Devil's Advocate (Volume 35, Issue 3, January 2019) by Devil's Advocate

DEVILâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ADVOCATE STANTON COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Affairs

EC A N IA N L IV FE E AT R UR SA E R

Campus

NUMBER 3 / JANUARY 2019

BY KATELYN COLLEY

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE

VOLUME XXXV

NUMBER 3

STANTON COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

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Student Life

The Vaping Epidemic / Electronic cigarettes have become extremely popular in recent months amongst adolescents, including those at Stanton.

By Serene Shibly By Caroline Robbins

Photography

Stanton: Then and Now / Our photographers recreated four photos from over 20 years ago to visually demonstrate how Stanton has evolved throughout the years.

By Prachi Misra, Ysabella Rodriguez, Katie Stevens

Arts & Entertainment

A new section featuring comics, student-contributed art, information on upcoming local art events, Locations We Love and the Record.

By Amra Kajdic, Rohini Kumar, Caroline Robbins, Isaiah Fluharty, Alice Baker, Nikki Kershner

Features

Campus Affairs / Staff Writer Katelyn Colley explores how adolescent romance fits into Stanton’s student culture, including how students make relationships work given the rigor of their academic curricula.

By Katelyn Colley

Anniversary Feature

The 2018–2019 school year marks the Devil’s Advocate’s 35th anniversary. This commemorative piece features a cover from each year of production thus far.

By Emmett Gideon, Rohini Kumar, Likhita Manchikanti

Sports

Coming Together / Many of Stanton’s sports teams develop camaraderie through bonding activities and team rituals, like group head-shavings and belly dancing classes.

By Kennedy Cottle By Seth Abouhalkah

Opinions

Columns on sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, the sentimental value of mementos, the American Dream, teenage disillusionment with the government and more.

By the Editorial Board, Fabrizio Gowdy, Dylan Janson, Bettina Huang, Salma Drew, Charlotte Rogers, Armani Strowbridge

Photography

Welcome to Jacksonville / Those who call Jacksonville home are familiar with the city’s idiosyncratic features and unique landmarks, some of which are captured in this photo spread.

By Prachi Misra, Ysabella Rodriguez, Katie Stevens

Editor’s Letter

photo by Ysabella Rodriguez

Rohini Kumar Editor-in-Chief

More often than not, our relationships make us who we are. We may base our values on the teachings of parents, find ourselves repeating the same colloquialisms as our friends or use a particularly unpleasant boss as a constructive nonexample. Regardless of whether this process occurs consciously, the people in our lives have great potential to change us. Stanton’s rigorous curricula and the emotional complexities of adolescence provide useful frames for evaluating the impact relationships have on the life of a Stanton student specifically. For this issue,

Contributing Advocates: The Devil’s Advocate is searching for contributing writers, photographers, artists and filmmakers. Contact Editor-in-Chief Rohini Kumar at krohini601@gmail.com, Opinions Editor Tatyana Esquilin at tatyanaesquilin@gmail.com or Digital Media Editor Zahra Casado at zahracasado@gmail.com. Ads and Sponsorships: The Devil’s Advocate is dependent on our advertisers and our sponsors. When you purchase an ad with us, it reaches a diverse student population that can help your business. We can also design your ads. Our prices are: $35 (1/4 page), $60 (1/2 page), $75 (insert), $100 (full page b/w) or $150 (back page color). For an additional $5 fee, we can advertise your business on our website. Contact Business Manager Amra Kajdic at amrakajdic1@gmail.com or our adviser, Mr. Larry Knight, at knightl1@duvalschools.org.

JANUARY 2019

we chose to focus on romantic relationships— Staff Writer Katelyn Colley examines how students balance coursework and partners, how familial expectations come into play and how adults tend to disregard the validity of teenage romance. Colley also discusses sexual assault within the context of the 21st century. The #MeToo movement brought thousands of sexual assault cases to the forefront of American social discourse and created more discussion than ever before on sex education, consent and online harassment. It would be egregious of us not to include the problem of sexual assault in our coverage of Stanton’s dating culture. Seeing as the 2018–2019 school year marks the

Printed at Florida Sun Printing, Callahan, Fla. Please recycle this newspaper.

Devil’s Advocate’s 35th anniversary, this issue also contains a special feature on the newspaper’s history. Volatile social, economic and political circumstances have pushed publications everywhere, the Devil’s Advocate included, to engage in meticulous acclimation to an evolving readership. Change, while sometimes difficult, is necessary—reflecting on the past 35 years has provided us with plenty of insight as to how we should continue into the future.

Adviser: Larry Knight Editor-in-Chief: Rohini Kumar Managing Editors: Bettina Huang, Likhita Manchikanti Layout and Design Editor: Emmett Gideon Business Manager: Amra Kajdic Photography Editor: Katie Stevens Associate Photography Editor: Prachi Misra Digital Media Editor: Zahra Casado Associate Digital Media Editor: Brandon Deda Art Director: Caroline Robbins Videographer: Dylan Janson Public Relations Manager: Christa Assi Features Editor: Salma Drew Opinions Editor: Tatyana Esquilin Sports Editor: Jake Nachman Student Life Editor: Phong Huynh Website Editor: Zachary Genus Staff Writers: Seth Abouhalkah, Katelyn Colley, Kennedy Cottle, Isaiah Fluharty, Serene Shibly, Vaishnavi Suren, Angela Villanueva Photographer: Ysabella Rodriguez

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE | 3

STUDENT LIFE

The Vaping Epidemic The accessibility and prevalence of electronic cigarettes has resulted in increased use among teenagers. Disclaimer: Due to the sensitive nature of the story, the names of certain sources have been changed in order to protect their privacy.

By SERENE SHIBLY, Staff Writer Slim, small and shaped like a USB flash drive, many would not guess this easily concealable object delivers as much nicotine as a pack of 20 cigarettes. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s 2018 National Youth Tobacco Survey, there has been a sharp increase in the usage of electronic cigarettes. The practice of using e-cigarettes, commonly referred to as vaping, is an epidemic that has taken over high schools across the nation, causing increased nicotine addiction among teenagers. Over the past few years, vaping has become an integral part of teen culture in the United States, and Stanton College Preparatory School is no exception. Across the country, the rates of teenage vaping have increased exponentially in recent years. According to a September 2018 article by the Wall Street Journal, 20 percent of high school students have tried vaping, almost double the data from 2017, which was 11.7 percent. With the increased number of teens using e-cigarettes, there also has been a rise in the popularity of the company JUUL Labs, which produces a new controversial brand of e-cigarettes. According to The New York Times, teenagers are “falling in love” with the trend of smoking e-cigarettes and the term ‘juuling’ has been coined by its users. While the use of the device has become very popular, this quickly growing trend may come at a cost due to its many health concerns and risks. The original intention for e-cigarettes was to provide a better alternative to cigarettes for adult smokers. However, teens have started to use the device at an alarming rate. E-cigarettes are advertised as providing the same feeling as traditional cigarettes, but without the many dangers that come with them. The National Center for Health Research found in 2018 that the main difference between traditional smoking

and vaping is that e-cigarettes do not contain tobacco, which is a carcinogenic chemical found in cigarettes. Despite its apparent appeal for not being as detrimental as cigarettes, they still have risks for developing teenagers. “I think for teens, it is totally bad. But I also think it’s good [for adult smokers] and I told my mom to start juuling so she could stop smoking,” said Maria, an anonymous junior. “Juuling is better because it gives you the same satisfactory effect but without all the cancerous chemicals.”

“Juuling is everywhere, so it was really easy for me to get into because everyone was doing it.”

Current research points to vaping being dangerous for teenagers, however, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, there is “limited research” on e-cigarettes and “unresolved safety concerns.” As time goes on and more research is conducted, there will be a better understanding of the implications of vaping. As of now, new research has supported the idea that vaping is unhealthy for adolescents. Despite the lack of research and dangers of the activity, teenagers continue to partake in vaping, partly due to its accessibility, as it is getting easier for students to own the device. With more and more teenagers owning vaping pens, there comes an increase in the exposure of such activity to other students as well. One of the most popular reasons teenagers are vaping is because it has become a trend; it is found on social media

—Josh, 11th Electronic cigarettes, including juuls, may not have tobacco, but they do contain nicotine, which is a harmful, addictive drug present in cigarettes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states, “a single JUUL pod contains as much nicotine as a pack of 20 cigarettes.” In youth, nicotine interferes with the developing brain by changing the way synapses are formed, as well as harming areas of the brain that are responsible for impulse control, attention, mood and learning. Nicotine is also regarded as a gateway substance as a 2017 study conducted by the National Academy of Medicine found teenagers who use electronic cigarettes are more likely to smoke cigarettes in the future.

photo by Katie Stevens

Although the health hazards of nicotine use are widely known, vaping continues to be popular among teenagers.

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infographic by Phong Huynh

VOL. XXXV, NO. 3

and is quite common for adolescents all over America. In a December 2018 USA Today article, more than 3 million high school students report they regularly vape using e-cigarettes. Since it is a growing trend, there are people who want to try it for the sake of knowing what the craze is about. “Juuling is everywhere, so it was really easy for me to get into because everyone was doing it,” said Josh, an anonymous junior. “My friends juul and they offered it to me, and that’s how it started.” Another cause of increased teenage e-cigarette usage is peer pressure. A constant desire to fit in and be a part of the vaping trend has factored into its popularity. “I was hanging out with this boy and he kept offering me a juul,” said Amy, an anonymous sophomore. “He kept putting it up to my mouth and telling me to try it, threatening that he would not talk to me if I didn’t try it.” However, not everyone gets into vaping from peer pressure. There are people who genuinely want to try it, as they become curious about the effects associated with it. “I got into it for the nicotine buzz,” said George, an anonymous sophomore. “But I stop myself if I feel like I’m craving it because I don’t want to get addicted.” There are also some students who have turned to vaping as a method of stress relief claiming it serves as an outlet from daily stressors that come with being a Stanton student. photo by Katie Stevens

The rise in e-cigarette use has led to the opening of numerous vape shops across the city. “Sometimes I juul to relieve stress and pressure,” said Jordan, an anonymous junior. “It helps me clear my head because it just puts you at ease and in a relaxed state.” To date, there is no research to back up e-cigarette use as a stress reliever, as the research so far only points to the activity having risks. Because the rise of vaping in schools is present throughout America, there have been efforts against underage vaping. The company JUUL Labs has taken strides against this detrimental trend among teenagers by including a disclaimer on their website stating juuls are meant “for adult smokers who want to switch from combustible cigarettes.” While the FDA has approved e-cigarettes as a safe alternative for smokers wanting to quit, they are still working on preventing “youth access to flavored tobacco products.”

decrease this illegal behavior. “[Students who have been caught vaping on campus] get turned over to the school administrators and get handled according to the Code of Conduct,” said School Resource Officer, Mr. Bradford Camp. “There are legal repercussions. Once they have reached a certain level that the school is not going to deal with them anymore, it will become a legal matter.”

“If a student is doing anything that’s not healthy, we want to know about it and have them talk about it.” — Mr. David Hemphill

infographic by Phong Huynh

JANUARY 2019

According to CNBC, the CEO of the JUUL company, Kevin Burns, stated he wants to prevent teens from using any JUUL Labs products. Despite these efforts, statistics still show a rise in vaping. Many students continue to vape and find ways to access e-cigarette products, usually from their older friends who can legally purchase them. This school year has seen a rise in the number of devices being used on campus. Despite the illegality of minors possessing them, many students secretly bring their e-cigarettes to school and consequently break the Duval County Student Code of Conduct. As a result, the administration is invalued with preventing their use on campus. “If a student is doing anything that’s not healthy, we want to know about it and have them talk about it,” said Stanton Assistant Principal David Hemphill. “I think the worst thing about vaping is that we don’t really know what all the harmful effects can be so that makes it even scarier.” According to the code of conduct, possession of any sort of drug, which includes nicotine is subject to a Class III Referral. With the practice of vaping occurring at Stanton, the school’s administration has taken steps against it. Frequent and random backpack searches are just one of the efforts to

photo by Katie Stevens

One of the many anti-vaping posters around Stanton’s campus. The increase in vaping is seen throughout the country, and is prevalent at Stanton as well. There is a significant amount of students who use electronic cigarettes, whether it be on or off campus. While there has been a decrease in binge drinking, smoking cigarettes and opioid use, vaping has become a growing trend according to USA Today. Research is still being conducted on this issue, but so far it has been concluded that vaping is dangerous for underage teenagers and the effects are detrimental to growth and development. While it seems appealing as it is offered as a safer alternative to cigarettes, there are still risks involved and more studies to be done. Once the population is informed on the effects of using e-cigarettes, such as juuls, it is left up to the individual to decide whether they want to continue partaking in a health risk that lacks sufficient research.

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE | 5

Fi tti ng By

rol in

Teenagers are no strangers to modern pressures to maintain a certain type of body. If left unchecked, however, unhealthy dieting practices can create a downward spiral.

th e

obbi ns

ag e Disclaimer: Due to the sensitive nature of the story, the names of certain sources have been changed in order to protect their privacy.

, Staf Writer

With constant pressure from social media, celebrities, peers and themselves, some students may have chosen dieting as their goal for personal improvement. Students attending Stanton College Preparatory School are no strangers to these influences and the desire to change their weight as dieting becomes increasingly prevalent in high school culture. However, in the rush to meet these expectations, eating disorders are found in the shadows of lunch tables, hidden in half-eaten meals unnoticed by tablemates.

“We want fast results,” said Rose. “To become healthier takes time; it doesn’t happen overnight. And we can become easily frustrated if we don’t get the results we want.” The results are not the same for everyone. Different body types have different standards and certain metabolisms have specific requirements for nutrients. Professor Lars McNaughton from Edge Hill University emphasized in an interview for Coach Magazine in September of 2017 how there are three definitive categories for body types: ectomorph, mesomorph and endomorph, but no human completely embodies these categories. Due to the body’s complexity, it is necessary to consider individuality before dieting. What is right for mesomorph metabolisms may not be the same for endomorph metabolisms. One should see a professional about what is right for them before deciding on a plan to prevent health issues. Sports also place pressure on athletes to lose weight especially where certain weights are necessary to compete. Athletes feel pressure to conform to a certain body type and often take up some form of dieting to enhance physical ability. Junior Gabe Navarro experienced this pressure when he joined the wrestling team, which divides students into groups based on their weight where even half a pound can set them apart.

“Students can be pressured to feel insignificant because of their weight.” —Christian Manuel, 10th The years of high school are a crucial part of the development of a student’s identity. Being constantly surrounded by peers presents opportunities for comparison, and can cause a desire to change. The National Eating Disorders Association observed in 2018 how continuously changing fashion trends, relationships and the fickle nature of social media affects students’ perception of themselves and their choice to diet. “Students can be pressured to feel insignificant because of their weight,” said sophomore Christian Manuel. “There are people who consider thin to be beautiful and those who are not [thin] to be less beautiful.” One of the primary places for students see these standards of beauty is social media. Platforms such as Instagram present a challenge as students can be faced with images of toned individuals just by scrolling through their feed, increasing the pressure to fit a certain shape. “We don’t think about the possibility that those photos on the Internet are not reality,” said sophomore Madison Rose. “And we think we need to look like someone else, which is what pushes us to go over the limit.” Weight change is a common goal students set for their body, and it can be achieved through dieting. Specific foods can be chosen and the sizes of meals are dictated to reduce or increase a student’s caloric intake. Some diets can take years to yield results, others a few months. Impatient for change to take place, students may forget that the transformation is meant to occur gradually.

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“We want fast results. To become healthier takes time; it doesn’t happen overnight.”

—Madison Rose, 10th

infographic by Phong Huynh

“I had to make my weight class. I felt pressure from my coach and myself to make the cut because there was someone above me and no one in the lower weight class,” said Navarro. “I know other people who play football who want to gain weight, and runners want to increase their calorie intake.” Dieting for athletic activities requires careful planning, as athletes typically burn more calories than other students. According to a report by the Better Health Channel in 2012, athletic diets must accommodate the various need for vitamins and minerals presented by each sport. Some may need more of a certain type of food to make up for lost energy or different sized portions based on a training regimen.

VOL. XXXV, NO. 3

encourage students to remain fit. Before any dieting plan is considered, it is important to ask a doctor about the real balance of the body as no one person is exactly like the other. Dieting plans that claim they “work for everyone” never produce the same results on every individual. “I first started dieting for wrestling and eventually continued for my health,” said senior Rebecca Hlawnchhing.”I didn’t really know much about nutrition and everything I heard on TV or from friends was to eat as little as possible. Thankfully, I did a lot of research and realized that what I was doing wasn’t healthy.” Dieting can be a positive experience when done correctly, but it can be tempting to look obsessively at the number of calories on a box or compare appearances to others. The goal is to remain healthy rather than seeking to become a certain image. Remaining aware of eating disorders prevents students from dangerous physical and mental repercussions. When individuality and healthful practices are kept in mind, dieting can be a tangible way to improve health and achieve the goals a student has set for themselves.

photo by Katie Stevens

Eating behaviors such as dieting are difficult to identify when they become more extreme. Some habits, regardless of body type or athletic ability, can improve a student’s health. Eating three regular meals consisting of all nutrients needed for the daily consumption of the food groups encourages a healthy lifestyle. Specialized diets focus on certain food groups or food types to change caloric intake without the need to completely withhold or indulge in food. While a student may plan healthily at first, they may feel uncomfortable addressing the topic with peers. The pressure to conform may become too much to handle and extreme dieting or eating disorders become more enticing. This is where many students will take matters away from becoming healthy to becoming the stereotype.

“Social media and comments about how much I ate caused me to believe that I was fat.” —Amanda, 12th “Social media and comments about how much I ate caused me to believe I was fat,” said Amanda, an anonymous senior. “I did not pack sustainable lunches for a few years and I became extremely self-conscious about eating in front of people and would refuse to go out with friends out of fear of them judging my eating.” Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are two common eating disorders students will succumb to in the rush to lose weight. They offer the promise of power, giving the student authority over their body. “Eating disorders were fostered by a need to feel control in my life,” said Adrian, an anonymous senior. “I wanted to have one thing in front of me as the rest of my life fell apart.” However, rather than presenting the student with the desired result, multiple health issues can arise. According to Newbridge Health and multiple other studies conducted over the course of 50 years, anorexia, the deliberate withholding of food, currently holds the highest mortality rate, often as a result of heart damage, brain damage or starvation. Bulimia, the extreme consumption of food only to purge later on, shares in anorexia’s danger. The potential threats of bulimia include reflux issues, gastrointestinal weakening and deterioration of the esophagus and stomach. Aside from physical factors, any form of unhealthy eating poses a threat to a student’s mental health. “[Eating disorders] should be taken seriously; the habits are easy to hide. By the time you start to notice severe changes,

JANUARY 2019

there can be severe mental and physical repercussions,” said Advanced Placement Psychology teacher Mrs. Mary Krieger. As eating disorders take root, the effects may come in waves. Some occur immediately and others fester even after help is found. “In the short term, one has to consider the possible changes to metabolism, brain function and digestion that impact emotions and behavior. In the long term, there will always be lingering behavioral and cognitive associations about eating habits and body image insecurities,” said Mrs. Krieger. Any form of irregular eating can cause insecurity to take full control. Guilt, loneliness and depression can arise during the duration of the disorder. This can then lead to self-imposed isolation, which can become a breeding ground for suicidal thoughts or self-harm. Eating disorders do not simply disappear after treatment, either. Lasting reminders can plague students, even after they have sought recovery. Jesse, an anonymous junior, noticed this in her own struggle with eating disorders. “It was a process. My experience was in middle school, and as I grew out of the depression I was in, it got a little bit easier,” said Jesse. “But I think eating disorders are something that you can never recover from fully. You learn to cope with it.” The dangers of eating disorders do not affect a select few. According to a 2017 study by Adolescent Growth, approximately 5.4 percent of students between the ages of 13 and 18 will suffer from an eating disorder. This means 2.2 million students across the U.S. will experience a disorder, with half suffering from a mild form and the other half subjected to a severe form. According to Drs. Kamryn Eddy and Yongjoo Kim in October of 2016 for an article for Journal of Adolescent Health, the start of this epidemic may be the familiarity of unhealthy dieting practices.

“[Eating disorders] should be taken seriously; the habits are easy to hide.” —Mrs. Mary Krieger “Because the disorders are rare but the behaviors common, they are often missed, overlooked, or minimized by treatment providers, caregivers and individuals themselves,” said Eddy and Kim. To prevent students from travelling down such paths, it is important to teach healthy dieting practices. Dozens of programs have been issued by certified physicians to

infographic by Phong Huynh

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE | 7

Stanton Springfest Dancers

photo from Devil’s Advocate Archives

The Mud-lot

Then

photo from Devil’s Advocate Archives

TV Productions

photo from Devil’s Advocate Archives

Classroom Shenanigans

An exploration of the changes and continuities between Stanton in 2018 and decades past.

Then and Now Winterfest Dancers

photo by Katie Stevens

The Mud-lot

Now

photo by Ysabella Rodriguez

photo by Prachi Misra

TV Productions

photo by Ysabella Rodriguez

Classroom Shenanigans

Photography by Katie Stevens, Prachi Misra and Ysabella Rodriguez

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

CARTOON: “The Nerd Herd”

By CAROLINE ROBBINS, Art Director

CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS

“Transformation” by ALICE BAKER, Contributing Artist

“Cascade” by NIKKI KERSHNER, Contributing Artist

(Original color version available at @aligrump on Instagram)

(Original color version available at @nikki_k19 on Instagram)

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VOL. XXXV, NO. 3

CROSSWORD PUZZLE: TEACHER TRIVIA ACROSS

2. Adopted her daughter from China 5. Played soccer when he was a student at Stanton; went to Japan with his team 8. Just returned to teaching science at Stanton after a 6-year hiatus 9. Dr. Pepper is his favorite drink 11. Pursued medicine initially, as her aunt told her to never be a teacher 12. Is passionate about guitar and plays in a band 15. Is known by a nickname ending with “beast” DOWN

1. Is married to another teacher at Stanton 3. Has a tattoo of an octopus named “Sadie the Goat” 4. Before he was a teacher, he was a lawyer and he also worked for Barron’s Test Prep 6. Loves Travis Scott, Quavo, Kodak Black, Kanye West and ‘90s rap 7. Was on a children’s television show as a child 10. Taught in Japan before teaching at Stanton 12. Enjoys making homemade ice cream 13. His love for music led him to work at a record store for a few years 14. Almost majored in astrophysics, then chose film

JACKSONVILLE: UPCOMING EVENTS

JANUARY 2019

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE | 15

Locations We Love

A review of three Jacksonville neighborhoods that have great spots for Stanton students to hang out with friends, get a bite to eat or do some homework. By ISAIAH FLUHARTY, Staff Writer

San Marco San Marco has something for everybody. Coffee lovers in particular have a lot of options, as there are many locations in the area that specialize in the product. Places such as Bold Bean Coffee Roasters, Southern Grounds Coffee Co. and Starbucks are friendly work environments for those who may need a place to focus on homework after school while enjoying coffee, tea or pastries. For movie goers, the old fashioned San Marco Theater is an excellent place to go. There are only two theater houses within the building’s interior, which means only two movies play at a time, but with a menu of homemade concessions and a friendly staff, it really is a nice experience for those who enjoy watching movies in the theater. Stanton College Preparatory School students also frequent the Jacksonville Ice and Sportsplex, also located near the San Marco area. Groups of friends can enjoy ice skating for a low price, where the staff is friendly and helpful to those who haven’t skated before. The facility is cleaned regularly, and offers a nice selection of food as well. San Marco is also home to many city parks. Students can have a good time with friends among the iconic lion statues at Balis Park, or the beautiful river views along River Road. Those who enjoy shopping at places such as the Avenues Mall or St. John’s Town Center may find their options limited in San Marco, but the area’s charm overwhelms its flaws. Enjoyable scenery and good food, as well as applaudable customer service, accompany the lively vibes the area gives off.

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photo from google images

Bold Bean Coffee Roasters 2

photo from google earth photo from google images

San Marco Theatre 3

photo from google images

Foo Dog Curry Traders 4

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Cummer Museum of Arts & Gardens

Riverside

Riverside is the hub of culture in Jacksonville, and local events are held there for those who appreciate the arts and enjoy participating in festivals. There are plenty of places to get a good plate of food from most every cuisine. Curry lovers should enjoy the eastern flavors of Foo Dog Curry Traders, and those who enjoy Asian style food may want to eat at Hawkers Asian Street Fare. Locations such as Cool Moose Cafe and The Fox offer nice breakfast meals for those who are in the mood, and Moon River and Mellow Mushroom are good spots to buy handcrafted pizza. There are also places for coffee lovers to enjoy, such as Vagabond Coffee and another Bold Bean location. Unlike San Marco, the Riverside neighborhood is also great for people who are avid shoppers, offering places like the Riverside Arts Market, Vagabond Flea Market and the Shoppes of Avondale which feature a variety of high-quality local goods. The Riverside neighborhood also features a variety of public parks for outdoor lovers to enjoy. The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, which is frequented by Stanton students, is a great spot for people to take interesting photos for social media while appreciating the beauty of nature and art. The Memorial and Riverside parks are also nice places to spend time with friends and enjoy the outdoors. Stanton students have many options if they plan to spend time in Riverside. The neighborhood is culturally rich and exciting, and filled with flavor and color. Despite the extremely confusing roadways and traffic patterns of Five Points, Riverside is still a nice place to be.

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photo from google earth

Beaches

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The Jacksonville Beach area is definitely a good place to go for those who like to swim. Along the coast there are many beach spots open to the public. However, those who do not prefer swimming also have options. Most Stanton students know of or have been to the beloved Naga Tea Room. Students enjoy doing homework at Naga while sipping on delicious boba tea, and many applaud the friendly staff there. Another Bold Bean location sits in the beaches area for coffee lovers, as well as the Mini Bar, known for their delicious hand crafted and uniquely flavored doughnuts. The wildly popular Maple Street Biscuit Company, which offers top quality drip coffee and a unique menu of biscuit creations, also has a beaches location. Those who take an interest in bowling may want to visit the old fashioned Beach Bowl on Beach Blvd, which has been around for quite some time but has nevertheless remained a great spot for bowling in Jacksonville, with its great staff and tasty food. Sunrise surf shop is a great place to purchase beach apparel for those who enjoy shopping. Asian food lovers should try the popular beach location of Hawkers Asian Street Fare, which (like its Riverside counterpart) offers a menu of Asian street food flavors. More delicious cuisine can be found in the Atlantic Beach Town Center, which is home to an M Shack Burgers location, as well as a Whit’s Frozen Custard location. The beaches area of Jacksonville is usually busy, but it nevertheless possesses an aura of liveliness and gives off cheerful vibes.

5 photo from google images

The Mini Bar 6

photo from google images

Naga Tea photo from google earth

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VOL. XXXV, NO. 3

source: nytimes.com

source: washingtonpost.com

source: apnews.com

source: devilsadvocate

The Record

source: apnews.com

photos obtained from Google Images

source: nytimes.com

source: washingtonpost.com

source: nytimes.com

source: jacksonville.com

JANUARY 2019

source: espn.com

source: apnews.com

source: npr.org

source: cnn.com

source: nytimes.com

DEVILâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ADVOCATE |17

FEATURES

CAMPUS AFFAIRS By KATELYN COLLEY, Staff Writer In the midst of overwhelming schoolwork, students at Stanton must learn to balance personal relationships with the other struggles of their daily lives. iiiiiBetween exchanged hoodies, warm smiles and hand-holding, there is a unique atmosphere around the seemingly complicated dating culture of Stanton College Preparatory School. Due to the rigorous academics the school has to offer, the nature of student relationships is challenged. The discussion of whether high school dating is a positive life experience or simply an academic distraction affects many Stanton students on a day-to-day basis. These issues bring up questions that affect not only the students involved, but also families, friends and students’ future academic paths. iiiiiCommon among students, teachers and parents is the notion that high school dating is a hindrance to students’ academic work. The idea of maximizing time with a significant other can jeopardize schoolwork for Stanton students with an already full schedule. Any technological expectations for students to remain in contact can also lead to more distractions. iiiii“I would rather date after high school because there would be a much more likely chance that it will become serious and committed,” said sophomore Smrithi Krishnan. “Right now, dating is a distraction that neither I nor my parents feel I need in my life, especially with me focusing so much on my grades right now.” iiiiiSome parents agree teenagers are not emotionally mature enough to handle a high school relationship, as these relationships can bring about high expectations, peer pressure and unnecessary stress. As a result, Stanton students often struggle with trying to sort out their emotions in the midst of rigorous coursework, and parents may feel dating only further confuses this process. iiiii“My daughter cannot date because I think she needs to focus on her academics,” said Mr. Sankar Krishnan, Smrithi’s father. “Now is not the right time and place because work is such a priority, so she should at least wait until college to date.”

iiiiiNot only do high school students in relationships undergo internal pressures brought on by emotional factors, they must also face the inevitable changes these relationships create in their lives. One uncertainty that may cause considerable apprehension is the future of the relationship beyond graduation. High school couples are particularly susceptible to separation due to differences in college plans, careers or housing locations. Teens will choose not to date at all in high school because of these considerations, claiming it seems futile from the start. iiiii“I personally choose not to date in high school because it’s very unlikely that such relationships are going to last beyond this emotional high school environment,” said junior Eliana Gosiker. “Even in the case of high school sweethearts, half of their relationship is defined by their teen dating years rather than a genuine, adult connection that allows you to emotionally mature.” iiiiiAs if maintaining a high school relationship with academics was not difficult enough for some students, break-ups are another potential hurdle students have to face. These endings, whether foreseen or abrupt, take a significant emotional toll on adolescents who are already juggling so many things in their life. iiiiiAccording to a 2009 American Psychological Association article, “A break-up can initially result in negative outcomes such as depression and loneliness [and a] loss of self or sense of who they are as a person.” iiiiiThese complicated and depressive moods not only affect a student’s mental and emotional health, they can also serve as a distraction from their academic careers. This is especially true when the scenario does not involve a clean, straightforward break-up, but rather a prolonged process of social and emotional detachment. Times such as these can be a major distraction

Stanton couples such as juniors Jesse Bailey (left) and Abby Vancini (right) find time to maintain their relationship, even under the pressures of schoolwork and other external factors.

photo by Ysabella Rodriguez

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FEATURES

Stanton couples such as juniors Jesse Bailey (left) and Abby Vancini (right) find time to maintain their relationship, even under the pressures of schoolwork and other external factors.

photo by Ysabella Rodriguez

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DEVIL’S ADVOCATE | 19

source: Pew Research Center

source: longdistancerelationshipstatistics.com

photo by Ysabella Rodriguez

Surrounded by schoolwork, students like seniors Quinn Conrad (left) and Caroline Rogers (right) must learn how to balance their time between studying and maintaining romantic relationships. to one’s daily life, especially when a student needs to focus on specific tasks. Students agree Stanton’s higher-level academics and scholarly demands often do not offer any consolation during these relationship complications, either. iiiii“There’s not always a happy ending to relationships,” said junior James Jaro. “I once had a really bad break-up that made me feel all alone and betrayed. It definitely took a heavy toll on my emotional health.”

“I once had a really bad breakup that made me feel all alone and betrayed. It definitely took a heavy toll on my emotional health.” —James Jaro, 11th iiiiiWhile fear of painful break-ups or emotional complications can lead some to believe in the futility of high school relationships, other Stanton students believe high school relationships to be a constructive and worthwhile experience. Relationships often promote feelings of contentment, belonging and comfort, all of which psychologists say are important for adolescence. Dr. Wyndol Furman, a psychology professor at the University of Denver, agreed there are many positive outcomes that can come from high school relationships. iiiii“Romantic relationships can be significant sources of support,” said Dr. Fulman in a 2001 New York Times article on teen dating.“ [Relationships] that offer teenagers fun and companionship help them forge mature identities and offer them practice in managing emotions.” iiiiiWhether a study partner, a shoulder to cry on or someone to talk to about personal struggles, the support provided by a significant other can aid in students’ social and emotional development. Counselors and specialists agree having relationship experience in high school is overall useful for dating experimentation and learning how to set boundaries. iiiii“I think it’s a great experience [for students] to learn about themselves, as well as their limits, strengths and weaknesses,” said guidance counselor Ms. May Ibasco. “There is a certain foundational security you find in high school relationships, which can help you with the adjustment in any future relationships, such as in college.”

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iiiiiTeen dating can also allow students to build lifelong social skills and explore what they are and are not comfortable with. Establishing boundaries early on can help shape teenagers into more conscientious and confident adults. According to a 2016 UCLA psychology research report on teen dating, “Although adolescent romantic relationships may last for only a few weeks or months, these early relationships play a pivotal role in the lives of adolescents and provide a foundation for developing committed relationships in adulthood. [These positive] relationships are viewed as providing emotional support and enhancing interpersonal skills.” iiiiiIn the technological era, the concept of teen dating can no longer be confined to in-person interaction. One of the most significant changes in the high school dating culture over the last few generations is the significant role of technology in relationships. Social media influences the modern dating culture in many different ways and has been vital to both bringing people together and tearing them apart. Whether through relationship posts, couples tags or biographies displaying dates and initials, social media has become a canvas for students to publicly display their affection. iiiii“I don’t get to see my boyfriend a lot, so social media allows me to stay in touch,” said sophomore Michaela Lopez. “Overall [technology] is just a fun way to keep the relationship going.”

“I think [dating] is a great experience [for students] to learn about themselves, as well as their limits, strengths and weaknesses.” —Ms. May Ibasco iiiiiStanton students feel social media has played a significant role in keeping their relationship alive. Communication is thought to be an essential part of any relationship and between texting, calling and video chatting, students now have a wide variety of online options for maintaining contact with their partners. This is especially true for students who choose to date students enrolled at other Jacksonville high schools and for those who cannot always maintain face-toface interaction. iiiiii“My girlfriend is going to college in Orlando,” said senior

source: slate.com

source: childtrends.org infographic by Salma Drew

Cole Smith. “It’s hard because I’m not able to see her as much, but I make sure to call and use social media to help me maintain contact with her so that we can continue to be happy and grow together. I definitely think technology has a part in keeping our relationship alive.” iiiiiAlthough students like Smith use social media within their relationships, it is important to recognize this often creates an unrealistic, surface-level goal that high school students try to attain. Media can present a faulty ideal of what these relationships should be like and the standards they must uphold. iiiiiWhatever students see on TV or [social media] is not quite the reality,” said Ms. Ibasco. “There may be pieces of how it happens in real life, but ultimately it puts a lot of pressure on both people in the relationship to live up to the expectations seen online and in our entertainment culture.” iiiiiiDating in itself already proves to be a major distraction for many students. In recent years, technology has further magnified this hinderance, as many teens tend to depend on it to uphold their relationship. Stanton students agree it is much easier to get lost in time over text or phone than it is to hold a real-life conversation and feel that because of this, they can be easily pulled away from their schoolwork. At Stanton, students are held to high academic expectations that can cause balancing a full-time relationship to be both physically and emotionally taxing.

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iiiii“I think technology can definitely be a distraction to your academics, so it is important to keep your academic priorities straight and balance these two accordingly,” said sophomore Rhiannon Hanlon. “Even if you care a lot about a person, they’re not going to get you into college, your grades are.” iiiiiSome experts agree the technology used to manage a relationship can be a distraction for a student’s studies. These distractions can come in small increments and yet still be academically harmful. iiiii“It may just be answering quick texts or responding to or trying to resolve an argument [over the phone],” said Zoe Pfaffman, a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Jacksonville. “Regardless, these are distractions to otherwise uninterrupted studying or homework time.” iiiiiRelationships and the various effects surrounding the high school dating scene cannot be pinpointed to one circumstance or outcome. Through the differing opinions of students, parents and experts, it is evident that the complexity of the teen dating issue makes it difficult for many to find a common ground. Some find the concept futile and meaningless, while others see merit in the experience, regardless of the outcome. From establishing protective dating boundaries both in real life and online, high school is a valuable time for students to develop their own preferences concerning this complicated courtship.

photo by Ysabella Rodriguez

Many students in relationships, such as junior Beneen Alzirghani (left) and senior Jesse Huffman (right), use technology such as FaceTime to maintain their connection when not physically together.

JANUARY 2019

A TOUCHY SUBJECT UNDERSTANDING SEXUAL HARRASSMENT IN THE 21ST CENTURY By KATELYN COLLEY, Staff Writer Awareness of sexual harassment and the need for consent has progressed throughout the 21st century. Whether through current media, social movements or school curriculum, these topics are being brought to light for new generations. As high schoolers are exploring their boundaries and social expectations, underlying realities of harassment and consent violation raise new concerns and questions for students and guardians alike. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines sexual harassment as “uninvited and unwelcome verbal or physical behavior of a sexual nature.” Sexual harassment can take on many different forms and utilize several mediums to carry out the offense. At its core, sexual harassment can permanently ruin a relationship and terminate the trust between each person that was initially built. One form of this among high school students is online harassment. Sending unwanted pictures, cyberbullying within a relationship and sending unwanted or inappropriate messages are a few technological threats to maintaining a healthy online relationship. At Stanton and other high schools across the country, the practice of “sexting” is especially prevalent. If unwanted, this could be considered a serious violation of a person’s morals and boundaries. “A couple of years ago I got messaged by a lot of people, even anonymously, who kept asking me out when I said no,” said junior Allison Baker. “Eventually it turned into creepy [sexual] comments which I hated.” The prevalence of such online harassment raises the issue of consent education among high school students. Consent often determines the boundaries of a relationship and allows for a more open, communicative bond between a couple. This way, students may feel they are more able to express their intentions in a healthy, non-abusive way. It may be difficult for some students to recognize that saying “no” to an action can be expressed in ways other than blatantly verbal. Body language, facial expressions, verbal cues and the creation of distance can all indicate when a student is not giving consent. “To me, consent should be implemented in any kind of relationship you have,” said junior Maria Dyro. “It’s very important that teenagers understand consent now in high school so that they have that foundation and awareness for future relationships.” Many believe consent education plays a large factor and influence on the dynamic of high school relationships. However, according to a 2015 National Opinion Research Survey, less than one third of U.S. citizens were taught anything related to consent in middle and high school. The Duval County Public Schools Student Handbook and Policies states that sexual harassment of any kind will not be tolerated and legal action, especially if it involves a minor, will more than likely be pursued. These policies further bring into question the role the school board and Stanton staff plays in the education and prevention of sexual harassment. “Administrators and guidance counselors have an opendoor policy for students to talk about problems they may face regarding sexual harassment or any other issue,” said Stanton Assistant Principal Mr. Michael Kerr. “Overall, I think it is useful and necessary for high schoolers to have education on consent and harassment as well as be able to communicate with their peers and teachers about these real-world circumstances.” According to Duval County Public Schools curriculum standards, students are required to include sex education as a part of their Abstinence-Plus program. This countywide program mainly aims at preventing teen pregnancy

source: neatoday.org

source: campussafetymagazine.com

source: Al Jazeera America

infographic by Salma Drew

and sexually transmitted disease, rather than sexual assault and harassment awareness. Stanton students are also only required to take one year of health, much of which is spent covering physical and mental health. “Specifically at Stanton, we offer health and PSFR (Personal, Social and Family Relationships) classes, both of which are required to teach about consent,” said Coach Sherene Benedict, who teaches the Health Opportunities through Physical Education (HOPE) course at Stanton. “While you are only required to take either class for one year, I believe this is sufficient because it is not only a teacher’s job to educate students on consent, but a parent’s, as well. If a student is getting this instruction reinforced both at home and at school, the need for yearly sexual education is reduced.” While high school relationships have the potential to be positive and socially rewarding, there is a necessity to proceed with caution in these circumstances. Ultimately, knowledge and education on consent is a responsibility held by educators, parents and teenagers alike, especially as boundaries are being established throughout one’s high school career.

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ANNIVERSARY FEATURE

ROBIN COX WINS BIG AT MISS SENIOR HIGH PAGEANT

BASKETBALL COMES TO STANTON

REAGAN ADDRESSES DUVAL STUDENTS

COURT IMPOSES MANDATORY FACULTY RACIAL BALANCE

iiiiiIn the first issue of the Devil’s Advocate, Sheldon Thomas documented Robin Cox’s second-place victory in the county-wide Miss Senior High Pageant and Charles Gardner wrote about vandalism at Stanton.

iiiiiFor many years, Stanton did not have a formal sports program. Chad Jackson wrote about the long-awaited formation of a basketball team for the 1985–1986 school year. The same year, air conditioning units were finally installed in every classroom on campus.

iiiiiOn Dec. 1, 1987, Ronald Reagan invited 5,000 juniors and seniors to the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena for a nonpartisan discussion about issues affecting students at the time. Susan Loftin covered student responses to his speech, including complaints that his speech was difficult to hear due to the balcony seating.

iiiiiA federal court mandated that school staffs’ ratio of white to black faculty members be 7-to-3 in 1989, which received mixed responses from students, teachers and administrators. Deva Moore covered the controversy surrounding the ruling in this piece.

1983 – 1984

1985 – 1986

1987 – 1988

1989 – 1990

1984 – 1985

1986 – 1987

1988 – 1989

iiiiiThirty-five years ago, Stanton students enjoyed two hours of commons time every day until this privilege was revoked due to disciplinary issues like fighting and littering. Treva Johnson covered the controversy surrounding this decision from student and administrator perspectives.

U.S. Constitution, American Government teachers Mr. Gill and Mr. Piscatelli challenged their ninth-grade students to stage a Consitutional Convention, debate issues such as abortion and prayer in school and ultimately rewrite the document, as covered by Ruby Isla.

iiiiiNASA Astronaut Colonel Charles F. Bolden, Jr., a decorated pilot, spoke to Stanton students and participated in the Commencement Exercises for the graduation ceremony, which Darlene Superio covered. Jay Weinstein wrote about the Stanton Thespian Troupe being invited to perform at the Edinburgh International Festival.

MOCK CONSTITUTIONAL REVOCATION OF CONVENTION STIRS DEBATE COMMONS TIME iiiiiIn order to celebrate the STIRS CONTROVERSY bicentennial anniversary of the

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NASA PILOT TAKES OFF WITH FINAL LECTURE

VOL. XXXV, NO. 3

THREATENING LETTERS SECURITY COMPARED TO DELIVERED TO STANTON OTHER HIGH SCHOOLS iiiiiThis piece, written by Gina Hull, addresses the six identical letters consisting of a threat and a racial slur that had been placed in the mailboxes of black faculty members at Stanton, and includes administrators’ and teachers’ responses to the alarming incident.

iiiiiThe Devil’s Advocate staff reported that many middle and high schools, including Stanton, used metal detectors and hired security personnel to increase safety for the 1993–1994 school year, and covered the boys’ soccer team’s victory at districts and the cheerleading squad’s first place win in an international competition.

iiiiiIn this issue, the Devil’s Advocate staff featured several exchange students at Stanton and wrote about the swim team after it had an undefeated season. iiiiiThe issue also includes a review of Adventure Landing, a group of theme parks whose Jacksonville location was founded in 1995.

1991 – 1992

1993 – 1994

1995 – 1996

1990 – 1991 VANDALISM: FACULTY JOINS STUDENTS IN LIST OF VICTIMS iiiiiJoi S. Buckner and Nicole Sayer covered the theft of Activities Director Carlan Shreeve’s Mustang in this issue, and Matt Cooper wrote about the creation of a student forum intended to increase and streamline communication between students and teachers.

JANUARY 2019

EXCHANGE STUDENTS

1992 – 1993

STUDENTS AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENT ON RACIAL INCIDENT iiiiiAfter a freshman student retrieved her lost clipboard, she noticed someone had written racial slurs on it. This piece, written by Kymm Reynolds, noted the response of Principal Dr. Jim Williams, who spoke about about racial tensions at Stanton on the morning announcements.

1994 – 1995

POINTMAN TRANSFORMS CAMPUS INTO FILM SET iiiiiIn 1995, a Jacksonville-based TV show named Pointman took over Stanton’s gym for five days of filming. In this piece, Todd Zino revealed that Mandarin High School and Jean Ribault High School were contenders for filming sites but neither school was confident in their ability to control their students during the filming.

1996 – 1997 STUDENT DRIVERS RECEIVE A WAKE-UP CALL iiiiiLaShonda Wyche covered the first car theft of the 1996– 1997 school year in this issue and suggested several steps to prevent car theft, such as parking in a secure area. This issue also reported that Paxon School for Advanced Studies had recently become a college preparatory magnet school.

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NEW PRINCIPAL TAKES CHARGE... AGAIN iiiiiIn 1997, Mr. Jim Jaxon became the school’s seventh principal, ending the trend of principals leaving after only two years on the job, and four new teachers were hired, including Mr. Brian Heggood, who currently teaches AP European History, AP Microeconomics and IB Theory of Knowledge.

1997 – 1998

MORNING ANNOUNCEMENTS ON THE TUBE

THE FUTURE OF TERRORISM?

THE BLUE DEVIL’S BASEBALL TEAM: ARE THEY A ‘CULT’?

iiiiiWith the beginning of the 21st century came the transition of the morning announcements from the intercom to television, which led to the creation of “Live on 5,” as well as the theft of several new VCRs, warranting a security crackdown.

iiiiiA month after the terrorist attacks against the U.S. perpetrated by Al-Qaeda on Sept. 11, 2001, the Devil’s Advocate staff examined airline travel and treatment of Muslims, and covered how airlines struggled due to widespread fear of flying, and how Muslims faced backlash for their religion.

iiiiiIn the third issue of the 2003–2004 school year, the Devil’s Advocate staff covered the unveiling of the Jacksonville Veteran’s Memorial Arena, wrote a profile about Stanton’s wrestling team and investigated claims that the Blue Devil’s Baseball Team is a “cult.”

1999 – 2000

2001 – 2002

2003 – 2004

1998 – 1999

2000 – 2001

2002 – 2003

DRESS CODE

STANTON GRADUATES CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF TRADITION

CATCH YA LATER, STANTON

iiiiiAntonia Robinson covered the Class of 1950’s 50-year reunion in the first issue of the 2000–2001 school year, and Dana Dixon wrote about the 323 new computers at Stanton and the creation of a student organization dubbed the Student Senate aimed to communicate with students, administrators and SGA.

iiiiiEvery year, a large number of students drop out of Stanton and transfer to other high schools in Duval County. The Devil’s Advocate staff investigated the causes—such as the school’s challenging curriculum and the desire to be closer in proximity to friends attending other high schools—and effects of this student exodus.

iiiiiAfter the first nine weeks of the 1998–1999 academic year, Stanton administration promised to make dress code enforcement stricter, which, as covered by Bryan Parfitt, led to dissent among Stanton students and even among some faculty members, one of whom claimed that, even though they may not agree with the rules, they had to enforce them.

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VOL. XXXV, NO. 3

A KICKER’S LIFE iiiiiWritten by Morgan Henley, this issue’s feature followed Stanton’s kicker for the football team exploring his role on the team. The issue also dispelled several rumors regarding the number of pep rallies, the number of dances along with a brief explanation of the new half credit system. As well as exploring the idea of fashion and the current trends of 2006 while encouraging students to make bold clothing choices.

IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

CHANGING OF THE GUARD

iiiiiSocietal beauty standards are no modern concern. Ten years ago Sophia Venditti explored what defines beauty. Exploring some of the problems that can be caused by such standards, such as eating disorders and bullying, the story takes student voices into account on what they think beauty is. Writer Shelby Greene explored the class of TV Production.

iiiiiSSecurity concerns with schools are a reoccurring issue. This article by Bryeon Jones, explores the transition from police officers to security guards in protecting the school. This issue also saw the dispelling of a rumor that a rubberized track would be installed at Stanton. It also addressed changes at the school including paper towel dispensers and dress code.

2006 – 2007

2008 – 2009

2010 – 2011

2005 – 2006 DRUM ROLL PLEASE

iiiiiGiving the student body a more educated vote for Prom King and Queen, this 2006 article by Niraj Roy gives the student body a glimpse into who the candidates were. Writer Clark Ryan-Gonzalez also gave comedic advice to Stanton students less proficient at dancing in Prom: 2006 Dance Moves alongside a Q & A with Chef Boyardee representatives.

JANUARY 2019

2007 – 2008 STANTON LACROSSE

iiiiiWhile Lacrosse is now an accepted part of Stanton whether or not it would last was discussed by Morgan Henley in 2008. This issue also offered a chance for teachers to recount their prom experiences from high school. Continuing the focus of prom the paper gave advice to students regarding prom etiquette ranging from what color tie you should choose and advice regarding saving dances for dates.

2009 – 2010

2011 – 2012

iiiiiWhile she currently seems inseparable from Stanton, this issue introduced MRs. Nongongoma Majova-Seane as the new principal. It also explored the demographics of Stanton in terms of gender, specifically that there were 13 percent more girls than boys and explored why via student opinions. In light of Michael Jackson’s death the increased popularity of artists after their deaths was discussed.

iiiiiThis story highlighted five freshmen who were talented in different ways including music, science, surfing, acting and community service. This paper also interviewed the winners of the 2011-2012 Golden Apple winner Ms. Tamla Simmons and Silver Star winner Mrs. Margiene O’Connor. The issue also discussed the lack of Stanton students at sport events, as several sports had very few supporters aside from the parents of athletes a problem that still exists today.

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY

THE NEXT FIVE

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE | 25

MOCK ELECTION

TIGER MOMS

UNDER THE INFLUENCE

STANTON PRIDE

Each election year, the Devil’s Advocate hosts a mock election to gauge the political preferences of its readership. The 2012 election featured Democratic candidate Barack Obama and Republican candidate Mitt Romney. 58 percent of the school voted for Obama, thereby correctly predicting the winner of the actual election. The story features detailed demographic analysis, accompanied by graphical breakdowns.

Amy Chua’s book Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother inspired the topic of this cover story—the effect tiger parenting has on Stanton students. Examining this style of parenting, which involves meticulous management of the child and the expectation of perfection, proves worthwhile given Stanton’s distinct rigor— students provide compelling accounts of their upbringings.

Drugs and alcohol have long held a consequential place in American high school cultural norms. This piece discusses the causes, effects and implications of substance use at Stanton, and features anonymous insight from students who use drugs and alcohol, so that understanding, rather than vilification, is promoted.

LGBT youth face many challenges specific to their identities. In recent years, Stanton faculty and students have attempted to make the campus a more inclusive space for LGBT students. Vaishnavi Suren explores these attempts and evaluates their success, and considers what it means to be a member of the LGBT community in modern America.

2012 – 2013

2014 – 2015

2016 – 2017

2018 – 2019

2013 – 2014

2015 – 2016

2017 – 2018

FAITH AT STANTON

REDEFINING FAMILY

A CRISIS AMONG US

Nuclear families may have been the social norm years ago, but the passing of time has resulted in other types of families becoming more commonplace in America. Considering Stanton’s diversity, it’s no surprise many students live in these relatively newer family structures.

Sydney Lewis examines the mental health of Stanton students and the measures the school and Duval County Public Schools have taken to assist students affected by mental illness. Supplemented by powerful statistics, the story delves into the causes and effects of teen mental illness.

Stanton is home to a rich variety of spiritual beliefs. Spencer Nachman discusses this microcosmic diversity of religion from many different angles, including the role faith plays in students’ lives and how students overcome prevalent misconceptions about their faiths.

For more classic issues, visit our digital archives using this QR code!

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VOL. XXXV, NO. 3

SPORTS

Coming Together Coming Together Coming Together Over the course of the school year, Stanton athletes gradually develop strong relationships with their teamates through games practices and bonding activites. By KENNEDY COTTLE, Staff Writer

Fourteen seconds remain as time ticks away on the unique relationship, athletes begin to feel comfortable around scoreboard. A player from the opposing team kicks the ball each other, which allows them to improve as a group and as over to his teammate, causing a player from Stanton College individuals. Preparatory School to stumble. A fellow Stanton athlete, who “When you build a stronger bond with your teammates, was positioned behind him, runs over to his fallen teammate you’ll start working with your team a lot harder, which promotes and extends a hand to help him up. A few other teammates rush over to check on the player, and give him a pat on the back for support and encouragement. With a quick smile, the game continues. Scenes like this are not uncommon in scholastic sports. Student athletes at Stanton practice as a team and work toward a common goal: winning. They spend dozens of hours each week training and conditioning in preparation for weekly games or high-stakes competitions. Each day after school, these athletes are with their peers, building a closeknit bond through teamwork that serves as the key to their success in competitions. Some teams come up with creative ways to share effective bonding experiences, while others find their natural connection almost immediately. No matter what the case may be, a strong sense of comraderie is imperative for the team’s success in that it boosts team morale, establishes trust and improves player performance. In mid-November of 2018, the entire boys’ varsity soccer team shaved their heads to show team solidarity. According to junior Nic Fakhar, center midfielder for the boys’ varsity soccer team, a fellow teammate suggested the entire team shave their heads. “One of us had the idea that it would be really cool to all shave our heads because we would Stanton basketball players help up their teammate Colby get even more recognition [for our team] and [increase] team personal improvement,” said Kelsey. “A lot between you and bonding,” said Fakhar. In addition to strengthening the team’s overall bond, the your teammates will help you perform better in general.” Junior Kendra Moisan, a center-back on the girls’ varsity support that comes from athletes’ teammates builds their selfconfidence. Sophomore Grant Kelsey, co-captain of the boys’ soccer team, also believes that the collective attitude of the wrestling team, recognizes that once a team establishes its team affects the other players’ accomplishments, as well as

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her own. Optimism, she comments, is effective in maximizing the performance of each player. “You’re more positive on the field when you have teammates that surround you with their positivity, and that definitely helps your performance,” said Moisan. “We support one another.” According to senior David Wrenn, improving personal skills within a team comes with getting to know your teammates and building a strong bond. He also adds that competing amidst an unfamiliar team would hinder one’s performance in a competition. “It would be really weird to compete with someone I didn’t know,” said Wrenn. “So, the fact that we not only practice together but also do stuff outside of just cheer together makes our chemistry within the group a lot better, and that helps us perform our stunts.” To build their team spirit, the varsity cheerleading squad spends time with each other outside of cheer. Their unconventional methods of bonding exemplify how close the members of the team are with each other. “One time I did a belly dancing class with the team and that was really fun,” said Wrenn. “We do a lot of fun team building activities outside of cheer.” Other teams at Stanton have also undertaken creative outings for the sake of team bonding. The boys’ varsity soccer team usually resorts to eating at a restaurant or playing video games at a player’s house, but they occasionally take part in unorthodox activities. “One day before our game by the beach, we went on Andrew Zalewa’s boat and we all went to Safe Harbor Seafood Cummings. Restaurant,” said Fakhar. While the members of a team usually plan their own off-field activities, their coaches often encourage them to spend as much time as a team as they can together. Mr. Brian Heggood, the girls’ varsity soccer coach, has been coaching for 19 years. In his years of coaching, he has found that, to be successful, a team must come together photo by Prachi Misra

VOL. XXXV, NO. 3

photo obtained from Sydney Stelly

The girls’ soccer team has developed a close relationship over the course of the season. to build a friendship, and strengthen it through off-field activities. “Being on a team means you’re in a relationship, so clearly you want the best relationship you can with all of your teammates,” said Mr. Heggood. “I think, by spending time together, you’re going to build that trust and you’re going to understand what their motivations are, and meet them as a teammate in the best way possible in terms of motivation and performance. But, it’s really just about the relationship overall. We have to nurture that on and off the field.” Poor performance is often an unmistakable sign that a team does not have strong chemistry with one another. A lack of comraderie results is apparent when there is little communication between the players of a team. “[The strength of] their bond is how they are going to perform, so if things aren’t going well, if there is tension or stress, that certainly comes across,” said Mr. Heggood. “These aren’t professionals being asked to compartmentalize, that’s difficult for a lot of people, so it shows up for sure when the relationship isn’t clicking across the board.” While the bond of the teammates is important, the future of an individual athlete may come before the bond of the team. Student athletes work hard to hone their skills and become a better player. Multiple student athletes are playing to earn a substantial sports scholarship, and eventually commit to a reputable college team. While in high school, students have an opportunity to look toward the future, which may place their focus on personal growth rather than team performance. A team’s overall performance attracts college scouts and, if they attend a game, the individual athlete has the chance to shine. According to multiple Stanton athletes, students take advantage of the visit and use it for their own benefit, rather than putting their best efforts into the team as a whole. In many cases, individual players try to catch the eye of the scout instead of making the best play for the team. Senior Annelisa O’Neal, setter for the girls’ varsity volleyball team, said the atmosphere and dynamic of the players change when a scout is watching. “Sometimes scouts will come to our practices,” said O’Neal. “So it will completely change how we run our practices because we will need a particular player to be in the spotlight for that practice.” O’Neal also mentioned that in order to get a coach’s attention, many players abuse their time with the ball by keeping it with them for as long as possible. This hinders the teams’ performance because the individual player is disregarding the value of teamwork. “People will definitely hog the ball or try and get more reps in warm ups to make sure they get a good showing in front of their coaches,” said O’Neal. Despite select players playing for their own benefit at the

JANUARY 2019

“I think, by spending time together, you’re going to build that trust and you’re going to understand what their motivations are, and meet them as a teammate in the best way possible in terms of motivation and performance.” —Mr. Brian Hegood

risk of hurting the effort of the collective team, each player celebrates when one of their own commits to a college team. They congratulate the achievements and hard work the athlete put in to get to that point, as well as their bright future ahead. “I think everyone was super excited [that I signed],” said O’Neal. “On the team I play on outside of school, every single person on the team is signed to go to college, so it’s a nice environment where we can all prepare for the next level together. It’s also more motivation to work together to play at a higher level.” Along with establishing friendships that last beyond their time on the field, student athletes gain important life skills being part of a team that allow them to succeed in college and beyond. The field not only serves as the training ground for their next game, but also for their future. The lessons learned on the field— good sportsmanship, how to collaboratively work with others, encouraging and supporting others, and the importance of a team working toward a goal—are ones that can be applied to all aspects of life. These skills are critical in college, a professional work environment, raising a family and many other aspects of life students will experience.

photo obtained from Sydney Stelly

The boys’ varsity soccer team shaved their heads in a team bonding excersise.

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE | 29

social aspects of the sport. Sophomore shooting guard Tyler Pottenburgh strained his back while going up for a rebound in a basketball game. He said not being able to play had a big impact on his mood due to his love for the sport. “It was really frustrating because you see your teammates and your friends out there playing and you can’t play, and there’s nothing you can do about that,” said Pottenburgh. For athletes like Pottenburgh, frustration can lead them to experience depression or other mental health issues. Psychologist Aynsley Smith described the likely reasons athletes experience depression in a 2000 interview with The New York Times, saying, “All the eggs are in one basket. They have significant goals, so many letters they want to earn. So when injury comes, it’s devastating for them. They often feel it has totally wiped out almost their reason for being.’’ Athletes not only fear the physical and mental harm to their lives, but also the possibility of missing out on scholarships to play their sport. The fear of injuries can cause athletes to play more reserved than they typically would. Senior Jordan Bowen, a running back for the varsity football team, hopes to receive a scholarship to play football in college and said the threat of injuries can affect his level of play. “The fear of hurting yourself or someone accidentally undercutting you, especially the fear of torn anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL), can play a big factor,” said Bowen.

While sports can be benefical to student health, they present the possibility of injuries that may have long lasting effects on an athlete’s physical, mental and academic well-being. By SETH ABOUHALKAH, Staff Writer Sophomore Rhiannon Hanlon did not know when she walked into cheer practice on a Monday in August of 2018 that it would end with an injury that would significantly impact her life, both mentally and physically. While doing a stunt, another cheerleader fell on Hanlon, who was part of the base that was holding up another cheerleader. The impact gave Hanlon a concussion, a traumatic brain injury that can cause headaches, loss of memory, nausea, temporary loss of consciousness and vomiting. The recovery took four months and affected her school performance and mental health. While playing sports can have positive effects on student athletes, it can also lead to severe injuries like Hanlon’s that result in a harmful experience. Every game and practice, athletes face the possibility of getting hurt. As a result, injuries can plague players’ careers and have drastic effects on their physical and mental health. The rate of injuries, which can range from an ankle sprain to a concussion, has increased steadily. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has reported emergency room visits for concussions in kids ages eight to 13-years-old has doubled, and concussions have risen 200 percent among teens ages 14 to 19-years-old in the last decade. When experiencing a concussion, student athletes not only need to deal with the immediate symptoms of the injury, but also the potential for academic and social troubles during the recovery process. Hanlon’s concussion resulted in significant harm to her performance in school. The effects of her injury, along with the pressure she faced from an academically challenging environment at Stanton College Preparatory School, decreased her ability to succeed academically. “I would have headaches every day,” said Hanlon. “It really affected how long I could focus and reduced the time I spent studying or doing homework. I did not make the grades I usually did.” In addition to struggling in school, Hanlon lost interest in cheerleading due to the fear of getting injured again. She

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said the pain she went through could cause her to give up cheerleading altogether. “I was super passionate about it,” said Hanlon. “It was my whole life and my concussion took me out for the season, so I couldn’t compete. It really hurt me mentally because I poured my heart and soul into cheer. With the way it took me out last season I don’t think I’m going to tryout in the future.” In addition to the possible academic decline, injured athletes also deal with mental illnesses such as depression. A 2003 study from Vanderbilt Sport Medicine Center at the Vanderbilt Medical School studied 343 male college athletes from a variety of sports and found that 51 percent had

“It was really frustrating because you see your teammates and your friends out there playing and you can’t play.”

—Jordan Webster, 12th symptoms of depression after being injured, and 12 percent became moderately to severely depressed. Although athletes in high school may not face the same pressures as those in college, the mental effects are still overwhelming. To many athletes, their sport is not just seen as a hobby, rather it is seen as their identity and source of happiness. After getting injured, athletes can feel a deep sense of loss in their lives. They lose not only t he physical activity, but the gratification they get from competing and the

infographic by Jake Nachman

VOL. XXXV, NO. 3

among teammates resulted in Khokhar tearing his ACL. Despite a recovery process of up to nine months, Khokhar said his injury only motivated him to work harder. “I stick to the philosophy that everything happens for a reason,” said Khokhar. “Tearing my ACL is a setback, but all this means is that I have to keep working hard to get to where I was before.” According to Khokhar, getting injured not only has negative effects; he said he gained gratitude from his recovery as well as a new perspective on privileges he previously overlooked. “It makes you grateful for things you weren’t grateful for before and things you took for granted,” said Khokhar. “No one really thinks about walking because it’s not a big deal when you’re healthy. Once I got injured, it hit me that I should be thankful for what I have.” With the rate of injuries steadily increasing, schools have begun hiring athletic trainers, licensed health care providers who provide leadership and oversight for sports safety. Stanton’s athletic trainer, Lacey Dennis, has been at Stanton since August of 2017. According to Ms. Dennis, it is important for athletes to visit their athletic trainer if they notice that something is wrong with their body.

“Tearing my ACL is a setback, but all this means is that I have to keep working hard to get where I was before. photo by Prachi Misra photo by Prachi Misra

Junior Rajan Patel tore his ACL while he was playing in a football game. “Sometimes you’re hesitant to do certain things that you normally would. If I get an injury that keeps me out for six months to a year, it can scare colleges away.” Although injuries can have drastic effects, some athletes choose to look past the negative aspects and use it as an opportunity to work harder and focus on the positive sides of their situation. Senior Aubrey Armes-Johns, a defensive midback for the girls varsity soccer team, said her injury which resulted in a fractured foot could be a setback to her goals of playing soccer in her first year of college, but she is not going to stop working hard.

“Sometimes you’re hesitant to do certain things that you normally would. If I get an injury that keeps me out for six months to a year, it can scare colleges away.”

—Abdullah Khokhar, 12th “Knowing and listening to your body is important to preventing injuries,” said Ms. Dennis. “If you have something that’s going on and you’re not sure what it is, it’s imperative to seek medical attention so you can know ahead of time what’s happening.” Athletic trainers are not just involved with identifying injuries. They can play an impactful role due to their ability to work with the athletes and form bonds during the recovery process. Ms. Dennis said the main reason she became an athletic trainer stems from her past experiences with trainers herself. “I was an athlete in college and I stayed injured a lot, so I was always with my athletic trainer,” said Dennis. “I really liked the ability to work with the athletes, grow relationships and connections, and help them get back to full ability to be able to play their sport.” Bowen, who has visited Ms. Dennis multiple times for minor

Basketball players risk injury while trying to secure a rebound. injuries, said she played an important role in his recovery, as well as those of others. He said Ms. Dennis’ involvement helped him come up with a plan to recover as quickly and safely as possible. By recommending practices to Bowen that sped up the process, such as stretching and taking ice baths, Bowen was able to recover quicker. “She always checks up on us and makes sure that you’re okay and doing the things you need to do to get better in order to speed up your recovery,” said Bowen. Although injuries can cause harm to many areas in athletes’ lives, surrounding themselves with a support system has proven vital in speeding up their recovery and improving their attitude. Injuries can produce different reactions and side effects in athletes, ranging from being motivated to feeling depressed. Despite how these athletes react to getting hurt, they all must tackle the recovery process and hardships that come with their injuries.

—Jordan Bowen, 12th “I think my first year in college I’ll be benched because I need to recover and get back in to it, but I think I’ll be fine,” said Armes-Johns. “I just need to work really hard to earn my position.” While many athletes may feel their injury is the end of the world, Armes-Johns views her injury in a positive light. She said she is grateful her injury was not worse than a fractured foot. “For a while I was down, but then I realized it could be so much worse,” said Armes-Johns. “I could not be able to play soccer again. I just think about how my situation is probably one of the best out of sports injuries.” Senior Abdullah Khokhar, a linebacker for the varsity football team, shares Armes-Johns’ optimism regarding his injury. During the last football season, miscommunication

JANUARY 2019

photo by Prachi Misra

The physical nature of football places athletes in potentionally harmful positions.

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OPINIONS OPINIONS

Believing the Victims iiiiiOn Jan. 17, 2015, a Stanford University student, Brock Turner, was accused of raping one of his peers at a college party. After being charged by authorities, Turner’s case went to trial in March 2016 where he was convicted of three charges of assault. At his sentencing, the victim addressed him directly in a letter that revealed how one night resulted in a lifetime of pain. Although the prosecution requested Turner be sentenced to six years in prison, the judge sentenced him to only six months in a county jail with three years of probation. Turner’s short sentence was a direct result of a greater sympathetic attitude for the accused, rather than the victim. Favoritism for the assaulter is evident here and this lack of empathy for the victim results in many others not reporting the crime. iiiiiThe National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) reports one in five women and one in 71 men will be sexually assaulted within their lifetime and that before the age of 18, one in four girls and one in six boys are assaulted. These numbers are a cause for major concern, as young children and teenagers seem to be the prime targets for these assaults. While sexual assault obviously occurs at an alarming rate, the NSVRC also reports that 63 percent of cases go unreported to the police. iiiiiIn light of the #MeToo movement, victims are encouraged to share their stories about past traumatic events. The movement was started by Tarana Burke after she created the nonprofit organization Just Be Inc., which helps those who have been sexually assaulted or harassed. Although the movement gives victims a wider platform to come forward with their stories, the response by the general population can be unsupportive. People sometimes blame victims for their own assault or don’t take them seriously at all. Furthermore, when assault cases are brought to trial, there are often instances when the accused does not receive a punishment that fits the severity of the crime. Cases such as People of the State of California v. Brock Turner are responsible for causing victims to remain quiet about their abuse. This is an issue especially considering the percentage of minors subjected to assault. iiiiiIn 2012, Chaz Wing, a student at Brunswick Junior High School in Brunswick, Maine, revealed to his mother he was raped three times by a group of classmates. Although the school’s investigation determined rape was “unlikely,” it was later found the school knew the bullying against Wing escalated. When the Brunswick Police Department intervened and a child abuse evaluation was issued, signs of abuse were observed. However, to this day, the Brunswick School Department denies the assault ever took place. Although such extreme cases of neglect are not common, schools should consistently ensure students feel safe enough to come forward about assaults. They should also provide support for victims of harassment and abuse. While the offender is always at fault in any sexual abuse case, the American education system can do its part in preventing sexual assault by incorporating proper sex education into its curricula. iiiiiSexual assault is a problem which needs to be addressed everywhere, the implications it has on society can no longer be ignored. Believing in the victim and taking the means to investigate the issue properly is necessary. Concern about how the accused’s life can be affected should no longer overshadow concern for the victim. As a bystander, intervening or at least reporting the incident should be considered a responsibility instead of a choice. All of these measures can help prevent more assaults and create a safer space for victims to come forward. If you have been sexually assaulted and are in need of assistance call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800-656-HOPE to speak to a trained professional.

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE established 1983 I Stanton College Preparatory School

2018–2019 Editorial Board Rohini Kumar Bettina Huang Likhita Manchikanti Emmett Gideon Zahra Casado Amra Kajdic Katie Stevens

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Managing Editor Layout and Design Editor Digital Media Editor Business Manager Senior Photo Editor

The Devil’s Advocate serves as the official newspaper of Stanton College Preparatory School. It is produced by members of the Journalism class. The editors reserve the right to edit any material submitted to the paper for content, grammar, length and accuracy. The Devil’s Advocate is a public forum for student expression, which encourages free exchanges of opinions concerning controversial and non-controversial community and school related issues. The advertisements and ideas expressed within the newspaper are not necessarily those of the newspaper adviser, newspaper staff, Stanton administration or the Duval County Public School Board. The Devil’s Advocate accepts advertisements from all businesses in the Stanton community. The ad format can be given to the staff or the adviser, Mr. Larry Knight. Students, faculty, and parents may contact the staff and adviser at (904) 630-6760 ext. 143 or at knightl1@duvalschools.org.

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Illustration by Caroline Robbins

Celebrating 35 Years iiiiiThe Devil’s Advocate has served Stanton College Preparatory School since October 1983 when a staff of ten students, assisted by adviser Ingrid Sloth, came together to create a scholastic newspaper. The main headline on that first issue, “Robin Cox Wins Big at Miss Senior High Pageant,” ran proudly across the front page, accompanied by a photograph of a beaming Ms. Cox and a story that captured the jubilance and camaraderie of Stanton students. These qualities remain the focus of our work to this day—they create a certain constancy in our coverage, regardless of the passing of time. Still, the past three decades have been punctuated by shifting cultural trends and consequential sociopolitical changes that required the Devil’s Advocate—like all other news organizations—to participate in collective acclimation to an evolving readership. This process has been nothing short of an honor, and in light of our 35th anniversary, retrospective reflection may provide insight as to how we should best continue into the future. iiiiiPerhaps one of the most prominent societal changes that has occurred in recent years is the inception of the Information Age. The internet provides instantaneous access to information via computers, tablets and phones—a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2017 found 58 percent of U.S. adults often get news on a mobile device. This has encouraged a decrease in the demand for professional print journalism, as data can be collected and disseminated in a matter of seconds via thousands of informal outlets. Many publications, the Devil’s Advocate included, have adapted by carving out their own space in the digital mediascape. Social media profiles have played a vital role in allowing us to stay connected to our audience outside of school walls and break news in real time. Advances in audio and video technology have given journalists everywhere new mediums to explore. It’s all too easy to think digital media killed print journalism—a more positive perspective celebrates the many ways in which digital media has pushed journalists to change for the better. iiiiiIn recent months, forces other than technological revolution have played a heavy hand in changing the future of journalism. Some of the individuals who have come to the forefront of recent American politics consistently exhibit a distrust in the media via sweeping skeptical criticism. This has resulted in a steadily dropping confidence in news organizations amongst the public, and has weakened the media’s ability to vet authority figures. A study conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2017 revealed that though 89 percent of Democrats believed criticism from news organizations kept political leaders in check, only 42 percent of Republicans shared the same view. Changing perceptions of the media carry important implications for us despite our status as a scholastic newspaper— in light of the tumultuous relationship between politicians and journalists, we have only strengthened our commitment to accurate, resourceful reporting. Public polarization has served as a source of motivation rather than discouragement, and our biggest priority remains to report objective information to all members of our readership. iiiiiDuring the past 35 years, we have covered beginnings and endings, conflicts and resolutions and triumphs and defeats, all of which influenced Stanton’s students and faculty. This coverage also coincided with many internal changes which have made us better equipped to handle whatever the future holds. Print journalism has endured many challenges in the past three decades, and obsolescence is an intimidating, plausible prospect considering the volatility of social, political and economic circumstances. Still, we choose to look to the future and embrace a vision of collaboration between a dedicated press, an involved public and a transparent government.

VOL. XXXV, NO. 3

The American Dream

“Be Yourself”

By BETTINA HUANG, Managing Editor iiiiAccording to The Telegraph, every year, 1 million immigrants leave their families and previous lives to pursue the American dream. Thirty years ago, my parents were among this crowd. They came as graduate students, each armed with a Chinese to English dictionary and a $300 student stipend. iiiiiLike the millions of other immigrants before them, they faced adversity and prejudice due to their sixth grade level of English and foreign and unfamiliar complexions. iiiiiNow, 30 years later, I listen to their stories. Stories about how my grandfather defended a fellow teacher during the Cultural Revolution and was thrown into jail, consequently casting my grandmother, mother and aunt into social alienation, how my father missed his mother’s funeral as he was only able to afford a one way ticket to the country of opportunity. iiiiiBeing a second generation U.S. citizen I have seen my father ignore racist remarks concerning his grammar and my mother rise in the workplace to provide a better life for me and my sister. In the materialistic sense, we live the American dream. We live comfortably, my parents have photo by Prachi Misra

By CHARLOTTE ROGERS, Contributing Writer

secure jobs and my sister and I have opportunities which my parents did not. iiiiiHowever, wealth was not the goal of my parents; they came for something far more important—freedom. During their childhood, political corruption and insecurity shaped their world. America was an opportunity for their children to live a better life. It was an escape from instability, just as it is currently an escape from terrorism for the millions of Syrian refugees. iiiiiIn the news, I hear of disgust toward immigrants and their illegal ventures to sell drugs in the new world, but these stories do not reflect the voyage of a typical immigrant. iiiiiIt takes great bravery to leave behind everything in order to find a better life, especially in a country which does not welcome you or legally acknowledge your existence. Although it is easy to judge an entire population on the basis of a stereotype promoted by media, such a mindset is far from moral and even hypocritical. iiiiiAmerica is a country built upon immigrants. It is the land of opportunity and a beacon of hope, just as it was for my family. Closing the doors now is an act of repeating the mistakes of the past. Like many first generation Americans, my parents wished to give me a life based upon justice and liberty, the American dream.

“It takes great bravery to leave everything behind in order to find a better life.”

Preserving My Youth By DYLAN JANSON, Staff Videographer iiiiiEveryone has their own thing for which they like to shop. People like to indulge themselves with many items such as food, clothes and books. Everyone has their own thing for which they like to shop. People like to indulge themselves with many items such as food, clothes and books. As for me, having to shop for such objects is not something I particularly enjoy. The appeal of looking at clothes over and over again to see which set matches is bewildering to me, as I think it’s either a hit or miss and does not require much deliberation. It has always appeared odd to me why someone would purchase shoes that they’ll probably wear once or twice and forget about, but I guess it is because they have an undeniable enthusiasm for them. iiiiiMy interests lie elsewhere, as I collect pop culture items that reflect my upbringing and all of the various passions that I have held throughout the years. Paintings, posters and shelves stocked with action figures from my childhood dominate my room. From the looks of it, it may seem that I am obsessed with Marvel and Star Wars, and while that is true, there is much more to the display than that. iiiiiNot for a second do I question whether or not collecting these items was worth the time, money and effort. These collectibles are a piece of me and who I am, and by growing this collection I am building my own identity. They encapsulate these past memories and their significance in my life. Rather than changing up my room as my interests have changed, I have added to it, finding places for things that have played an important role in who I am. For example, an award-winning piece of artwork of mine from first grade hangs near the doorway. Above the closet in my room is a painting of Machu Picchu that transports me back to the breathtaking scenery of a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Being able to take a step back and see myself over the years has given me a chance to reflect on what type of person I have become and will be in the future. iiiiiIt is especially enjoyable to rediscover lost items that are of immense nostalgic value. Cleaning out old school photo by Katie Stevens

JANUARY 2019

notebooks is extremely eye-opening to how much the times have changed, even though some things have remained constant. Sometimes it is important to let things go and move on, but other times it is necessary to hold on to valuable objects as a reminder of a time long past. Rediscovering lost memorabilia is akin to rediscovering one’s own self, which is why I take time to decide if something is worth keeping or not. iiiiiHowever, while it may feel nostalgic to cling to the past, holding on to old items may prove detrimental toward accepting change. Growing as an individual involves going through new and unique experiences. Personal growth is stunted when an individual refuses to let go of the past. iiiiiWhile it is important to reflect on prior experiences, it is how one moves forward that counts in the end. Moderating my attachment to the past allows me to fulfill my growth while staying true to the core of who I am. iiiiiI know that I can rely on the many attributes of my room to remind me of my motivations whenever I feel lost or overwhelmed. Every time I look up at the Pop! vinyls of Tom Brady and Fred Rogers sitting on my shelf, I’m reminded that I can do anything as long as I put my mind to it. Being a collector has allowed me to take a step back and reflect on the true essence of who I am while allowing me to look forward to new things to come.

illustration by Caroline Robbins

iiiiWhen I was younger, I recall sitting in the main office at my old school while waiting to make a phone call or talk to the nurse. I always noticed a tall poster, popping with color against the monotone gray pole upon which it descended, that read “be yourself.” This phrase was not unique to the pole upon which it hung. The mantra “be yourself” can be found draped across the walls of many schools, on the tongues of most parents and educators and in the minds of nearly every modern-day youth. Despite its popularity, the phrase itself often is contradicted by the very authorities who preach it. What results is a confusing message, and as young teenagers seek to discover their own identities, many grapple with what “be yourself” actually includes. iiiiiChildren of different sexualities, ethnicities, and backgrounds often grow up lacking representation, and it’s difficult to embrace oneself when groups of people refuse to endorse your existence. For many, background and culture form their identity, and while they are told to be who they are, their individuality and unique background are frowned upon. The current generation of teenagers, Generation Z—or “Gen Z”—exhibit more of a rebellion against what is considered “normal” than any other generation, which is exhibited by the growing support of young people for modern movements such as equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community and people of color. Despite this, many find that the parents, relatives, coaches, teachers, and other adults in their lives don’t share the same opinions. However, some of these “opinions” deny the existence of the identities of many young people in Gen Z. Fueled by the battle between the imprinted words of “be yourself” and the people who attempt to force the opposite, Gen Z has grown up to become a group of young adults who are comfortable—or at least try to be—in a world of polarizing opposites. photo by Prachi Misra

“Gen Z has grown up to become a group of young adults who are comfortable— or at least try to be—in a world of polarizing opposties.” iiiiiGrowing up, I was very unique. At home, I was taught that my unique traits such as my odd sense of humour, quirky personality, and small size were what made me special. However, in the rest of the world I felt insecure due to my slow growth compared to other girls my age. I was lucky to have parents and friends who encouraged me, yet this is not the case for many high schoolers. As they navigate their way through four of the most difficult and confusing years of their young life, the lack of support they feel for their own unique identity can alter the course of the rest of their life. The social stigma surrounding people with different characteristics can lead to obstacles like bullying and unequal opportunities in education. While the common mantra “be yourself” is spoonfed to children and teenagers as they progress, it often is contradicted by the authority in a teen’s life, creating an environment injurious to growth. iiiiiCurrently, our country is divided by strong ideas, ideas that either counter or support the idea that one should embrace their own nature. Therefore, it is important that we view each other with open minds and acceptance. Supporting one another’s personal identities promotes success for all, and encourages everyone to be confident in themselves. When we all support each other, each of us can feel the freedom to be ourselves.

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OPINIONS

Inequality Industry

Birds Aren’t Real

By ARMANI STROWBRIDGE, Contributing Writer

By SALMA DREW, Features Editor

iiiiiWomen have been a vital part of the entertainment industry ever since its beginning in the late 1800s. Despite this, women continue to face discrimination in the field, demonstrated by the disparity in their salaries compared to their male co-stars. iiiiiFemale actors have held the short end of the stick for some time and I think it is mainly due to people’s lack of faith in what women are capable of. Because of this, they often do not receive the amount of compensation they deserve for their contributions, which makes their jobs even harder. iiiiiAccording to Forbes Magazine, In 2017 the top ten highest paid female actors earned a salary of $172 million (combined), while the top ten highest paid male actors earned $488.5 million, a difference too large to be coincidental. iiiiiThe entertainment industry has made women feel they are to blame for their deficient salaries. In 2014, a North Korean hacker hacked into Sony and exposed Jennifer Lawrence’s salary compared to her male co-stars. In a Lenny Letter interview, actor Lawrence said “When the Sony hack happened and I found out how much less I was being paid than the lucky [men], I didn’t get mad at Sony. I got mad at myself. I failed as a negotiator because I gave up early.” iiiiiWhy should female actors like Jennifer Lawrence feel they are the cause of their low pay? Lawrence states that actresses who do try to negotiate are seen as “spoiled brats.” Women are constantly put in a position of seeming like they whine too much about “sexism,” but how can anyone blame them? Female actors lack a voice for themselves and are consistently put on the back burner. iiiiiIn a recent interview titled The Big Television Debate, actors Ellen Pompeo, Gina Rodriguez, Emma Roberts, and Gabrielle Union discussed the seriousness of unequal pay in today’s growing entertainment industry. Rodriguez and Union discussed having roles passed on or low-ball attempts because of their gender. Many work fields stress the ‘need’ for more diversity, but how can we truly say we want more diversity in work fields if women are continuously singled out of a job? It is essential that conversations like this take place because it not only draws attention to the obvious sexist, bigotry in the entertainment industry, but it also gives women a voice. iiiiiBeing that male actors don’t experience the type of prejudice that women do, they too should be speaking out and helping their female co-stars, but few have. In an IndieWire interview, actor Benedict Cumberbatch expressed his opinion on the obvious unfair pay wages between men and women. Cumberbatch said “If she’s not paid the same as the men, I’m not doing it.” If more actors were to use their platform and actually speak up about what women have to go through in the entertainment industry, the process women have to go through to be equal to their male co-stars would be much easier. Women are continuously singled out of job opportunities or treated as inferior to their male co-stars, even in our current society where women have made so many achievements. There is not one singular action or person that could change how women are treated in the entertainment industry, it requires unity and a global want for change. photo by Katie Stevensw

According to Forbes Magazine,

$172 $488.5

Million

The combined salaries of the top 10 highest paid female actors of 2017

The combined salaries of the top 10 highest paid male actors of 2017

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iiiiiOn the evening of Jan. 10, 2019, I was sent a tweet from a friend that read, “Haven’t seen a single ‘bird’ since the government shut down,” from the account @birdsarentreal. Automatically intrigued by such an outrageous claim, I spent hours scrolling through the account that night, laughing while watching a ridiculous 20-year-old college student try to inform the world that what the public believes to be absentminded harmless creatures are actually secret government surveillance drones. iiiiiOf course, this is one of the widely-known parody accounts of Twitter—accounts that jokingly take outrageous stances or portray characters in shocking ways for no purpose other than to entertain a young audience. However, as ridiculous as this claim may seem, it makes a statement about the outlook of the younger generation on the transparency of the government of the United States. iiiiiThe possibility of disguised government surveillance drones is straight out of a dystopian young-adult novel. Through popular pieces of dystopian fiction such as jabberjays in The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Eyes in The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood and spying through camera lenses in the Netflix anthology Black Mirror, the younger generation has become all too familiar with the horrifying concept of top-secret government surveillance in our everyday lives. iiiiiHowever, throughout my lifetime and that of the rest of Generation Z, the horrors which seemed in the past to be merely elements of a dystopian novel are beginning to ring photo by Katie Stevens

true in the U.S. In 2013 for example, former employee of the Central Intelligence Agency Edward Snowden leaked private government information revealing the existence of several globa l surveillance programs by the National Security Agency. iiiiiWith instances of secret surveillance programs such as PRISM, giving the government access to the Americans’ Google and Yahoo accounts in the last decade, it is difficult to simply dismiss the “birds aren’t real” memes as mere lunacy. Rather, these memes are a reflection of the experiences of our generation—of real distrust in the transparency and benevolence of the government, masked with signature Generation Z nihilist humor. The most well-known of these trends is the recent “FBI Man” meme, a viral Twitter trend in which users use jokes to make light of the possibility of government spying through computer and cell phone cameras. At its surface, these trends reflect the absurd and fatalistic humor of today’s youth, but the root of the jokes shows something much deeper about our society. iiiiiAccording to a 2015 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, only 19 percent of Americans trust the government a majority of the time. That attitude would surely bleed into the humor of any generation raised in such a political environment. Whether we like it or not, memes have become ingrained in the fabric of our society and act as a mirror to societal trends; what we foster in our society, from generational norms to social progressivism or governmental distrust, is reflected in our memes. While the @birdsarentreal Twitter account may simply be out to generate laughs, the underlying message is no laughing matter. The true “birds” of our society may be all around us, among our peers and within our cell phone cameras.

“The younger generation has become all too familiar with the horrifying concept of top-secret surveillance in our everyday lives.”

From the Perspective of a Catholic By FABRIZIO GOWDY, Contributing Writer iiiiiThe sex-abuse scandal that shook the Pennsylvania Catholic Church in August 2018 hit particularly close to home. As someone with the same middle name as the first Pope, a family that rarely misses mass, and two sisters in Catholic School, the Church is a core part of my identity. iiiiiIt saddens me to think people have stopped attending mass because they’ve lost faith in Catholicism, not as a religion, but as an institution. The misconduct of priests has caused the loss of many of the Church’s members, who cite the systematic and prolonged inability of the Church to confront and address the issue. They still very much believe in the teachings and philosophy of the Church, but have lost faith in its officials. Their reasons are quite valid; the incompetency and inaction that has been revealed by the revelations in Pennsylvania is inexcusable and frustrating, and the conduct of numerous priests was disgusting and disgraceful. iiiiiThose who have left are absolutely right in saying that something must be done to address these problems. I agree the Church must take swift action that sends an unmistakable signal that the kind of behavior that was uncovered in Pennsylvania has absolutely no place in our faith, with top to bottom external and internal investigations conducted in order to restore public confidence in its institutional integrity. Every official in the Catholic Church who has failed in their duty to serve parishioners should be relieved of their post, turned over to authorities, and prosecuted to the full extent of the law for their wrongdoings. There can be no exceptions, be it priests, deacons, bishops, cardinal, or Pope Francis photo by Ysabella Rodriguez

himself. The sins of the past must be corrected. iiiiiHowever, I still see the Church as a tremendous force for good. The Catholic Church remains the largest charity in the world, donating over 150 billion dollars last year to help feed the poor, clothe and shelter the homeless, and heal the sick. According to the United States Council of Catholic Bishops, almost 1.9 million students across the United States are enrolled in Catholic K-12 schools, 85 percent of whom will go on to attend a four-year college. The unmistakable legacy of the Church and its desire to do good can be observed all over the world. iiiiiThere is reason to be optimistic, even in this turbulent time for the Church, as it has survived darker times. A similar sex-abuse scandal in Boston rocked the Church to its core in 2003. The Church survived then, and it will survive now. That is why I would urge Catholics who are unsure if they want to continue to associate themselves with the institution of the Catholic Church to remain, even amid recent concerns. The good that has been brought about by the Church outweighs the scattered incidents of wrongdoing that occasionally stain its reputation. iiiiiThe Church should not, is not, and will not be defined by the horrible sins of a handful of very flawed human beings. It is defined by its continued commitment to bettering people’s lives and acting upon the teachings of Jesus Christ. That is why I will not leave the Church. The Church has made mistakes, and it has work to do, but it is still fundamentally good. I was born a Catholic, I am a Catholic, and I will die a Catholic, and I urge others to follow the same path. Columns published in the Devil’s Advocate represent the views of the writers, not those of the newspaper.

VOL. XXXV, NO. 3

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photo by Prachi Misra

photo by Ysabella Rodriguez

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photo by Ysabella Rodriguez

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