to manage my time and energy properly.

Areli Leon

1.) Since graduating I’ve been working and studying at Wallace, so that I will hopefully get accepted into the nursing program as I aspire to be a travel nurse.

2.) Yes, definitely. Running in XC and track showed me that I need to set big goals for myself, and to remain consistent in working towards them. Being a part of Hilight encouraged me to speak on topics that many people overlook, and made

Joey Ruse

1.) Mainly college. I go to the University of West Florida and I have enjoyed being in a new environment. I am studying international relations and I am a member of my school’s debate team. I have been very busy since the start of the school year, and happily so.

2.) I feel like through high school, the most important things given to me were my teachers. Coach Dean taught me how

4.) I have only been reliably in touch with a few people My brother Nic still goes to CHS. I miss him, love him, and wish him the best of luck as he finishes high school and goes on to college. Gavin Golden, Michael Nicholson, and Jake Cleghorn have been keeping me company on Xbox from time to time, which I always appreciate.

5.) Liam Loegler and his family continue to love and encourage me as they always have. Independence has brought its own chal-

1.) I’ve been working at a restaurant and attending Wallace Community College. I also go to the gym a lot.

2.) No it did not.

3.) My favorite memories are with the soccer team. Both practicing and playing with the team was fun.

4.) I have with Kristian, Javier, Logan, Jack, Mitchell, and the rest I usually see at the gym.

5.) Biggest challenge since leaving is staying in school since I have no idea what I want.

Nelson Conde

A College How-to

How to prepare for college as a highschooler

Mack Rudder, Staff Writer

For many students, college can seem overwhelming, especially if you are the first in your family to go. There are so many different colleges, degrees, and pathways to get there. How do you decide which one is the best for you?

To help make this experience easier for you, here are some commonly asked questions explained.

How to apply for colleges?

College applications are like puzzles, it is best if you stay organized. Every college has different requirements, and a different application process, which is mostly online now. Most colleges require the same basic things though, such as your high school transcript, certain test scores (ACT score or AP exam scores), recommendation letters, and sometimes an application essay or personal statement. Each college is different, but you can usually find their application requirements online or on the college’s website. You should start applying for colleges at the beginning of your senior year. Most college’s early decision applications are due in the fall, and normal applications are usually due in January or February. You should start preparing to apply for colleges your junior year though. Organization is key during this process.

Make sure you have everything in order before you begin the process.

What if I can’t afford college? College is expensive and many students can not afford it either. This does not mean that it is impossible though. Over 85% of America’s students receive some type of financial aid. Financial aid is any grant, scholarship, loan, or workstudy program that helps students pay for college. Out of this percent, 2 3s of these students are receiving need-based financial aid. This means they receive funds based on their or their family’s financial status. To apply for this type of aid, you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as FAFSA. Each year, FAFSA applications become available on October 1st. This application takes into consideration your family’s financial situation and what resources you have available for you to pay for college. They will then determine how much need-based financial based aid you could receive. You have to reapply each year you continue to attend college, though. After you apply for FAFSA and are accepted into the colleges you applied to, you will get a financial aid offer from each college. After you accept a college’s offer, your financial

aid should automatically be taken off of your total college bill.

How do I apply for scholarships? What are Scholarships? Need-based is not the only tpe of scholarship. There are also merit-based scholarships. These scholarships can be academic-based, talent-based, or sometimes situational. These scholarships could cover your whole tuition or be a one-time award. When applying for scholarships you need to ensure they are legitimate and not a scam. To avoid scams, always stay alert. It is never too early to start applying for scholarships, but you need to make sure you meet the qualifications when applying. You can find merit-based scholarships through your high school, different clubs and groups you are involved in at school, and through different trustworthy websites. Most merit-based scholarships have different requirements, so make sure you read them carefully and thoughtfully.

What if I’m not sure what degree/major I want to pursue? Not knowing what major to pursue is not that uncommon. If you are not sure what major to declare, you can always go into college undeclared, or you could declare a major and then change

Teachers’ Reflections on the 2022-23 School Year

Advice, thoughts, and memories

Destiny-Faith White, Staff Writer

QUESTIONS:

1. What advice would you give to a new teacher coming in next year?

2. What’s your favorite memory from this year?

3. What was your greatest challenge during this school year?

4. How do you plan to “refuel” for the next school year?

5. Funniest memory or biggest goofup?

Coach Morris:

1. “This too shall pass. There’s a lot of good and a lot of bad, but regardless, this too shall pass.”

2. “The time I got to spend with our coaching ataff and players during football season. We had a very high level coaching staff and high character, hard working young men on the team, and I also got to work with one of my mentors.”

3. “Just absorbing the new reality of students in the post-covid world. You know attention spans are shorter, motivation is less, and apathy is at an all time high in students, and it’s been a challenge to overcome but, I think we have.”

4. “Work the farm every day, take a few road trips with my wife and kids, and spend a summer not coaching foot-

ball for the first time in my adult life. ( “Are you gonna miss it?” “I will miss the coaching room we have…and the players.”)

5. “I forgot to get fishing travel on the school board agenda resulting in confusion and issues for the anglers, administration, and myself.”

Mrs. Alexander:

1. “To build relationships with fellow teachers! You can always use a teacher to go to when you are feeling down or needing to vent. It’s also good to try and not take the stress from home to work! Oh, and you can bring ur own coffee pot and mini fridge for your classroom.”

2. “The first football game”

3. “Technology.”

4. “Sleep in. My husband and I want to take our kids to see the Noah’s Ark in Kentucky!

5. “The many times your class (5th period) asks to call me Mrs. A.”

Mrs. Gambrill:

1. “My advice would be to build relationships with students and teachers. It should be a top priority for sure.”

2. “My favorite memory from this school year is when I taught Mythology 7th period and we went over the

myth of king Arthur. I had two groups of students compete by acting out the story of the “Sword in the Stone.” The students were clever and used their resources, which made the silliest props. I really enjoyed that particular moment in class.”

3.“Classroom management specifically with my 6th period class (all love to them though! <3)”

4. “I plan to knock out my reading list, especially at the lake”

5. “My funniest memory from this year was when I had the students do an interactive lesson for Julius Caesar. I assigned each student a role from the play, and before we began reading, we did a run through of the plot. The students that were assigned characters that died had to be as dramatic as possible and fall on the floor. Some of my students were dramatic (as requested) and knocked a few chairs over that were still on the desk from the floors being swept the night before, and I had to email Coach Harbin an apology for the disturbance we may have caused to his class since his room is directly below mine.”

Goble:

1. “To adapt to a professional learning organization.”

it later. In fact, a third of all college students end up changing their major before graduating. Take into consideration all your options, even things you might not be sure about. Use all your resources, and talk to people who have experience in those degrees and how they are using them. Talk to your high school counselors and teachers about it too.

How do I find the best college for me? When looking for colleges, it is good to take other things into consideration besides what they offer educationally to find the best college for you. Ask yourself if you want your college to be close to home, if the size of the campus matters to you, if you want to live off campus or on, and if you want to attend an online college. After finding a college that offers the degree you want to pursue, these are important things to look at. Financial aid may be an important factor to look at too. Try to keep an open mind when looking for colleges, and look at all possibilities thoroughly.

2. “When Will Drake dressed as Post Malone.”

3. “Trying to manage students.”

4. “Hopefully I get to attend a summer professional development class for AP Biology.”

5. “Showing up at St. Bernard for a tennis match and finding out that they didn’t know we had a match.”

Senior Sport Spotlight

CHS senior athletes

Anna Beth Burleson, Staff Writer

Graduating Athletes

Our 2023 athletes

Reilly Johnson, Staff Writer

Abby Morrow

Ally Branham

Amberly Brown

Anna

Beth Mauldin

Anna Page

Arden Crane Ashton Henderson

Beckett Calvert

Ben Washburn

Brayden Scroggins

Brody Hopper

Brody Hunter

Camille Gibbs

Caroline Hill

Carter Caffey

Carter Ziegenbein

Cody Jones

Cole Floyd

Connor Swann

Court McNeil

Drew Carter

Easton Peed

Elijah Hays

Ella Collum

Emma Claire Wilson

Evan Dye

Evan Johnson Garrett Hall

Garrison Sharpe

Gisselle Gibbs

Grayson Wright

Haley Shannon

Harold Sheffield

Hayden Wynn

Hunter Howell

Ian Willoughby

Jacie Mickle

Jared Shelton

Joe Prologo

Kathryn Dueland

Landon Tweedie

Lane Hopper

Lexi Sumrall

Lily West

Lindsey Skinner

Maddie Witcher

Madison Clements

Mary Charles Davis

Mimi Lunsford

Nate Zills

Natalie Freeman

Olivia Britton

Patton Elkins

Payton Smith

Paxton Ponder

Peyton Black

Preston Gray

Ramses Martinez

Riley Jackson

Ruby Hudson

Ryan Skinner

Sawyer Trimble

Shaley Vogular

Tucker Cagle

Tyler Owens

Zane Watwood

Girls & Boys Soccer

Football

Cheer

Softball

Swim & Dive Boys Basketball

Track & XC

Shooting Team

Girls Basketball

Girls & Boys Tennis

Fishing

Girls & Boys Golf

Volleyball

Senior Sports Commits

Highlighting college-bound athletes

Mimi Lunsford, Staff Writer

Baseball

Paxton Ponder (Shelton State)

Tucker Cagle (Snead State) Grayson Wright (Cedarville University)

Hunter Howell (University of the Cumberlands)

Riley Jackson (Gadsden State)

Football

Ryan Skinner (Citadel)

Nate Zills (Jacksonville State) Jared

Shelton (Kentucky Wesleyan)

Girls’ Golf

Mary Charles Davis (Huntingdon)

Girls’ Soccer

Abby Morrow (Birmingham Southern College)

Basketball

Garrison Sharpe (Univeristy of Alabama at Huntsville)

Fishing

Brody Hopper (Carson-Newman)

Softball

Haley Shannon (West Alabama)

Emma Claire Wilson (North West Shoals)

Congratulations and good luck to these seniors and their commitment to play at the collegiate level! This list may not include athletes not reported to the Hilight staff.

Building a Winning Team

Spring Sport Recap Coaches’ spring season reports

Drew Williamson and Juan Fuentes, Staff Writers

As the spring semester comes to an end, spring sports are as well. Here is a quck update on several CHS spring sports:

Girls’ Golf (Coach Pitzing)

Coming into my first year as coach, I knew we had a solid team and that we could compete at a high level. We have competed against all of the top teams in the state from the beginning of the year, and will continue to do so through the end of the year. To date, we have only been outscored by one 6A team, all other teams being 7A schools that compete for championships each year. But more than scores, I have enjoyed being around the team and seeing them become successful, which is what it is all about.

Track (Coach Dean)

Cullman Boys Track and Field finishes as the AHSAA 6A Section 4 Runner-Up with 109 points and qualified 16 total athletes for the AHSAA Outdoor Track and Field State Championship next week in Gulf Shores, Alabama. 6A Section 4 consists of Cullman, Fort Payne, Muscle Shoals, Decatur, Hazel Green, Athens, Buckhorn, Gadsden City, Hartselle, Mae Jemison, Lee-Huntsville, and Columbia.

Our personal experience with football spring training

Olivia Britton and Mimi Lunsford,

Our football team is gearing up for their spring and summer training sessions. With the aim of preparing for the upcoming football season, the team is putting in the hard work and dedication needed to succeed.

During the spring and summer months, players can expect to participate in a variety of activities such as strength and conditioning training, practice drills, and scrimmages. The coaching staff is focused on ensuring that every player is physically and mentally prepared to take on the challenges of the upcoming season.

The class of 2024 is looking forward to making strides towards achieving their goals and competing at a high level. Senior leadership is an essential component of any successful football team. It refers to the experienced players who have spent years on the team, gained a wealth of knowledge, and serve as mentors and role models for younger players. They provide guidance, motivation, and support, both on and off the field, and help to foster a culture of excellence and teamwork. Senior leaders lead by example, demonstrating the necessary work ethic, dedication, and commitment to the team’s goals. They understand the nuances of the game, communicate

Staff Writers

effectively with coaches, and provide valuable feedback to their teammates. In short, senior leadership is crucial to the success of a football team, and it can make the difference between a mediocre and a championship-winning season.

We had the opportunity to sit down and discuss spring training with two of next year’s senior leaders: Pierce Bartle and Nick Holland. Below are their answers to some of their favorite (and least favorite) drills.

Pierce Bartle: If I could describe spring training in one school appropriate word, it would be fun. My least favorite drill is definitely one on one pass rush, because as a center, I get hit the most. I really enjoy scrimmaging and the dingo special drill. With a new coach coming in who has never seen us play, it’s an easy assumption that our training will be more intense this year.

Nick Holland: I agree with Pierce, training is not necessarily my favorite part of football but I know it is crucial. This year I am looking forward to a season full of memories and wins. I know our hard work right now and through the summer is going to pay off when it matters.

Pierce and Nick showed us some of the invasive drills they do in football; however, they described them in a way that made us want to try them ourselves. Let’s just say they’re right. These drills are definitely harder than they look. If our football team works as hard as we did in their drills, the season ahead will be bright for the Bearcats!

Fishing (Coach Morris)

This season has been unique, in that our participation was at an all-time low (PLEASE see me if you are interested for next season!). However, the 7 boys we have excelled all year. Brody Hopper and Brady Vest continued their sterling careers with a Top 5 Angler of the Year finish as well as a National Championship Birth. Sophomores Cason Ewing and Isaac Bauer continued their growth with a breakout season, finishing in the top 15 of AOY standings and earning a state championship birth. Kaide Scheer had to endure partner issues after Eddie Calligaris missed several tournaments with surgery, and Patrick Adcock stepped up and filled in nicely. The three of them did very well under the circumstances, and I expect big things from them moving forward.

Softball (Coach Morton)

This has been another productive season for our Lady Bearcats. Despite losing two of our pitchers due to injuries early in the season our team reached 20 wins this season. We are excited about hosting the area tournament for the first time since 2017, and we look forward to the playoffs!

The Pros and Cons of College School work, or go to work?

Ruby Hudson, Staff Writer

As we near the end of senior year, I’m sure almost every senior has a plan of what they’re doing after they graduate. Personally, I plan on attending college along with many of my friends, and it seems that many people choose to atttend college after high school. However, in reality, college isn’t for everyone. The pros and cons of college have been debated for many years to decide if college is really the best choice, but I will highlight some of the most obvious ones.

Let’s start with the pros of college.

The most obvious pro is that you earn a degree, which is basically a title given by a college when you complete a course of study there. This degree improves your career opportunities, and you can begin working, or increase your career opportunities even more by continuing college and getting a graduate degree. Because you have this degree, you have more job opportunities, and maybe even better job opportunities. I say “maybe” because there are so many jobs available that don’t require a college degree, which I will go into more detail about later. Also in college, you can meet so many more people. Going from a high school like CHS with about a thousand people to a college with tens of thousands means that there are people from all over with all different personalities, backgrounds, and interests.

Speaking of interests, you will be able to meet people who share interests with you within your major, and this is where many of your closest friendships will form. Even though you can meet different people wherever you go, college is unarguably a great place to meet new people.

What I look forward to most in college is being able to take classes that pertain to subjects I am interested in. Even though you may have a few more required core classes in college, by your junior year of college at least, you should be fully into the courses that are required for your major, and are related to what you are interested in. Hopefully, once you start taking classes that are related to your major and your interests, school will become much more enjoyable.

The last pro of college is the independence you have when you go to college. Moving away from home means

that you’re responsible for a lot more than when you were living at home with your parents. You have to make yourself get to classes on time, do your own laundry, get your own groceries, etc. Even though being independent may be difficult at first, in a way, this gets you ready for life by exposing you to what it’s like to be on your own. You’ll eventually have to be on your own, so college is a way to begin getting used to that.

Now, on to the cons of college, or the reasons why people choose not to go to college.

First of all, college is expensive. Everyone knows that to go to college, you have to pay a lot of money just for a fancy piece of paper at the end of it all. For most people, you not only get a fancy piece of paper, but you also receive debt for years after you graduate. With some people not even using the degree they earn, deciding to not go to college can prevent you from

having to deal with debt and the stress that comes with putting all that money towards earning a college degree.

Also, you have to dedicate more of your time to school if you decide to go to college. Associates degrees begin with an extra two years after high school, and you can dedicate up to 10 years after high school to get a graduate degree. Once you graduate college, especially if you choose to earn a masters or doctorate degree, you may feel like you wasted your youth spending all your time in school.

Finally, you don’t have to have a college degree to be able to have a good job. There are many jobs that don’t require college degrees, such as occupational therapist assistants, real estate agents, flight attendants, and so on. You can become very successful without a college degree or without a job that requires a college degree.

In the end, deciding whether or not to attend college is a personal preference, and you should choose whichever will make you the most happy. As I explained, going to college has its benefits, but so does deciding not to go to college. Anyone can become very successful no matter what path they decide to take after high school.

The World

is Changing

and So Should Government Policies

Government policies and the corruption behind them

Anna Beth Burleson, Staff Writer

The values of the United States have shifted for the worse. The morals of this country have been completely derailed. From gun violence, to human rights issues, to climate change, the problems are mounting and something is bound to give. The citizens of America have spoken, and it’s now time for the government to listen and to apply the change that everyone is so desperate for.

Gun violence is now the number one cause of death for children in the United States as of March 29, 2023. There have been at least 131 mass shootings this year alone, with more shootings than the number of days in 2023. Something must change. Everyone, no matter who you are, should feel safe at the grocery store, gas station, school, and even at home. Parents should not have to buy their children bulletproof backpacks to protect themselves, and our teachers should not have to plan for where they are going to hide all of their students in the classroom; this is unfortunately not the case. If you have a mental disease, have been in jail for a federal crime, or anything else warranting a red flag, you should not be able to purchase a gun. In the U.K. in 1996, there was a devastating school shooting that killed 16 kindergarten-aged students and their teacher. The nation was in an outcry and demanded for gun reform and gun ownership rules and regulations; they got just that and handguns were banned. Since the U.K. massacre, there have been no school shootings since in the UK. This is the change citizens all over the U.S. are looking for. People

are tired of living in fear, and so am I. I should not have to live in fear that my life will end because of a decision another person made. Talking of change does not fix the issue of gun violence; real and immediate action needs to be taken because if not, there will be another mass shooting. The past few weeks and months have proved it.

A controversial issue that should not be is human rights. From 2020’s Black Lives Matter protests to 2022’s Roe V. Wade Supreme Court Case, the lack of human rights is a concerning issue. While progressing, it is nowhere near where it should be. Where you live essentially determines the amount of rights you are given. Currently, 13 U.S. states have a full ban on abortion, 10 of those being Southern ones. A world where a man determines what a woman can or can not do to her body is a world I do not want to live in.

Gender and race based violence is also on the rise. Indigenous women continue to be put to the side in the regard of sexual violence. While Biden has put into effect the Violence Against Women Act, it still does not protect the 96% of indigenous women with a non-indigenous partner. The current law that is in place effectively stops local tribes from being able to prosecute, thus creating a system of despair. These perpetrators are not held accountable for their sexual crimes.

Racism does not always have to be a hate crime or saying a slur, it can oftentimes be systematic. Systematic racism is defined as “policies and practices

that exist throughout a whole society or organization, and that result in and support a continued unfair advantage to some people and unfair or harmful treatment of others based on race,” according to the Cambridge Dictionary. This kind of racism needs to be corrected in the workplace, on the street, and in everyday life. Systematic racism is debilitating in aspects that white people consider “successful.” It is harder for people of color to participate in society when systematic racism is involved. It can be shown in education, the pay gap, and housing issues. We need to bridge this gap and give everyone equal opportunities because the most valuable people might, unfortunately, slip through the cracks because of the color of their skin. Racism is so politicized, but it is not a matter of which party you belong to, it is a matter of right or wrong.

Additionally, a polarizing issue on the rise is the Willow Project. Willow is an oil reserve on federal land in Alaska, less than 30 miles from the Arctic Ocean. It is controlled by the oil company ConocoPhillips. This piece of land is the largest piece of public land in the nation. The Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act was put into effect in 1976, and it created rules and regulations for gas and oil extraction. This act also set aside some areas for maximum protection. This piece of land is very favorable for new oil, but it is also an important habitat for polar bears and thousands of caribou and waterfowl. This is now on the forefront of climate activist minds because they are trying

School Shootings at an All-Time High

to cut fossil fuel emissions that lead to global warming. This project requires federal permits, thus it is extremely vulnerable to public intervention and scrutiny. Activists are also upset because President Biden promised to end drilling on new federal land, yet this project would end up doing just that. If this project is to continue, it could produce 576 million barrels of oil over 30 years. The amount of roads, equipment, mines, and facilities that would have to be brought in or built would be devastating to the perfect untouched section of the Arctic that Willow is on. The amount of oil that would be burned would also have devastating effects on the air and the environment surrounding the project. While the United States would be more self-sufficient on the oil and gas front, activists believe that it will make the country more reliant on fossil fuels even though cleaner options are available. While other deciding factors were involved, people think that Biden had contradicted himself from his first statement on ending fossil fuel emissions and drilling on new lands. All in all, policies need to change. The new generation is begging for it. The older generation, who is making these decisions, does not have to live with the effects of the laws they put into place. These laws, or lack thereof, affect the most formative years of a young person’s life. Change should happen now whether you want it or not.

Why should kids have to fear for their lives while sitting in a classroom?

Mimi Lunsford, Staff Writer

On March 27th of this year, a 28-yearold shot through the door of Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee. The shooter ended up claiming 6 victims during the shooting; 3 of them were only 9 years old. Evelyn Dieckhaus, William Kinney, and Hallie Scruggs had only been on this earth for 108 months, or 3,285 days before they had their lives taken away from them.

As of April 10th of this year, there have been 146 mass shootings across the U.S. We are only 104 days into this year, which means on average we have about 1.4 mass shootings a day. And the scariest part is that number does not look like it is going down anytime soon.

Gun violence is the number one cause of death in adolescents, surpassing suicide.Yet, we constantly hear the same message from our authorities and government leaders: “We are so sorry that this happened, we are going to fix it.” But it still hasn’t been fixed. Children are still dying every single day and no change can be seen anywhere. How

can we just keep ignoring this problem?

Recently, I have had conversations with parents about how they are terrified even to send their children to school; some are so worried that they are considering homeschooling their kids. These same parents talked about how saddened they are by the fact that their children (ages 3-14) even have to worry about guns when they never had to at that age.

The root of the issue begins with one major thing: gun laws. This ongoing debate has been a prominent discussion in national, state, and local elections for the past several years. One side argues that we need to restrict guns and make it harder to obtain a license and legally own a gun. On the other side, Americans say that will not help anything and we should arm our public so they can defend themselves. So, we must look at the pros and cons of both “solutions” that have been proposed.

The first proposal involves tightening the reins of gun laws. There is unde-

niable proof that in states with stricter gun laws, there is a lower number of murders and suicides within these states. Studies show that every 10-point increase in gun laws leads to an 8% decrease in the number of gun-related deaths. Although that might not seem like a lot, this means that out of the 12,000 people who have already died since January 1st because of guns, 960 of those people would still be living today. Two major arguments against stricter gun laws are: if people want guns, they will get guns, and the Second Amendment. Many people say that probation on guns will not stop people from getting guns. They argue that this will not help the issue but only take guns out of the hands of people who need them.

This plays into the second counterargument, the right to bear arms. Americans are guaranteed certain rights with their citizenship; one of these is the 2nd Amendment. This states that Americans have the right to carry a licensed, legal firearm; therefore, if guns were

banned it could be deemed unconstitutional. Pro-gun Americans believe that to protect Americans they must be equipped the same as the attackers. These will give Americans confidence in their safety and allow for self-defense. Also, some may argue that gun control laws do not deter crime, it only increases it because criminals are more likely to attack the unarmed. Stricter laws would as well impose on hunting and sport.

Recently, there was a shooting in Dadeville, Alabama. Less than 3 hours away from our homes, 4 people were killed and 28 people were injured. Two of the victims were about to graduate high school, they were just now starting to truly experience life until it was ripped away from them.

The US has to decide which road it is going to follow. We cannot continue to allow children to die at the hands of guns. This gun violence epidemic must come to a halt.

World’s Silliest Dictatorship

A step-by-step guide to making light of serious political issues

Jonah Jarrett, Staff Writer

Working in the world of politics is no easy task. From world wars to economic inflation to that one pothole in your road that the local government just can’t seem to fix, being a politician is one job that everyone would agree requires focus, commitment, and a no-nonsense attitude. Some politicians, however, do not take their jobs so seriously. Some politicians even do things that are silly, wild, or downright absurd.

There is one leader in particular that I think may be the most silly of all. It isn’t Donald Trump or some other squalid member of U.S. government. It’s not even one of those wacky members of U.K. Parliament. The leader I believe to be the most silly is the flabbergasting leader of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov. Although his sesquipedalian name may seem silly on its own, it is naught but the beginning of the goofiness that lies within his great breadth of accomplishments. To fully understand Berdymukhamedov’s actions we must first learn to appreciate his predecessor, Saparmurat Niyazov.

Saparmurat Niyazov was in many ways an idiosyncratic ruler, with many of the nation’s laws simply banning things that annoyed him. Niyazov’s

decisions ranged from banning smoking, beards, lip syncing, gold teeth, to disallowing those on television from wearing makeup. Niyazov’s autobiography was required reading in schools nationwide, Niyazov also renamed all twelve months of the year, naming both the city of Krasnovodsk and the month of January “Turkmenbashi,” meaning father of the Turkmen (in reference to himself) and changing the word for bread and the month of April to his mother’s name, Gurbansoltan. Niyazov installed 28 miles of concrete paths and staircases in the dry and treeless Kopet Dag mountains. Government officials were then forced to walk 23 miles of this path once a year during what was known as the Walk of Health. Niyazov himself flew to the end in a helicopter, of course, and chastised those who traveled too slowly for his taste.

Now that I have set the scene, you can truly understand just how absurd Berdymukhamedov’s rule is. Former dentist, minister of health, and vice president of Turkmenistan, Berdymukhamedov ruled from 2007 to 2022, before stepping down from his position. After he stepped down, his son took over in a questionable election and formed a parliament with

his father as chairman. During his rule, Berdymukhamedov, too, did many very silly things. Starting with a case that is (mildly) less silly, Berdymukhamedov is fascinated with Akhal-Teke racehorses, the country’s national animal, whose significance in their country may even rival the reverence that we Americans display for the almighty bald eagle. Berdymukhamedov has written two books about them and even has an official government website about them, “Heavenly Akhal-Teke Horses.”. His second book, The Flight of Celestial Race Horses, opens with the stupefying line, “I won’t call you horse, I would call you brother, you are dearer than brother.” Berdymukhamedov’s love for race horses extends off the page as well— Berdymukhamedov participated in a horse race that grew to international infamy when Berdymukhamedov fell off his horse after winning the race, narrowly escaping serious injury. It’s extra embarassing once you consider that he forced public employees to attend the race. Berdymukhamedov appears on government-controlled television channels doing things such as playing with kittens, overseeing government meetings, and of course doing donuts around the eternally flaming crater that lies within their country

Are Our Attention Spans Ruined? Don’t worry, reading this article will only take 3.5 minutes

Drew

Williamson and Destiny-Faith White, Staff Writers

In a world full of distractions, it’s becoming harder and harder to stay focused. In 2000, the average attention span was measured to be around 12 seconds. A more recent study from 2015 shows that the attention span has dropped to 8 seconds. Considering that the attention span of a goldfish is 9 seconds, this is mildly concerning. Where did this downward trend of the attention span begin, and how can we focus better?

Over the past few decades, digital media has changed greatly. Since the introduction of video-based media, it seems like videos have been getting shorter and shorter. TikTok has arguably had the biggest influence on this phenomenon, and it’s easy to see how. TikTok has popularized the short-form video format in the entertainment, marketing, music, and many other industries.

It is undeniable that short-form content has a unique appeal. I’m willing to bet that most people reading this article have watched a short video in the last 24 hours, whether it be on TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, or even YouTube. However, the simple act of just scrolling through TikToks on your phone has many negative effects. Swiping through video after video can

overload your brain’s cognition with excessive information, and can also decrease your focus and attention span. Many of these videos are fast-paced, overstimulating, and purely designed to hook your attention. Speaking from experience, it is all too easy to get stuck in a constant dopamine loop of watching these videos and lose hours of the day.

You may ask yourself why videos have become these overstimulating amalgamations with clips from shows like FamilyGuyoverlaid with mobile gameplay and a text-to-speech bot reading out relationship advice questions. The answer? User engagement. Content creators, marketers, and even the platform developers stress content like this in order to gain more views and increase audience retention, because in the social media world, engagement is profit. The longer a viewer spends watching a video, the more exposure the video creator gets, as well as more motivation to keep producing these mind-numbing types of videos. Avoiding these types of videos, or really short-form videos as a whole will surely help your attention span and memory capacity to grow.

However, short-form content and technology as a whole isn’t the entire

problem. Part of it is simply the human brain. We are just as likely to distract ourselves as we are to be distracted from something external. Whether it be checking your phone despite not getting any notifications or getting bored and playing a game on your computer rather than doing your work, we’ve all distracted ourselves at some point. When you lose focus on a task by getting distracted, voluntarily or involuntarily, it can take around 23 minutes to fully regain focus on your task, according to a study at the University of California at Irvine.

Thankfully, our attention spans aren’t permanently shot. There are many proven ways to strengthen your focus and attention span. One of the most prominent causes of distraction and a decreased attention span is multitasking. Although multitasking is often hailed as a useful skill to have today, it is just a myth. It is scientifically impossible to fully focus on two separate tasks; multitasking is simply alternating between them. Switching focus often can make it incredibly hard to concentrate on any given task, seeing as you are never fully focused. In a 2009 Stanford study, 50 people who identified themselves as media multitaskers and 50 people who weren’t multitask-

commonly known as Hell’s Gate. He also DJs and raps, performing songs he claims to have written in music videos. In promotional videos, he is shown controlling a motorbike in one hand and hitting targets with a pistol in the other. Jennifer Lopez sang at his birthday and was then forced to apologize. He gifted Vladimir Putin a puppy.

Despite how it may seem, Berdymukhamedov’s rule was not all fun and games. Turkmenistan is under a one-party government and is experiencing a severe economic crisis, often being compared to countries like North Korea. The country lacks almost any press freedom and, due to strict visa restrictions, only sees around 10,000 visitors per year. Despite having the world’s fourth-largest natural gas reserves, most people in the country are barely scraping by. The government’s election process could barely be considered an election. Despite sounding like cartoon villains, if there’s one thing that’s not silly about the leaders of Turkmenistan, it’s the way they treat their people.

ers were all tested for their memory capacity, ability to switch between tasks, and attention span. Those who didn’t identify as multitaskers generally scored much better, as they were able to more effectively focus on one thing. Therefore, although it might seem counterintuitive, avoiding multitasking could actually help you work faster by improving your focus.

Another way to increase focus is simply taking a break. If you have been working for some time and feel your mind drifting and not being able to pay attention, a short break could get you concentrated again. Whether it’s taking a walk, eating a snack, or watching a video, a brief break will most likely get you feeling even more productive afterwards.

In conclusion, it’s easy to get into a rut where you don’t feel motivated at all and can’t get any work done without getting distracted. Just while writing this article, I got distracted doing other things many times. However, there are many ways to combat a short attention span and improve your focus. Hopefully, these tips will help you next time you feel yourself getting stuck.

Is It Our Fault?

Parents’ and teachers’ effect on the student-body

Alecia Scott, Staff Writer

Respect. People demand it, even though some don’t return it. As a senior who has been to multiple schools, I have been forced to deal with some not-so-cordial teachers, substitute teachers and administrators. As a customer service worker, there have been plenty of not-so-pleasant people I have met. You learn to deal with them at a certain point. Many people are saying that children don’t have the same respect they used to have. Who teaches respect? Teachers? Parents? Both? It is everyone’s job to make others well-rounded human beings, especially when it comes to respect. It does, however, start at the source: Parents. Many of this generation’s parents were raised by people who used corporal punishment. Corporal punishment may have hurt them as a child, or it led them to use the same kind of teaching technique. This could have two results: gentle parenting and physical discipline. I am not saying either are wrong because they very well can create respectful kids, but many go overboard with these techniques. Children could end up growing a resentment towards authority figures or end up not seeing them as authority figures at all. At a certain point, the parents pass on the respect torch to teachers. Finally, it has to go into the hands of peers. This turns into fist fights and arguments because many people don’t know anything about respect either. These events turn moldable children into unruly, angsty teens.

Many parents and teachers have claimed that students have become unruly and have been abusing the freedoms that we have been given. I, however, do not agree with this statement. Children are being blamed for being children. They need to be

guided, not controlled. When someone is forced to do something, they will rebel; it is human nature. Many students are being persecuted for not being able to maintain a full schedule and do everything in time. There is one tiny itty bitty baby problem; no one has taught them to handle these situations. These teachers and parents are enforcing the sink or swim tactic when that often doesn’t work with the majority of people. Putting children in a position to fail will often lead to failure. It is unfair to put students in this predicament. I do understand that we are getting older and are moving into adulthood, but a lot of us are just now figuring out how to regulate our emotions which, to be fair, is difficult for many people including adults.

Another thing that is just expected of children is time management. We are expected to be full fledged adults. They tell us “You will have to deal with this in the real world.” But that’s the problem right? We aren’t adults. We aren’t treated like adults either. This is where the respect thing comes into play. Some adults expect children to be adults and still treat them like children. They also lack the respect to communicate and teach children and teens how to manage their time and energy.

Parents and teachers are laying loads of work on their children and have not taught them to handle it productively. Plenty of classes have given me up to 2 hours of homework every night and expect it to be done the next day. Even if that is just the four core classes, the workload could be around 8 hours of work. Getting out of school at 3:10 and having 8 hours of homework would mean going to bed at 11:30, not to mention many students have extracurricu-

Spring Sport Recap (continued)

Baseball (Coach Patterson)

This has been a very tough season full of ups and downs. We have faced very strong competition since Opening Day and we hope that it pays off by preparing us for a deep playoff run. With 15 seniors, we have a lot of leadership so each day has been very enjoyable because everyone there is looking to get better and help the team be its best. There is talent spread throughout the roster but the real strength of this year’s team is its chemistry. There are a lot of high character individuals who come together to make a special team and each one of them are more concerned with the success of the team than their own personal success.

Girls Soccer (Coach Hackbarth)

This year’s team was a special group of girls who bought into working hard,

having great attitudes, and being selfless. These girls rooted for one another all year and truly represented Cullman High School in the best way possible on the field and in the classroom as well. Although the season ended sooner than we had hoped, words cannot express how proud we are of this gritty group of girls for the way they played and how competitive they were all year. The senior class (Mimi Lunsford, Anna Beth Mauldin, Abby Morrow, & Shayley Vogelaar) will leave big shoes to fill as their leadership was exemplary and it was a catalyst for one of the best seasons in Cullman Girls Soccer history as they finished the 2023 season with a 14-3 (4-0 in Area) record.

Boys Soccer (Coach Drake)

The Boys Soccer season started off rough with a few tough losses until

lar activities and work, which means they may not get home until 5 or even later. The parent may say, “You need to manage your time better,” but then also say that, “You aren’t involved in school enough,” or that “You spend too much of their money and need to get a job” to get the things that make high school just a little more bearable. It feels like a lose-lose situation.

In this case, many students lose motivation to do any of the work. “I can’t catch up anyways, so what’s the point?” This can often lead to a decline in mental health as well. I can’t tell you how many times I have thought about all of the work I have to do for school and want to literally sob. It is hard for someone who can manage their time, so I can’t imagine how someone who can’t would survive.

This would be the part where I should give you some tips on how to manage your time, but to be honest, I don’t know how to myself. I feel like I am barely keeping my head above the water. I could tell you, “Don’t procrastinate” but you’ve heard it a billion times. I could say, “Do it when you get it,” but we have already established that can’t always happen. It is hard to be a well-rounded person while in high school, and it feels like parents and teachers just don’t get it. They had so many less social responsibilities as we do now. We have to manage our social life, online and in person; we have to manage school work, which can now be published online so there is no escape. We have work or sports; we have to worry about whether we are even going to have a planet to live on by the time we are adults. We have to worry about whether we will ever be able to buy a house or even rent.

There are so many things that we

have to deal with, and becoming adults too early is the cause of most of them. So here is my advice: don’t let teachers or parents make you an adult before you are ready. Take your time. Getting it done and doing it correctly is much more important than doing it in time. Even in the real world, deadlines can be moved. Stuff happens. Roll with the flow and don’t let others dictate how you act. Do what you think is right, and learn respect before others don’t show it to you.

the game against Gardendale at home. That win was the turning point for the boys varsity soccer team and put the boys up against Fort Payne in the playoffs. When asked about the season, Coach Drake said, “Throughout the season, the players learned more about the game and I learned more about the players. I’m really proud of them and they are players that the next generation can look up to.”

Tennis Boys (Coach Bates)

The Cullman Tennis Teams just wrapped up their season at the AHSAA State Tournament. Both boys and girls had a terrific season. The girls finished with a 12-4 (3-0) record and had 6 wins over Top 15 teams. The boys’ season was highlighted with a runner-up finish in the Hillcrest Doubles Tournament and an undefeated

record in section play. The boys’ and girls’ teams were both section champions with Eli Chaney, Katia Peterson, Jake Murphree, Karina Harris, Nason Green, and Maddie Files all winning singles section titles. Katia Peterson & Caroline Hill won the #1 doubles titles and Olivia Dover & Karina Harris won the #2 doubles titles in the section tournament. The Cullman teams were led by a terrific group of seniors (Eli Chaney, Katia Peterson, Bennett Cabri, Caroline Hill, and Maddie Files)

Golf Boys (Coach Drake)

The Boys Golf team has had a stellar season this year, and they finished it off very favorably as the 6A Section 4 champions.

Is It Okay to Mock Christianity?

Why has society deemed Christianity as “Okay to make fun of”?

Olivia Britton, Staff Writer

Writers note: This article was not an easy write, and for two months, I had half the article written before God revealed to me that if I was going to write about this topic, it could not come from a place of anger, it had to come from a place of faithfulness and understanding. At the end of the day, when the trumpets sound, God is not going to be upset with someone who had strong faith, and tried their hardest to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. If people are putting someone down, that person must be doing something right. The people that want to stick around will. In today’s fast-paced world we tend to forget that Jesus only had 12 disciples.

Why do people mock religion? The age-old question has caused such a stir in our society. Mocking religion is not a new idea; people have been doing it since Roman times. Throughout the world, Christian belief is consistently mocked, whether in person, on television, or in social media. Growing up, my mother always told me it was “the devil mocking us in order to try and lead us astray from God.” There is no doubt in my mind that the devil is behind such outrageous statements or actions, but this conclusion does not eliminate the simple question of why? Why does no one ever stand up for Christians? Where are the headlines when someone mocks a Christian or God? Celebrities do not seem to share their opinions about the persecution of Christians across the world… why? Is it because when they stand up for God, they are “canceled?” It is not my place to ask celebrities to spread the gospel; all I want to know is why society does not come to a halt when Christianity is mocked as they do with other religions. People getting “canceled” online is not a new idea, and most of the time all it takes is an “I’m sorry” or “I won’t do it again,” and influencers have their careers back. Living in an age where everyone is an influencer makes things a little more complicated. In October of 2022, two girls lost nearly five million followers combined after being accused of Islamophobia (dislike of or prejudice against Islam or Muslims, especially as a political force). What did they do to be called such terrible things and lose millions of followers? They put blankets over their heads at a festival because the temperature dropped suddenly, and they did not have any jackets or warmer clothes with them. Their actions could most definitely be found as offensive, especially to someone who sees covering a woman’s hair as sacred. These girls got numerous death threats and called serious, vulgar names, all because of a mistake. However, those girls only had a couple of million followers, which

in today’s world is honestly not much when compared to A-list celebrities like Demi Lovato, Sam Smith, Lil Nas X, and Madnna (All of which have mocked christianity).

I once saw somewhere online a quote that said, “In today’s world, if parents do not raise their kids, social media will.” It made me think about how many kids today are soaking up mind numbing information that will truly affect the rest of their lives. Like it or not, nobody can deny the fact that celebrities have a major influence on people, whether that be good or bad. There have been some coincidences where celebrities mocked God and didn’t have the best life afterwards.

A key example is John Lennon. Lennon was a legend and the co-founder of The Beatles in the 1960s. The Beatles music ruled the world for nearly a decade and is still very popular today. In 1966, John Lennon was interviewed by an American Magazine while taking a break from touring with the band. He mentioned he had been reading various books in his time off, one particular about the history of religion. In that interview, Lennon quotes, “Christianity will end, it will disappear. I do not have to argue about that. I am certain. Jesus was okay, but his subjects were too simple. Today we are more famous than Him.” These words were greeted with anger and outrage from his fans and family. People set their vinyl and posters on fire to show how angry they were. This led to the collapse of the Beatles in 1970. In 1980, John Lennon was shot six times in his head by one of his fans in front of his house and he died on the spot. Some found it strange how he mocked God in the year 1966 and was shot 6 times. Maybe that doesn’t mean anything, and people were overreacting, but he’s not the only one who has mocked God and faced the consequences. Tancredo Neves (President of Brazil) during his Presidential campaign, said if he got 500,000 votes from his party, not even God would remove him from the Presidency. He did get the votes but he fell sick a day before he was made the president and died. Another international example would be Cazuza, a Bi-sexual Brazilian composer, singer, and poet. While smoking his cigarette during a show in Rio de Janeiro, he puffed out some smoke into the air and said, “God, that’s for you.” He died at the age of 32 of lung cancer in a horrible manner.

Believe what you want about the coincidences that have happened, but more importantly, do not forget that celebrities are real people, with real souls who might not be as pure as we hope.

Demi Lavato was one of my favorite

people to watch on Disney Channel growing up. Not only did she star in the Camp Rock movies, she had her own television show, Sunny with a Chance, which made her a big time actor in my eyes. However, her most recent album was not as wholesome as her childhood acting. The posters for Lovato’s new album “Holy F***” pictured Lavato mocking the crucifixion by laying on a cross wrapped in bondage clothing. The posters debuted in January of 2023 and were banned in the UK three days after release. The UK said the posters were highly offensive and not suitable for children to be able to view. This may have you wondering what the United States did? How did we respond? We promoted her! Our society claimed that the UK was overreacting and her “freedom of speech” would not be disregarded in her very own country. I am not sure what upset me more: her actions, or the fact that I was not surprised by the way the US responded.

I could write a book of evidence to prove the fact that Christianity is mocked and overlooked, but it wouldn’t answer the question that I have been wondering: Why? In research and prayer, I’ve realized that the mocking of Christians goes back to the founding of us: Jesus. Jesus totally ignored any offense or mockery that was thrown against him. By contrast, Mohammad had people who mocked him killed by his followers. Jesus never fought in a single war. The direct followers of Jesus spread his faith by dying. Every one of the original 12 died a very gruesome death and were complete pacifists. In contrast Mohommad fought in almost 90 battles. His direct followers aka ‘The Rightly Guided Caliphs’ spread his faith by conquering. Every one of the 4 fought in numerous battles and were not pacifists. If society mocked Jesus, the holy, most perfect being that ever lived on earth, what makes us expect to be treated any better? See, something we fail to often realize is that society does not hate the people, they hate the message.

If there is one thing our generation is not afraid to do, it is voice their opinion. Protesting has become more and more common ever since the 2020 Black Lives Matter riots. I have heard many people, especially middle-aged white men, say the age old phrase, “I don’t care what people do, I just don’t want them to shove it down my throat.”

The statement has a valid argument when initially read, but when thought about, a deeper meaning can be found.

China Anne McClain is another actor and singer who starred in various roles on Disney Channel throughout her childhood. China has continued to act and sing until recently; she left the

industry to follow God’s lead even if it meant “living off of a couple of pennies and a dime” for the rest of her life to do God’s work. In a video she posted, she used the snake analogy to explain why she felt it was important that she shares the Gospel. The “Snake Analogy” China shares is below.

“Say we’re best friends, you come over to my house and we [are] chilling. Then I remember, oh shoot I forgot to take my dog out. [You] stay here let me take him in the backyard I’ll be right back. I take my dog downstairs, I unlock the door… and I see a snake in the yard! So I grabbed my dog, rush back inside, close and lock the door, then I go back upstairs. Where I left you. I see that you have gotten up and you’re about to leave the room. I ask, ‘Wait where are you going?’ and you answer ‘I wanted to go to the backyard too…’ and I say, ‘Okay. I’ll see you when you get back!’ You go out there to get some fresh air and you get bit by a snake. You run upstairs back to my room and you’re like ‘China, China, I just got bit! There is a snake in the yard!’ I look at you and say ‘Oh yeah I know I saw it when I was going to take my dog out.’ ”

China then explains her reasoning by asking her followers, “What would your next question be? It’d probably be, ‘China, why didn’t you tell me about the snake?’ Now, would me telling you about the snake before you went outside be forcing that information down your throat? Forcing my beliefs on you? No, it’s showing you that I love you.”

I believe China McClain’s analogy perfectly describes how Christians are supposed to spread the gospel. The gospel is intended to be spread with love, but today we seem to forget that. Jesus was gentle, kind, and slow to anger and that’s how we should try to live. Like it or not, somebody somewhere is going to make fun of christians, and we have to love them anyway. As long as we try our hardest to do the will of God and stay faithful, our job is done. It does not matter how the world views us. As a Christian, I am less concerned with how our society views me or my opinions than I am about how Jesus will see me when I see Him in heaven.

Blast From The Past

Ethicality of bringing back extinct species

Juan Fuentes, Staff Writer

For many years now, scientists and conservationists have tried to come up with ways to save endangered species from extinction. However, with advancements in technology, some researchers are considering a new approach to conservation: bringing back extinct species through de-extinction. Although the idea of bringing back extinct species may sound exciting, it raises many ethical questions.

De-extinction is the process of using genetic engineering to recreate an extinct species by using the DNA of the extinct species to create a new individual that resembles the extinct species. The process involves finding and extracting DNA from the extinct species, using that DNA to create an embryo, and implanting that embryo into the womb of a closely related species to give birth to a hybrid offspring.

One of the main ethical concerns with de-extinction is the effects that reintroducing an extinct species into the environment would have. The environment has changed since the extinction of many species and reintroducing them could have unintended consequences. For example, reintroducing a predator that has been extinct for hundreds of years can have a profound effect on the current food chain.

Another concern with de-extinction is that the actual process may divert resources from other conservation efforts for endangered species. De-extinction is an expensive process that not only takes up plenty of money, but also time and other resources. While de-extinction may come across as a noble cause, it may as well be the nail in the coffin for many endangered species that still exist.

The debate over de-extinction and whether or not humans have the right to bring back species that have already gone extinct is ongoing, with one side saying that humans shouldn’t be playing god with extinct species, while the other side argues that de-extinction is a way to rectify the damage caused by humans, i.e. deforestation or climate change.

There are many questions and factors that need to be considered when talking about resurrecting an extinct species, mainly focusing on the well-being of the species that are brought back, such as whether they would even be able to survive in the current environment.

So You Want To Be “Skinny”

America’s stark issue with diet culture

Elley Atchison, Junior Editor

For many years, a popular trend in America has been the pursuit of a “healthy” lifestyle through a particular obsession. Advertisers and influencers have tapped into this phenomenon, but it ultimately stems from the allure of diet culture. While some believe that dieting is a productive way to achieve health, the reality is that it can lead to harmful habits and ideas due to the misinformation surrounding this culture.

First and foremost, influencers spreading their beliefs about diet could lead to their followers facing challenges about their bodies. For example, the seemingly harmless “what I eat in a day” videos on Youtube and Tik Tok have become exceedingly popular. While the intentions are innocuous, these types of videos are the very thing that reinforces an unhealthy culture because they are setting a standard of what food and lifestyle habits should look like for everyone. Many of these people convey that because they “complete intermittent fasting” or “drink three cups of pineapple juice before breakfast,” that is how they attained their perfect figure. Consequently, their followers will try mimicking the influencer’s tips and tricks, only to be disappointed when their bodies do not produce the same results. This idea that they are not eating the “right” things leads to an unhealthy notion about the human diet and, in turn, about the human body. Overall, social media leaders are at the heart of the diet culture in America that

has caused many people to feel inadequate about their bodies.

Additionally, the restrictions that come with dieting could cause eating disorders because it enforces harmful patterns. For instance, the popularized “75 Hard Challenge” includes, but is not limited to, following a dieting regimen, completing two intervals of a 45-minute exercise, and drinking one gallon of water daily for 75 days. Because this diet does not allow for “cheat meals,” an individual who cannot stick to its rigidity could develop an eating disorder.

The whole idea of dieting separates food into two categories: good and bad. When someone strays from the diet and eats the so-called “bad” food, they experience guilt. Thus, this guilt could potentially fester into disordered eating because it might lead to periods of binging the “bad” food or restricting oneself from certain food completely. It is not inevitable that dieting will lead to an eating disorder, but it does establish the potential for one because of the constraints that come with it.

Moreover, although some may view dieting as an excellent way to get into (or back into) shape, the truth is it

can end up causing more harm than good for many people. Going back to the “75 Hard Challenge” mentioned previously, it could be an excellent way to motivate people to be healthier; however, many people do not do well under strict rules like the one that challenge requires. Some individuals excel at the intensity of a diet like that and would see amicable results. Many, though, would be unsuccessful at a regimen like that, which would further cause insignificant feelings about their diet. Instead of curating all of these new diets and fads, we should encourage wholesome eating and the implementation of exercise in an individual’s life. No person will successfully follow a strict diet their entire life, so why should we not just encourage a healthy lifestyle instead of increments of dieting? All in all, America should strive to uplift a balanced lifestyle instead of pushing temporary diets. To end, health is an immensely complex topic with multiple layers, some of which I am sure I am not well educated on. Although my knowledge is limited, I think certain ideas about health are festering into an unproductive culture in our society. America should be more careful about the information they are spreading about health, claiming it as fact. If we can take what we hear about fitness and well-being with a grain of salt, our overall ideas about health could improve dramatically. America has the opportunity to spread facts instead of theories about health; we should start now.

133 Cullman High School seniors responded to a survey regarding their post-graduation

Anna Beth Mauldin, Editor-in-Chief

Alabama

Wallace State Community College

Cody Jones

Kaden Burgess

Jorryn Barnette

Brodie Hunter

Lauren Smith

Backett Calvert

Sophie Caretti

Landon Tweedie

Garrett Rester

Caden Dasher

Carly Mills

Tyler Owens

Emree Dean

Emma Thomas

Gavin Gooch

Brandon Pipes

Easton Peed

Shayley Vogelaar

Alecia Scott

Holli Rowan

Jillian Spann

Aysia Hausler

Gavin Golden

Morgan Grimmett

Betzy Garcia

Faith Smith

Rae Hulsey

Jackson Norris

Garrett Hall

Claire Chandler

Angel McRea

Emily Mondragon

Benjamin Sexton

Sarah Herfurth

Ian Wilkinson

Alexis Kelso

Mya Arnold

Ella Collum

LilyBeth Jean

Olivia Glass

Nevada Kilburn

Elijah Putman

Bailey Smith

Estrella Perez

Haven Garner

Madison Lindsey

Raelee Stinson

Hieu Le

Brandy Pylant

Kaleb Slaton

John Luke McGill

Cassandra Benefield

Emma Speakman

Jacqueline De Jesus

Evan Johnson

Rowe Tapscott

Maggie Keeton

Peyton Black

Auburn University

Anna Beth Mauldin

Connor Caviness

Mimi Lunsford

Caroline Sandlin

John Weston Ray

Ruby Hudson

Jacey Mickle

Chloe Lambert

Drew Carter

Caitlin Bates

Danica Vo

Ayden Robertson

Cassie Dace

Katia Peterson

Maddie Witcher

Lindsey Skinner

Ella Kate Green

The University of Alabama

Brody Foxx

Yukino Shichinohe

Sarah Flores

Kathryn Dueland

Lexi Sumrall

Emma Hart

Jessie Godbee

Ashton Henderson

Preston Gray

Sawyer Trimble

Nolan Smith

University of North Alabama

Audrey Nicolas

Lauren Chapin

Domenico Brunetti

Olivia Britton

Lily West

Carrie Betts

Katie Mason

Annia Dominguez

Kaitlyn Smith

University of South Alabama

Olivia Dudley

Hayden Wynn

Bennett Edmondson

Birmingham-Southern College

Abby Morrow Samford University

Emma Dodd

The University of Alabama at Birmingham

Natalee Witcher

Echo Duckworth

The University of Alabama in Huntsville

Chelsea Hallmark

Nicholas Ruse

Troy University

Abby Skipper

Omar Islas

University of Montevallo

Forrest Calvert

Northwest-Shoals Community College

Emma-Claire Wilson

Huntington College

Mary Charles Davis

Alabama College of Barber

Brennan Hart

Tennessee

Carson-Newman University

Brody Hopper

Kentucky

Kentucky Wesleyan College

Jared Shelton

University of the Cumberlands

Hunter Howell

Florida

Flordia Southern College

Braxton White

Pennsylvania

Allegheny College

William Nichols

Other

Entering the Workforce

Timothy McAnally

Lucian Martinez

Caden Crook

Apprenticeship

Kasey Mann

Gap Year

Aryanna Harper

Become an Author

Ivey Bynum

Real Estate School

Kylar Kesler

Trade School

Logan Howell

Undecided

Alex Hill

Shelton State Community College

Paxton Ponder

Calhoun Community College

Carter Caffey

Paul Mitchell The School Birmingham

Payton Smith

Natalie Freeman

South

Carolina

The Citadel

Ryan Skinner

Mississippi

Mississippi State University

Lane Hopper

TheHilightwishesallseniorsthebestofluck intheirfutureendeavours!

Summer Playlist

Perfect

The “Patriot Act on Steroids”

The Tik Tok ban is so much worse than you think Alecia Scott, Staff Writer

Reilly

, Staff Writer

Since Trump’s Presidency, the government has been trying to ban or restrict access to TikTok. In 2020 he planned on banning the app via executive action. Soon, however, he was defeated by Joe Biden during the elections. Biden revoked this executive order but put up a road map to how the government should deal with threats from an app involving foreign adversaries. In December, TikTok was completely banned from being used on government-owned devices. This was to avoid the threat of government secrets possibly being hacked.

Let’s be honest; 70-90% of people in congress barely know how to use their phones without their grandchildren helping them. It is hard to believe that they know for a fact that an app like this can manipulate the minds of its users to grow against America. Every TikTok user knows that only Americans can make fun of America. If it is any other country, we become more patriotic than a redneck on the fourth of July. It is a great quality that we Americans have; only we can make fun of each other. So, in this article, I will describe what the bill represents and why it is inherently wrong.

TikTok is never actually mentioned in the bill. It is much more widespread than that. Many journalists and politicians are calling it “the Patriot Act on steroids.” For those who do not know what the Patriot Act is, it was put in place after the 9/11 attacks. They allowed the government to look into any possible threat to national security. They were allowed to access their phones, their computers, and any means necessary to possibly catch domestic and foreign terrorists. It made many of the people of America feel safe after such a tragic time; however, nowadays, it is rarely used, as far as we are aware. This new bill that is being proposed is uncalled for. Nothing has happened to America as tragic as 9/11 to cause this kind of bill to pass into law. This bill would allow the government to ban access to any type of technology that could possibly “pose a threat to national security.” That is such a vague term. They could ban TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, etc. This would give so much power to the government. The bill also says that the president will elect people to the cabinet, which means Americans don’t even get to decide who is “protecting our rights.” They are also allowed to have closed-door meetings. This means that they are not documented until the technology has been banned. That means one day, we could have access to Instagram, and then, the next day the app will cease to exist in this country.

VPNs are also included in this bill. VPN stands for virtual private network. VPNs hide the contents of your web traffic from some observers and can make it harder for you to be tracked online. You can often change your location to access other kinds of media that may be blocked or included in your version of the technology in your country. I’m sure we have all seen some kind of youtuber sponsored by Surfshark or Nord Lock or any other VPN. They access their Netflix and one movie is available in Canada that isn’t included here. It changes your location so you are safer on the internet. This bill essentially bans these. With a VPN, you would be allowed to access everything that has been banned-which I’m sure government officials would hate.

Now let’s get to the knitty-gritty of the app itself. They say the locations would allow for possible catastrophe because foreign adversaries would be able to see where large populations of people are. This is illogical because in the setting of the app, and on your own phone, you can turn off your location in the app.

Next, facial recognition could allow foreign adversaries to store the faces of important people and spread propaganda. You can also turn off this setting. The founders of TikTok themselves have also stated that the coding in the software is not designed to capture the face but to make filters fit the face of the user as best as possible.

They are also scared that propaganda could be spread via the app. That is totally possible, but at the end of the day, this is America. Our first Amendment allows us to spread and listen to these words and determine if it is rational or not. It is not for our government to decide whether or not we are allowed to.

These politicians are scared that TikTok is spreading a different ideology than what the government wants to spread. They are scared that people may see the flaw in their own government and fight against it. The best part is that we are going to do this regardless. There is a phrase known as “bread and circuses.” This phrase suggests that when people are not getting entertainment and are not getting food, the people will look deeper into their own country. They will discover their flaws, and fight to change them. When people are taken away from something, they will often fight to get it back, or end the thing that took it away from them. These politicians need to get it together because TikTok isn’t the thing that is taking down their government; they are doing it all by themselves.

What to Watch: Summer Edition

A list of classic summer films

John Mark Johnson, Staff Writer

WeekendatBernie’s1989

TopGun1986

Jaws1975

This classic thriller needs no introduction. Summer in the beach town of Amity Island comes to a halt when a killer shark threatens the safety of the beachgoers. Chief Brody teams up with a marine biologist and an old fisherman to track down and stop the killer shark.

AmericanGrafiti1973

This coming-of-age classic follows four young boys as they set out on an adventure in search of a rumored body spotted near their Oregon town. Based on a Stephen King novella, StandBy Me provides an emotionally thrilling coming-of-age adventure all ages will enjoy.

WeekendatBernie’s follows two rookie corporate employees as they plan to accompany their boss on a weekend beach getaway. Upon arrival, the two discover something alarming about their boss…he’s dead. The hillarity that ensues as the two attempt to pass off their boss’ death are just the tip of the iceberg in this classic American comedy.

Ultimate Horoscope of Truth

Please don’t take this seriously

Drew Williamson, Staff Writer

Aries - Stop being careful with what you spend money on, and start spending irresponsibly. The stars have aligned for you to most certainly win the lottery within the next few months.

Taurus - Beware of traveling to Europe anytime soon. The stars have aligned, and disaster is sure to strike.

Gemini - Next time you are in your car, check the tire pressure. The stars have aligned for your tires to blow out within the next few weeks.

Cancer - The alignment of the stars shows that the structural integrity of your house is very trustworthy. Don’t expect the ceiling to fall in the next few weeks.

Leo - Leave your wallet and car keys on a vacant pump at the nearest gas station, and don’t look back. If the stars align, you could be rewarded greatly.

Virgo - It would be wise to purchase new AAA batteries in the upcoming weeks. The stars have aligned for your calculator battery to die soon.

Libra - Avoid fast food chicken sandwiches at all costs in the coming months. According to the alignment of the stars, you are at great risk of contracting salmonella.

Scorpio - Check under the manhole cover closest to your house. The alignment of the stars tell me that you will be blessed with a surprise.

Sagittarius - Literally nothing is going to happen. The stars aligned for you to have an incredibly boring and uneventful few weeks. Sorry.

Capricorn - Break contact with your plumber. The alignment of the stars hint that he has sinister intentions, and it would be wise to cut him out of your life.

Aquarius - The alignment of the stars foreshadow that you will be stopped in traffic at some point in the very near future. Prepare yourself for the worst.

Pisces - Be wary of spoiled milk. The alignment of the stars show that the carton expired a week ago.

TopGunfollows hotshot pilot, Maverick, as he is sent to the Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School where the best of the best train to hone their elite flying skills. As Maverick competes to be the top fighter pilot, he also fights for the attention of his flight instructor.

On the last day of summer in 1962, a group of friends cruise the California streets all while a mysterious disk jockey spins classic rock’n’roll tunes. This classic directed by George Lucas stars Harrison Ford in his breakout role as Bob Falfa.

2023 Reading List

A list of all the required summer reading books and some fan favorites

Destiny Faith-White, Staff Writer

After reading these required books, here’s some really good recommendations that I hope you’ll enjoy!

9th Pre-AP English (1):

-AndThenThereWereNoneby Agatha Christie

10th Pre-AP English (2):

- ColdSassyTreeby Olive Ann Burns

-WarriorsDon’tCryby Melba Patillo Beals

11th AP Language & Composition (3):

- AmusingOurselvestoDeathby Neil Postman

- TheImmortalLifeofHenrietta Lacksby Rebecca Skloot

- Alas,Babylonby Pat Frank

12th AP Literature & Composition (3):

- HowtoReadLiteraturelikea Professorby Thomas C. Foster

- BraveNewWorldby Aldous Huxley

- ThePoisonWoodBibleby Barbara Kingsolver

Fan Favorites:

BeachReadby Emily Henry

MalibuRisingby Taylor Jenkins Reid

BonesinAll by Camille DeAngelis

TheBeginningofEverythingby Robyn Scheider

HungerGamesby Suzanne Collins (specifically to get ready for the new movie coming out)

NormalPeopleby Sally Rooney

TheGuestListby Lucy Foley

I’llGiveYoutheSunby Jandy Nelson

SENIOR SECTION 20

Seniors’ Favorite High School Memories

What will these seniors always remember about their time at CHS?

Olivia Britton, Staff Writer

Definitely my senior volleyball season. Everything about that time of my life was so much fun, and I got to experience it with my teammates and best friends.

was probably the

trip; it was so much fun.

My favorite memory is pep rallies before football games because they were finally normal this year. Another memory is all the hours we spent pomping and how much closer our class got during it!

Dressing up as colonel women and driving 50 through the Chick-Fil-A parking lot to make the senior sunrise.

My favorite things about Cullman High School range from Key Club freshman year to splatball wars in the summer and everything in between. I think more than all, watching the class of 2023 grow closer together and support each other through various sports, band, and arts has been my favorite part of my highschool years. Could not ask for a better class to be a part of.

Emma

I would say my favorite memory was winning the state championship for cheerleading in 9th grade.

My favorite memory is the first regular season football game against Mars Hill. Coming into the game no one expected us to win and we had already been written off. All the players are nervous and ready to hit someone else beside their teammates. Defense does their thing and we hold them to a close game. With a few seconds left we got them back up to their own end zone and the plan was for them to fake a safety and win the game. But we weren’t ready to quit. The ball was snapped and we are full steam ahead for the punter. I catch up to him before he steps out of the end zone and strip the ball. Ben Washburn lands on the ball in the end zone as the clock hits 0. We won the game. Everyone goes crazy, the fans can’t believe it and the players can’t believe it either. I will never forget that night and the excitement on all the coaches faces and the roar of our student section. I love those guys and none of it could have been possible without the glory of God!

Connor CavinessI’m gonna have to say winning ultimate frisbee back to back.

Natalie Freeman -

Sarah Herfurth -

Harold SheffieldMy favorite thing about high school

HOSA

Connor Swann -

Speakman

Emree Dean -

Rowe TapscottSenior year homecoming, hands down.

Garrett Hall -

SENIOR SECTION 21

Seniors’ Favorite High School Memories (Continued)

What will these seniors always remember about their time at CHS?

Olivia Britton, Staff Writer

do what I love.

Ella Kate Green -

My favorite thing from high school would be probably getting close to a lot of people and just getting to have the fun memories of Friday night lights, pep rallies, homecoming events, and dress up days. It was truly so fun and will always be something I remember forever.

I have greatly enjoyed these past 4 years of being a Cullman Bearcat! Some of my favorite parts of high school have been the Key Club dance freshman year at Top of the Town, being a part of the Cullman Chaos student section last year for the Final 4 and State-winning basketball games, the outdoor movie nights in the parking lot during sophomore and junior year, getting involved with FCCLA and going on trips with Mrs. Rains, friday nights in the fall at Oliver Woodard watching football in the student section and taking pictures, going on adventures and getting to capture timeless memories with the Southerner yearbook staff for the past 3 years, homecoming week as a senior (and winning basically everything), and making bonds with my friends, classmates, and teachers that will last a lifetime!

Sophie

-

Pep rallies (especially the dance some of the teachers did freshman year dressed as zombies), being able to do clinicals senior year, and the basketball student section the past 2 years.

I have truly had the time of my life at Cullman High School. If I had to go back I doubt I would change a thing. My favorite memory would probably be the first football game I photographed my junior year. The energy on the sidelines is something I’ll always remember. It was discovering the feeling of doing something I truly enjoy and am passionate about.

My favorite things about high school would be getting to play baseball with my best friends and having funny conversations at lunch everyday.

My favorite high school memory would have to be homecoming junior year, more specifically the bonfire.

My favorite memory is doing the womanless

year.

I have truly made the best memories these past four years at Cullman High School. A few of my favorites would have to be each volleyball season with my best friends, working on the newspaper, getting to pomp each Homeocming week with our grade (including our sleepovers), and Coach Drake’s computer science class my senior year.

My fave memory is presenting my Beowulf project in AP Literature. It was a bunch of food and everyone was overwhelmed by all of the containers.

Evan Johnson -

The adrenaline of Friday nights. Going out and getting to

Olivia Glass -

Easton Peed -

Rhett Tucker -

Caretti

Preston Gray -

beauty pageant freshman

Alecia Scott

Olivia Britton -

Anna Beth Mauldin -

SENIOR SECTION 22

Impacting Underclassmen

The influence of this year’s senior lass

Olivia Britton, Staff Writer

are always so funny and they help me with my homework and they’ve just inspired me to be a good person.”

Michaela

-

by showing me what a true godly person is like. She has always shown up for church and is there when I need her.”

- “I just… I mean… Olivia Britton. This year’s been a rough year, without Olivia Britton… She inspires me to be better. I look over and I see that Rouge… roaming and I just…seriously Britt has motivated me so much. Without her, how would I get to practice??”

-

Carter

-

She’s just very reliable and loyal. She’s always there for you if you need her. She’s very protective and will do whatever.”

obviously. She’s the best big sister and role model because she’s taught me how to care for the people around me, and try my hardest at everything in life.

me how to create creative Google Slides.”

She taught me how kindness can literally get you through anything and how friendship is so important, and how you need to always make new friends and have them for a lifetime.”

SADIE - “Olivia Britton. I love her. She takes us on trips in the Rouge. Without her motivation and inspiration I don’t know what I would do with my life. She’s motivational. Listen listen listen, when I’m in the dugout, just sitting there, I look over and she gives me the peptalk. She brings a smile to my face. I don’t know what I would do without her. When she leaves there’s gonna be tears. I’m already tearing up right now.”

be a leader in tough situations.”

need him too.”

has been the best friend and teammate on the soccer team this year. She’s a real one, and she’s always there when I ask her to, [be] ; even if it’s something she doesnt support me in.”

London

-

has positively affected me. She has really given me advice that has changed my life and made me a better person.”

Aubrey

She has been my best friend since the 2nd grade. [Ivey] really has kinda kept me in line with all of my friends and made me realize that not every single high school friendship has to crumble and fall apart because there’s always gonna be someone there for you.”

Tiffany

Kirk has affected my life because last year she gave me a ride to an archery tournament and I’ve really appreciated her since she’s done that.”

Lucas Sawtelle - “Nate Zills and Garrison Sharpe. They

Kent

“Ashton Henderson.

Ellie Mauldin - “Anna Beth Mauldin,

Devin Bates - “Peyton Black, because he shows how to

Kam Myers - “Sawyer Trimble helped me improve in football and he is good.”

Tiger Flanigan - “Tucker Cagle and Brody Foxx because they showed me that looks don’t matter.”

Parker Sparks - “Sarah Herfurth because she taught me how to work for myself.”

Maddie Goble - “Braylon Adcock. He affected my life by showing

Jordan Browning - “My senior idol is Connor Combs because he is a cool person and is always pretty chill and picks me up whenever I

Mack David Robertson - “Cody Jones has affected my life by teaching me to be a good person.”

Kaleigh Green - “Braxton White because he’s so funny and helps me get through the worst days.”

Bailee Henderson

“Holli Rowan.

Adrianne Lynn - “Mimi Lunsford. Mimi

Phillippo

“Chelsea Hallmark

Tillery

“Maddie Reese Lagel

Anna Grace Parks and Sadie Graham AG

Martin “Ivey Binum.

Calvert - “Avery

SENIOR SECTION

12 Years Ago Our Favorite Songs Were...

Top 12 songs from our first grade year

Alecia Scott, Staff Writer

“Rolling in the Deep” -

“God Gave Me You”-

“Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not?” -Thompson Square

“Take a Back Road”RodneyAtkins

“DJ Got Us Falling’ In Love”- Usher(feat.Pitbull)

“Party Anthem”-RockLMFAO

“Country Girl (Shake it for

“We Found LoveRhianna(feat.Calvin Harris)

Adele

“Grenade”- Bruno Mars

Blake Shelton

“Mean”- TaylorSwift

“If I Die Young”- The BandPerry

“Super Bass”- Nicki Minaj

Me)”- LukeBryan

SENIOR SECTION senior survey

80 seniors responded to a survey regarding their time at CHS

Anna Beth Mauldin, Editor-in-Chief

Did you go to a high school football game? Did you play a school sport?

Have you cheated on a test?

Did you read all of the books for English? Did you go to a school dance?

Have you gotten a school parking ticket?

Have you fallen asleep in class? Have you gotten dress-coded?

Have you hid from a teacher in public?

senior sendoff

“Be flexible with others. Psychological research says that people commonly (and wrongly) assume to know why people behave the way they do. While you were in the car the other day, is the person that didn’t use their turn signal ACTUALLY a terrible drive or could they just be having a rough day? Do you assume YOU are a terrible driver when you forget to use your signal or do you first try to explain your failure as a result of some SITUATION in which you find yourself?

The first step to building a better society is not jumping to conclusions about people we don’t or barely even know. We all would want the benefit of the doubt, right? We should reciprocate.”

- Coach Harbin

“Be careful what you post on social networks. Future employers often search social media for job candidates online, so think about how you want to present yourself before you post anything online.”

- Mrs. Tuggle

“In the words of C.S. Lewis: ‘There are far far better things ahead than any we leave behind.’ Congratulations! You will be missed at CHS!”

- Mrs. Burroughs

“Remember to LIVE your best life, LAUGH at yourself, and LOVE others!”

- Ms. Calahan

“To the class of 2023: Always work hard, whether that be at school, at work, marriage, as a parent or as a person. Very few things in life are easy. Be a kind person that is compassionate. Always try to look for the bright things in life. Always make good decisions that you can be proud of. Know that you are very special to the Cullman High School Faculty and we can not wait to see you achieve your dreams.”

- Mrs. Barnett

Teachers around CHS share their advice for the class of 2023 Reilly Johnson, Staff Writer

SENIOR SECTION 25 words of advice

jessie & jerriesue godbee

senior letters to freshmen siblings

sophie & livi caretti

anna beth & knox mauldin

Dear JerrieSue,

I know that you are just a freshman right now and believe that time is moving astronomically slowly, but I would advise you to enjoy every step of your high school experience. It truly does go by so quickly, and after this, you will be in “the real world,” so enjoy every second. Be nice to everyone (including your teachers, Jerrie). Make friends with people who are outside of your normal friend group. Even if your “friends” look down upon them, you should not. I will be asking people if you are nice at school, and if they say no, I will be smacking you when I come home. Persevere through your honors/AP classes; they might be hard, but you will be much better off in college because of them. Do not worry about honors chemistry; you are better at math than I am, and if I could do it, you can do it. On the club/extracurricular exhibition days, be open to joining a new crowd. You will be surprised at how much you might enjoy some of them (i.e. theatre, scholar’s bowl, etc.) Do not wait until you are a senior to try something new! My biggest piece of advice for you is to not care about what people think; do not let the thoughts of others deter you from wearing certain clothes, joining a different extracurricular activity, or taking a certain class. You are the only JerrieSue I know, so act like it. Do not vape because nobody wants to be operated on by a surgeon who has emphysema. Even if you change your mind about your career choice, do not let anybody change your mind about the former. Try not to miss me too much, and be sure to spend time with Mom. I love you!

Love, Jessie

Dear Livi,

Going into freshman year I thought these would be the longest four years of my life. While at some points they were and I hated it, now I’m less than a month from graduating and it’s hard to believe those four years are over. I’m more than thankful to have been able to spend my last year with you as a freshman. It makes my day when we see each other in the hallway, sit in the car before school and talk, oh and the times I yell at you for getting out of soccer late even though you can’t help it… but seriously I love having you here so much. Since I won’t be here to tell you what to do for the next three years I made you a list of tips from one sister to another.

-Go to all the games because eventually, you won’t be able to sit in the student section.

-Don’t be afraid to participate because no one will remember and you’ll have a great time in the process.

-DON’T stop at the stop sign on Stadium in the mornings…

-Just follow the seniority rules.

-Don’t sit in the senior section if you aren’t a senior.

-Don’t be in the front three rows of a sporting event if you aren’t a senior (maybe a junior).

-Don’t stress about college till senior year.

-A test grade does not define you.

-Do the work, join the clubs, and be nice-scholarships will thank you senior year, trust me.

-Listen to the older kids because when they say time flies they mean it.

-Most important: have fun, do the thing, don’t not do something because you may regret it, take the road less traveled, be YOU.

Here’s a quote to live by:

“It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.” - John Templeton. I love you so much and can’t wait to see what these next years at CHS hold for you.

Forever and Always, Sophie <3

As my senior year comes to an end, I realize your time in high school has just begun. I know I have had my share of complaining about school and you have too, but the truth is that you are going to look back and wish you would have taken in high school a little bit more. It is so hard to believe that I am graduating and you and Ellie are just right there behind me. With that being said, I am going to miss waking you up on some mornings (no matter how frustrated I was at you), spontaneous trips to 31, you begging me to take you to Tropical Smoothie, the look we give each other when Ellie says something dumb or when Dad is getting on to us, and getting to pick you up from baseball in the afternoons. They might not have meant much to you, but I have been taking in those moments a little bit more lately. This year has gone by so fast, and it has not been easy in the moments when I remember I will be off to college soon.

It has been a blessing watching you grow up and seeing you spread your kindness to others. You have a heart unlike no other, and seeing you share your compassion is something I am so lucky to have constantly witnessed. I am so proud of you and the kind, witty, and respectable man you have grown up to be. I wish I had just one more school year to spend alongside you and Ellie. I am so incredibly happy that I get to call myself your sister.

I love you,

Anna Beth

Dear Ty,

My time at CHS is coming to an end but yours is just getting started. Even though you feel like you have all the time in the world, it will be over in a blink of an eye. Don’t hold back with anything and do everything to the best of your ability. Take chances and risks and have fun because you never know what it will lead to. Enjoy your time in high school while you can before it’s gone. Follow your dreams and go do what you want to do and don’t let anything stop you.

Your big brother, Riley

Dear Audrey,

I can’t believe you’re already in high school and before you know it, you’ll be a senior. Try your best to soak up all the moments with your friends because it flies by. Always try your best in all that you do and remember that your mistakes don’t define you. Don’t be afraid to fail, because failure leads to success. P.s. don’t climb on the roof.

Love, Cole

riley & ty jackson

cole & audrey floyd

Dear Knox,

SENIOR SECTION 26

Farewell CHS Seniors!

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(256) 502-4041

SENIOR SECTION 32

Your 2022-2023 Hilight Seniors Sign Off

HEY SENIORS! Remember When...

Cole Flyod got on the roof during Quidditch freshman year.

The DJ played “Mo Bamba” at the Key Club dance and the floor nearly caved in. When Mimi almost burned down the middle school.

Sophie’s Walmart feet.

Kaden Burgess’s car was literally ran over.

A wall fell on Carrie Betts during the theatre competition.

When the drone crashed into the band mid football game.

When the band’s charter bus broke down in West Virginia.

William Nichols ran to the police station during a fire drill because he thought there was an intruder.

YikYak went rapid for two days and caused all of our phones to be banned forever.

People thought devious licks were a good idea.

Administration took all of the stall doors out of the boys bathroom because people were stealing them.

Rhett demolished Anna Beth’s fresh sod.

There was a mass email sent about a Christmas party.

Anna Beth Mauldin

Olivia Britton

Alecia Scott

Juan Fuentes

Mimi Lunsford

Ruby Hudson