Devil's Advocate (Volume 39, Number 3, February 2023)

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE STANTON COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE

Adviser: Larry Knight

Editor-in-Chief: Sarah Hiott

Managing Editor: Ty’Hana Aldridge

Business Manager: Tatum Register

Photography Editor: Denise Soriano

Digital Media Editor: Cameron Kight

Layout and Design Editor: Jillian Williams

Assoc. Digital Media Editor: Sarah Bernardo

Assoc. Photography Editor: Spurthi

Nrusimhadevara

Videographer: Carlos Alvarez

Podcast Engineer: Rowan Kershner

Section Editor (Arts & Ent.): AnaSofia Girardot

Section Editor (Features): Samyuktha Sridhar

Section Editor (Opinions): Zoey Larson

Section Editor (Sports): Raza Cottey

Staf Writers: endall ord, Grace Larson, Shravya Nalla, Amani Okero, Cliona Joy Piligan, Katya Sniriova

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Staf Photographers: Anusha Anna, Cindy Lam

Staf Artist: Hawi Said

Contributing Advocates

The Devil’s Advocate is searching for contributing writers, photographers, artists, and filmmakers. ontact Editor in hief Sarah iott at sarahhiott gmail.com, Opinions

Editor oey Larson at zoeylarson gmail. com, or Digital Media Editor ameron ight at camikight 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), $135 (full page back page . or an additional fee, we can advertise your business on our website or podcast. ontact usiness

Manager Tatum Register at tatiereg627@ gmail.com or newspaper adviser, Mr. Larry night, at knightl duvalschools.org.

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Arts and Entertainment

4

MINECRAFT

y Grace Larson

Minecraft continues to be a unifying force in the lives of Generation teenagers.

6 NOW PLAYING...

Decades have gone by as the Sun ay inema stands alongside the Jacksonville community as film culture evolves.

Student Life

8

WHODUNNIT?

By Cindy Lam

an you use the clues to identify the teacher who infiltrated the Devil’s Advocate?

10

NOT JUST A QUIET PLACE

y serving the community in a multitude of ways, libraries remain essential to the democracy and freedoms of the country.

Features

12

WHO OWNS HISTORY?

Opinions

20

A NEW LOOK ON LOVE

By Cliona Joy Piligan y The Editorial oard

In light of recent policies and educational restrictions, the question of who owns the right to regulate history lingers as lawmakers continue to enact change.

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WHO INSPIRES YOU?

By Kendall Ford Artwork

Sports present a new environment for students to develop interpersonal skills. These connections can offer various sources for athletes to gain inspiration in their life.

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SPORTS IDENTITY

By Amani Okero

Worldwide appreciation of sports welcomes various identities found within each respective culture.

The Editorial oard explores the culture of alentine’s Day, offering a new perspective on ways to celebrate love during the holiday.

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THE ETHICS OF TRUE CRIME MEDIA

By Shravya Nalla

Junior Gabrielle Seals is one of many high school students in Florida afected by recent educational policies regarding the teaching of history courses. FEBRUARY 2023

While crime media continues to gain recognition in the entertainment industry, unrealistic portrayals of scenes and individuals make these series unethical.

| 3

photo by Spurthi rusimhadevara

and Hawi Said

By Katya Sniriova

hotos by Denise Soriano and Spurthi Nrusimhadevara

by awi Said

Sports

Did you guess who the mystery teacher is Scan this code for the answer.

Minecraft continues to be a unifying force in the lives of teenagers.

By GRACE LARSON, Staff Writer

Generation Z’s culture is constantly being shaped by online trends in the media, with one of the biggest beginning in 2011 when Mojang Studio released the video game Minecraft. The game’s increasing popularity allowed it to grow beyond expectations and virtual limits, being so influential it is still prevalent among youth today. Targeting a younger audience across the nation, students at Stanton College Preparatory School are no exception to this iconic pastime. Not only are students united by their immense love for the game, but also by their fond memories of playing it.

Teenagers, like those at Stanton, appreciate the game’s original graphic design seen in its variety of blocky terrains, such as Mushroom Island, the Jungle, the Savanna, and the Icy Tundra. Each area contains various interactive elements that correspond to its scenery, including creepers and other common enemies. These aspects encourage players to engage in fun quests related to each region, such as fighting the Ender Dragon in the Ender World. Players must also keep an eye on

their health bar while fighting these mobs to ensure their own safety. While it is known for being a survival game, Minecraft also promotes creativity among users by granting them the opportunity to build unique structures that showcase their architectural ideas.

“[Minecraft’s] limitless possibilities make it a creative outlet,” said junior Aaron Samson. “It is a place where I can let my stress out and do what [my] heart feels like doing.”

Other students share Samson’s perspective, claiming the game gives them the chance to express themselves. When faced with everyday stressors, students can turn to Minecraft as a means of relaxation where they can create their own world. This use of imagination allows players to decompress as they escape reality and navigate an ideal virtual world.

“Minecraft is more of an escape game that relieves stress and does not require much thinking,” said junior Adieb Hashimi.

Students like Hashimi frequently go on Minecraft to release their negative emotions, eventually resulting in a greater appreciation for the game. This sentiment is often heightened by the nostalgia they feel while online. Despite newer updates, the game continues to have the same spirit it did 12 years ago. As a result of this nostalgic appeal, the game has maintained its original audience, allowing users to reminisce and embrace their childhood memories while playing Minecraft.

“When I was younger, I played Minecraft with my cousins and I always associate happy memories and feelings with the game,” said sophomore Tommy Nousaath.

Similarly, this feeling of joy is connected to teens’ memories of watching Minecraft YouTubers growing up. When the game rose to fame in the early 2010s, players began posting videos that showcased its limitless possibilities, garnering greater appreciation for it. Creators like renowned YouTuber Stampylonghead used the game’s creative aspects to design a world

for his friends and young viewers to watch. This resulted in a widespread love for the game and its vast capabilities. In more recent years, a newer set of streamers, such as Dream, have stepped into the spotlight, repopularizing the game with storybased videos.

“[Minecraft YouTubers] inspired me to be a lot more creative and ambitious in the game,” said senior Tyler Stafford. “I would stop playing casually, and start playing for hours on end.”

Having

in survival, juniors

Like Stafford, players often felt their love for the game was intensified by encouraging content creators. This resurgence in the game’s popularity spread beyond YouTube’s limits with the rise of newer digital video apps. Platforms like Twitch allow viewers to engage with players in real time as they livestream their gameplay. These upgrades boosted online interaction between viewers and gamers by allowing

fun

Dani Samkutty (left) and Samuel Salib (right) play Minecraft.

Junior Ava Bullock’s plushie and figurine collection display her continuous passion for Minecraft.

photo by Anusha Anna

photo courtesy of Ava Bullock

Minecraft’s creative capabilities can be seen in creations like sophomore Ritvvika Guleria’s rustic cabin.

them to communicate rapidly, further strengthening players’ connections with their favorite Minecraft streamers. Opportunities like these, along with the game’s steady status, enhances users’ admiration for the game.

“Minecraft has allowed me to appreciate the longevity of certain games, and how they evolve over the years,” said senior Jiro Ordonio, officer of Stanton’s eSports Team.

“[Minecraft merchandise] gave me a new sense of understanding for the concepts behind it,” said sophomore James Pierce. “They could be used as a learning tool more than anything.”

Similar to Pierce, players often feel encouraged by these products to improve their in-game skills. Items like Minecraft guide books feature a variety of tips that inspire players to test out new ideas. Along with this book series, the company released a wave of toys that mimicked the game’s pixelated graphics. Fans quickly gained interest in creating their own replicas of popular Minecraft items, adding an artistic element to the game and further boosting players’ creativity. As they attempted to recreate these common ingame objects, a deeper connection was formed between fans.

in their homes. Feeling isolated from the outside world, people often turned to Minecraft to connect with other players. This option brought gamers together, providing a sense of comfort and relief during difficult times.

“[Minecraft] allowed me to do things with my friends when I wasn’t able to hangout with them physically,” said sophomore Maxim Drexler. “During quarantine, I was able to play with my friends despite being locked in my house.”

Not only did the game bring strangers together during the pandemic, it also connected Stanton students like Drexler. With the release of a virtual tour in 2021, Stanton’s Leadership group introduced new students to the school’s layout. In the video, characters help students navigate through a Minecraft replica of the school. In addition to aiding students on their first day, the video familiarized them with the new environment. Though they were unable to visit the school itself, the tour welcomed students to the Stanton community.

Over the years, Minecraft has evolved beyond a video game, serving as a force that connects modern youth through shared experiences. The game has remained a constant throughout the lives of teenagers who grew up playing it. Not only are

The game’s growing but loyal fan base gave it the necessary support to expand beyond users’ screens. While Minecraft originally spread through the use of digital media, the recognition it received from the public allowed it to leap past virtual barriers. In 2012, not long after the game’s initial launch, the company released a line of clothing, toys, and books based on the game’s online concepts. This new merchandise showcased the game’s prevalence among Generation Z, as it appeared in stores worldwide. The release of these items not only raised public awareness of the game, but also greatly impacted gamers by increasing their knowledge.

In addition to bonding over their unique creations, players are unified by Minecraft’s global play feature, which lets them face off in a series of challenges against opponents from around the world. Some of these games include Minecraft Bed Wars, where participants look to capture the opposing team’s bed, and Hunger Games, a battle royale challenge where individuals fight to the death. These minigames connect gamers of all ages, who must interact with one another to meet their objective. Options like these shape how teenagers engage on a global online scale.

“[Minecraft taught] me how to interact with people online,” said senior Ethan Emmanuel, officer of Stanton’s eSports Team. “Its competitive atmosphere introduced me to the gaming community, which is what drew me towards [the world of] eSports.”

Minecraft introduced several students to gaming, creating a new hobby for these individuals. This interest became more widespread with the start of the coronavirus, when people were stuck

87% of Stanton students have played Minecraft. 39% of Stanton students say their favorite biome is Jungle.

Stanton students attached to the game because of its nostalgic appeal, but also because of the creative freedom it grants players. Gamers often feel uplifted by these qualities, strengthening their connection with both the game and other players. Though it was released over a decade ago, Minecraft remains a fan favorite among Generation Z, marking a pivotal staple of their youth.

photo courtesy of Ritvvika Guleria

“[Minecraft is] an early sandbox, but it also provides nostalgia for gamers.”

Alex Soltero , 9th

infographic by AnaSofia Girardot

N O W P L A Y I G N

DECADES HAVE GONE BY AS SUN-RAY CINEMA HAS STOOD ALONGSIDE THE JACKSONVILLE COMMUNITY AND SEEN FILM CULTURE CHANGE AND EVOLVE.

By KATYA SNIRIOVA, Staff Writer

Located in the historic Five Points area, SunRay Cinema has continuously been a part of Jacksonville’s entertainment history. Originally built in 1927, the renowned theater features various unique aspects, including its vintage artwork and restaurant, the Pizza Cave. The blend between the modern and antique appeal resides in Sun-Ray and continues to attract a wide range of people, including students at Stanton College Preparatory School. Along with the rest of the Jacksonville community, students continue to support Sun-Ray and its evolution through cinematic history.

Unlike other movie theaters around Jacksonville, Sun-Ray Cinema is part of a long timeline that shows the development of modern media in the city. According to the official ive oints website, the building was initially called the Riverside Theatre and was the first theater in all of lorida to show films with sound. owever, due to increased ticket prices, people stopped going to the theater, and it inevitably closed in the early 1930s. It was later remodeled in 1949 and renamed the Five Points Theatre. After its renovation, the theater upheld its popular gothic art style, which brought in customers.

“There is a Florida theme throughout the business and little bits that have to do with cinema history,” said Mrs. Shana David-Massett, one of the current owners of Sun-Ray Cinema.

In 1972, new renovations changed the theater’s artistic designs, leading to the public’s disinterest and its closure in 1977. Later, in 2005, the Mike

With

Gupta. “You get the sense they really care about what they are showing.”

Combined with its eccentric appearance and historical background, various people believe Sun-Ray stands to be the foremost theater of the Jacksonville film scene. Its role in the community leaves an impact on the residents of the city by building an inclusive environment.

“A theater like Sun-Ray is really a gift to the community it’s a part of,” said International accalaureate film teacher Mr. randon ox. “It is the connection between the film community in Jacksonville.”

Several people believe this connection transcends many cultural bonds and represents the whole of Jacksonville.

“It’s hard to build a sense of community since it is so diffused,” said David Massett. “ That’s why we stand to be] a magnet for people who love movies.” Shad Company bought the building and recreated its initial vintage characteristics. These retro designs remained a part of the theater when the current owners, Shana David-Massett and Tim Massett, purchased the theater in 2011. The couple now works to maintain its timeless fashion.

“We want the space [you walk into] to transport you to your own special place,” said David-Massett.

From the atmosphere to its surrounding area, Sun-Ray Cinema remains a unique part of its community. The painted walls and novel designs are key features of the theater. Inside the building, figurines and old arcade games surround the lobby, supporting its distinctive environment.

“Although a big movie theater is good and the product is arguably higher quality, it does not have the same local atmosphere that a smaller theater would have, and it feels like home,” said sophomore Jack Wheeler.

Wheeler’s sentiment toward the cinema remains a vital part of the Sun ay experience. owever, the lobby is not the only area with a classic look; colorful walls and ‘70s themed decorations surround the upstairs room. These designs, among others, are what gives the theater its personalized character. Additionally, the cinema’s style sets it apart from large corporate chains and allows most people who visit Sun-Ray to gain a close connection with the theater.

“My favorite thing about the theater is that it feels personal; there is a really deep love for movies and the movie going experience,” said senior Sunny

Sun-Ray’s Pizza Cave hosts a colorful underwater world and tasty pizza.

Like its past, the cinema’s future remains unpredictable. A recent advancement Sun-Ray has made was the addition of drive-in theaters located at plots around Jacksonville. Drive-in theaters were a cornerstone of the previous century, and their revival further established Sun-Ray’s identity.

The history of Sun-Ray continues to be the foundation for its success. Standing through many decades, the theater witnessed film culture shift and advance. Focusing on inclusion and appreciation, Sun-Ray provides a welcoming space that brings movie fanatics together. The cinema stands as a historic monument representing the community’s continuous passion for film.

A mural in the hallway showcases the cinema’s distinct vintage aesthetics.

its iconic orange, the cinema’s Florida-grown logo shows its unique style.

photo by Anusha Anna

photo by Anusha Anna

photo by Anusha Anna

By CINDY LAM, Staf Photographer

whodunnit?

THE TEACHERS’ LOUNGE

Photographer and HAWI SAID, Staf Artist

Not just a

By serving the community in a multitude of ways, libraries remain essential to the democracy and freedoms of the country.

Quiet place Not just a

By DENISE SORIANO, Photography Editor and SPURTHI NRUSIMHADEVARA, Assoc. Photography Editior

students use the Southeast Library as a bus stop every year.

Students of all ages utilize digital and physical library materials to assist with their personal, academic, and professional endeavors. Students use their Duval ID to access all

Many library visitors use the computers along with access to the internet to make resumes, file taxes, write emails, and other essential online tasks. All library resources can be found on www.jaxpubliclibrary.org

Library clerk lisa smith-cusaac, shows off the extensive non-fiction section which offers materials on virtually every topic.

photo by Spurthi Nrusimhadevara

photo by Spurthi Nrusimhadevara

photo by Denise Soriano

photo by Denise Soriano

photos by Denise Soriano

Who owns history?

In light of recent policies and educational restrictions, the questions of who owns the right to regulate history lingers as lawmakers continue to enact changes.

By CLIONA JOY PILIGAN, Staf Writer

Schools hold the responsibility of fostering critical thinking and problem solving. In history courses, education’s constant progression has guided newer generations to practice these principles. Similar

to subjects like math and English, history is taught through a set of standards and guidelines. Recently, widespread protests across the United States over racial inequality and political ideologies have afected the transparency of history for both locals and students alike.

As students transition into high school, they may take Advanced Placement classes to earn early college credits. However, according to The New York Times, on Jan. 19, the Florida Department of Education sent a letter to the College Board, a nonproft organization that fosters specialized programs for college readiness, rejecting its

new framework for AP African American Studies.

With no federal civics standards, state governments can determine the historical topics they believe students should learn. However, partisan divide on education has impacted the teaching of Critical Race Theory, an academic concept used to explain systemic racism. Since Jan.18, 2021, 18 states have passed legislation limiting or banning the discussion of racism in schools according to Education Week. In Florida, the “Individual Freedom Act” was passed, prohibiting instruction that may imply someone’s “status as either privileged or oppressed is necessarily

determined by his or her race, color, national origin, or sex.”

This regulation, however, does not limit Florida Statute 1003.42 which relates to the instruction of African American history in grades K-12. To this day, the African American History Task Force (AAHTF) continues to execute this enactment. The task force is an advocate group that works with Florida’s school districts to implement the teaching of African American history.

“In the Department of Education, from the framework, they said that it was in violation of the new legislation that they had about indoctrination,” said Deputy Superintendent Dana Kriznar.

According to Kriznar, a member of the AAHTF, Florida may reconsider the AP class if the curriculum is amended.

“We were very excited when we heard they were starting a pilot and asked to be part of [it], and we at least know of one school that got into the pilot for the upcoming year,” said Kriznar. “We were very disappointed when we learned we would not be able to implement that curriculum.”

Additionally, Kriznar supervised Duval County’s African American History Summer Writing Initiative in 2022, where students in Duval County created lesson plans for teaching African American history. With the help of a publisher, the organization’s source books facilitated the program’s course while following standards provided by the state.

“The program was very insightful into local history and information that

is often overlooked,” said senior class ofcer Priya Patel, who participated in the program last summer. “All of these events and people had signifcant contributions to Jacksonville, specifcally through their support for activism towards the Civil Rights Movement.”

During the 1890s and 1950s, pro-Confederates after the Civil War promoted the “Lost Cause,” a claim that secession happened to achieve state’s rights. Since 1894, the United Daughters of the Confederacy preserved these ideas for future generations by raising funds for monuments of Confederate soldiers.

“There’s been a lot of talk by other council members [about] taking action, but for some reason, nothing seems to happen. Why some people want to keep Confederate statues in Jacksonville is because they really do not understand the issue,” said Councilman Matt Carlucci. “Many people do not understand that these monuments were instruments of [the] Jim Crow era of discrimination.”

Some Stanton students have difering opinions on historic statues. Sophomore Eliane Morgan ofers a solution to the debate.

“I think we shouldn’t alter the ones that are already up because they represent a part of history, however good or bad that part may be,” said Morgan. “Instead, we should put up more statues and monuments to honor the people who were overlooked in history.”

History course currciulums have

photos by Spurthi Nrusimhadevara

Although progress has been slowed removing Confederate statue, Carlucci is focusing on projects honoring African American history, such as the history of James Weldon Johnson, a Civil Rights fgure.

“We are now trying to create a park close to where James Weldon Johnson and his brother were born that will have historic information about their legacy,” said Carlucci. While the push for taking down monuments is underway, Stanton’s African American history teacher Mr. Caleb Smith expressed his thoughts the topics found problematic by FLDOE.

“It looks like some of the main things were Queer Theory, Critical Race Theory, or some of the authors who contributed work that connected Critical Race Theory, and then modern topics like Black Lives Matter,” said Mr. Smith.

Mr. Smith encourages his students study these topics; however, the future of the pilot course has made him uneasy.

“The criticism that has gone back and forth between College Board and Governor DeSantis has me feeling bit pessimistic,” said Mr. Smith. “I hope for resolution so that students have the opportunity to study this incredibly rich part of history.”

Stanton’s AP U.S. History teachers use the 12th edition of the textbook, “The American Pageant.”

“There is a problem with the textbooks,” said Mr. Fleming. “I think

the textbooks are outdated, and there are textbooks that emphasize the wrong thing or sometimes have facts wrong.”

Cengage, the publisher of “The American Pageant,” revealed in 2018 the addition of improvements and corrections for the latest in academic scholarship including historical accounts from African Americans.

According to junior Laura Palaj, the AP European History textbook does not emphasize Southeastern Europe’s past.

“During AP Euro, no time at all was [spent] on Southeastern Europe,” said Palaj. “It is wrong to not talk about the important political events that occurred in that region.”

According to Stanton AP European History teacher Mr. Brian Heggood, the majority of Southeastern Europe’s history is not intricately discussed. Freshman Saud Alburaih shared a similar outlook on AP African American history.

“AP African American studies is an integral part of history.” said Alburaih.

“Knowing the struggles of Black people and what they do, it shouldn’t be glossed over and forgotten.”

As a response to state legislatures limiting the teaching of Critical Race Theory, the College Board released a revised curriculum on Feb. 1 of this year. Though textbooks and monuments are considered essential to learning about the country’s past, the full coverage of history may not please all who learn about it.

but there’s more...

have become a source of debate after book bans and course preventions.

photo by Spurthi Nrusimhadeva

Discovery of America The Alhambra Decree

1492

Signing of the Declaration of Independence

1776

Battle of Bloody Run

Hells Canyon Massacre

Dedication of the Statue of Liberty

A timeline of popular historical events versus overlooked historical events occuring in the same

year.

photo by Spurthi Nrusimhadevaphotos accessed from Google

Who Inspires You

Athletes

Story by KENDALL FORD,

Sports permeate the lives of many Stanton College Preparatory School students. From afterschool athletics to professional sports, the games and the people involved can have profound effects on their audience. For student athletes, this learning environment can introduce role models into their life that influence their overall perceptions and motivations.

Professional athletes can serve as role models for many student sports players. The publicity of their adversities, successes, and commitments inspires athletes in their own experiences and provide ean example and goal to work towards. One example of this effect is the coverage of Serena Williams’ personal and professional life in the world of tennis.

“Serena Williams, through all the adversity she has faced and [by] breaking all these barriers, is the best athlete in the world,” said senior girls tennis captain Mya Griner. “She exemplifies that if she was able to do all these things, have a kid, and still be very successful, then girls anywhere, including myself, are able and capable to reach where they want to go.”

For Griner, the experiences of Serena Williams serve as a model on attaining success as a female athlete. Watching her rise above obstacles provides a template for resilience that some athletes may strive to recreate. Aside from their adversities, professional athletes can serve as role models for characteristics and attributes necessary for success.

“Sue ird defines sportsmanship and leaving it all out on the court,” said senior varsity flag football, basketball, and golf team captain Charlee Evoniuk. “She plays in the WNBA and is also a huge advocate for equal pay in men’s and women’s

gain inspiration from various sources in their lives.

Staff Writer Artwork by HAWI SAID, Staff rti t

Stating that she shared the same values as Sue Bird, for Evoniuk, this player became a moral compass within her sports life. Seeing Bird use the platform of her sport to advocate against the issues and disparities she noticed serves as a model for what student athletes can do with the power given to them through their sports platform.

Although professional athletes can provide a clear source for inspiration, they are often not the only role models for student athletes. On a more direct and personal scale, coaches and parents can be tangible figures who introduce student athletes to new passions and motivate them to excel.

“My dad played [football, basketball, and golf] in high school; he taught me how to play all those sports,” said Evoniuk. “I immediately fell in love with all of them.”

Evoniuk found success in the sports she plays because of her father who introduced her to all the sports she grew to love. This guidance shows how parents can create an exploratory space for student athletes to figure out what they en oy.

Like parents, coaches can also directly impact athletes. Working with students daily, they can develop strong bonds with their athletes and support them through their prominent role in the students’ sports lives.

“I played sports growing up and watched sports. I think it is a big part of my life and as I get older, I cannot participate as much, so I ust like to coach,” said boy’s golf and girl’s lacrosse coach Andrew Christovich. “The best part for me is seeing players develop and get better when they don’t think they can do something, and then they achieve it.”

Coaching allows Mr. Christovich to stay connected with sports while showing he cares about students and their sports. Taking on these additional responsibilities of providing leadership and assistance within these students’ lives can create a supported sense of community unparalleled in academic spaces.

FEBURARY 2023

“I hope the kids play the sports for en oyment, and I hope it is exercise for them physically, but then also that they are rewarded by the experience,” said Mr. hristovich. “ or the most part, I ust try to do my best to encourage them and let them know that there are no limits.”

In the sports world, team captains are respected student athletes who accept the responsibility of leading a team. They provide a peer-to-peer support system that can motivate team success.

“I try to lead by example by showing commitment and coming to practice, taking it seriously, but also making the team practices a place where we can bond,” said Griner. “I hope they understand the importance of trying to get better as a team because when each of us gets better, that is better for all of us.”

Griner uses her power as team captain to motivate the team to develop together. Through creating a safe space, she facilitates personal growth in addition to team growth. Stanton tennis teams use the MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation for many of their activities. From matches to practices, the foundation demonstrates an instance of professional athletes using their platform for mentorship.

“When I brought the foundation programs to Jacksonville in , the idea was ust to introduce the sport of tennis to kids,” said MaliVai Washington. “Those character-building traits of hard work, sportsmanship, work ethic and sticking to a task and perseverance, those are things that I was able to get from the sport, and I was hoping that they would get that from the sport as well.”

Tennis had a profound effect on Mr. Washington’s character and as his influence grew, he hoped to share the lessons he learned. In addition to sharing the lessons of the sport, he hoped to share the lessons of his life.

“One way that I hope to impact the students is though my story. I have a pretty interesting past. I have been able to go through unior tennis, college tennis, professional tennis, got in ured, which shortened my career, and then moved on to my foundation and real estate,” said Mr. Washington. “My hope is that my story can serve as a bit of an inspiration to kids. Hopefully something that I did, or story I can relay, or an experience that I had, can resonate with them.”

Through Mr. Washington’s unique path in life, he can provide a representation of how life goals can shift and change. This shaping of his past experiences into an example for others to learn from highlights the additional responsibilities that many professional athletes experience.

Sports can be an experimental space for many students to develop their interests and character. With examples of leadership and responsibility coming from various sources, the influence that role models have on student athletes creates an environment filled with inspiration.

photo by Cindy Lam

photo by Cindy Lam

Emma Griner (left), Olympic tennis player MaliVai Washington (center), and Mya Griner (right) play a tennis match.

MaliVai Washington congratulating Mya Griner after a tennis practice session.

Sports Identity>

The feeling of seeing a hometown team player shoot a three pointer or having a national team finish in first place is always exciting for sports fans. Sports can be an outlet to celebrate their heritage or show love for their city, allowing people of the same culture to develop similar identities when it comes to what teams and events they support.

Throughout history, sports and culture have been entwined. It is how people across the world have developed different sports identities depending on what is popular in their region. At Stanton ollege reparatory School, students stemming from diverse backgrounds bring their sports cultures with them.

“In South America, especially in razil, soccer plays a huge role,” said sophomore varsity girls’ soccer player ecelia ichardson. “Soccer in razil brings people together to create unity and sportsmanship among individuals.”

The attachment students have to sports fuels their unique dedication as athletes, helping them build long lasting friendships and unity with their team. The unity fans have is what can create a nation like razil connected through soccer. This relationship with other athletes helps them to improve themselves, thus making it a driving force in producing sports identities.

“ ou feel connected to the players and it makes you want to better yourself it becomes a part of you even though you are not playing,” said sophomore softball player Alissa Speed.

Whether it is softball, football, basketball, or another sport, supporting teams can connect people on a wide scale. Sports culture, especially in America, makes people proud to support their home country.

“We’re all very proud to be supporting America’s sports team, whether it be soccer or football,” said senior girls weightlifter Sabrina rown.

rom a local level, the same idea can be applied to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Though their last decade has been unsuccessful, their most recent season was a turning point as they made it to the A Divisional game against the ansas ity hiefs. While the Jaguars lost, it prompted people across the city to support the team together and hope for a breakthrough.

“If we all support the Jaguars, it will bring us all together,” said sophomore Sa ad Achikzay. “ aving

a team benefits Jacksonville , especially when we go to stadiums and celebrate together.”

A local professional sports team helps the Jacksonville community be more closely knitted. y wearing Jerseys, hats, or even bracelets, individuals can have an amplitude of ways to represent their favorite team.

“There’s pride that comes with it,” said freshman golfer Justin ilberg. “ ou definitely want to represent your uniform when your team wins .”

Wearing a team uniform is a source of pride for athletes like ilberg. Athletes’ pride in their team translates to a passion for their sport. owever, passion can sometimes cause division through rivalries between teams and their fans.

“Sports can sometimes bring the worst out of people,” said freshman J basketball player Isiah arain.

When watching a sport, spectators can act hostile towards other fans and athletes. onflict

between athletes can affect the crowd, resulting in sometimes violent behavior between rival teams.

“It can cause some naughty words to be said, and actions that should not be acted on,” said senior girls’ lacrosse player Sabrina rown. “ or example , my sophomore year at Wolfson, the entire boys soccer team came out and belittled me as a goalie. That was probably the worst game I’ve ever played.”

ans can end up with strong emotions for their team, which not only affect the mental state of athletes but also their performance. These emotions can be both positive and negative as they get excited for the upcoming game, but also creates added pressure on the players. Whether it’s for a school or for a more recognized professional team, people can develop a sports identity causing pride, passion, and determination while watching their team play.

The soccer ball represents the diverse community created through the worldwide sport.

y AMA I O E O, Staff Writer

Many people have different sports identities depending on what region they live in, thus creating a unique sports culture around the world.

photo by indy Lam

DEVIL’S ADVOCATE

Est. I Stanton ollege reparatory Schoo

2022-2023 Editorial Board

Sarah iott

Ty’ ana Aldridge

Tatum egister

Cameron Kight

Denise Soriano

Jillian Williams

Editor-in-Chief

Managing Editor

usiness Manager

Digital Media Editor

Photography Editor

Layout and Design Editor

iiiiiThe Devil’s Advocate serves as the official newspaper of Stanton ollege reparatory 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 staff, Stanton administration, or the Duval ounty ublic School Board.

iiiiiThe Devil’s Advocate accepts advertisements from all businesses in the Stanton community. The ad contract can be given to a staff member or newspaper adviser Mr. Larry Knight.

iiiii eaders may contact any staff member or the adviser at or at knightl duvalschools.org.

Letter from the Editor

In this third issue of our th production run, hotography Editor Denise Soriano and Associate Photography Editor Spurthi rusimhadevara highlight the importance of public libraries as they provide an open space for residents to study, learn, and grow. This is especially important to Stanton ollege reparatory School students who frequent the library on Myrtle Avenue after school and are able to wait for their parents in a safe place with access to study materials.

The availability of historical information and local documents also allows for extended learning, as discussed in our eatures story, “Who Owns istory ” amely, the Main Library downtown has a collection of documents that one may study and scan to bring home, including photographs, articles, and ournals from several centuries. These primary sources that cannot be found anywhere else are a gateway to unbiased study of Jacksonville’s history. This way, students can learn the unbiased past through timely articles, branching out from the textbooks received at school.

Sadly, libraries are underfunded and often cannot provide necessary technology or renovate when required. More funding is pivotal for the environment and resources libraries give to those who need it.

A New Look on Love

At the mention of the date Feb. 14, people react in a variety of ways. Some are filled with tenderness as they are reminded of their significant other or the group of friends they spend the special day with. Others, on the contrary, may feel indifference, or worse, loneliness and dread at the thought of the holiday. One may experience pressure to find and honor romantic love around this time of year, making it especially difficult for those who feel they do not, or will never, have anybody to spend the day with in the picturesque way it is portrayed.

The importance of Valentine’s Day in American culture has been engrained since youth, with a common experience being required to exchange alentine’s cards with each of one’s classmates. This effort to avoid anyone feeling alone on the day of love seems to foreshadow a similar endeavor in adulthood, and this manifests itself through the pressure many may feel to make the day “perfect.” Movies, TV shows, and many other forms of media display happy couples exchanging chocolates or going out to dinner. On the day itself, social media seems to overflow with endless couple photos. As we are constantly surrounded by alentine’s clich s, the strain can cause us to overlook the day’s true meaning.

According to the dating app Plenty of Fish, a survey on the pressures of dating suggests that of single people feel pressure to be in a relationship during alentine’s Day, and the same percentage see Valentine’s Day as the most stressful holiday. The fact that people who are not in a relationship tend to not be fond of the day celebrating relationships shouldn’t come as a surprise. owever, this feeling of demand extends to those who are coupled as well.

According to the National Retail Federation, the average consumer celebrating alentine’s

Day spends an estimated $175.41 on everything from candy to an evening date. This demonstrates the expectation for partners to spend a considerable amount of money on the day for their significant other, and the pressure to spend money can lead to financial strain. Clearly, Valentine’s Day has come a long way from its humble beginnings.

Believed to have originated as a Christian feast day to honor the Roman saint and martyr, Valentine’s Day has become an important cultural celebration with the goal of recognizing a partner through gifts, dinner, and other romantic activities. owever, many have also chosen to observe the holiday with whom they have close, platonic relationships. Whether this is due to their understanding of the importance of love outside of a typical intimate relationship or because of their current relationship status, this sentiment has allowed the holiday to evolve from its traditional depiction in popular culture to one that recognizes and celebrates many kinds of love.

Among these perspectives, it’s undeniable that alentine’s Day provokes thoughts about the relationships we hold close, whether these be romantic, platonic, or familial. As Valentine’s Day continues to evolve through the widening scope of the definition of love, people need to prioritize the more consistent sources of oy in their life: their close friends, their family, and the one person that will be with them forever themselves. oming to terms with our own being, along with the friends and family we hold close, will bring a peace that cannot come through romantic pursuits. Although easier said than done, it seems to be much more rewarding in the long run to appreciate our more reliable sources of love amidst the constant, and often overwhelming, fluidity of relationships. With this in mind, be kind to yourself this alentine’s Day, and cherish yourself and your loved ones as you, not our society, sees fit.

photo by Anusha Anna

artwork by awi Said

y T E EDITO IAL OA D

The Ethics of True Crime Media

In the eyes of an audience, true crime documentaries are a source of entertainment just like any other movie, show, or podcast. The tragic reality of murder and violence is often overlooked and the victims’ painful journeys are forgotten by the audience and seen as simply part of the plot. Viewers, including students at Stanton College Preparatory School, are so hooked on the atypical story of the crime, they disregard the fact that real individuals had to undergo such tragedies. The focus then begins to shift from the victim’s point of view to the killer’s as filmmakers often idolize them. Filmmakers tend to use true crime stories solely to engage the viewers, forcing victims’ families to relive disturbing experiences after the crime, making such documentaries unethical.

Recently, crime documentaries have risen in popularity as audiences attempt to unravel the mystery of the crime. The etflix miniseries, “Monster The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,” reached over one billion hours viewed, advancing the growing obsession for serial killer programming. However, etflix failed to ask the victims’ families for consent before releasing the show. According to an i er essay written in September 2022 by Rita Isbell, a sister of one of Dahmer’s victims, etflix did not

By SHRAVYA NALLA, Staff Writer

reach out to her about the show before releasing it. An article published in e e r i e in October 2022 also revealed the victims’ families felt bothered and “retraumatized” because scenes in the show recreated disturbing moments, which were then circulated on social media. Matters got worse when Evan eters, who played Dahmer, won a Golden Globe award on Jan. 10, 2023 for Best Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Television Movie. Though this win is huge for Peters and the series’ creators, it can have an increasing impact on the idealization of serial killers as this win glorifies Dahmer even more.

In the entertainment industry, there have been seven films, documentaries, and shows written about Dahmer and his killings. These shows are no longer introducing new evidence about his crimes. Instead, they are causing a resurgence of trauma, conflict, and grief for the victims’ families. Furthermore, the unnecessary portrayal of Dahmer as an “attractive” killer simply adds to the romanticization of serial killers. Directors yan Murphy and Ian Brennan chose to emphasize his confidence by depicting him as an individual who seamlessly killed his victims. This romanticization later spread on social media when users began glorifying Dahmer by calling him “good looking” and focusing on his appearance rather than empathizing with the victims.

Similar to Dahmer’s idealization, serial killer Ted undy was also glamorized in the film, “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and ile.” Starring Zac Efron as Bundy, this movie portrayed him as an attractive individual as he was widely adored by women during his time in court. During his trial in the late 1970s, Bundy received fan mail and marriage proposals from multiple women. Although these real reactions are touched on in the film, the admiration for him was exaggerated. Rather than informing the audience about this adoration and condemning it, this film has the potential to increase the attraction that viewers have to Bundy. It also focused on the depictions of Bundy rather than retelling the heart wrenching stories of his female victims. He was presented as a charismatic individual, which was his way of manipulating women to fall in love with him. owever, the film failed to focus on undy’s killings and glorified his appearance and personality instead.

In addition to crime documentaries, podcasts are also increasing the love for true crime. With popular series ranging from “Serial” to “My avorite Murder,” crime cases are gaining attention from audiences, which filmmakers strive for. Although crime podcasts do sometimes provide justice for the victims and their families, they are often produced only to entertain viewers. reators profit off of crime stories by reiterating the same tragic story in multiple ways, making the victims mere characters and permitting their audiences to ignore the true tragedies that took place.

With a catchy theme song and a personalized narration, the podcast “Serial,” started in October

2014, is packed with entertainment. Having almost 300 million downloads, these intriguing tactics strengthened the viewership of this crime podcast. However, the use of a captivating song can drift the viewers away from the heart of the crime, allowing audiences to forget the reality of the story.

Although “Serial” and similar podcasts are diverting viewers from the true plot of the crime, they can still have a positive impact on the individuals mentioned in the podcast. The growing obsession for “Serial” persuaded the altimore State Attorney’s Office to reinvestigate Adnan Syed’s criminal case involving the murder of Hae Min Lee. This led to Syed being released from prison on Sept. 22, 2022.

Although these series provide the general public with crucial information about the criminal justice system in America and its various cases, creating such a series is not worthwhile as its impact on the victim’s families outweighs the entertainment value of the film. Additionally, portraying the killer in a positive light can glorify the case itself and

draw back from the reality of the crime. Instead, producers should present the killers in a manner that realistically depicts their killings.

While some consume true crime to entertain themselves, others use it to gain knowledge on different crime cases. Though some audiences have good intentions, this media allows them to forget that the victims mentioned are real individuals. While they are so focused on the actors and the plot, they fail to remember the victims were forced to go through cruel circumstances. Unfortunately, it is very unlikely true crime media creators will stop using the genre as a way to gain money and fame. Because of this, audiences should take responsibility for the consumption of crime content. They should not believe everything they see in films, as producers often shift the plot to fit the audience. If the morality of true crime media is questionable then it should not be watched as it is likely for the film to be problematic. ltimately, it is both the audience’s and the content creator’s responsibility to make sure true crime media does not surpass their moral limitations.

photo by Spurthi Nrusimhadevara

infographic by Zoey Larson