25 minute read
BATTLEGROUND
Danyal and Katie debate whether the United States should forgive student loan debt on a federal level, an idea which has gained traction as student loan burdens increase and payment continues to be difficult.
Danyal Jawed
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While campaigning back in March of 2020, President Biden announced his intention to relieve a minimum of $10,000 in student loan debt per borrower. And recently, lawmakers have been pushing Biden to take his generosity one step further and forgive $50,000 per person for the over 43 million borrowers. But the idea of this “forgiveness” sounds much better in theory than in practice. According to an analysis done by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Biden’s original $10,000 plan would cost the government $321 billion. And according to the CRFB, a full debt cancellation would cost $1.6 trillion. With the Biden administration’s extensive pandemic relief spending as well as the $30 trillion dollars in federal debt reported by the Treasury, loan forgiveness would only exacerbate the country’s own debt crisis. And in doing so, borrowers will not be as relieved as one might expect.
With the government subsidizing student loan debt, it is reasonable to expect an increase in the cost of attendance at colleges and universities. Additionally, the temporary relief provided by the bandage that is student loan forgiveness would quickly fade, with the CRFB projecting student debt returning to its current level by 2025.
What may last though are the negative economic repercussions. Debt cancellation would lead to a substantial increase in the spending ability of former debt-bearers. A total debt cancellation, the CRFB reports, would lead to a 10-50 point increase in our 40 year high inflation rate. So while the idea of relieving the burden borne by our nation’s students may seem beneficial, we must also consider the implications of government intervention at such a scale.
With forgiveness not having any elements of sustainability and giving rise to more issues for the United States’ economy, the Biden administration should not hastily cancel any portion of debt for every single borrower.
Katie Parkins of higher education has been increasing. The political discussion of eliminating student loan debt on a federal level has parallelly become more driven, with proponents such as Rep. Cori Bush and Sen. Elizabeth Warren taking the lead. President Biden should eliminate student loan debt for those who attend private institutions, because it would properly boost the economy and lead to a more socially fulfilled country. President Biden should enact greater student loan forgiveness for people who attended public universities because it will generate healthy economic growth. Student loan debt is burdening the economy. Per the Federal Reserve, there is “a significant and economically meaningful correlation” between holding student loan debt and owning a failing business. The impacts domino from there: failing businesses mean unemployment rises, consumer spending decreases, burdening the country, fulfilling In 2010, Americans owed a combined $845 billion in student loan debt. their career aspirations while boosting economic revenue. When a select group of people cannot take part in the economy, the While this number is incomprehensibly economy weakens. daunting, in no way does it compare to the Secondly, forgiving student loan debt $1.71 trillion owed in 2020. Whether it’s due will lead to a more socially fulfilled country. to rising demand, increased financial aid Student loan debt delays life-fulfilling opportunities, or pure greed from those at milestones such as marriage, buying a house, the top of prestigious institutions, the cost and saving for retirement.The President has
4| Current Events the unique ability to grant people quicker access to a more fulfilled life. He can do this in two ways: firstly, he can just plainly wipe loan debt away; secondly, he can allow people to file for bankruptcy for a new start, which is currently impossible due to an 18th century law. By opening avenues to forgive student loan debt, President Biden would cultivate a more productive, happier country.
While the economic and social benefits of student loan debt forgiveness are enticing, opponents argue that student debt reaches the important principle of financial responsibility. In fact, a 2020 survey revealed that almost half of Americans believe that forgiving student loan debt is a slap in the face to those who have responsibly worked to pay off their debts. However, it is unrealistic to trust an 18 year old student’s judgment and economic choices. These students are often deluded by possible salaries, or are simply naive teenagers who do not understand the consequences of student loan debt. We have the power and the ability to free people from the weight of financial debt, a weight that they probably did not even understand. Biden should forgive student loan debt in order to stimulate the economy, create a fulfilled population, and ease the burden placed on naive teens.
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by Killian Hughes designed by Mara Severts
Twitter Takeover
Elon Musk plans to buy Twitter and convert it into a private company
First off, we have some tech news. Elon Musk announced in late April that he intends to buy Twitter, a publicly traded technology company, and take it private. Although there was no clear plan at the time for how he was going to finance the deal, money has begun to flow in. Musk is joining his own cash investment with several loans acquired from big banks and with funds from investors ranging from billionaires Marc Andreessen and Larry Ellison to the Binance cryptocurrency exchange.
According to the New York Times, Musk has been light on details for his ultimate plan, and has mostly stressed that Twitter will become a more free speech friendly platform. In fact, according to a Reuters article, Musk has said that profitability is not his main concern, and instead he wants to spend the next stage of Twitter ’ s development turning it into a “public square” where users can speak their mind more freely.
Many, including Twitter ’s founder and former CEO Jack Dorsey, have voiced their approval of Musk’s takeover, and say that this redirection is what the company needs to realize its full potential. Critics say that Musk’ s removal of moderation from the platform is going to increase the amount of hate speech that occurs on Twitter, and that dangerous users will have more of a platform to make inflammatory statements.
As the issue gets more heated, students at Central will ultimately have to make the choice of whether to stay on Twitter, leave the site, or sign up for an account. This experiment, whether it succeeds or fails, will likely have large ripple effects across all of the social media platforms Central students use, and the results of Musk’s takeover will likely impact the way students interact with each other online.
Courtesy of Wiki Commons
Interest Rates Roe v Wade
The Federal Reserve hikes interst rates and markets tumble
Next, we have some big news in the economy. On May 4, 2022, the Federal Reserve announced that it would be hiking interest rates a half percent in order to dampen inflation. The hope is to decrease demand through limiting the funds available to lenders, which would lower the inflationary pressure placed on supplychain stressed suppliers.
According to Axios, the market initially received the news well, closing up 3.2% on May 4, but the next day they closed down 3.6% in the worst day for US markets since the beginning of the pandemic. Markets have been trending downwards since the start of 2022, and if May 5 is any indication, the Fed’ s planned interest rate hikes are going to continue to simultaneously drive down inflation and worry markets.
Finally, we have some shocking news from the Judiciary. On May 3, 2022, POLITICO obtained an unreleased majority opinion by Justice Samuel Alito and published the document, exposing a clear signal that the court intends to overturn the historic 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. Overturning the decision would mean returning the power to legislate around abortion to states, instead of enforcing the blanket abortion legalization handed down in Roe.
The decision will come as the Supreme Court runs through one of its most conservative eras in recent history, with a 6-3 Republican majority. Now, the contentious issue will likely be passed down to the state level, where Republicans and Democrats will re-brandish half century old pitchforks.
The issue will be particularly contentious because of the enormous amount of “middle ground” voters that still remain, which is becoming increasingly rare in divided partisan politics. As Five Thirty-Eight reports, a recent meta-analysis of abortion polling found that between 55% and 65% of Americans are in a sort of abortion “ gray zone,” where they neither completely oppose nor completely support the practice. This middle section of Americans is large enough to spur intense partisan fighting, and it is likely that abortion will once again return to the Illinois state level as a decisive issue in elections.
Leaked Supreme Court documents reveal probable Roe v Wade coup
Courtesy of Wiki Commons
Current Events | 5
Can you please spell...
HC Drama put on its spring musical in April
by Advocate Staff Designed by Mara Severts Photos provided by Susie Jaffe
On April 22 and 23, Hinsdale Central Drama put on its final performance with a showing of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a comedic musical. The musical included an ensemble cast of 18 students, 25 crew and 30 orchestra members.
Based on a book by Rachel Sheinkin with lyrics by William Finn, the musical entails the story of a fictional spelling bee at a Putnam Middle School. The plot of the musical delves into the personal lives and backstories of the eccentric spellers.
“This musical was a perfect fit for giving an ensemble experience to our cast, a fun score for our orchestra, and tells a relatable story about the pressure to be perfect in a competitive world,” said Susie Jaffe, musical director and English teacher.
Jaffe and assistant Erin Lundin, English teacher, directed the show with Matt Goeke who directed the orchestra. They also worked with Central graduate Peter Bromann who was the vocal director, auditorium manager of Central, Charlie Cooper, as the technical director, and Melody Rowland as choreographer.
The performers began rehearsing for the show in February, with the crew being a part of the rehearsals after school as well. With a running time of 90 minutes and two acts, much was accomplished in what was a shorter musical.
“My favorite thing about being assistant director was being able to watch the show grow from simply a concept into a hilarious performance from all characters,” Lundin said.
With jokes and singing making the audience laugh, the musical included many moments of joy.
“It made me laugh a lot because the cast was so energetic and they sang so well; the talent was amazing,” said Simrah Qasim, junior. “It wasn’t even like they were playing characters. It was like them on stage as themselves. And at one point they brought up Mr. [Chris] Kostro (English teacher) to the stage in an impromptu moment and it was funny because he didn’t know the word for the spelling bee.”
While this was the last show of the season, HC Drama will return to the stage for its September show.
- SIMRAH QASIM
Sophomores Max Zhu (503), Miete Morris (284), Caroline Walsh (036), and Quinn Stromburg (in green) take part in the spelling bee competition during this spring’s musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
6 | Daily Devil
Booting up for Learning
How students handle Chromebook issues
by Kendall Florence Design by Mara Severts Illustrated by Mara Severts
Every year, freshmen across District 86 get new Chromebooks that they use all four years of high school and get to keep when they graduate.
The fee to acquire a Chromebook is $175; the fee also includes software licenses, GoGuardian, HAC management fees, as well as Canvas.
The Introductional Innovation Coach (IIC) and the district administration both have a part in choosing what Chromebooks are issued to freshmen yearly.
Technology specialist at Hinsdale Central, Sam Norris, said, “We take into account price, features, and durability when deciding what Chromebook to provide freshmen.”
This year, freshmen were issued the Dell Chromebooks. Norris also said that about 1,100 Chromebooks are ordered every year to provide for all the freshmen in the district and also have spares to exchange for Chromebooks that are damaged or broken.
These Chromebooks usually cost about $300 each. “The district actually gets a really good deal because the Chromebooks are bought in bulk,” Norris said.
Many students enjoy the convenience of having a Chromebook issued to them.
“I think it’s great because you also get a discount since the school buys them in bulk,” said Roslyn Thomas, senior. “[Chromebooks] also give all students access [to the internet and assignments].”
Hinsdale Central also offers a studentrun help desk for Chromebook/technology issues called the Technology Support Internship (TSI) in room 502. This class teaches students to repair Chromebooks and better understand technology.
Students in the class are able to help other students with their Chromebook issues. Some common problems that they can help with include keyboard and screen repair, battery replacement, and providing loaners to students with dead batteries.
The most common issue they face is trouble connecting to Wi-Fi. In this case, Norris advises students to shut down their Chromebooks and restart them, as that usually fixes the problem.
Some issues that cannot be fixed are water damages, a lost or stolen Chromebook, or a lost charger. Under these circumstances, the students will be charged for a new Chromebook or charger.
The Dell Chromebooks that were distributed to freshmen this year are also planned to be used next fall for the Class of 2026.
According to Norris, “They have been very durable and easy to work with for students.”
The durability will certainly be tested at the end of the year for Thomas, as she notes she plans to chuck hers off of a roof, maybe.
- SAM NORRIS
Daily Devil | 7
Infographic | 9
One Event at a Time
Looking into the specifics of Hinsdale Central’s Student Council
by Rachel Brugge Design by Mara Severts Photos Provided by Sally Philip
Students begin whispering about something fun happening in the new student commons. Some dismiss the excitement and think it’s not true. But as others clamor down the new steps to the commons area, making their way to the cafeteria, they can’t help but hear the uproar of laughter and encouragement around them. There are clusters of students surrounding various points in the student commons. What they are clustering around is hard to see. All they can hear is: “I almost got it! Hurry! It’s coming! Come on! You can do this!”
And then a bellowing “Yes!” echoes off the floor to ceiling windows as a student breaks away to high five friends. Then it’s clear. The whispers were true. Standing in front of the student is a retro Pac Man arcade game. Glancing around the room, the other arcade games come into view with the familiar digital music of triumph.
This pleasant surprise on a Wednesday morning on April 27 reflected the creative minds of the student council.
Every March, student council elections for the upcoming school year take place. And freshman, sophomores and juniors campaign for those limited positions. But what is the actual role of these elected students in the school community?
When you think of student council you may typically think of the high school movie version where students run with specific agendas in mind like putting healthier options in the cafeteria or changing the dress code to allow girls to wear shorter shorts and skirts. The stereotypical student council works with the actual school faculty and board to change rules to better favor the students. But, the student council at Hinsdale Central is definitely different.
Student council at Hinsdale Central is made up of the president, vice president, secretary, public relations representatives, school board liaison, social chairs, as well as the specific class presidents and senators, along with the sponsors Mrs. Kristen Bronke and Mrs. Sally Phillip. “The thing I enjoy most about sponsoring student council is working with a variety of students from all grade levels,” Phillip said. “[The students] come up with ideas to support the entire student body and not just their own friends and I love that. We work hard in student council
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to make sure that we are developing plans for all students and to remember that ideas might start with you but are not about you–they are about the greater good and entire school.”
Shrihan Atluri, a current junior class senator that will be continuing his role next year as well, explains some of the responsibilities that the student council has.
“We mostly help plan school spirit days and help think of ideas for what the student council can do to help the school community,” Atluri said. “For example, about a month ago we passed out snacks before school to help boost school morale.”
The entire council meets once a week, while the executive board members meet twice a week.
“Depending on what we have, like if we have an event like Mr. Hinsdale or the variety show, we have to work those events as well, [such as] selling tickets at lunch,” Atluri said.
Carter Knotts, a current junior class senator and next year’s student body vice president, explains that some of the most recent student council events have been banana split day, where they served banana split ice cream sundaes during all of the lunch periods, and the St. Patrick’s Day bingo, where they led each lunch period in a game of bingo.
“Banana split day was a big success,” Knotts said. “I think that we used to do it before Covid. But obviously a lot of stuff changed with regulations. So, we brought that back.”
A big goal this year included adding days to get students excited and happy to be here. This is why the retro arcade game at the end of April became a reality. It was simply an opportunity for students to break away from everyday routine and studying to have a moment of play.
“We [also organized] a Cubs and Sox day on May 3 where students wore and represented their favorite sports team,” Knotts said.
However, to the rest of the student body, it’s not always clear what the student council does.
“I know when they run for elections they say that they are going to make the school better, but all I really see them do is plan events,” said Kaya Hemmer, sophomore.
But Hemmer was quick to point out her appreciation for the events.
“Events like root beer float day or pajama day are fun because it’s something you don’t usually do. And it’s usually around the time when people are getting discouraged, like from finals or AP tests,” Hemmer said.
The student council elections at
Hinsdale Central are also a really big deal. There are strict deadlines for campaigning and applications, and the process is overall tedious.
“You have to send in a video and an application to basically explain why you want to be involved in the student council. And then the rest is your own campaigning,” Knotts said.
The campaigning tactics have evolved to reflect the times. Many candidates use popular apps to get messaging out to their prospective voters.
“Recently there has been a lot of social media campaigning because you are able to reach the most people,” Knotts said. “In the past there have been a lot of posters in the hallways but now people just walk through the hallways on their phones, so you might as well post on social media.”
Although the student council may not be the stereotypical student council, they have control and say over events that take place at school that are relatively important to the majority of the student body.
The social chair representatives have the responsibility of leading and planning pep rallies and leading the student section at sporting events. While the presidents have their own responsibilities of planning and working on class events like class t-shirts and prom.
“I think it’s important that the people
Students use arcade games in the commons on April 27, organized by Student Council for (Throwback Day).
that you want to be on the student council and the executive board are on it,” Hemmer said.
Due to the influence these students have on major school events, student voters matter when determining the atmosphere and future events of the school. And as the year comes to a close, these leaders will be hard at work planning for a fun open in the fall.
“I am most looking forward to watching these new leaders develop and come into their own. I love the beginning of a new group of leaders because of all the new ideas and energy,” Phillip said. “We have a great group of new leaders and they have so many ideas [for next school year].”
Profile | 11
Constructing a Better Future
New changes and construction mirror shifts in student perspectives. by Annmarie Koziel designed by Christine Leung
Features | 13 Features | 13
The continuous sound of buzzing and drilling invade the classroom space, causing some students to glance towards the windows. The teacher continues with her lesson, accustomed to the momentary disruptions. But then yelling from the courtyard makes the teacher chuckle as she tells her students, “I wonder what they’re up to now.” Peering down from the second story window, the teacher sees a construction crew scrabbling to fit new windows in open spaces on a brick wall. By the next day the windows are all in place and the brick wall looks complete.
Now the humming can be attributed to the brick path being paved.
For the past few years, construction has been the talk of Hinsdale Central. In April of 2019 District 86 voters approved a referendum to improve, update, and maintain South’s and Central’s campuses, and since then there have been shorter hallways, new sections, mud pits and updated classrooms. The general consensus on this construction is positive. People are excited to get to use updated facilities and are willing to deal with some inconveniences to get there.
Recently, the “student commons” was opened to students to use before and after school and during free periods.
The response to updates like the commons (already dubbed the “learning staircase” by many students) and new office spaces has been overall positive.
“They look really nice, and it could be a good space for students to unwind during their day, maybe socialize a little bit,“ said Amy Chen, sophomore.
Though it is still relatively new, students have begun using the learning commons as a place to get together before school (much like how the cafeteria was already being used).
Along with a space to pass time with friends, this area is also meant to provide a study space and, as Chen mentioned, a space to “unwind.” Areas like the commons and the newly updated offices and classrooms will, ideally, help students to find the best way/place for them to focus, collaborate, socialize, etc.
Some students, however, are underwhelmed by the updates. Some argue that the student commons is unnecessary when students already use spaces like the cafeteria and library for similar purposes.
But many are much more optimistic about the impacts of these changes.
“The new space allows for more collaboration and socialization throughout the school day. While it is still early and the space has only been open for a few weeks, it appears that people have been able to take
advantage of the additional meeting spaces in order to foster positive study habits and further friendships and connections,” said Peter Hutcheon, school social worker.
In addition to the student commons, classrooms and office spaces have been updated. This makes them “much more ADA accessible and spacious,” according to Hutcheon.
These new areas are meant to facilitate learning for everyone, and where they’ve
14 | Features
been implemented, they’ve been met with positive feedback.
“The additional office spaces are great and have made student meetings and groups a lot easier to schedule,” said Hutcheon, also mentioning that they promote collaboration and teamwork.
The extent of these spaces’ effect remains to be seen, and it will probably be different for everyone. Many people find that a new environment is a great place to hone in on work or to collaborate with peers, but others will probably have to find what works for them. For most people, though, it’s worth it to find that space.
“In general, I know that having one’s own space to study and learn can have a great impact. In the past, I’ve heard students of mine tell me that going to their local library helps them focus. For others, it’s a coffee shop,” said Zaina Abdin, English teacher. “We all thrive in a different kind of environment and the impact of that is greater than some think.”
Over the past few years, people all over the world have struggled with mental health and motivation, arguably more than ever before.
According to a 2021 Penn State study, of roughly 43,000 students who sought mental health services, 68% said it was due to lack of motivation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Echoing this sentiment, Hinsdale Central has done various surveys and has held monthly social emotional learning lessons to reach students, especially those who have struggled with mental health after returning to campus.
With this in mind, having a space, such as the student commons, offers more opportunity for students to break away from academics so that they can engage in face to face socialization.
When considering how the new commons encourages students to be with each other, Hutcheon said, “Students are feeling an increased sense of connection with peers and adults and that is leading to improved mental health overall.”
Other aspects of the construction that have kept students in mind is the design of the courtyard. The old courtyard included a dated pond that some said looked too artificial.
“Since some kids ate lunch out there it made them lose their appetite because some students would throw garbage into [the pond], including a shoe,” said Rania Arain, senior.
This time around, the new design incorporates landscaping, a brick path and updated fountain. When completed the courtyard will include multiple benches and tables for students to eat lunch and study.
-Rania Arain
“[The courtyard] has been cut in half with the new student service edition; it now has new concrete and a new patio that will have student seating out there. There will hopefully be new seating by August,” said Ryan Maita, Assistant Principal for Operations. “There will be a path with a water feature, with benching and seating there. There is also some landscape, new trees and bushes to bring some greenery to the campus.”
The next step in the construction includes finishing up a new main entrance that will be on Grant Street. Maita said this should also be done by fall, with other projects completed in time for the return of students to campus.
“ This summer the cafeteria and kitchen and library will be completely remodeled and redesigned. The tech ed wing in the basement will be blown out and opened up with all new labs and shop classes,” Maita said. “The old counselor office will become a community room, like a conference room. Coming out of the basement, what is currently the black and white photo labs, that will be brought upstairs to the second floor, near room 216.”
According to Maita, another exciting area students can look forward to will include a new fine arts entrance, with a plaza out in front. He mentioned that it will be similar to learning stairs where students can sit and socialize.
“There will be a mezzanine that will have an overhang with benches where students can sit,” Maita said. “Our music classes will use that outdoor space to perform. It will be a flex space too where teachers will be able to bring classes out.”
So, while the drilling and occasional banging interrupted classes throughout the year, the new spaces will give students a respite from the traditional classroom.
“[My favorite space] is the student commons. It is something that pretty much everybody walks through once a day; it is awesome to know what that was and now seeing students using the space, collaborating, socializing,” Maita said. “Even seeing some teachers using that space has been pretty neat.”
Features | 15
