DEVIL’S ADVOCATE STANTON COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
NOVEMBER 2021
Through social media and commercialization, spirituality is increasingly influencing teenage culture. By MAHIMA KEDLAYA
IN
SEARCH OF
STUDENT LIFE
EXPAND YOUR PALATE
Pho Viet Restaurant 1447 Mayport rd #5 Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
DEVIL’S ADVOCATE
12
Adviser: Larry Knight Editor-in-Chief: Charlotte Rogers Managing Editor: Jessica Malosh Managing Editor: Elise Gideon Photography Editor: Piper Jones Digital Media Editor: Gavin Grady Public Relations Manager: Cameron Kight Assoc. Photography Editor: Denise Soriano Videographer: Ella Jansson Section Editor (Arts & Ent.): Sarah Hiott Section Editor (Features): Ty’Hana Aldridge Section Editor (Opinions): Tatum Register Section Editor (Sports): Jillian Williams Staff Writers: Raza Cottey, AnaSofia Girardot, Mahima Kedlaya, Zoey Larson, Samyuktha Sridhar Staff Photographers: Anusha Anna, Sarah Bernardo, Matthew Henderson, Spurthi Nrusimhadevara
Contributing Advocates The Devil’s Advocate is searching for contributing writers, photographers, artists, and filmmakers. Contact Editor-in-Chief Charlotte Rogers at charlotterogers113@gmail.com, Opinions Editor Tatum Register at tatiereg627@ gmail.com, or Digital Media Editor Gavin Grady at ggrady1733@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: $45 (1/4 page), $70 (1/2 page), $75 (insert), $135 (full page), $150 (back page). For an additional $5 fee, we can advertise your business on our website. Contact Business Manager Jessica Malosh at jessicamalosh@ gmail.com or our adviser, Mr. Larry Knight, at knightl1@duvalschools.org.
Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @scpnewspaper Instagram: @scpnewspaper YouTube: Devil’s Advocate Newspaper Facebook: Stanton Devil’s Advocate Snapchat: @scpnewspaper Spotify: @scpnewspaper TikTok: @devilsadvocatenewspaper Printed at Florida Sun Printing Please recycle this magazine.
3 | devilsadvocatepaper.com
photo by Denise Soriano
Junior Adia Ramsundar cultivates her spirtuality outside of school.
Student Life
Sports
18
4
6
THE TWILIGHT RENAISSANCE
JACKSONVILLE HISTORY
GOLD MEDAL MINDSET
There are many sites in Jacksonville that represent the city’s unique and diverse history.
Dedication to sports makes it challenging for students to balance athletics with other aspects of their lives.
8
Features
THE DEVASTATING EFFECTS OF THE CLIMATE CATASTROPHE The emissions of green house gases into the atmosphere have led to several detrimental changes to our climate.
12 IN SEARCH OF Through social media and commercialization, spirituality is increasingly influencing teenage culture.
The iconic love story about a 17-year-old girl and a century old vampire left a lasting cultural impact still seen today.
Opinions
21 TRIBUTE A tribute to Ms. Koehler and her lasting impact on the Stanton student body.
cover photo by Spurthi Nrusimhadevara centerfold photo by Denise Soriano
10
Arts and Entertainment
PARK STREET: URBAN BEAUTY
16
Jacksonville’s Five Points showcases many of the unique and beautiful aspects of an urban landscape that are often overlooked.
THE ROLE OF MUSIC Stanton students listen to a variety of music genres to cope with academic challenges.
22 OPINIONS Columns on the impact of conspiracy theories, additional Stanton electives, and Critical Race Theory.
VOL. XXXVIII, NO. 1
Celebrate Jacksonville’s Newest
SWEET SPOT
WEEKDAYS 2:30 - 6
HALF OFF
*
APPETIZERS & ICE CREAM *must present student ID. not valid on shakes, floats, or sundaes. now - 12/6.
400 N. Hogan Street Downtown Jacksonville SweetPetesCandy.com 904.376.7161 @sweetpetescandy
/sweetpetes
located inside Sweet Pete’s Candy!
Fort Caroline photo by Anusha Anna
“Injustice in Jacksonville” by Shawana Brooks
Andrew Jackson Monument
HISTORY photo by Anusha Anna
J A C
K
S
O N
photo by Gavin Grady
V
I
L
L
E
Veterans Memorial Wall photo by Denise Soriano
Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve photo by Anusha Anna
City Hall in Downtown
photo by Anusha Anna
SPORTS
Athletes at Stanton must learn to balance their sport with their academics and mental health.
the stresses elite athletes face are present among many young athletes as well, including athletes at Stanton College Preparatory School. iiiii“At times, I definitely feel like my life is being consumed by the sports I participate in,” said Justice Lofton, a junior on Stanton’s varsity volleyball team. “It’s hard to balance life when there’s so much pressure on you to do well in one certain aspect of your life.” iiiii The stress and anxiety such students face are present among all sports, and the strain is not something one can easily adapt to. As people become more serious about their sports, the pressure of leading the team and performing well can begin to exhaust them.
By SAMYUKTHA SRIDHAR, Staff Writer iiiiiThe world was stunned when Team USA gymnast Simone Biles announced she was pulling out of the team all-around final at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. This was a defining moment for the games, showing the world that athletes are more than just a form of entertainment. Viewers from all over the world tune in for sports games, wondering who will set the next big record, or which athletes will come
photo by Sarah Bernardo
Senior Julia Adamczyk makes time to practice her sport daily.
SEPTEMBER 2021 6 | devilsadvocatepaper.com 2020
back home with a medal, but the pressure of representing one’s country or even one’s school and its entire population can affect an athlete’s mental health for the worse. iiiiiThis issue, present within athletic culture for centuries according to the British Journal of Sports Medicine, was brought to light only recently in the hopes of taking down the mental health stigma in sports. Athletes are taught at a young age to hide their vulnerability, with the emphasis being placed on their physical appearance. iiiHowever, many viewers fail to see past the physique of the athletes, not realizing that they too face challenges and stressors. By stepping off the podium to take care of their mental health, Biles and many other athletes have brought to light the ongoing mental health stigma in sports. iiiii“Put your mental health first,” Biles said in an NBC interview in July. “That’s more important than any medal you can win.” iiiiiMany non-athletes are unaware of the mental health challenges athletes face due to the way they are portrayed in the media. After seeing famed athletes such as Jamaican track star Usain Bolt run 100 meters in 9.58 seconds in the 2009 IAAF World Championships in Berlin and Georgian weightlifter Lasha Talakhadza lift 588 kilograms at the 2017 World Weightlifting Championships, people wonder whether athletes are even human. iiiiiAthletes like Biles are often drawn as superhumans, setting records that surpass the human limit. But despite their great physical health, an athlete’s participation in sports does not make them immune to mental health disorders. The overgeneralized stereotyping of athletes has caused a struggle in understanding the challenges athletes face mentally. While the media may showcase athletes as fierce and proud, the pressure to perform well while representing schools, school districts, states, and even nations can be incredibly challenging to cope with. iiiiiAccording to a 2019 NCAA survey, among professional athletes, “approximately 35% suffer from mental health issues including eating disorders, depression, burnout, and anxiety.” The Northern Ireland Association of Mental Health suggests competitive failure to be a leading cause of psychological distress among athletes. Similarly,
photo by Sarah Bernardo
Junior Justice Lofton works hard to balance her schoolwork with daily volleyball practice. iiiii “As someone who has been playing a competitive sport for over five years, I’ve noticed that as I’ve gotten older and more experienced, I feel more pressured to represent the team and perform well in competitions,” said junior Harshadha Kondapalli, a tennis player for Stanton’s tennis team. “Feeling like you have the weight of the entire team placed on you is never an easy position to be in.” iiiii As an athlete becomes more serious about the sport in which they participate, the intrinsic motivations become overlapped by extrinsic motivations. According to the Association for Applied Sports Psychology, most athletes begin their athletic careers through intrinsic motivation, where they are simply motivated by personal and meaningful rewards, such as the opportunity to learn more about the sport and explore their interests.
VOLADVOCATE XXXVIII, NO. DEVIL’S | 51
STUDENT LIFE
infographic by Jillian Williams
iiiii In time, athletes begin devoting a large portion of their lives to the sports in which they participate; this transforms their intrinsic motivation into extrinsic motivation, where their validation lies within the wins and gold medals they receive. This can result in a toxic mindset for many athletes since their reason to play isn’t for their self-satisfaction anymore, it’s for the fans, the team, the school, the country, etc. iiiii “There is external pressure in sports outside of the regular internal motivations,” said Christian Romyanond, a junior on Stanton’s boys soccer team. “Winning can be an internal motivation, but when you also have the pressure to perform well for your team and those you are representing, your personal goals end up taking a backseat.” iiiii The mental health stigma has remained a persistent concept in athletic culture. From a young age, athletes are constantly reminded to put on a face that reflects ferocity and strength. Likewise, they are taught to hide their feelings, claiming emotions and vulnerability make one weak. Historical stereotyping stemming from the creation of sports has led to the stigma found in present-day society. The historical social bias is what drives the stigma attached to athletes who suffer from mental health problems. When an athlete struggles with their mental health, they are labeled as “mentally weak,” and are ridiculed for it. iiiii “Team members usually have a much more comfortable bond, which allows them to feel welcome even at vulnerable times,” said Romyanond. “But since there is such a lack of awareness and representation of athletic vulnerability in the media, it becomes difficult for athletes to embrace that side of themselves publicly.” iiiii Although mental health issues are present among all sports, differences do exist between team sports and individual sports. Studies from the National Library of Medicine have found a
NOVEMBER 2021 4 | devilsadvocatepaper.com
greater prevalence of mental health disorders and psychological distress among individual sports athletes as opposed to those who compete as a team. Individual athletes have to own up to their failures and wins, whereas athletes in a team are able to share the responsibility. When individual sports athletes attribute themselves to failure due to a lacking performance, they become more susceptible to mental health struggles. iiiii Biles and other athletes including tennis player Naomi Osaka, who withdrew from the French Open in June to take care of her mental health, have inspired many young athletes to do the same by prioritizing their mental health. By withdrawing from internationally recognized tournaments, these athletes have highlighted the importance of mental health. iiiii “When athletes like Simone Biles put their mental health forward, it gives younger athletes like myself the confidence to do the same,” said Julia Adamczyk, a senior diver on Stanton’s swim and dive team. “The way she prioritized her mental health over an international competition is so empowering and shows how important mental health really is in sports.” iiiii Recently, many athletes have started sharing their experiences on how competitions have affected their mental health and how they cope with it. The spread of awareness has given athletes the sympathy and recognition they have desired for so long, not for winning gold medals, but for enduring the hardships they face retrieving their gold medals. iiiii “It comes to show that mental health should be weighted equally to that of physical health,” said Lofton. “And when I struggle with my mental health, I make sure to take time off to destress and focus on myself. That time to myself reinforces my importance as a human, and that my performance in competition is not what defines me.” iiiii Blythe Benton, a sophomore on Stanton’s swim and dive team, has also learned to prioritize her mental health while still being involved in the sports
she is passionate about. She emphasizes the importance of athletes taking time off for themselves and creating a balance. iiiii “One of the biggest things that has helped me cope with the stress I face from sports and competition is having a routine,” said Benton. “I like to have days of the week reserved for practice and competition, and the remaining days reserved for time off, allowing me to cool off on my own and give my body and mind a break from all the stress and pressure of swim.”
“My performance in competition is not what defines me.” — Justice Lofton, 11th
iiiii While some people take a break from sports competitions, others use sports as a way of destressing. According to the Mayo Clinic Research Information Center, participating in sports can be an effective way for reducing stress levels. Activities like swimming, running, and biking, are all activities one can do solitarily to destress. As such, many students at Stanton use their sports as an outlet for reducing stress. iiiii “Running is what cools me off. I find that running clears my mind and helps me disconnect from the pressures I face in pretty much all aspects of my life,” said Ian Kuhn, the senior captain of Stanton’s cross country team. iiiii Despite media portrayal, the lives of athletes aren’t always filled with gold medals. As athletes share their experiences concerning their mental health challenges, spectators are being asked to recognize them for who they are and not just their ability to compete. Together, athletes and non-athletes can work to erase the mental heath stigma in sports.
Sophomore Blythe Benton practices swimming every day after school.
photo by Sarah Bernardo
DEVIL’S |7 VOL.ADVOCATE XXXVII, NO. 1
Lo s s o f Bi odi ve r s i t y iiiiiClimate change refers to the “long-term change[s] in the average weather patterns” of a region due to the “burning of fossil fuels,” according to NASA. Earth’s temperature has been rising since the 1930s, but, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, this warming became so prevalent in the 1980s that it was clear it was not due to the “natural fluctuation” of the planet. If carbon emissions are not significantly reduced by 2030, the damages to Earth’s climate will be irreversible. iiiiiEven the slightest increase of 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius could have drastic effects. A study by NASA revealed that a 2 degrees Celsius increase would cause the loss of 6%
Th D eva s t E f fe of t
of insects, 8% of plants,
and
4%
of
vertebrates.
iiiiiThis
would
en-
danger existing ecosystems, as “communities with fewer species will have a lower probability of [survival], according to the University of Exeter’s photo by Piper Jones
mental
Environand
Sus-
Clima
Catast
b y PI PER J O NES, Ph
S e ve re Hu r ric a ne s
photo by Piper Jones
Ri s ing S e a L e ve l s
he tating e ct s the
ate
trophe
Phot o graphy Editor
photo by Piper Jones
iiiiiNASA
projects
that with this 1.5 degrees uptick, “14% of Earth’s population will be exposed to severe heat waves at least once every five year”, jumping to 37% at 2 degrees.
Equally as
life-endangering, droughts, food insecurity, and wildfires will
also
become
more common. Ice caps and glaciers will also melt at an exponentially increasing rate. This both endangers arctic life and contributes to
rising sea levels. Several re-
gions, specifically islands and peninsulas, are at risk for extensive flooding, and thus, extreme devastation. iiiiiAnother implication is more severe hurricanes. In 2020, 22 billion dollars worth of damages in the United States were caused by hurricanes, not only endangering lives, but
causing thousands of families to lose their homes.
iiiiiThese environmental changes are the most damning to future generations. If not counteracted, today’s children will be left to fix and learn to survive on an unrecognizable Earth. photo by Piper Jones
He a t Wa ve s a nd Fi re s
Through social media and commercialization, spirituality is increasingly influencing teenage culture. By MAHIMA KEDLAYA, Staff Writer
12
IN
SEARCH OF
13
STUDENT LIFE FEATURES iiiiiFrom scrolling endlessly through tarot card readings on TikTok to shopping for crystals at Midnight Sun Imports, the newfound exposure of spirituality to teenagers is being expedited by social media platforms. Oracles, chakras, incense, deities, and other spiritual aspects have received exposure on the internet, attracting an increasing number of adolescents to the realm of spirituality and its many practices. Enthusiasts are in search of spiritual relief as its advantageous practices and influences on daily life have risen to prominence through social media. iiiiiThe definition of spirituality is limitless as its scope and representation are boundless and subjective to the individual. However, it can be characterized by three pillars: mind, body, and spirit. Spirituality is centered around the aim of finding connections with guiding sources more powerful than oneself. Practitioners hope to achieve serenity, interconnectedness, transcendence, sustenance, or find meaning in existence through their spiritual journey. While walking around the Stanton College Preparatory School campus, the effect of spirituality on this generation is made evident through student displays of spiritually influenced wardrobes and conversations about changes in their lifestyles. iiiii“I started spirituality about a year ago when quarantine started, and I think it has really allowed me to grow emotionally,” said senior Sylas Anand. “It has helped me gain a lot of love for myself, the world, and other people.” By setting pure intentions, spiritual exercises are intended to elevate practitioners to a space of clarity and positivity. Spirituality, in essence, is used as a vehicle to transport individuals to a higher path of introspection and growth. This goal has been traditionally achieved through meditation, prayer, and journaling. Symbols of spirituality, such as the Om sign, Buddha figure, and evil eye can be spotted on graphic tees and backpacks. Crystals, another practice done in spirituality, have found their way to the necklaces, rings, and bracelets of Stanton students. iiiii“I do like wearing crystals and daily I wear amethyst, bloodstone, and rose quartz,” said senior Lys Villegas. “Wearing them kind of empowers me, so I feel like I am safe enough to say what’s on my mind.” iiiiiFor spiritual believers like Villegas, crystals serve as healing tools, replenishing the mind and body and casting out malevolence. The ideology of healing crystals is that all beings are composed of energy, and crystals attain an energy that uplifts the natural vibrations in the human body. Practitioners utilize social media platforms as a way to learn about the properties and effects of various crystals, as well as spirituality as a whole. iiiiiCurrently, spirituality has gained popularity through several social platforms. In November 2020, Snapchat added a feature that involves horoscopes in the user profiles. This update utilizes one’s birthday, birth time, place of birth, and Bitmoji avatar to develop an in-depth astrological profile. With this update, users can learn more about their various astrological placements such as their signs, houses, and planetary alignments. Each of these placements is described in detail, providing insight for those who are interested in exploring their zodiac signs. This feature’s uniqueness stems from its ability to illustrate the astrological compatibility between users. iiiii“Seeing other people’s astrological placements has inspired me to learn more about each horoscope and their effects on people’s personality,’’ said senior Jacob Earnest. “I believe that this new feature gives me a pretty good depiction of who others are before I actually get to know them.”
infographic by Ty’Hana Aldridge
414| |devilsadvocatepaper.com devilsadvocatepaper.com
photo by Denise Soriano
Senior Saniya Kulkarni incorporates crystals and tarot card readings into her daily life. iiiiiInstagram is also increasing the spread of spiritual practices among teenagers. Through infographics and digital spiritual content, users are employing the platform to encourage followers to learn about spirituality and take part in its practices. These easily accessible sources of information serve as a portal for those curious to enter the realm of spirituality. Users display their personal routines or purchases to inspire others to begin their own spiritual paths. By sharing their experiences, people can comfort and guide others on their journeys. iiiii“Instagram users dedicated to spiritual practices and self-growth have aided my journey,” said Anand. “Especially since I started this during quarantine, social media was the main resource accessible at that time.” iiiiiLike Instagram, TikTok has proved to be a useful method for spreading awareness through 60-second videos on countless spiritual aspects, such as tarot and oracle cards. During an hour of mindless scrolling, users are likely to come across a variety of videos focused on spirituality. Numerous TikTokers utilize their influential platforms to share techniques on manifestation and affirmations. Some users present tarot cards and astrology readings through live streams or videos.
VOL XXXVII, XXXVIII,NO. NO.11 VOL.
The popularity of crystals has also been accelerated due to users posting videos about their positive healing experiences and eyecatching jewelry. “I can’t even think of a time before everyone was showing interest in the power of manifestations and affirmations on social media,” said junior Srila Parikh. “Currently, there is a developing audience on TikTok for spiritual influencers, and I find it to be unparalleled to any other trend via social media.” Several students who express a commitment and passion for spirituality share common opinions about the spread of falsity in social media. This includes incorrect information depicted about methods of journaling, how to utilize candles and pendulums, and how to appropriately share tarot cards and crystals. It is important to recognize the benefits of mass media as it has elevated spirituality to a global stratosphere. However, many believe that with this popularization comes somemalice as users are utilizing spiritual practices to profit off of. “I believe that if you purely care about spirituality, you would not try to commercialize its valued practices,” said junior Adia Ramsundar. “With tarot card readers on social media, for example, it isn’t meaningful or personalized; they just tell you what you want to hear.” The commercialization of spirituality stretches far beyond the profit-oriented mindsets of practitioners. There is a rapidly rising demographic of students who are purchasing crystals and deities. Stores and e-commerce sites have capitalized on this popularity, and are now featuring symbols of spirituality to attract consumers. “The majority of our demographic is teenagers and young adults, and TikTok is one of the big reasons for this,” said Jonathan Wall, a sales associate at Midnight Sun Imports in Jacksonville. “I have noticed an increase in teenagers coming in for specific crystals such as Moldavite or Carnelian just because they saw a video about it on TikTok.” Social media’s sphere of influence is inherently unparalleled as new trends and products can arise in mere minutes. Spirituality, being one of social media’s new focuses, has been heavily marketed,
with the aims of companies diluting the pure intentions of spiritual practices. Businesses are emphasizing the idea that material items are vital to spiritual practices. This focus on physical goods is stressing the importance of possessions rather than intents. “The media projected this falsified idea that if you do not have crystals or incense, you are not into spirituality,” said Ramsundar. “Spirituality is intended for you to connect with your inner self, not with material objects.” This growth of commercialization has sparked concern in spiritual practitioners as stores begin to showcase spiritual totems. The act of ignorantly appraising such significant symbols can result in deception and inaccuracy. “There is a big difference when it comes to going into a genuine spirituality store versus a store that solely has commercial intentions, ‘’ said Ramsundar. “Items from such stores, essentially, hold no spiritual worth and tend to be much more expensive than those sold in an authentic store.” Various stores centered around spirituality feature crystals, stones, textiles, incense, and other spiritual totems that have been collected from India, Nepal, Bali, and Thailand. By advertising items deemed ‘exotic,’ stores are inviting a new generation of consumers enticed by social media’s display of spiritual items. These foreign totems are often glorified solely for their eastern origins and eye-catching appearance. Thus, their historical, spiritual, and cultural significance is overshadowed by their exoticness. “Through the easily persuadable consumer culture prominent today, social media users tend to take on a distorted view of spirituality,” said senior Ansh Parikh. “Due to this, various followers fail to recognize the cultures in which spiritual acts and beliefs originate.” Although there are practitioners who appreciate the cultural origins of spirituality, the emphasis on collecting physical items has lessened the respect needed for cultural practices. Many people are purchasing these material goods simply because they saw them on social media; therefore, neglecting their cultural implications.
photo by Denise Soriano
Tarot cards are frequenty used to perform spirituality readings. “People tend to collect deities or display symbols that they don’t know or understand the meaning of. These culturally significant representations tend to get misconstrued,” said senior Saniya Kulkarni. “I have seen clothing with the Om symbol or odd drawings or decorations of Hindu figures.” Through media platforms, spirituality has been elevated to the realm of teenage curiosity. Spirituality’s transforming qualities have greatly shaped fashion and entertainment. Social media’s influencing power, however, also damages spirituality and its practices. With its ability to globally diffuse information comes the spread of misinformation and appropriation. According to many practitioners, commercializing spiritual totems with a profit-oriented mindset tends to weaken modern spirituality which can result in cultural appropriation. There are innumerable ways to express spirituality be it through meditation, journaling, shopping for crystals, or even scrolling through TikTok.
photo by Denise Soriano
Junior Adia Ramsundar holds a burning rosemary meant for personal cleansing.
NOVEMBER 2021 SEPTEMBER 2020
DEVIL’SADVOCATE ADVOCATE | | 15 DEVIL’S 5
ARTS AND STUDENT LIFEENTERTAINMENT
The Role of Music By ZOEY LARSON, Staff Writer
Music of all genres plays an important role in the lives of Stanton students. For a Stanton College Preparatory School student, stress comes with the experience. Whether it is to relax, study, or simply to be entertained, to alleviate that stress, students turn to music as an outlet. Listening to everything from country to 90s rock while completing assignments, taking breaks, and more, gets them in the right mindset to be productive and take on their day. A 2010 study published in the British Journal of Psychology found there are six main reasons people listen to music: positive mood management, diversion, negative mood management, interpersonal relationships, personal identity, and learning information such as current events. This research depicts that music is primarily used for emotional purposes, while its social functions are of secondary importance. “[Music is] really just a fun thing to let you get away from life,” said sophomore Camille Stelly. Besides using music for enjoyment, listeners can also be physically affected, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. It reduces blood pressure, anxiety, and pain, as well as improves sleep quality, mental alertness, mood, and memory. Though listeners may not consider these factors when plugging in their earbuds, these effects may influence the emotional positives they experience. “[When] I’m stressed I listen to happy music or calm music and it automatically makes me calm and happy,” said sophomore Umaiza Toor. Students like Toor experience this effect, which neuropsychologist Daniel Levitin, author of “This is Your Brain on Music,” explained in a 2014 interview with the American Psychological Association. “The kind of music you play when you’re trying to wake up in the morning is different from the kind you play when you’re trying to go to sleep at night,” said Levitin. “A large number of people report in surveys they [program] music to suit a desired mood outcome and so in that sense they’re using music for mood regulation.” Biologically, pleasing music leads to a release of chemicals like dopamine in the brain, which helps improve mood. Students take advantage of this,
16 devilsadvocatepaper.com 4 ||devilsadvocatepaper.com
even unknowingly, by personalizing what they play. Music streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music make this easy for users by allowing them to create playlists. “I have a different playlist to help me cope with whatever mood I’m in,” said junior Leif Basset. “I find that it helps me relax if I’m stressed over an assignment.” Like Basset, students listen to mixed playlists, while others stick to one specific kind of music. Either way, everyone’s taste is different, with people enjoying various genres, artists, and albums.
“
Listening to music... focuses you on where you are presently.” —Maddie Germany, 12th According to Statista, 31.3% of music streamed in the U.S. in 2020 fell into the R&B/hip-hop genre, followed by rock at 15.6%, and then pop at 13.1%. The classical and jazz genres are among the least popular, representing just 0.8% and 0.7% of music streamed, respectively. Stanton follows similar trends, with pop dominating the favorite genre of most students interviewed. Some, however, don’t conform to one particular genre. “I don’t have a very specific genre; sometimes it can be rock, sometimes indie pop, it just depends on my mood,” said senior Stephanie Marques. “Music can bring me into any mood. Certain songs make me happy, and other ones make me sad or nostalgic.” As Marques described, listening to music can cheer up listeners, which can help with stress management, whether this stress stems from school or otherwise. “I listen to it a lot while I’m doing homework
because it makes it feel less like you’re doing homework,” said senior Maddie Germany. “At lunch, listening to music helps get you out of that ‘Oh, I’m learning a bunch of super hard stuff’ and focuses you on where you are presently.” Other students agree music can provide a much needed break from stressful situations. It can enable them to get lost in the music and forget about their worries for a few minutes. “It just helps me think about other things and get my mind off the work and give my mind a break,” said freshman Trey Driver. While students like Driver use it to relax, the role of music in each person’s life manifests in unique ways. Music can be used to promote mood, handle difficult situations, and help with the heavy workloads many teenagers endure. The biological benefits of listening to particular songs or playlists also contribute to the break from the pressure of high school. Although students may have clashing ideas on what song, album, or genre is the best, one thing unites them all: a love for music.
infographic by Denise Soriano
VOL XXXVIII, NO. 11 VOL. XXXVII, NO.
STUDENT LIFE
STARBOY THE WEEKND
photo by Denise Soriano
FEAT. RAVANE GUEYE
CIRCLES MAC MILLER FEAT. JACOB DIEDRICH
4 | devilsadvocatepaper.com NOVEMBER 2021
ALADDIN SANE DAVID BOWIE
photo by Spurthi Nrusimhadevara
FEAT. SAM HARDEE
photo by Denise Soriano
photo by Spurthi Nrusimhadevara
...BABY ONE MORE TIME BRITNEY SPEARS FEAT. MADELINE LEE
VOL. XXXVII, NO. DEVIL’S ADVOCATE | 171
ARTS AND STUDENT LIFEENTERTAINMENT
the
twilight
renaissance
In the state of Washington, under saturated blue filters and ethereal soundtracks, an ordinary girl would experience the story of a lifetime. Not only would she discover sparkling vampires, but her infatuation with one would result in a modern retelling of “Romeo and Juliet” that would firmly captivate the teen world. This four book saga that paved the way for the young adult vampire genre expanded beyond the border of Forks and eternally dominates the public imagination. Created by author Stephenie Meyer, “The Twilight Saga” has been officially canonized as a staple in American pop culture since its cinematic
photo courtesy of Summit Entertainment
adaptation was released in 2008. Not only did it capture the attention of innumerable teenagers with its supernatural love story, it also sparked a creative revolution that affected both the entertainment industry and American society’s focus on media itself. As an important piece of 21st century entertainment, Twilight’s influence can be seen in the current teen population and is spotted in Stanton College Preparatory School’s own student body. Whether it is references to iconic lines or rekindling the debate about team Jacob versus Edward, classmates continue the legacy over a decade later. Social media sites are crucial in the nurturing of Twilight’s ceaseless popularity, where fans and first time viewers alike can share moments or reactions about the series. Even if someone isn’t familiar with its extensive lore or fandom, they’ve probably encountered it within their lives through commonly accessible outlets. “Since it’s on Netflix now, everybody’s been watching it,” said sophomore Denise Duron. “The fandom fights about [Edward versus Jacob], so it creates conversation among ‘Twilight’ fans.” The global phenomenon, originally titled “Forks”, began in 2005 with the publication of Meyer’s first book in the series, which sold 75,000 copies in its first printing. As the fandom grew through direct fan interactions and updates from the author herself, the series dominated The New York Times best-
18 devilsadvocatepaper.com 4 ||devilsadvocatepaper.com
“The Twilight Saga” has had a profound impact on its viewers over the years. By ANASOFIA GIRARDOT, Staff Writer
seller list a year later with Meyer’s second book “New Moon”, going so far as to top J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series. Even with Twilight’s massive success as a four book series that sold more than 100 million copies worldwide, people weren’t expecting the astounding mania from its film adaptation. “At the time, everyone was caught off guard,’’ said Stanton film teacher Mr. Brandon Cox. “But if we look back we really shouldn’t have been; it’s all there in the page.” Starring actors Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Jacksonville native Ashley Greene, Twilight’s cinematic debut made over $65 million in its first week and topped U.S. box offices. Cinemas across the nation were teeming with fans and new audiences alike who witnessed a phenomenon being cemented into the public conscience. Discussions about the love story were fervently ignited as the formerly timid fandom exploded in numbers and clashed against equally large dissenters, creating a national discourse which finally included teens in the equation. “The fact that people talked about it so negatively is still a huge cultural reaction,’’ said Mr. Cox. “They might not have even liked it, but it was still the kind of media that captured our collective imaginations and fascination, even if it was negative.” Even though the craze isn’t as popular now compared to its 2000s golden age, Twilight’s lingering aftermath on modern day pop culture is found in various concepts and formats. The literary foundations of Meyer’s works might not be
Twilight Allegiances
infographic by Sarah Hiott
photo courtesy of Summit Entertainment
specifically centered on Pacific coast angst or brooding atmospheres, but they manifest in different ways. Surviving plot tropes of otherworldly love stories, self-insert protagonists, and love triangles are commonly used in popular media and can trace their roots to “The Twilight Saga”. “[Twilight] took the under 18 aspect from ‘Harry Potter’ but turned it into romance, which countless and countless of franchises like ‘The Hunger Games’, ‘The Maze Runner’, [and] ‘Divergent’ used,” said sophomore John Syla. These elements, which defined iconic film franchises and contributed to their explosive fame, are the direct result of Twilight’s strong influence on pop culture that still permeates in modern entertainment. Strong cinematic inspirations from the series can be spotted in recognizable fantasy shows like “The Vampire Diaries”. Not only does it center around a female protagonist who exists within a hidden world, but the whole plot focuses on a heated romance between competing central male characters, not unlike the Edward-Jacob rivalry. The established ripple effect from Twilight’s inception extends even towards the lives of people who take inspiration from the saga. “I like to rewatch the movies and sometimes they’ll make me feel like ‘I want to make something based off of the movie.’ I crochet a lot so sometimes I want to make jackets or bags based off of the movie,’’ said senior Trish Nguyen. “It inspires me artistically.’’ Twilight’s debatable cinematic quality may waver depending on the person or time, but its impact as a cultural phenomenon cannot be understated. Whether it’s the sprawling crowds outside bookstores or a new fan watching the series on Netflix, Meyer’s work evolved from its niche emergence to one of the most emblematic pieces of young adult fiction. Even if the supernatural aspect isn’t the most relatable teen experience, “Twilight” has truly found a home within Stanton students themselves who carry on its legacy. Trends can be expected to live and die, but the blood of Twilight’s existence will flow eternally.
VOL XXXVIII, NO. 11 VOL. XXXVII, NO.
STUDENT LIFE
It starts with a simple sip. Infinitely Recyclable Aluminum • Plastic Negative • Carbon Neutral
“We have to do this for our land, our oceans, and future generations.” ~Jason Momoa
The best homes in Jacksonville all share the same address:
MillerCompanyRealtors.com
Since 1995, the professionals at Miller & Company have provided exceptional service to buyers and sellers across Northeast Florida. Visit us online and see why we’re the premier independent brokerage in town.
@millercompanyrealtors | 904.388.0000
OPINIONS
DEVIL’S ADVOCATE Est. 1983 I Stanton College Preparatory School
2021–2022 Editorial Board Charlotte Rogers Jessica Malosh Elise Gideon Gavin Grady Piper Jones
Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Managing Editor Digital Media Editor Photography Editor
iiiiiThe Devil’s Advocate serves as the official newspaper of Stanton College Preparatory School. It is produced quarterly by members of the Journalism class. The editors reserve the right to edit any material submitted into the paper for content, grammar, length and accuracy. iiiiiThe Devil’s Advocate is a public forum for student expression, which encourages free exchanges of opinions concerning controversial and noncontroversial 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. iiiiiThe 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. iiiiiReaders may contact the staff and adviser at (904) 630-6760 ext. 012204 or at knightl1@duvalschools.org.
photo by Piper Jones
Letter from the Editor
iiii Looking at the memorial left outside of Room 115, there is no doubt that a teacher can be one of the most influential people in a person’s life. Every note stuck to the door tells the story of Ms. Lisa Koehler, a teacher who understood, listened, and loved. In her room, students found a safe space, a place where their teacher would sit barefoot, cross-legged on her stool as she lectured. A place of comfort. A place where all students, good or bad grades, were treated with care and respect. iiiiiThis atmosphere was a result of Ms. Koehler’s accepting outlook on her students’ lives. She backed them in their dress code protest and advocated for the prioritization of mental health over everything else, including grades. She was a confidant for many queer students, many of whom who felt safe enough to come out to her before anyone else. In the aftermath of Sept. 22, the question is this: who do students turn to now? iiiiiAs the student body seeks an answer, it is essential that the school provides extra mental health resources and support to both students and faculty. While Sept. 22 has passed, and the school year continues on, an incomprehensible loss like that of a beloved teacher can put cracks in the foundation of a student’s education. Now more than ever we need to be there for each other and provide even stronger systems of support.
20 | devilsadvocatepaper.com
photo by The Pheonix Staff
In Memory Of Lisa Koehler By THE EDITORIAL BOARD iiiiiOn Sept. 22, first period was progressing as usual. When the intercom sounded, students expected the typical morning announcements. However, once Principal Nongongoma Majova-Seane asked us all to take an extra moment of silence, the entire school realized something was terribly wrong. After a deep breath, she announced the unthinkable: Ms. Lisa Koehler, a beloved Stanton College Preparatory School teacher, had passed away the night before due to a heart attack. iiiiiBeloved by both her students and her colleagues, Ms. Koehler was a bright spot at Stanton. Over the course of her 20-year career as a history teacher and club sponsor at Stanton, she valued the mental health of each of her students and made sure everyone felt comfortable and encouraged. She made every effort to create a safe space where everyone felt loved. In listening to and getting to know each one of her students, Ms. Koehler was able to guide them through difficult times and help them reach their fullest potential. She emphasized that an effort to learn was what mattered, not being right all the time. iiiiiEven the students who were enrolled in Ms. Koehler’s Duval Homeroom class last school year have many fond memories of her. She would encourage students to speak up or ask questions during class time. Ms. Koehler also made sure every student had the chance to message her or talk to her individually. Despite being relegated to learning online, she fostered a genuine connection between herself and each student. iiiiiMs. Koehler was also a very supportive teacher. During the incidents involving the dress code that arose throughout the first month of the school year, she made it clear she was on the side of the students. Ms. Koehler was sympathetic to the dress code complaints and protests of the students; she just wanted everyone to be
comfortable in their own skin. Despite the risk of overstepping the rules of professional conduct, Ms. Koehler still prioritized the wellbeing of her students by showing her solidarity. iiiiiAs a result of her openness, students felt comfortable expressing themselves to her. As the longtime sponsor of the Gender Sexuality Alliance club, Ms. Koehler was very supportive of people’s pronouns, gender identity, and sexual orientation. For some queer students, she was a trusted person with whom they could confide in and be open. iiiiiNot only was Ms. Koehler a caring person, but she was also a highly effective teacher. Those students who have had her class describe her as knowledgeable and engaging. She spoke eloquently about the subject matter during her lectures, and her outgoing personality never failed to captivate her students’ attention. She also had fun and unique quirks: she would take off her shoes and sit criss crossed on a stool to teach during lectures. iiiiiMs. Koehler was known for her signature look: a long skirt, cardigan, and flip-flops. Her iconic look was a staple of the school. Students demonstrated what Ms. Koehler meant to them when a student-organized movement called Cardigan Friday requested students and faculty wear a cardigan in remembrance of Ms. Koehler. Students in all grades, along with teachers and administration, showed how much Ms. Koehler made an impact on their time at Stanton as many came to school draped in her favorite attire. iiiiiStanton’s community of students, teachers, support staff, and administration will miss Ms. Koehler’s presence. Her passing leaves the school with an insurmountable void. She brought knowledge, passion, and care to our school. Teachers of Ms. Koehler’s caliber, dedication, and effect are not easy to find. Ms. Koehler will always be in our hearts. Her spirit will never be forgotten. We all will miss her.
VOL XXXVIIl, NO. 1
More Than Just a Theory By TY’HANA ALDRIDGE, Features Editor
iiiiiiAmong the various controversial topics, Critical Race Theory has made its way to the center of political and educational discussions. On June 10, 2021, Gov. Ron DeSantis introduced a bill meant to ban discussion of Critical Race Theory in Florida classrooms. Gov. Desantis claimed at a State Board of Education meeting, “The woke class wants to teach kids to hate each other, rather than teaching them how to read,” which is the exact opposite of what CRT aims for. Critical Race Theory, commonly referred to as “CRT,” has become a feared topic for politicians and critics who deny, rather than acknowledge, its relevance towards encouraging youth to address racial injustice. iiiiiCRT is a concept that explains racism as a social construct embedded into the American legal system and is not solely based on an individual’s beliefs. Derrick Bell, former attorney for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, theorized the idea in the 1970s after critically examining racism’s role in society, and developed a concept that would be later known as CRT. Years following, Bell’s definition of CRT is being molded into various definitions and dragged into political debates. iiiiiConservatives and various critics argue Critical Race Theory is toxic propaganda that encourages racist ideology and promotes ignorance to adolescents. Yet, the majority of people who disapprove of CRT are uninformed of its actual meaning. A Reuters/Ipsos poll taken in July 2021 showed 57% of adults were familiar with CRT, but are still influenced by misconceptions. In the same poll, 33% of participants participants stated they believe CRT says, “white people are inherently bad or evil.” The majority of participants supported the teaching of slavery and African American history in schools, yet opposed teaching CRT. These falsified beliefs have influenced the states currently attempting to ban CRT in schools. iiiiiLegislators across the country have shown immense support for the preconceived photo by Denise Soriano
NOVEMBER 2021
assumptions of CRT. Florida’s recent ban limits the teaching of The New York Times 1619 Project that focuses on slavery and African American history. While parents and lawmakers deem it toxic to student education, adopting this curriculum would inform students on social issues and its effects. European History or Sociology courses can be beneficial to a student’s education, but they lack the impactful and historical depth of CRT. Having conversations surrounding race may seem uncomfortable to parents, but these discussions are necessary for developing social awareness within youth. iiiiiiAs a Black student, being introduced to a wide range of educational topics would inform students part of the minority of racism’s effect on people of color in society. In February, Duval County students held protests demanding the district include more Black History in classrooms. These protests showed the restlessness of students that lack representation in education. The ban on CRT shows a hesitation among lawmakers to promote inclusion and unity among a racially diverse population of students. Teaching CRT would not only educate students who are unaware, but it would also make minorities feel heard. iiiiiStill, uncertainty remains in the minds of concerned parents. The uncertainty of children returning from school feeling divided by race is part of what makes CRT a controversial topic. Because of its complexity, there may be difficulty in understanding its definition. However, it is important to note that CRT aims to work against racism by acknowledging its existence and to dissolve the issue by reforming laws and bills that exemplify racist ideology. To accomplish this, the youth must be informed on the realities of racism in America and work to ethically make a change. iiiiiCRT goes beyond addressing blatant racial conflicts in society; it acknowledges the embedded racism within our nation. By banning the concept from school curriculums, lawmakers are withholding the truth from students and the opportunities to make a change. Due to its complexity, a form of CRT should be introduced in high schools as an individual course. In short, CRT should be offered to students willing to learn about social injustice and develop solutions.
STUDENT REFLECTIONS “I think it’s an inaccurate view of history and I don’t think that everything in history is heavily influenced by race.” — RAYAN ALSAGHIR, 11th
“I think that we need to be taught about how other races are affected because we are mostly taught from the European perspective.” — MIA DOS SANTOS, 9th
“I think it should be taught in schools but it shouldn’t be more prioritized over other subjects.” — ADDISON ACKERLY, 10th
“Our student body is known to be quite diverse, so I think most students would agree with it, if they like the way it is being taught.” —SACHIN SARABANAN, 10th
infographic by Tatum Register
infographic by Tatum Register
DEVIL’S DEVIL’S ADVOCATE ADVOCATE || 21 21
A Case For the College Prep By TATUM REGISTER, Opinions Editor
iiiiiThe renowned Stanton College Preparatory School is known for its academic rigor and the success of its students. It is an excellent school for those seeking a scholastic challenge and a college-level experience. However, there is a flaw to this educational utopia: the school lacks elective diversity. iiiiiWhile the currently offered electives give students the opportunity to gain college credits, they impede students’ ability to explore different fields of study. When offered different courses, such as Culinary Arts or Business Finance, students would graduate prepared for college and life. iiiiiStudents should be able to experience other fields of study and have a break from core classes. After years of narrowed curriculums to emphasize core classes, schools such as Pelham Memorial High School in New York’s Pelham Union Free School District, have exemplified the benefits of expanding course catalogs. Pelham’s school board president John Price, said electives have allowed the school to offer the variety of courses of
a much larger school district while maintaining the intimacy of a small one. Other schools in the Duval County Public School system, such as Atlantic Coast High School, enjoy a diverse elective selection including Law Studies, Legal Systems, and Multicultural Studies.
photo by Denise Soriano
iiii infographic by Tatum Register
iiiiiThe educational software company, Ellucian, published a 2019 survey entitled, “Course correction: Helping students find and follow a path to success,” where it found that 51% of students are not confident in their career path after
enrolling in college and more than half change their major. Major transfers increase the time and costliness of getting degrees so it would be preferred to not have to. iiiiiAlthough it is the parent’s responsibility to prepare their children for adulthood, the school should also play a part in this development. Florida has not mandated life skills as a required course, however important information regarding how to navigate through life economically and financially are necessities few leave highschool knowing. Regardless of whether the issue results from bad parenting, if the school titles itself as a “college-prep,” then it must fully prepare students for college—beyond just the workload. Stanton has no personal-finance classes and countless students begin college with a complete lack of financial literacy. iiiiiThe 2019, “Money Matters On Campus Report,” conducted by the company EVERFI, showed only 17 of the 50 states offer financial literacy courses for students. Much improvement needs to be made towards creating a more financially literate future generation. iiiiiThese future contributing members of society deserve to be well-equipped with the knowledge that prepares them for their independent lives.
The Truth of Conspiracy By PIPER JONES, Photography Editor
iiiiiAs members of a generation raised by the internet, my peers and I are well aware of the captivating essence of platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. I often find myself in an endless loop of scrolling, during which I am introduced to atypical subject matters. One topic, conspiracy theories, has been around since the internet’s origins. These range from the seemingly ineffectual speculations about the moon landing to theories that arouse extreme violence, such as QAnon. photo by Matthew Henderson
“Conspiracy theories surpass healthy skepticism and plunge full-force into misinformation.” misinformation” iiiiiAllegedly a secret is being witheld from the public that can explain a specific event. The danger arises in the ability of conspiracies to weaponize the fear, lack of education, or desire for certainty of a mass audience. It is easy to underestimate their nonsensical claims. However, conspiracy theories have been inspiring disorder as far back as the Ancient Roman Empire.
22 | devilsadvocatepaper.com
iiiiiNero, the emperor of Rome during the Great Fire of 64 A.D, incited a wave of Christian persecutions when he blamed the group for the disaster. These consequences confirm that conspiracies are more influential than simple hearsay. iiiiiToday, social media provides an alternate platform for theories to manifest. Replacing word of mouth, all it takes is a captivating graphic and academicallyinspired phrasing to make a cause appear legitimate. iiiiiThe most recent theory to gain online acclaim is the Anti-Vaccination Movement: several campaigns claiming vaccines have dangerous side effects. On Facebook and YouTube, “antivaccination propaganda can outperform factbased information,” according to a study by The Guardian. Proposed side effects of COVID-19 vaccines, including autism, loss of fertility, altered DNA, and magnetized blood, are examples of this misinformation. In fact, the Pfizer vaccine’s Food and Drug Administration approval in August of 2021 debunks these claims. However, 45.6% of United States citizens remain unvaccinated, despite the free cost and 90% effectiveness against the original strain of the virus, according to the Center for Disease Control. This illustrates the extent to which conspiracy theories permeate in the public consciousness and influence decisions. As death tolls rise, it becomes increasingly obvious how harmful conspiracies truly are. Thus, the influence of conspiracies must be counteracted. iiiii“Conspiracy theorists are remarkably resistant to attempts at debunking their beliefs,” said Geoff Dancy, a professor at Tulane University.
He proposes asking why a conspirator holds certain beliefs, a method that urges them to see the errors in their own thinking. This, he says, could help limit the spread of harmful, false information. A more effective method, even, is warning others about the methods used by conspirators to attract supporters, equipping them to recognize and avoid misinformation.
infographic by Tatum Register
iiiiiThough challenging, it is important to utilize your own sphere of influence to promote the Optasimin eaquia ditiorum expeles ciligen imolut consumption of reliable media. Allowing conspiracy quisquam, pre volestis as will suntundeniably alibusam theories to con uncontrollably spread quibus. lead to division, and the ensuing partisanship Icationet poruptum facepudit, vella dendem reius inhibits the passing of effective legislation. cusdae sae si vid eum et eliquas ulles aut fugitib Well-proven issues in need of immediate uscient lab iducia quas repudae molorestem action are neglected, and misinformation aut everro mo conest in nimustiis res alignis non is only strengthening this broken system.
VOL XXXVlll, NO. 1
FIRST REALTY HOLDINGS J.T. Leachman, Broker Owner
Looking for house in the Jacksonville era? Contact J.T. Leachman for your reality needs.
Phone #: 678-570-1415 Email: jtleachman@gmail.com
A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE
We provide a high-quality choral music education for children of diverse backgrounds, fostering teamwork, self-discipline, accomplishment and pride. JCC serves as a cultural beacon for the children of the Northeast Florida region, and continues to inspire the community by sharing the art of choral music across the globe.
“
“
STUDENT LIFE
HE JCC IS MORE THAN
UST A CHORUS;
is a truly life-changing xperience.
MMA DOUKMAK, JCC ALUM
NOW AUDITIONING GRADES 2-12! To schedule an audition, visit
JaxChildrensChorus.org
or call 904-353-1636, ext. 3 for more information.
TLANTIC BLVD |10131 JACKSONVILLE, 32225| |JACKSONVILLE, JAXCHILDRENSCHORUS.ORG | 904-353-1636 ATLANTICFLBLVD FL 32225 | JAXCHILDRENSCHORUS.ORG | 904-353-1636