V37 Issue 6

EAGLE

Stuck at home Students continue online learning due to COVID-19, mental health is affected, pages 12-13 LOOKING THROUGH THE GLASS Trapped from the outside world, junior Grace Knudson has rarely left her house since the last day of school on March 12. Online school and training at home has kept her busy, but her stress has increased due to not knowing what the future holds and an increased workload. “I understand it is really important to stay at home, especially because my grandmother lives with my family,” she said. “But, I want my old life back.” photo by Riley Breaux

May 15, 2020 Vol. 37 • Issue 6 Episcopal School of Dallas

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Spring sports teams lose rest of season due to pandemic Senior captains deal with the news, coaches and athletes reflect on seasons of years past

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News source impacts outlook on COVID-19

Tensions arise between reopening the economy and prioritizing public health, saving lives Online or in person?

Editors debate whether online school is beneficial or harmful to students’ quality of education

News

2

Eagle Edition // May 15, 2020

Governor Greg Abbott lifts stay at home order Abbott announces plan to gradually reopen Texas economy amidst pandemic

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INITIATIVES LIKE OPENING UP RESTAURANTS TO 25 PERCENT CAPACITY WILL NOT REAP GAINS DRAMATIC ENOUGH TO ADEQUATELY PAY WORKERS AND RENT AND STIMULATE THE TEXAS ECONOMY, BUT THEY WILL ADEQUATELY PUT WORKER’S LIVES AT RISK Ava Thompson, junior

story by

luke mccabe

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n April 27, Governor Greg Abbott announced the expiration of the Shelterin-Place on April 30 and his ‘Open Texas’ plan to reopen and stimulate the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only around 9 percent of jobs with low earnings can be continued over the internet.

With this data in mind, Abbott controversially saw saving Texans from unemployment and poverty as a greater threat than COVID-19.

Abbott plans to further open Texas in the coming weeks with extreme care despite rising concerns over growing reported cases.

“It is a good thing that Texas is starting to open up its shops and restaurants,” junior Henry Hobson said. “Those who still have the opportunity to shelter in place can now support local businesses and the economy by ordering takeout and dining in restaurants, and those who need to work to feed their families in these hard times now have the choice.”

Abbott claims to have made plans to safely execute this shift. He, along with the Texas Department of State Health Services, has implemented minimum standard health protocols, including a 25 percent capacity cap for most businesses and special guidelines

OUT AND ABOUT Citizens line up outside of Home Depot in Dallas after the expiration of the Shelter-in-Place order in a socially distanced line.

Home Depot and other retail stores are required to operate at 25 percent of their normal capacity in an effort to slow the spread of the virus. photo by Lauren Weber

dramatic enough to adequately pay for individuals and facilities with workers and rent and stimulate citizens above 65 years of age. With the Texas economy, but they will precautions in place and testing adequately put workers’ lives at programs improving, Abbott felt it risk. Texas should not become was time to open up. He announced complacent in preventable mass this in a tweet on April 27. death in the name of dubious “Now it’s time to set a new economic benefits.” course,” Abbott The Texas tweeted. “A course “NOW IT’S TIME government and that responsibly TO SET A NEW medical response opens up business COURSE. A teams have realized in Texas.”

COURSE THAT that flare ups due to With malls, RESPONSIBLY this announcement movie theaters, OPENS UP would ensue, and they restaurants BUSINESS IN are working toward and retailers TEXAS.” creating surge teams to opening up in tackle outbreaks and Texas, citizens keep the Shelter-inare permitted Greg Abbott, Place order suspended to leave their Texas Governor and Texans working houses and return for wages. to some jobs. In “I think that Abbott sees the addition, hair salons and other economy as the number one beauty services reopened on May 8, priority when it really should be and gyms, offices and nonessential the at risk citizens who could lose manufacturers are allowed to reopen their lives by this pandemic,” junior on May 18.

Jake Griffin said.

“I think this order “I don’t think opening should be seen as a continuation prematurely will help the economy,” of the shelter in place orders for junior Ava Thompson said. those who can without economic “This past week—the week after hardship. People still need to Governor Abbot’s decision—Dallas continue washing hands, social experienced more positive cases distancing, and making an effort to than ever before. Initiatives like flatten the curve.” opening up restaurants to 25 However, the economy truly percent capacity will not reap gains

does pose a large problem for the future. Chairman of the Federal Reserve Jerome Powell stated that as the federal government and state governments argue about how to go about transitioning back into a normal economy, unemployment and investor confidence will dip.

“While the economic response has been both timely and appropriately large, it may not be the final chapter, given that the path ahead is both highly uncertain and subject to significant downside risks,” Powell said in a recent interview with the New York Times. “Since the answers are currently unknowable, policies will need to be ready to address a range of possible outcomes.”

Whatever the outcome of this pandemic, Texas and the entire U.S. are committed to aiding citizens in economic times of need and health needs.

“The state of Texas is strong; our people, resilient,” Abbott said in a recent twitter post. “As we have seen in years past, when tested by fire, flood, or hurricane, Texans respond with resilience and calm resolve. Just as we overcame those challenges, we will overcome this one...I have no doubt that Texans will continue to work together in that spirit over the coming days and weeks.”

Around the world Around the world is a compilation of significant global events selected by news editor Gina Montagna

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Kim Jong-un health confusion

Over the past few weeks, many articles published contradicting reports regarding the North Korean leader’s health, which even sparked rumors of Jong-un’s death. Chinese and South Korean reporters claimed that he underwent heart surgery. However, there is still no confirmed evidence in regard to Jong-un’s health.

Chemical gas leak in India

An LG factory in Visakhapatnam faced a gas leak overnight that left 11 dead and 340 injured. Despite the factory being shut since March, a gas fog, now known to be styrene, infiltrated the nearby village. The locals were evacuated and sought medical care to treat the inhalation of the toxic gas.

photo courtesy of Time.com

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Iraq’s Prime Minister Chosen

Mustafa-al-Kadhimi was chosen as Iraq’s next prime minister after having an absent government since the last prime minister’s resignation in November 2019. Both the U.S. and Iran seem to support al-Kadhimi and are beginning to discuss issues like COVID-19 and U.S.’s military presence in Iraq.

News //

Eagle Edition // May 15, 2020

3

Students create COVID-19 fundraisers to help local nonprofits story by

katherine mote

The participants raised money by asking friends and family to sponsor them and totaled $1,900, which equates tudents have found new ways to over 5,700 meals provided by the to help local nonprofits and North Texas Food Bank. With food global organizations while becoming difficult to obtain because social distancing by increasing of financial issues, this donation helps involvement through online or thousands of locals in need of food. virtual events and starting their own “Although we have not been physically fundraisers within the community. able to serve the community since spring Community Service Director break, a lot of the students have taken the Courtney Phelps said that students opportunity to get creative and find ways have done a lot for the community to support organizations they’ve always and that they are still continuing to supported or found new organizations serve. to help,” Phelps said. “[We have] tried “It hasn’t been a big shift as far as our best to use ourselves and what we what our students are willing to do can physically do from still being safe in because of the stay at home order,” our homes to be able to still support the Phelps said. “It just limits their community.” interaction a bit. The willingness to Fundraising still go out and campaigns are popular help people is still “IT’S REALLY NO there.”

SURPRISE THAT OUR because students can promote them remotely.

Junior Laura COMMUNITY WAS Junior Lily Yandell Gillies, an avid READY TO JUMP joined in by starting a rower, started a RIGHT IN AND SERVE fundraiser called Lily’s fundraiser on April EVEN THOUGH IT COVID Relief. To 11 to benefit the WASN’T IN THE WAY raise money, she makes North Texas Food THEY ANTICIPATED.” photo edits, poems, and Bank called Row drawings for others. She Away Corona.

Courtney Phelps, has received support She has been a Community Service from her classmates and member of the Director friends through social crew team for media and word of three years and mouth. gained inspiration from the local “[The written pieces are] simple things need for accessible food and the that people would want to buy, so I made rising unemployment rates, leaving an Instagram account to market these many North Texans facing financial things and so people can see what their struggles. options are,” Yandell said. “It’s a small “I’m a part of the North Texas way that I can do my part, and since Food Bank Young Advocates most of my followers have been from the Council, so I already do a lot with ESD community, it’s made it a good way them,” Gillies said. “I love rowing, to donate in a fun setting.” [so] I decided to create a fundraiser She personally curates poems and to raise money for the food bank written work in exchange for proof while also social distancing and of a donation to the World Health staying active.”

Organization. She chose to donate to the The crew team and their parents World Health Organization’s COVID-19 participated in a 12-hour rowing Solidarity Response Fund because of challenge where each participant their greater worldwide impact, emphasis worked out for 30-minute on a cure and their assistance in third increments by either running, world countries. biking, or rowing before the next The community and students have member would pick up at the time been able to uphold the founding tenet they left off. of community service even through this “I came up with the 12-hour difficult time. [rowing challenge] so we could “The students, staff, and faculty are encourage each other and also get always ready to help in times of crisis,” exercise,” Gillies said. “I have seen a Phelps said. “It’s really no surprise that lot of other people create their own our community was ready to jump right fundraisers, or at least try to, and in and serve even though it wasn’t in the I wanted to help because it’s really way they anticipated.” important right now.”

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ROWING REMEDY After the rowing fundraiser, junior Laura Gillies created a poster to show everyone who contributed to COVID-19 relief project she began. The crew team along with some parents and faculty came together to raise $1,912, or the equivalent of 5736 meals for the North Texas Food Bank. “I’m a part of the North Texas Food Bank Young Advocates Council, so I already do a lot with them,” Gillies said. “I love rowing, [so] I decided to create a fundraiser to raise money for the food bank while also social distancing and staying active.” poster courtesy of Laura Gillies

CELEBRATING FROM A DISTANCE On May 8, senior Isabella Phister and her dad drive through a celebration for the seniors. With most senior traditions either delayed or modified, this was a way to safely honor the seniors. “The parade was so much fun because I loved seeing everyone’s decorated cars with their colleges and seeing my teachers who I missed,” Phister said. photo courtesy of Caryn Rossiter

End-of-year traditions modified due to COVID-19 Annual celebrations such as Pass it On become virtual or postponed to preserve traditions through the pandemic story by

alexandra warner & grace worsham

different dates. The options are to because the beginning of the have it during the senior breakfast year is so busy. It would be on the first day of school or to really hard to move some of fit it into graduation week, since these to the beginning.” ith the coronavirus the juniors will be going to Prom.

Even though the pandemic forcing The juniors were also delivered administration is working school to remain rings and ring cards on April 24 to preserve these traditions, online for the remainder of by faculty and parents, who were seniors are struggling with the year, traditions such as each assigned an area to deliver the unexpected ending of the graduation, Pass it On and Prom to.

This helped to uphold the ring school year. have been modified. ceremony tradition and keep the “I remember I signed out the “We want to stay positive community connected. last day before Spring break,” about what we can do,” Head of “The feeling of community and senior Annie Walker said. “If Upper School Henry Heil said. connectivity… has really driven we would’ve known it was our “We also want to make sure that me and inspired me because that last time [at the school], we we are trying to pick out what is what’s so special about ESD,” probably all would’ve soaked is most important and what is Burke said.

“My goal… is to it up more...There are a lot of doable and trying to focus on make sure that kids are having the traditions that happen in May that.” best possible experience given the and April for seniors, so it’s A graduation week for the circumstances.” really sad we don’t get to have seniors has been arranged to take Milestone Mondays is a virtual [these traditions], but we’ll place from July 11-18. In a poll, series that has been made to definitely be remembered for the administration asked them mimic ceremonies and events that. I think we are all trying which traditions they would like that were traditionally planned to come together and find to incorporate to this week. Now, to occur at the end of the school different ways to do those Prom is scheduled to take place year.

This series things.” on July 11 followed by graduation “MY GOAL IS has been a The whole rehearsal at the Morton H. TO MAKE SURE helpful tool to community Meyerson Symphony Center and THAT KIDS ARE has been a Rally Day on the 15. The senior honor students HAVING THE for their affected by parent dinner is on the calendar achievements the pandemic, BEST POSSIBLE for July 16, Baccalaureate on the in academics, and many 17 and the week will culminate EXPERIENCE the arts, members with graduation on Saturday the GIVEN THE athletics, 18.

CIRCUMSTANCES.” are trying to leadership and stay positive.

“We polled the seniors because service.

Although these we didn’t want to assume that Ruth Burke, “I love traditions are we felt something was more Associate Head Milestone being altered, important than something else...,” of School Mondays seniors and Heil said. “We are trying to be because it is other students realistic about what’s important a community event that people have more to look forward to to the school and trying to align can watch as a family,” Heil said. in their future years of school. that with what’s important to “It is important to celebrate our “There is a silver lining at students.” successes...in the classroom, on the end of the day that they Senior members of the Student the athletic fields, in the arts and are going to college and that’s Council and eighth grade in the community.

We do a nice super fun,” alumni Hattie leaders have partnered with the job of recognizing students who Browning said. “They will administration to work on Pass do all those things well.” make so many good friends, it On. It has been planned to Deciding what to do while and it will be even more be virtual, but they hope to be honoring the values of the exciting to come back for able to gather in small groups of community has not been easy. holidays and have reunions. seniors and eighth graders to have The communications department But, you have grown up with the lighting and passing of the and administration are trying these people for 10-15 years, candle. to listen to everyone’s feedback; and it was all just kind of “We are moving forward with however, some of these can not halted. I hope they are able Pass it On while honoring the be met. to rectify and knowing ESD, tradition of [it],” Associate Head “Some folks have suggestions I don’t doubt they will do of School Ruth Burke said. “We about delaying the ceremony or something special for the are being creative on how we can tradition until next year,” Burke seniors.” deliver that.” said.

“We really have not been The Junior Blue and Yellow Shirt Day could occur on several able to honor that suggestion just

W

4

Eagle Edition // May 15, 2020

// News

School-wide drug tests completed

graphic by

luke mccabe

Testing process and results create questions for administrators story by

emily lichty

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THE OVERALL ORGANIZATION OF THE TESTING WAS WELL DONE BECAUSE THERE WASN'T ANY MAJOR CHAOS....THE PERSON WHO CUT MY HAIR WAS VERY NICE, WHICH MADE THE SITUATION BETTER BECAUSE I HAD SOMEONE TO TALK TO. Bridget Wang, freshman

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he results of the Upper School-wide mandatory drug tests of both students and faculty in March were released, while the announcement of the statistics have been postponed due to COVID-19.

The new drug testing program, announced in November, was implemented to help protect the safety and well-being of students by reducing drug abuse.

Hair samples from upper school students and faculty were collected from March 9-11 by Psychemedics Corporation for analysis.

According to a May 4 poll of 143 students, 55 percent of students found the testing to be a positive experience.

“I didn’t really know what to expect so my [drug testing] experience wasn’t too bad,” freshman Bridget Wang said. “The overall organization of the testing was well done because there wasn’t any major chaos… the person who cut my hair was very nice, which made the situation better because I had someone to talk to throughout.”

Students and faculty were each assigned 15-minute time slots during their free time to visit the weight room for testing and samples of approximately 1.5 inches of hair were cut by trained hair stylists. When hair couldn’t be taken from a student’s head, body hair was collected. Sophomore Nia Bethea had her arm hair shaved for testing to protect her braids and hopes that a different method for testing will be used in the future for a more positive experience.

were replaced with anonymous “The only option was to dry numbers. Due to the situation shave my arms because I didn’t surrounding COVID-19, the have hair anywhere else, and I got release of the statistics has been pretty bad razor burns on both postponed. arms,” Bethea said. “I normally “I just don't feel like, have my hair up, so hair testing is considering the current going to continue to be a struggle circumstances, now is the right for me...I hope they find a more time to release [the drug testing] effective way to do this in the information,” Head of Upper future, because I know a lot School Henry Heil of people weren’t “OUR GOAL, OF said. “The results happy with how it went.”

COURSE, IS THAT were very good and For the first IN CONJUNCTION I am incredibly pleased with our round of drug WITH A ROBUST low positive rate. testing, student EDUCATION It is clear that a results were PROGRAM, WE large majority of released only to ARE ABLE TO our community their parents.

HELP STUDENTS are taking good Junior student BETTER MANAGE care of themselves parent Julie Bagley STRESS AND and our efforts to supports student ANXIETY AND increase awareness and faculty drug AVOID USING about health and testing, and found SUBSTANCES." wellbeing seem to it to be a positive resonate.” experience for her Henry Heil, According to a family.

Head of Upper May 4 poll of 143 “While I School students, 76 percent think it is sad of students think that releasing that there is a problem the overall statistics from the [surrounding drugs] that rose to testing is important. Junior Gina the level of school involvement, Wilson believes that the release of I appreciate [the school’s] efforts individual results from the testing to address such a complex issue,” is more impactful for students than Bagley said. “I think it is a strong the release of the overall results and deterrent for those who would use [drugs] and possibly an easy excuse is not in a hurry for them to be announced. for kids who may be on the fence “I don’t think that the release or feel pressured to participate.

Also, it has provided opportunities of the statistics is too important to have honest discussions with my because we were already aware that there may be some students children regarding privacy, drug doing [the drugs] that we were use and other issues.” being tested for,” Wilson said. “The The school received the results statistics won’t affect [student] life of the tests, but students' names

much and the people who ran the drug tests are the ones who should decide when they want to release the statistics.”

Sophomore Paco Gomez does not think that the statistics should be released at all, as he believes actions taken based off of the statistics will not benefit students.

“The school shouldn’t have the statistics in the first place,” Gomez said. “Once the [individual] results are released to students, the school should [end involvement] as they do not have the names of the students who tested positive. There is no further course of action that should be taken.”

Bagley is ready for the release of the overall statistics so that further steps can be taken in order to educate the community.

“It is important that the school releases the statistics,” Bagley said.

“The more transparent, the better.

Only if we know the extent of the problem, can we really address it.”

Further testing will occur monthly next school year, but will be taken from students and faculty selected at random. The school will be alerted when any student tests positive for drugs a second time.

“I am eager to continue with our testing program in the fall as planned,” Heil said. “New students will all be tested and a small number of Upper School students will be tested randomly each month. Our goal, of course, is that, in conjunction with a robust education program, we are able to help students better manage stress and anxiety and avoid using substances.”

inBrief

News //

Eagle Edition // May 15, 2020

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Milestone Mondays continue the school’s spring traditions remotely To make up for the ceremonies honoring student accomplishments that have been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the school has adopted Milestone Mondays.

Each Monday at 7 p.m., an email is 3 sent to the school community with a video presenting the students who are getting honored. “[Milestone Monday] is for all the students to make sure they feel the gratitude and are able to value and appreciate everything that they have done as students over the year,” Associate Head of School Ruth Burke said.

One upside of Milestone Monday is that there is a much broader group of people able to see these events. During school, these events would be limited to just the Upper School or specific grades, whereas now all of the school community can see what the students accomplished during the year.

“I think it’s so fun just for the younger students to see what’s possible and to know what those older kids have done and accomplished,” Burke said.

“They can start thinking about their goals and imagining what it might be like for them as seniors.” by raleigh toledo

Student Council continues to provide activities during distance learning Student Council has organized activities such as Community Night and the pet bracket during distance learning.

“We certainly had to be more creative to think about activities that would encourage unity throughout the upper school, but we had a great time carrying out such activities and seeing the students’ response to them,” Student Council Vice President and senior Ned Dockery said.

For the pet bracket, students submitted photos of their pets, and then voted on which pet they thought was the cutest. Sophomore Grace Herberger’s dog, Teddy, won the pet bracket.

“It felt pretty cool to have the cutest pet in the ESD community, and my family was almost more excited than I was,” Herberger said. “Every day, even if there wasn’t a around, they would [ask] ‘is Teddy still in? Is Teddy still in?’

It was fun keeping up with it and every time seeing him [still in] and then voting for him [and] getting my friends to vote for him.” by blair batson

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Chaplain Kennedy continues daily worship through online chapel One of the founding tenets of the school is daily chapel. To keep the community engaged in chapel on a daily basis, The Rev. Tim Kennedy has provided the community with a chapel video each day.

“At ESD we really believe in the whole person, so we want everyone to excel academically and athletically and artistically and spiritually,” Kennedy said. “Chapel is one of the ways that we grow spiritually and as a community, so even though we’re distant, this is still an opportunity for folks to remember their spiritual side.”

Although chapel is on a new platform, Kennedy is trying his best to keep it similar to inschool chapel. In his videos to the community there are still

special guest speakers, birthday announcements and the Lord’s Prayer. Guests speakers that have been featured include Crew Program Director Adam Jones and senior Daniel Kaplan. However, Kennedy has faced some difficulties without help from the vestry.

“Our goal is to replicate as much as we can of what we would normally do in All Saints Chapel without the main component: the people and the students,” Kennedy said. “I’m hoping that people are taking the time to take care of themselves and take care of each other, and sometimes religion is one of the things we take for granted, but it’s also one of the things that can be very comforting.” by raleigh toledo

GRADUATION CELEBRATION Chaplain Tim Kennedy presents his daily chapel presentation via Schoology.

Kennedy posted a chapel video honoring the graduating seniors on May 7. “The last eight weeks of distance learning have been very hard for me as the worship leader not being able to plan together, worship together, sing together or simply be together in person,” Kennedy said. “This year has ended differently than any of us could have predicted, and I remain very thankful that our community remains connected despite the physical distance among us.” photo screenshotted by Gina Montagna

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VIRTUE DEBUT Chaplain Tim Kennedy announces May’s Virtue of the Month on May 4. Kennedy encouraged speakers to talk about the specific virtue for each month during chapel speeches. “In a month when our Virtue of the Month is Generosity, I am very grateful for the generosity of the ESD Community and the opportunity to have Daily Worship,” Kennedy said. “I am particularly thankful for the folks who have reached out to say that they appreciate the opportunity to experience Chapel from afar.” photo screenshotted by Gina Montagna

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TRADITION TIME Associate Head of School Ruth Burke sends weekly Milestone Monday videos to the school community. These videos commemorated special end of year traditions for the students. “The Milestone Monday series was created to help preserve the culminating traditions and experiences for students during this unsettling time,” Burke said. “The opportunity to present these ceremonies virtually has allowed our community to connect and rally around one another in support of student accomplishments and their years of work and dedication.” photo screenshotted by Gina Montagna

Life

6

Eagle Edition // May 15, 2020

Conflicting information on virus spreads

News sources contradict each other on pandemic’s severity, affects opinions

story by

lauren weber

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I DO NOT BELIEVE WE SHOULD BE PROTESTING. WE HAVE TO TAKE ONE FOR THE COUNTRY; WE HAVE TO STAY INDOORS; IT’S OUR DUTY. I DON’T BELIEVE THE PROTESTERS SHOULD BE OUT THEIR RISKING THEIR LIVES AND THE LIVES OF OTHERS.

Natalie Parker, sophomore

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t’s a typical day, and junior Micheal Bagley opens his computer after eating dinner. He creates two tabs on his computer— he pulls up Fox News on one and CNN on the other. Bagley knows that the two sources tend to differ in their political stances; that is why he chose them. He knows the truth lies somewhere in the middle.

Since January—when COVID-19 first became a global concern—news sources publicized their contrasting views on the virus’ severity. Scientists warned of as many as half a million deaths and trillions of dollars in economic damage. Simultaneously, a Fox News host announced that it was “the safest time to fly;” New York’s Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio claimed that it posed “very little threat;” and Rush Limbaugh incorrectly claimed that “this is the 19th coronavirus—they’re not uncommon.”

As the number of confirmed worldwide cases passed 4 million on May 11, views of the virus have continued to diverge. In early April, nine Republican state governors refused to implement stay-at-home orders despite pressure from Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. And according to a national poll taken by the Knight Foundation from March 17-29, 40 percent of Americans believed that COVID-19 was less or equally as deadly as the flu.

However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 12,000 to 61,000 people die annually from the flu, while the number of confirmed deaths from COVID-19 increased to 278, 892 on May 11, according to the World Health Organization.

Bagley thinks that such

conflicting opinions are largely a each interaction [that] they have result of the partisanship of the with an outside person. Until the news. Bagley attempts to find the number of new cases goes down, objective facts by scanning both the I don’t think it’s responsible [for] conservative Fox News and liberal anyone to hangout or not social CNN, then reading the Wall Street distance.”

Journal and the New York Times.

State governors are all faced with He looks for common threads the same dilemma—to proceed between articles and often checks with caution or to lift restrictions. that their sources are reliable.

The majority of states have begun “I kind of go to the extremes and opening their economies in some then work [my] way in because way. On April 27, Governor Greg neither [side] is [normally] telling Abbott announced that the stay-atthe whole truth,” Bagley said. “Both home order would expire on April are trying to paint the other in 30, limiting most malls, retail stores the worst light possible, which is and restaurants around the state to one of the biggest problems. The 25 percent capacity. people who don’t read both sides “It’s a serious threat, and the end up with government is being this extreme careless by trying to “IT IS REALLY version [of the open the country as UNFORTUNATE. news] that may soon as they are,” ESPECIALLY IN be partially senior Sofia Weinstein THESE UNCERTAIN true but hiding said. “Yes, the strength TIMES, YOU some of the of the economy is WOULD HOPE THIS important, but it puts truth.”

WOULD BRING As Bagley a lot of people’s lives BIPARTISANSHIP TO at risk. [The virus] noted, CNN has frequently OUR GOVERNMENT, doesn’t only endanger blamed BUT IT JUST REALLY immunocompromised President and old people— HASN’T.” Trump for a it has proven to lack of initial be dangerous to Michael Bagley, action against everyone.” junior the virus, while Freshman Blake Fox News has accused Democrats of Scheinberg believes that the “weaponizing an infectious disease” economy is a more important against the president. concern while making decisions “It is really unfortunate,” regarding the virus. National GDP Bagley said. “Especially in these has declined 4.8 percent since uncertain times, you would hope February, and since mid-March, 30 this would bring bipartisanship to million Americans have filed initial our government, but it just really unemployment claims. hasn’t.”

“The hole [that] this will put Bagley advocates for only those our county in will lead to another at risk to social distance while depression, creating more deaths freshman Ella Sjrogen believes that than the virus [would],” Scheinberg restrictions should not be as lax. said.

“The coronavirus is a lot more Scheinberg has a parent in the serious than people think,” Sjogren medical field and believes that said. “Many [people] are taking the government should slowly lift the [shelter-in-place] too lightly, restrictions to prevent overcrowding putting more people at risk with in the hospitals. Michigan,

Minnesota, Virginia and other states have seen protests to re-open the economy, many expressing their views that the virus is being exaggerated.

“Freedom is definitely something people feel [is] being threatened right now,” sophomore Natalie Parker said. “While I am a constitutionalist, the constitution had no idea about a global pandemic, and yes, it is our freedom, but I do not believe we should be protesting. Right now, we have to take one for the country; we have to stay indoors; it’s our duty at this point. I don’t believe that the protestors should be out there risking their lives and the lives of others. It’s disrespectful.”

While Parker normally watches One American Nation with her family, she is currently refraining from watching the news because she does not trust the sources and dislikes their negativity.

False information has circulated throughout the world. A man named Gregory Rigano claimed to be a Stanford University Medical School advisor and appeared on Fox News, confirming hydroxychloroquine as a COVID-19 cure. Stanford immediately revealed that Rigano has no affiliation with their university and that no such tests have been conducted. The drug’s efficacy has not been scientifically proven, and the Food and Drug Administration has recently advised against using the drug because of potentially life threatening side effects.

“There are people who if they hear something they will believe it,” Bagley said. “It’s a little disappointing in Americans and humanity as a whole, but there gets to a point where it’s your life—you have to take some sort of responsibility for it.”

Life //

Eagle Edition // May 15, 2020

7

Students try to avoid forming unhealthy habits in quarantine

Increased screentime, poor diets and staying inside cause students to make changes story by

carolyn langford

D

uring a recent daily walk with her dog, history and religion teacher Kimberly Rogers spotted a falcon soaring above her, which brought a smile to her face.

Her neighborhood strolls help her to find beauty in a time of crisis.

Quarantine has forced many to make lifestyle changes and try to avoid the long-term effects that could potentially occur from a sedentary lifestyle, looking at screens for too long and snacking excessively.

“This pandemic has significantly disrupted my life, especially my relationships with friends, family, my students and my colleagues,” Rogers said. “[However,] what is interesting about what is going on right now is that everyone is in the same boat. If I find myself feeling lonely, I know that I am experiencing what a large percentage of the world is also experiencing.

This has the potential to crack us all open to our common humanity.”

Online schooling has given way to unhealthy practices. Students are spending a considerably larger amount of time looking at screens for online classes and entertainment purposes. According to a May 11 poll of 143 students, 73 percent of students are worried about eye strain from looking at screens too much as a result of online school.

“Switching to online school due to the global pandemic has certainly not been ideal for a person like me who suffers from chronic migraines,” sophomore Natalie Parker said. “The classes I take force me to participate by staring at screens, which strains my eyes for hours on end.”

To address eye strain, some students have purchased glasses that block or filter the blue light that is emitted from digital screens.

Several high-end companies began offering the glasses after they gained popularity in the past few years. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, blue light can increase the risk of macular degeneration as well as other vision complications.

In

graphic by

emily lichty

“I like to wear blue light glasses to prevent the long-term effects screens have on my health,” Parker said. “I feel more comfortable when I wear them during distance learning knowing that the hours I’m spending on my computer aren’t significantly damaging my vision.”

Additionally, quarantine can make finding ways to exercise difficult with gyms closed and school sports canceled. Freshmen Layne Scheinberg has found ways to prepare for her upcoming volleyball season.

“I’ll try to run or lift every day and attend online practices twice a week,” Scheinberg said. “It’s important to me because I want to stay in shape and not come back to volleyball season not having the skills I used to have.”

While some are occupied with at-home workouts provided by their coaches, others have found ways to stay active and connect with nature on their own.

“Getting fresh air is crucial, and I have found that running, biking, meditating or simply studying outside is very beneficial to my mental health,” Parker said. “I feel I have spent more time outside during quarantine than I ever did before. Spending more time outside is definitely something I would like to continue doing when quarantine is over.”

Another issue that seems to be

much snacking.”

The advice Biggs has for students is to take frequent breaks from screens. She recommends staying active in between classes and refraining from buying junk food.

“When not online for class, do something away from screens,” Biggs said. “No TV, computer, video games, etc. Interact with your family or furry friends. Try a puzzle. Listen to music. Take a nap in the shade. Rest your weary eyes and body. Try riding a bike.

Walking in the neighborhood. Mow the yard. Plant a garden. Color in a coloring book. Have a tea party with a younger sibling or your favorite stuffed animals. No really, be a kid.

Who is watching? No one. Enjoy the simple things. Your body will thank you for it.”

Through trying to make better eating choices, staying active and preventing spending too much time staring at screens, the community is combating the negative effects quarantine has on our well-being.

“In a global moment like this, there are millions of things that we can choose to worry about, yet the most intelligent and most powerful decision is to simply surrender,” Parker said. “It is to accept life and our current situation and adapt.

We must realize that our fear is not serving us. At this time we must trust life and trust God and the plan He has for us.”

the

studio

story by

occurring globally is overeating boredom, etc. [Alternatively,] as a result of boredom and an by being mindful of what we are overabundance of food in the house. actually feeling, we can keep from Excessive snacking has led many to getting swept away by the negative watch their eating and experiment feelings.” with dieting. The same poll showed Parker agrees, but she 55 percent of students have been recommends to care for yourself excessively snacking and 64 percent by making an effort to maintain are worried about finding ways to relationships. She believes it is stay active during quarantine. critical for our mental health “I'm eating more than I should, during this time to keep in touch but I try to eat healthy foods like using methods such as the video homemade soups communication “THIS PANDEMIC and salads,” Rogers platform Zoom HAS SIGNIFICANTLY or spending time said. “I am trying to avoid stress together outside from DISRUPTED MY eating sweets, but distance.

LIFE, ESPECIALLY am a great believer “I am a firm believer MY RELATIONSHIPS that 55 percent of in the medicinal WITH FRIENDS, value of dark communication is FAMILY, MY chocolate.” visual, even if you In these are 6 feet apart or on STUDENTS AND uncertain and MY COLLEAGUES." Zoom,” Parker said. stressful times, “Whether I’m doing Rogers advises distance yoga with Kimberly Rogers, focusing on my friends, setting history and self-compassion. up a picnic in one religion teacher After listening of our backyards, or to a podcast by Dr. Kristen watching movies on lawn chairs, Neff, an associate professor at the spending time outside is such fun.”

University of Texas, she learned School Nurse Marcia Biggs offers that it is important to check in with a professional standpoint as to why yourself several times a day to see she is concerned for teenagers’ how you’re feeling. health during quarantine.

“These are stressful times, so if “My concerns would be the you find yourself feeling anxious, obvious,” Biggs said. “Too much give yourself a break,” Rogers said. screen time is hard on eyes, brain, “It’s really not good to ignore or and body mechanics, [along with] suppress our stress, loneliness, not enough physical activity and too

sloane hope From pieces done while studying in New York to those completed in the AP Drawing studio, senior Kate Flanagan has done it all during her career as an artist.

Flanagan has been in AP Drawing and Design for two years but has been drawing since she was little.

Encouraged early on by her mother who also has a passion for art, Flanagan started drawing at a young age and hasn’t stopped since.

“My mom has always loved art and really encouraged me to draw as a kid,” Flanagan said. “She wanted to become an artist but her parents didn’t believe it was a legitimate career, so she keeps that passion in her life in other ways. Her passion rubbed off on me and I’ve never really looked back.”

Drawing inspiration from poetry

with

SHINING MOMENT Freshman Hunter Hurt acts onstage during a middle school preformance of "Mary Poppins" in May of 2019. Besides "Mary Poppins," Hurt has participated in multiple musicals in and out of ESD and plans on continuing to perform in musicals and sing in choir. “Hunter is top-notch, and I am glad he is in choir,” upper school choir teacher Joe Snyder said. “He is always one of the first ones to memorize his part, and we need him." photo provided by Hunter Hurt

Kate Flanagan

and other written works, Flanagan enjoys working on abstract pieces outside of her AP assignments.

“I write often in my free time and I enjoy reading poetry as well,” Flanagan said. “The visuals provided by words on a page inspire my imagination and help me think of a piece. Alternatively, if I am struggling with describing something abstract, like a feeling, in my own writing, I can always try and paint an abstract visual of that feeling.”

Holding many titles within the school, such as yearbook editor and secretary of the Student Council Executive Board, Flanagan uses her art as a way to step back and take a deep breath if school gets to be too much.

“I enjoy drawing because it helps me organize my mind,” Flanagan

said. “Whenever I feel like my thoughts are moving too fast, or if class is stressful, I can paint or doodle and it helps me get myself calm and balanced again. It’s like its own form of meditation because it allows me to lose track of my thoughts while also self-reflecting.”

Flanagan also enjoys experimenting with different textures, sizes and emotions in her work, noting that her notebook usually contains more free drawings than actual assignments.

“I have been focusing on trying to have a realistic style, but I am open to everything,” Flanagan said. “If you look inside my sketchbook ... you’ll find a bunch of different styles and mediums. This year started out with a large painting, then moved on to a sewn piece, and now I’m doing colored pencil portraits. Over the past year, however, I have been working to put more emotion into my pieces. I guess all I want is for my work to show that there is more than what meets the eye.”

PAINTING POSSIBILITY Senior Kate Flanagan paints on fabric during an art program at NYU in July. Flanagan likes to use different mediums and materials in her art. "For one of my final projects in my painting class [at NYU], I took a painters jumpsuit that I had bought at a thrift store and repurposed it into a jacket," Flanagan said. "I cut off the legs and then painted a portrait of Freddie Mercury on the back." photo courtesy of Kate Flanagan

8

Eagle Edition // May 15, 2020

// Life

What’s

the

BUZZ

“This quarantine, I’ve been very bored and [have] a lot of free time on my hands. I’ve recently started cooking a lot. I help my mom cook dinner and sometimes I make it by myself. I’ve made a lot of different meals for my family and they seem to like them.

I probably would have never started cooking if it wasn’t for quarantine.”

Dagan Geier, freshman

“During quarantine, I got very bored of looking at my phone and feeling like I was doing nothing, so I picked up candle making. I ordered all the supplies on Amazon and started making candles for my family. It was surprisingly therapeutic and I found the outcome to be even more amazing.”

Major Parsons, sophomore

Beating boredom

From reading to making candles for friends and family, students and faculty pick up new hobbies to pass time during quarantine story by

satori griffith

“Stick figures have been the extent of my artistic capabilities for as long as I can remember, but I decided to give painting a shot during quarantine. To my surprise, I have gotten a lot better as the weeks have passed, and it is very calming for me in the midst of so much chaos”

Susanna Newsom, junior

“When I get bored of being on technology, I usually read a book or work out. I never thought reading would become a hobby of mine, but since it feels like there is nothing else to do, I’ve grown to really like it. I’ve read two books so far and hope to continue. It is nice to focus on something else for a little while and to unplug.

Reading helps me slow down when I’m feeling stressed. I plan on reading more even when the quarantine is over.”

Lily Baughman, senior

“I’ve recently rediscovered my love of reading. This is the first time in a long time that I have been able to read all of the books I’ve been wanting to start but never had time to sit down and finish. I’ve read over 30 books so far. I also have started doing activities that can keep me entertained but don’t involve the use of screens. 1000+ piece puzzles and adult coloring books have helped me have a creative outlet that distracts me from what’s going on.”

Katherine Montgomery, college guidance

Eagle Edition // May 15, 2020

Good

Life //

story & graphic by

gardiner voss

COVID-19 Habits

A

s COVID-19 continues to infect people globally, it is important to practice good hygiene to contribute to slowing the spread of the virus; many people have used these practices for years, but they are more important now than ever.

One of the best ways that you can protect yourself from contracting the disease, and any other illness for that matter, is making sure to limit the amount of times that you touch your mouth, nose and eyes without clean hands. According to the New York Times, “Eyes, nose, mouth — all those mucous membranes are the portal into the body for a virus like Covid-19 or SARS,” and avoiding contact with these areas is crucial.

According to the Center for Disease Control, if you or a person in your household feels sick, you should have “clean disposable face masks to wear at home, if available, to help prevent spreading COVID-19 to others.” It is also suggested that you wear these masks in public to make sure that you are putting those around you at a reduced risk of contracting the virus from you if you happen to have it.

According to the CDC, everyone should “wash [their] hands often with soap and water; and clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily.” When you go out in public, it is important that you try not to touch an unnecessary amount of surfaces. In public, you should be applying hand sanitizer regularly and wash your hands as soon as you get home. While sanitary measures such as these do not eliminate the risk of infection, according to the CDC, if you have clean hands and resist the urge to touch your face, you make it more difficult for the virus to spread.

One of the most effective methods of reducing the spread of the virus is keeping social distance in public. CDC guidelines suggest that you should practice social distancing because “keeping space between you and others is one of the best tools we have to avoid being exposed to this virus and slowing its spread locally and across the country and world.”

Adopting these precautionary measures is critical. We are responsible for slowing the spread of the virus. If we cooperate, we can do it.

9

10 // Life

Eagle Edition // May 15, 2020

Life //

Eagle Edition // May 15, 2020

11

culture

CRASH

CULTURE CRASH is a compilation of significant pop culture events made by life editors Emily Lichty and Luke McCabe that highlight tech news & other short snippets of info regarding important people and events from around the globe.

1 2 3 4 5 6

Return to Pawnee The cast of “Parks and Recreation” reunited for a special episode that aired April 30. Featuring Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones and other stars, the episode features the characters videochatting during quarantine. All profits from the show will go towards Feeding America’s COVID-19 Response Fund. @somegoodnews John Krasinski created “Some Good News,” a web series dedicated to sharing good news during the COVID-19 pandemic. Featuring guest appearances, such as Oprah Winfrey, Steve Carell and Billie Ellish, it focuses on uplifting viewers during this time.

Soapy situation During a press briefing on April 23, President Trump suggested the possibility of ingesting disinfectant as a cure for COVID-19, a statement rejected by health experts. After a lot of criticism on social media, Trump took back the remarks and claimed they were intended to be sarcastic.

Close encounter On April 27, the Department of Defense released videos containing footage of UFOs. Taken in November 2004 and January 2015, the videos depict objects moving in the sky. Whether these UFOs are related to aliens still remains unknown.

Shout it to the Rooftops The film of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit musical “Hamilton” will now be released on July 3, over a year before it’s initial release date. Available to stream on Disney Plus, the film is a performance of the musical with the original cast in June 2016. This gives fans access to the musical while theaters remain closed.

What’s in a Name?

Elon Musk and his girlfriend Claire Grimes announced the name of their newborn son, X Æ A-12. Each letter of the name has its own meaning. Musk clarified the name’s pronunciation to be “X Ash A 12” during a podcast with comedian Joe Rogan.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER AP Biology presents information about COVID-19 to Honors Biology on May 12 over Zoom. “The AP Biology class did a great job of tying COVID-19 to biology, and it was so helpful to know what was being done to stop the virus,” freshman Bridget Wang said. “It was cool to see the AP Biology class in action.” photo by Jiaying Fu

AP Biology shares COVID-19 knowledge Students research fields of interest such as economic impact and immunology in relation to the virus, present to Medical Club and Honors Biology story by

jiaying fu

I

nspired by discussions AP Biology human cells is at the core of students were having regarding the problem,” Dayal said. “By the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding these complex biology teacher Max Auge strove to pathways, one can begin to come bring real-life experiences into the up with solutions or approaches to classroom by assigning a project solving the COVID-19 pandemic.” that allowed students to research Each of these groups were asked information about COVID-19, to come up with an outline of their analyze the effects of this virus and research topics, which they divided present this information to the among the members. Dayal, community. specifically, researched the proteins “These are unprecedented created by the virus. times—a once-in-a-lifetime “The research process was opportunity to learn along with definitely very interesting and scientists, historians and economists insightful as it showed just how about COVID-19’s effect on our complex the virus truly is,” planet,” Auge said. “So much Dayal said. “The research process information is coming out aroundalso allowed me to apply what the-clock from our experts, it’s I had learned in AP Biology in dizzying. I wondered how we might understanding the [molecular make sense of it biology of ] “THESE ARE all...I ran this by COVID-19. I also UNPRECEDENTED really liked the feeling [my students,] and they were very of being ‘in the know’ TIMES—A ONCEeager to have the of what COVID-19 IN-A-LIFETIME opportunity to OPPORTUNITY TO actually does to the focus their energy human body and LEARN ALONG in research to try WITH SCIENTISTS, how it causes [these to make sense of effects.]”

HISTORIANS AND the constant stream Dayal was the ECONOMISTS of information.” team leader of the ABOUT COVID-19’S molecular biology AP Biology EFFECT ON OUR students were given group, an experience PLANET.” the opportunity he believes has been to choose between very rewarding.

Max Auge, five different fields “One thing I really biology teacher of interest: 1) do love about being a molecular biology, team leader is seeing 2) epidemiology, 3) immunology, 4) all of the pieces of the project come pathophysiology and treatment, and together to give a comprehensive 5) impact on society, environment overview of COVID-19,” Dayal and economics. When choosing said. “My teammates [and I] were a topic, Auge urged his students able to create a comprehensive to pick an area that they were overview of the...molecularpassionate or curious about. biology-related fields. Managing After choosing a topic, the class the connection of one piece to split into five groups of five students another and seeing everything come to begin research on their specific together has definitely been the fields. Senior Yash Dayal chose to most rewarding part of being the research molecular biology, a topic team leader.” that has always been fascinating to Each team presented their him.

COVID-19 findings via “Understanding the complex information sessions over Zoom. interactions between the inner On April 29, several AP Biology workings of COVID-19 and students presented their research

over a Medical Club Zoom Conference, and on May 12 to May 13, AP Biology students presented their research to honors biology students. These presentations were around 10-minutes-long and accompanied by a PowerPoint.

“It’s nice that Honors Biology and AP Biology were able to have a joint class as it keeps...our big biology family [together],” freshman Harper Knight said. “It was fun to have this learning opportunity to be taken out of quarantine...[and] get a taste of what we’ll experience in AP Biology.”

The aforementioned information sessions were recorded and shared with the upper school community for education purposes.

“The largest benefit of presenting this project to the community will be the spread of knowledge in the community,” Dayal said.

“People should be armed with the knowledge necessary to at least understand the characteristics of this pandemic. Personally, whenever I get sick with something, I always try to understand what exactly is happening to my body during the process, so I can feel less scared of what is going on. After all, we are scared of things that are unknown to us. I believe the saying ‘armed with knowledge’ applies best here.

The more people understand the virus, the better chance we have at finding a fix, and the less we fear COVID-19.”

Auge hopes to inspire his students to use their knowledge for the benefit of world kind.

“Our responsibility, in this case, is to package our understanding of biology and current events in a way that can inform and help others make informed decisions,” Auge said. “This global pandemic has affected all of our lives in big and small ways. I hoped to build a platform so that my students could focus their abilities, energy and curiosity into something productive.”

12 // Centerspread

Eagle Edition // May 15, 2020

VIRTUALLY ALONE

story and graphics by

A

grace knudson & victoria willox fter a long night of watching Netflix and scrolling through social media, junior Francesca Brown* crawls out of bed and drags herself to her desk just two feet away. Still in her pajamas, she logs on to her first class with her eyes fluttering to stay awake. It’s 8:25 a.m. Before the pandemic struck Dallas, Brown would have to leave her house 45 minutes before school started to make it to class on time.

Now, she just turns her camera off on live meetings to avoid getting ready for the day.

The Emotional Effect With the COVID-19 pandemic causing nationwide school closures, ESD began online classes on March 24 to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff. Due to the shelter-in-place order, which was partially lifted on May 1, families have been cooped up in their houses, unable to see others, unless they are six feet away and wearing a mask. Fear of getting the coronavirus now plagues the minds of millions. And students now bear constant pressure from two worlds: the outside world and the “classroom” world.

“I spend my day at my desk in my bedroom,” Brown said. “I do homework at my desk and then when I sleep, I go to my bed. Now that we’ve been doing online school for so long, it just feels like everything I’m doing is for school.

I never feel like I have time to myself; my brain is always on school mode in some form.”

Throughout the school year, Brown was able to walk to classes and eat lunch with her friends. Now, she now stays up late into the night scrolling Tiktok to find relief from constant isolation and online school stress.

“I was going to sleep at 3 a.m. every single day last week,” Brown said. “This week, I’ve been trying to like to get in bed by 12 and pass out by one, but my sleep schedule is horrible.”

Being stuck in his house with only his family members has made sophomore Harry Martin* feel incredibly alone during this time, as he is a member of many clubs and activities at school.

“I get my energy from being around other people—that’s always been where I feel like I thrive,” Martin said. “It’s definitely been difficult—I feel like you don’t realize how good you got it until it’s gone, or when it’s gone. I’m realizing how much of an impact human interaction has on happiness and well being.”

The pandemic has been particularly rough for seniors. The end of the school year includes many cherished traditions such as Pass It On, decorating uniforms and the senior prank. Now, seniors, including Melissa Graves*, are cooped up in their houses, graduation and prom are postponed and they are unaware if their colleges will be open in the fall.

“There is this trend where you post the last picture you took at school and a lot of them were just pictures of the hair drug testing,” Graves said. “What a lame last memory at ESD. We don’t get to make our final memories at school. I know a bunch of people who cried, and I was pretty sad too. It’s my last semester with my friends before we spread out across the country, so I want to hang out with them when I can like the last time” Martin has constantly kept in contact with his friends throughout this time to continue to maintain the communication he once had during the school day.

Eagle Edition // May 15, 2020

E

Like Martin, 92 percent of the student body has maintained communication with their friends during this time according to a May 11 poll of 143 students.

“I have a group of friends at some other schools and we have a weekly Zoom every Friday just to make sure we’re all doing [well],” Martin said. “I felt awkward reaching out to people at first because on text you just say ‘Hi… hello… what’s up,’ but I realized everyone is feeling alone in this situation. This definitely isn’t as good as the whole human interaction thing, but it is the best people can do.”

The Academic Impact

On April 20, the administration announced that ESD would still have final exams, and the grading scale would not change. The new exam policy consists of two 10 percent exams, one being project-based and the other a test. Academic Dean Dr. Eric Boberg sent out a poll to gather student input on the new policies, which students appreciated, but the administration’s decision came as a shock to many. “[The email] made me mad because it said, grades are the motivating factor, so ESD is going to keep them so students [will continue to] learn,” Martin said.

“That’s reality, but that’s also a very twisted thing to say. There’s nothing to look forward to and I’m thinking ‘at least there won’t be exams.’ Oh wait, psych, they’re still going to give exams and regardless of all of this.”

Martin is enrolled in eight courses at ESD, including one class before school.

He will take one AP exam and five non-AP exams, therefore, he will have 10, 10 percent exams to take. The online school process has made Martin feel overwhelmed, often leading him to avoid the work and procrastinate.

“I’ll be taking breaks during the breaks in the day and then it’ll be the evening, like nighttime when I’m about to go to sleep I’ll be like, ‘Oh wait, I have so much work to do,’” Martin said. “I’m so tired at the end of each day now; I’m definitely a chronically tired person. I’m getting like zeros here and there in the new gradebook, and I’m kind of freaking out because I was working hard and I was getting decent grades and now I’m just not.”

Some seniors have not found the new school policies to impact their stress.

One possibility for this is that most colleges have notified seniors that their application cannot be rescinded if there is a grade drop due to COVID-19.

While this eases stress, it has also led to a lack of attending classes or submitting work with full effort.

“I’m a second semester senior, so I have not been stressed,” Graves said. “For the most part I just say I’m already into college and then don’t do things. My anxiety as far as school hasn’t really gone up because I don’t have to take the exams. I think for anyone it’s so hard to find motivation when you are at home all day, but then when you’re a senior and they say, ‘we’re not going to take back your offer for bad grades,’ you’re just like, ‘I don’t have to try.’ Then you sink into a hole of not wanting to do any of it. Plus, The teachers know we’re so checked out at this point.”

Brown, who is enrolled in three AP courses and one honors course, is now worried about how to balance studying for all of her exams that collide with each other. Traditionally, AP exams would be the week before school exams, but now with digital learning, this has been altered. The College Board, the platform in charge of AP testing, has made AP exams shorter this year and added an additional testing date to help accommodate students.

“I have AP exams to worry about; I’m going to be stressed enough,” Brown said. “It felt like a kick in the teeth to be like, ‘we heard what you had to say [in the poll] but we’re going to give you two exams now.’ Now I have one of my AP exams the same day as another exam.”

In addition to the challenges brought on by the new exam policy, Brown now struggles with time management and her work is piling up due to having both assigned in-class work and homework for all six of her courses. In comparison, 87 percent of the student body believes school work increased due to online learning from a May 11 poll of 143 students.

“So far I’ve been really, really anxious; I woke up this morning [and] was frantic,” Brown said. “It is really hard for me, especially during my first two classes, to pay attention and listen to what everybody is saying. I had a class writing assignment and I felt so scatterbrained. I could not get my thoughts straight.”

Getting the hang of spending the day at home has been very difficult for Martin who fights to stay focused throughout the day. He has felt pressure to manipulate the new online applications, so he can work on other class work or have more free time.

“I’m definitely guilty of doing the thing where you type in ‘reconnecting…’ and [teachers] will think, ‘oh wait, someone’s reconnecting their Wi-Fi is bad,’” Martin said. “What I’ll do is I’ll stay in the group and I’ll be listening, but I’ll be doing some other assignment without the camera on or I’ll be online watching YouTube.”

The Wellness Initiative To ease students’ stress, English teacher Antonia Moran, Upper School Librarian Mary Jo Lyons, Physical Education Department Chair Mike Schiender and Upper School Emotional Wellness Counselor Merredith Stuelpe have created weekly videos informing students about the importance of mindfulness and meditation during this time.

“We all sort of had some energy around it and decided that even if two or three students look at it, that’s at least two or three students that might benefit from it,” Stuelpe said. “Anything that we can do to help kids manage their stress, stay positive or give them something else to connect with is worth it. We are looking for all [of this information] to push out there.”

During this time, Stuelpe has been reminding faculty and staff members to

Centerspread //

13

check in on their students and communicating with parents during this time.

Stuelpe has continued to meet with previously scheduled students virtually and encourages other student body members to contact her if they are struggling.

“Meeting with [students], virtually, has been really interesting because [I’ve found that] some students who felt overwhelmed or felt like they were having difficulty juggling everything and the intensity of ESD, have actually felt like this gives them like a little bit of a breather,” Stuelpe said.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Matthew Housson has a practice in the Dallas area and tests adolescents and adults who may have learning disabilities, attention problems, autism spectrum disorders, depression or anxiety. During this pandemic, Housson has been able to work with his clients and see the effects of this situation on them.

“High schoolers are really crawling the walls,” Housson said. “They can’t see their friends, they feel very frustrated and lonely, and there’s a lot of stress. What [my practice] really has been recommending for people is that they stick to the fundamentals; make sure that everybody stays on a good sleep routine and certainly that everybody gets good exercise.”

Housson has been helping teenagers respond to stress by teaching coping mechanisms.

“Stay-at-home student statistics

of students feel like they have more school work

of students’ stress levels have increased

Amount of sleep students are getting while in quarantine

A F E

B C

D

A: 29% get 8 hours B: 29% get 7 hours C: 23% get 6 hours D: 6% get 5 hours E: 6% 4 hours or less F: 7% of students get 9+ hours

Source: May 11 poll of 143 students

“I think that the first piece of advice is know yourself and know what changes your mood,” Housson said. “I know if I meditate I feel better. I know if I pray I feel better. I know if a friend comes over and stands six plus feet away from me and we just talk I feel better. We’re also encouraging people to do things that they never had time before.”

As the school year comes to an end, Housson hopes adolescents continue to keep a positive outlook and maintain positive coping skills.

“Some form of mindfulness exercises or prayer is really helpful,” Housson said. “A lot of people rely on their faith during uncertain times and that’s really helpful. If you’re not sure about what helps you try some of the apps like the Calm app, Insight Timer or Headspace. Try some new things and see if that works for you.”

Because Housson is a cognitive psychologist, he is focused on helping others maintain a positive approach to problems. When having a positive approach, it will prevent motivation problems which lead to depression or anxiety issues.

“Once someone experiences hopelessness then you have to work to get out of that negative mindset,” Housson said. “The seniors have had it very hard, but they are going to graduate, they are going to go to college, there is going to be a vaccine and we are going to get on the other side of this. It’s just hard right now and there’s a lot of uncertainty about when the end is. It is discombobulating a lot of people psychologically.” *Names have been changed to protect students’ identities

14 // Life

Eagle Edition // May 15, 2020

Escape with a book reviews by

gina montagna

From old classics to sci-fi dystopias, I have chosen a range of books that give everyone an option to read during the summer. I try to push my limits and read books that are out of my comfort zone. These books break out of my usual genre, but I ended up loving what I read. Each of these books allowed me to experience a different style of writing that I am not necessarily accustomed to.

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff I originally grabbed this bright orange book off of the shelf expecting it to be just another dystopian sci-fi story. However, as I flipped through it, I was surprised to find that it is set up as the various files of an investigation. The story is pieced together through transcripts, text messages and computer data to create a unique sci-fi book. It tells the story of two teenagers, Katy and Ezra, whose planet is attacked during a battle between two economic powerhouses. While escaping their planet on aircrafts, they must prevent a strange plague from infecting the humans on their ship. On top of that, the spaceship’s computer systems are going haywire and threaten to kill everyone on board. I was pleasantly surprised by how well this format blended with the story, and it made it easier to follow the plot. Additionally, the attention to detail in this book is incredible, visible into individual page designs and the varying character perspectives. With the characters amidst a fast spreading plague, this is an interesting sci-fi read that relates to what the world is going through now in a real life global pandemic. This book seems a little hectic at first, but the storyline is unique because of the investigation format that it is written in.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain If you have read “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” then I would highly recommend picking up this sequel. This book is all about Huck Finn, Tom Sawyer’s lovable best friend. This book tackles racial discrimination present before the Civil War through the character Jim, an escaped slave. During this journey, Jim and Huck encounter many different obstacles until they arrive at a safe home where they are reconnected with their friends and family. Overall, Huck Finn is a charming character that grasps the reader’s heart. I recommend reading this book over the summer, not only because it might just be on the summer reading list, but also because this adventure has a lot more depth than what is on the story’s surface. This novel definitely earns its position as one of the most classic pieces of American literature.

Emma by Jane Austen Immediately after watching the trailer for the new “Emma” movie, I ran to Barnes and Noble to pick up this book before the start of quarantine. I am a big believer in reading the book before watching the movie, so I was set on reading the book beforehand. I struggled to get through the last Jane Austen Book I read, and couldn’t finish it. However, “Emma” is truly an amazing piece of literature that paints a picture of European life and social hierarchies during the 18th century. Playing matchmaker, Emma tries to set up her newfound friend Harriet with various men that live in Highbury, London; however, Emma finds herself in a mess of relationships between the ladies and their various suitors. Austen’s narration of this story is truly hilarious and displays a more defiant view of societal expectations during this time period. Overall, it’s a comedic love story that leaves the reader satisfied with a happy ending.

This book completely changed my mind over Austen’s writing and made me even more excited to see the movie. I truly admire Emma’s bravery and rebellious actions throughout the story and it proved to be a more entertaining love story with many twists and turns.

People Like Us by Dana Mele Perfect for a quick read during a road trip or at the beach, this teen mystery is hard to put down. Similar to “One of Us is Lying” or “Seven Ways We Lie,” the story is about a murder at a boarding school, and the battle between the police and the characters to accuse the right person. The main character, Kay, finds herself thrown into the midst of the investigation where she is one of the main suspects. Throughout the book, she must complete tasks that slowly destroy her friend group and social life alongside her only remaining friend, Nola. Despite it being a common storyline for teen mysteries, the characters were well developed, and I couldn’t figure out who the murderer was until the end. I can’t say I wasn’t intrigued by this book; however, the storyline was repetitive and didn’t have any depth outside of the mystery. Also, the murder situation escalated too quickly and left the story with the same two characters for over half of the book.

Eagle Edition // May 15, 2020

EE

editors-in-chief

Blair Batson & Evelyn Zhao

art & design director Victoria Willox

managing editor Lauren Weber

web editor

Jiaying Fu

copy editor

Carolyn Langford

news editor

Gina Montagna

life editors

Luke McCabe & Emily Lichty

views editor

Gardiner Vose

sports editor

Smith Cochran

business manager Sloane Hope

photo editor

Grace Knudson

asst. photo editor Satori Griffith

communications director Kara Dross

staff writers

Maddy Hammett, Callie Hawkins, Grace Meaux, Katherine Mote, Elliot McCabe, Christian Rockamore, Elisabeth Siegel, Raleigh Toledo, Alexandra Warner, Grace Worsham

cartoonist

Sumner Wooldridge

adviser

Ana Rosenthal MISSION STATEMENT

The Eagle Edition is a student-produced newspaper published six times a year with the intent to educate in a professional manner and provide a voice for the Community. The Eagle Edition has earned Gold and Silver Crowns from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, Pacemaker Awards from the National Scholastic Press Association and Gold Stars from the Interscholastic League Press Conference.

Circulation is 1000 copies, and the student population is 782.

Views

15

Students should stop going outside their homes for non-essential reasons

T

exas governor, Greg Abbott, put a quarantine in place that lasted until April 30, that required all citizens to stay home unless an outside activity was considered “essential.” The only reason people should have been going out was to get groceries or medications. Now that the ban has been lifted, teenagers are spending time with other people, causing medical experts to worry about an increase in the amount of cases.

Medical experts and hospitals recommend people to continue to practice social distancing and only go out unless truly necessary.

The COVID-19 case and death count has continued to increase since the lift of the ban. As of May 14, Dallas faced 6,837 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 159 deaths, according to Dallas County Health and Human Services. The Eagle Edition staff believes that staying inside is crucial to maintaining a healthy population.

Less contact with others reduces the possibility of spreading the virus, but this can be difficult for teenagers as they are not able to see their friends on a daily basis.

According to the Washington Post and Harvard Medical School, parents have expressed discomfort in trying to provide their kids with alternatives to contact with friends.

It is a great time for teenagers to use social media or other technologies to remain in contact with friends and family. Many students have been able to find comfort in large group Zoom meetings or Facetime with their

Staff Stance graphic by

blair batson friends on a frequent basis. Others are also able to communicate with their friends through video games, or they will go on walks while remaining six feet apart.

With schools cancelled for the rest of the year, students do not have the opportunity to participate in sports or fine arts activities.

Many are disappointed that their sports season or art shows were cut short. However, teens have been able to develop new hobbies or continue their activities while at home. Also, breaks during school hours have given students more

55

percent of students have been strictly social distancing*

46

percent of students have not been strictly social distancing

*according to a May 11 poll of 143 ESD students

ADVERTISING POLICY

The Eagle Edition is partially funded through advertising. The editorial board reserves the right to refuse ads not in the best interest of our readers. Ads are sold in 1/8 page increments.

Please contact the Business Manager: voseg@ esdallas.org.

EDITORIAL POLICY

The staff abides by the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics. The opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the views of the adviser, faculty or staff.

This is a student-run publication and a forum for student voices. All images in the Eagle Edition are student produced, republished with permission, are in the public domain or fall within fair-use practices for criticism and news reporting.

BYLINE POLICY

All articles, graphics, photos, art, columns, page design, reviews or other material produced by Advanced Journalism students carry the creator’s byline with the exception of the Staff Stance, which is the official, collective voice of the Eagle Edition.

Eagle Edition | vol. 37, issue 4 The Episcopal School of Dallas 4100 Merrell Rd. Dallas, TX 75229 eagleedition@esdallas.org (214) 358-4368

It was just another Monday worknight for our staff—edited pages scattered, dinner plates sitting on desks, noise from the journalism room filling Senior Hall—except it wasn’t. Feb. 10 was our last worknight for V37, and we didn’t even know it at the time.

For seniors, it was the last worknight we were ever going to have. After 19 issues, approximately 86 worknights and countless hours spent in the journalism room, our time on staff has come to an end.

Although this year has been filled with change for us all—from getting a new adviser to working from home and publishing our fifth and sixth issue online instead of in print—it isn’t the way we will remember our time on staff.

Instead, we will remember it in the moments.

We will remember our version of staff Secret Santa known as Secret Sources and our after school dinners. We will remember our annual cookie decorating contests

available time to fill in with things they are passionate about.

As quarantine continues, teens should realize how much hardship they could cause by not refraining contact with friends. It is crucial to continue to maintain as little contact with others as possible.

The lack of social interaction with others truly affects a teen’s stability; however, the use of social media or other platforms allows students to continue to participate in community activities and maintain friendships virtually.

Letter from the

remember our first interview and how confusing InDesign used to seem. We will remember the feeling of passing out the newspaper on Friday mornings.

But most importantly, we will remember how much we’ve grown since the first time we set foot in the journalism room. After three years on staff, we had the responsibility of educating the public through our research, interviews and experiences, and along the way, we were able to learn about ourselves as well.

So if we could travel back in time to Feb. 10, maybe we would have cherished that Monday worknight more, but we can’t. After three years, the countless moments that defined our time on the Eagle Edition staff are more than enough, and because of that, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

editors

and how nerve-wracking each turnover issue was.

We will remember the moment our publication name was called at the Columbia Scholastic Press Association ceremony and how it felt when we were handed our Gold Crown award. We will

Former Editor-in-Chief, Emily Delgado

16 // Views

Eagle Edition // May 15, 2020

Joe Biden is the better presidential candidate

Letter to the

Editors

Voting third party does not impact the election, Trump’s presidency has been catastrophic

Dear Eagle Edition staff, I am writing you this letter from my virtual classroom, also known as my bedroom, the place where I sleep, work the entire day, then sleep again. It is day 54 in “the Q,” the name my friends and I endearingly use for quarantine, and all I can think about is how much I want to be back at ESD. The 2019-2020 school year did not play out in the way I had pictured. For one, I was convinced that at this point in the school year I would be laughing the school nights away watching High School Musical with my friends; instead, we have had the occasional Zoom to catch up on what isn’t new in our lives. But in the midst of what I didn’t expect came something I did expect, just not quite yet… It was an overwhelming wave of gratitude for ESD. For the past eight years, I have formed friendships that will last a lifetime, learned from teachers who will inspire me forever, and laughed so much that I, alone, could be the laugh track for a ten season sit-com. It is this year that really sealed the deal though. In the midst of the chaos, I see what makes ESD the most special: the people.

In August, the Lower School opened for classes along with the Middle and Upper School—all on one campus.

We had to learn the ins and outs of sharing a campus, but in the end I can see that it is about sharing something bigger: the ESD spirit. Seniors greeted lower schoolers in the morning carpools and lower and middle schoolers cheered on the highschoolers on Friday nights.

We were One Campus, One Community. In October, we were stuck at home due to the EF3 tornado. Our community responded with fundraising for tornado victims at our St. Marks rivalry football game and an overwhelming show of resilience.

In March, school was cancelled, but our community was not. The teachers have put in so much effort into making this the best learning experience it can be, and there is a continued push to execute our traditions in one way or another.

So when I think back on this year and my time at ESD, I will remember a determined community and a forever family.

I love you all dearly.

Abby Brand senior

I

t’s no longer a question: Joe Biden is the presumptive Democratic nominee. To some, this is exciting; to others, this is disappointing.

Nevertheless, staying home or voting third party is not the answer.

This election is too critical.

According to the Washington Post, about 43 percent of eligible voters stayed home in 2016. That election also saw high, though not record-breaking, numbers of people voting third party with Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson receiving 3.3 percent of the popular vote and Green Party candidate Jill Stein receiving one percent. It is impossible to determine whether these votes would have changed the results, but these votes were a significant fraction—votes that cannot be lost in 2020.

The two choices may seem dismal, but to equate Biden with Donald Trump is a mistake.

We must pick the lesser of two evils.

Trump has demonstrated that he is undeserving of the presidency countless times. He has fiercely rejected immigrants in a way that has bread intense racism. He has encouraged foreign intervention in our elections. He has labeled honest journalism the enemy of the people.

He has acted ignorantly and unreliably during this alan benitez

senior

pandemic. He has appointed people to his cabinet and the Supreme Court that have absolutely no qualifications for the position.

I could go on, but the bottom line is that Trump’s presidency has been destructive. And the most effective way to prevent another four years of this utter mayhem is to vote, not for a third party, but for Biden.

It is impossible, even ignorant, to deny that Biden is not perfect.

At all. His actions during the War on Drugs were reprehensible. His treatment of Anita Hill during Clarence Thomas’ confirmation was wrong. Tara Reade’s allegation that Biden sexually assaulted her and other women’s claims that he has disrespectfully invaded their personal space are sickening.

And yes, that Biden is the presumptive Democratic nominee proves how easy it is for men to

get away with sexual misconduct.

So does the fact that Trump is president. Trump has at least 25 allegations of sexual misconduct. I cannot in good conscience vote in a way that benefits him. Voters are presented with two poor choices this election, but unless Biden steps down, it’s what we’re stuck with.

Another source of concern when it comes to Biden is his mental state—that he stumbles to get a point across when he speaks and is forgetful. This is a valid concern; being president is a demanding role. However, when put up against the man who suggested injecting disinfectants as a cure for the coronavirus, I would have to choose Biden over Trump.

Biden has years of political experience that suggest he actually understands the role of the president. He has expressed his belief in climate change and a willingness to develop a plan Joe Bid en to combat it. He doesn’t express Do nald Tru the same harmful disdain for mp Oth er journalists that Trump does.

He doesn’t fervently oppose immigration like Trump does. The list goes on, but ultimately, I would rather Biden handle our next crisis graphic by than Trump. I would rather Biden blair batson nominate our next Supreme Court justice than Trump. I would rather Biden be president than Trump.

A common justification from those who plan to vote third party is that it is an act of protest—a

VOTE 2020

way of telling the Democratic party they want a better candidate next time. However, this only lowers the standard for candidates. By voting third party, writing someone in or staying home, voters are implying that they don’t care about the election, that they are fine with Trump winning. This does not raise the bar for future candidates, it lowers it by expressing approval for an extremely low-bar candidate— Trump.

Biden may not be as progressive, innovative or young as your first choice, but he does stand for the same causes. He might be more moderate, but this isn’t an excuse to pass on voting for him. This is an opportunity to hold him and those around him accountable—to continue pushing them to take a stand. Voting for Biden might seem like an abandonment of progressive ideals, but at least it’s not an abandonment of democratic ideals.

Letting Trump win is.

Your candidate of choice doesn’t always get picked: that’s how elections work. The nominating process is flawed, but a protest vote won’t change that; it will perpetuate it. It will ensure another four years of irresponsible lawmaking, irrational diplomacy, secrecy and condoned racism. The phrase “every vote counts” may seem hopeless.

Trump’s defeat may seem like a long shot, but we won’t know unless we try. By Blair Batson

Filling out 2020 Census is critical Fears of deportation prevent many Latinos from filling it out, they deserve to be represented for their contributions in the U.S.

Latinos in the United States believe in the existence of one priceless word: opportunity.

If it weren’t true, then Latino immigrants would not attempt to do the impossible by coming here for a better life. Walking up to 3,000 miles just to reach the U.S. border is certainly not a game that immigrants play light-heartedly, and it is not something to criticize them for. After all, they have proven to impact the lives of their families and contribute to the growth of vibrant Latino communities.

Living in Dallas, I feel that the number of Latinos has certainly increased, but other times, I feel that there are more of them than the numbers listed on the internet or even on our own national census. Then, I remember that, unfortunately, not every Latino has been doing their part in filling out the U.S. Census. I do not blame them though, I understand that their lack of participation comes

from fear, but I still encourage them to partake in this responsibility.

Fear develops in foreign-born Latinos who think that the census is going to ask a citizenship question, which is false, and discover that they’re undocumented. Some news media has also created fear by reporting on the possibility of deporting every undocumented individual. According to the United States Census Bureau, by law, the Bureau cannot share respondents’ answers with anyone because their main goal is to include every person regardless of citizenship or immigration status.

In 2010, the Pew Research Center confirmed that census participation rates among Hispanics were traditionally lower than those of other groups. It tears me apart to hear people of my culture say “nothing would change even if I did fill it out.” These Latinos are missing the bigger picture––there are benefits. The USCB states that

communities get their fair share of more than $675 billion per year in federal funds spent on critical resources such as schools, hospitals and other vital programs. Therefore, undercounting can result in the loss of federal funding, which only affects them worse.

If all the Latinos in the country took advantage of this opportunity, then other citizens would begin to recognize the crucial and rigorous work Latinos do every day to enrich the U.S. economy. For instance, according to Crain’s Chicago Business, a Latino neighborhood in Chicago called La Villita, “Little Village,” is home to 26th Street, which generates an average of $900 million dollars in sales per year, making it the second-highestgrossing shopping district in the city after Michigan Avenue.

Furthermore, local Dallas attorney and League of United Latin American Citizens National President, Domingo García, wrote

a letter to Members of Congress on April 22 that expressed several issues regarding the treatment of Latinos. In 2017, undocumented immigrants paid $27.2 billion in taxes, and in 2016, they contributed $13 billion to Social Security funds and $3 billion to Medicare.

Currently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, 83.8 percent of Latino workers are unable to work from home and essential industries, such as food production, construction, custodial service and leisure sectors, are heavily dominated by Latinos.

This goes to show that the Latinos mentioned in García’s stats, undocumented or not, were represented because they took the initiative to fill out the census 10 years ago. Now that it’s time for the 2020 Census, I urge my fellow Latinos to take action because they deserve to be counted. This is our opportunity to ensure that we will all have a chance to shape our bright futures.

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Eagle Edition // May 15, 2020

pro con

17

Virtual learning raises concerns regarding quality of students’ education, classroom experience

graphic by

evelyn zhao

Pro: Online school teaches self-discipline Con: Virtual school limits quality learning According to Education Week, 70 percent of American students have found themselves managing their education from home due to COVID-19 school luke closures. mccabe Many schools have taken the approach of online life editor school, consisting of lectures on platforms like Zoom and Google Meets, long term self-paced projects and daily homework. Although it would seem like losing the traditional classroom environment might negatively affect learning, online school poses many new benefits.

On one hand, students have more flexibility with their schedules and schoolwork and are able to choose when and where they watch lectures or work on projects. It allows for full-time access to schoolwork and the ability to take extra courses with the time gained from online classes. Without defined start and end times for many school classes, students can create their own schedules and fit in work or classes in time that is usually wasted. Additionally, it gives students with learning disabilities the time and comfortable environment to best suit their needs. With fewer distractions seen in traditional classrooms, less wasted time, online school provides a more balanced environment and a more personal and flexible curriculum; it gives the students who excel the opportunity to further themselves and work quickly while also giving the students who struggle the time and attention they need.

Online school also helps students learn time management and self discipline by forcing them to take care of their work alone on their own volition, rather than have teachers and school strictures pushing students around. This allows for a more positive learning experience and helps students develop responsibility needed later in life with occupations. The independence of online school benefits students more than the rigidness of traditional school because the management skills acquired are more important than learning a concept, for example geometry, a little more thoroughly.

Online school poses almost as many benefits as traditional school and is arguably helping students learn more about life skills and responsibility than traditional school. Although there is a reason why traditional school is convenient and effective, continuing online school could be a possibility in the future. With more flexible schedules, personalized curriculums, less rigid structures and fewer distractions, online school is something that should be seen as a temporary benefit and a concept that should be explored more as technology and the world changes over time.

17

percent of students like online school more than in-person school, according to a May 11 poll of 143 students

maddie hammett

staff writer

For the past two months, news anchors and TV show hosts have been recording themselves from bedrooms and home offices, bringing audiences into their personal lives and creating a more intimate environment. Americans have been told to stay home and to avoid contact with others from a distance of at least six feet. This has resulted in many Americans working from home. And celebrities are no exception.

In a CNN interview with Nobel Prize-

On April 17, Governor Greg Abbott ordered the closure of all K-12 Texas schools for the remainder of the school year. With no hope of returning, I dreaded evelyn the thought of learning through virtual school for the zhao editor-in-chief next few weeks; Zoom and Schoology conferences could never replace an in-person learning environment.

Although it is imperative that schools transition to virtual learning for the safety of students and faculty given the growing pandemic of COVID-19, I believe online school itself is flawed and prevents an effective learning experience for students.

Without an actual school building, online classes have been conducted on conference call platforms such as Zoom and Google Hangouts, where student-teacher interactions are very limited. With such a short time for teachers to cover subject material and answer students’ questions, students are often forced to spend more time outside of class consulting learning resources such as Khan Academy and YouTube videos to help them learn the subject matter; this in no way resembles a real classroom experience. Eighty-three percent of students have had to self teach themselves in one or more subjects according to a May 11 poll of 143 students.

Furthermore, according to an April 8 survey of 1,720 educators across the nation conducted by the EdWeek Research Center, 52 percent are very concerned that students will fall behind in math, and 46 percent are very concerned that students will fall behind in English.

In addition, online learning has caused students to pay less attention and participate less in class, most likely due to technological distractions such as video games, phones and instant messages. Ninety-four percent of students feel that it’s difficult to focus during online classes.

Online learning inevitably increases the amount of time students spend on their devices; an eight-hour school day would mean eight hours of staring at a computer screen, which also contributes to a decrease in physical activities. According to Jennifer Katzenstein, director of psychology and neuropsychology at the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, increasing screen usage is linked with depression, anxiety and problems with attention spans.

However, without the sophistication of our world and modern-day technology, online school would not be possible; students would not be able to continue their education. But in the future, schools should always be fully prepared in the event that another global catastrophe calls for the closure of schools. This was merely a test run. Schools across the U.S. will be better prepared next time.

83

percent of students prefer in-person school more than online school, according to a May 11 poll of 143 students

Celebrities set precedent for American citizens to remain at home during COVID-19 quarantine winning scientist, Paul Rommer, viewers were invited into his house. While he spoke about the projection for the re-opening of the U.S., viewers could clearly see his sloppily made bed in the background. This change in setting made it feel as though a Nobel Prize-winning scientist was just like everyone else.

“Saturday Night Live” has also begun recording episodes from the comedians’ homes.

Special guest star Tom Hanks even recorded his monologue from his home kitchen and cracked jokes about his personal quarantine experience after contracting COVID-19. He described his quarantine in a way that was relatable to audiences and created the feeling that no one is alone in these tense times. Hanks was able to set an example for viewers.

On the Ellen Show, Pink spoke out about her experience having contracted the virus in an intimate video filmed in her bedroom.

She talked about the struggles she and her family faced while having the virus. At one point in the show, she got emotional while talking about the lack of testing and how it was difficult for people to get the medical attention they need.

But my favorite celebrity to watch this quarantine would definitely be John Krasinsky. In the beginning of April, Krasinski began a show on youtube called “Some Good News” in which he invites audiences into his home to share happier news stories. Krasinski reports on these stories from his home office which can be

seen in the background of all of the episodes.

In the first episode, Krasinski video called his colleague Steve Carrell from the show “The Office.” Carell recounted memories from the show, also broadcasting from his home, and created an intimate environment for the viewers.

Because celebrities are working from home and are sharing their stories, Americans are able to see how vital it is during this time to stay home and follow the regulations set in place. By doing so, celebrities are being a crucial example for audiences. If a viewer sees their favorite SNL actor doing sketches in their bedroom, they will feel the need to follow their example and take the necessary precautions.

18 // Views

V

voic e

e’s v os

V

Eagle Edition // May 15, 2020

Joe Biden’s mental, physical health should concern voters Sexual assault allegations against Biden should be handled like those against Trump

A

s November approaches this election year, I as elections come closer because left wing news continue to follow the Democratic Primaries sources are trying to make Biden look as presentable and debates, and I am shocked by the as possible, as hard as it may be, in their last ditch incompetence shown by the Democratic candidates. effort to remove Donald Trump from office. This Since the beginning of the election cycle, the two kind of bias is insulting to the women who are front runners, Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders, have making the allegations as they are not being heard astonished me by some of the things they have said or reported by media outlets, and Biden’s past with in debates, rallies and other events. Joe Biden, who these women is not being addressed. will be the Democratic candidate running against When Donald Trump faced sexual assault Trump this year, is especially gifted in saying things allegations, the media wasted no time in making that are completely insane and make sure the whole country knew about it, me question whether he is mentally which may have been the right thing "Since the capable of doing anything, let alone to do, but only if this was the standard beginning of run a country. for reporting stories such as this. the election I understand that Biden is older Biden, however, is already such a weak cycle, the two and that some of the things that he candidate that it seems leftist news front runners, says may be excused by his age, but a sources have decided he cannot afford Joe Biden and person who seems to not know where the added negative publicity or else his Bernie Sanders, entire campaign could be a loss. he is or what he is talking about have astonished at times should not be allowed to If we were to strip away all of the me by some represent a major political party, let party affiliations that cause peoples’ of the things alone even have a chance at one of the preexisting feelings towards today’s most powerful positions in the world. candidates, I believe that many people, they have said During one of Biden’s speeches he Democrat or Republican, would in debates, said, “I got hairy legs that turn blonde rallies and other agree that Biden does not act like a in the sun, and the kids used to come functioning adult and surely shouldn’t events." up and reach in the pool and rub my be trusted with any kind of power, leg down and watch the hair come especially not the presidency. back up again. They’d look at it. So I believe that Biden was chosen as a I’ve learned about roaches, and I learned about kids candidate because he was vice-president to Obama, jumping on my lap, and I love kids jumping on my and the Democratic Party is trying to draw support lap.” from Obama voters. At some time in the past, Biden Although I am sure that Biden must have been may have been deserving of a party nomination, confused about what he was supposed to be talking but as of now, it seems as though the Democrats about during this speech, there is no doubt that have chosen a very senile man as their frontrunning this is a creepy dialogue and shows his level of candidate as they grow more desperate to remove incompetence. It seems as though he is not even President Trump from office. By Gardiner Vose lucid and unable to form functional sentences in I understand that it is important for each party order to respond to basic questions. This theme has to try to get their candidates into office, but there continued into many of his debates where sometimes comes a point where, for the good of the American I am not sure if he is even on the same planet as the people and the country, we need to come together rest of the people in the room. to agree that this man cannot be elected president. I Furthermore, Biden has recently been accused understand that Trump may not be the most fitting of a number of sexual assault charges from women candidate either, but if I have to choose the lesser of in the past which he denies. These eight allegations the two evils, I’d like to at least elect a person that have not been heavily reported on by the media knows what planet they are on. By Gardiner Vose

SOCIAL STUDIES | cultural commentary

The last issue

comic by

sumner wooldridge

Views //

Eagle Edition // May 15, 2020

count DOWN

19

Quarantine activities for the family

Activities such as board games offer escape from social media

Grace Meaux

The worst to the best of the month, ranked by Callie Hawkins

staff writer

See ya sports

8

ESD golf was canceled soon after distance learning was announced, and on April 3, the softball and track seasons were officially canceled. Around Easter break, the tennis and baseball seasons were terminated, and finally on Monday, April 20, US Lacrosse canceled all high school and college lacrosse for the season.

Exam decisions

7

On Monday, April 20, Academic Dean Dr. Eric Boberg sent out an email detailing the plan for the remainder of the year. Upper school students will have a one-hour timed assessment that will count 10 percent of the semester average and a course-specific project for another 10 percent of the semester average. These terms have increased the stress exponentially on the students.

July graduation

6

Mr. Baad’s email, sent out on Friday, April 17, said that graduation was to be moved to July 18, This date falls in the middle of summer and bothers some seniors, but the School has a fun week planned for them. The seniors are disappointed it won't be a traditional graduation but are excited for something new.

Family time

5

Since the beginning of quarantine, all of us have been cooped up in our houses with our families. We all love our families, of course, but we can for sure get annoyed with them quickly, especially with siblings for those of us that have them. We just want to see our friends!

Student council craze

4

On April 21, student council elections started with executive board elections.

Next up came each grade’s president, class officers, representatives and honor council positions. Campaigning has allowed the students to interact with each other while campaigning for their positions. It has also gotten students excited for next year.

Climate changing

3 2 1

Since the beginning of quarantine, the environment has improved significantly. Carbon emissions have gone down, which is allowing the ozone layer to rebuild itself. Canals, rivers, lakes and oceans have also become a cleaner as less trash is being dumped into them.

Prime permaculture

For Upper School film teacher Bobby Weiss’ class, students were assigned to make a fun film on whatever they wanted to because of being stuck in quarantine. Senior Annie Walker decided to get people from all over the school to read excerpts from Dr. Seuss’ book, “Oh the Places You’ll Go.” The School appreciated the outreach and connection in this hard time.

Early summer

All classes and exams end on May 22. Although this is early close to the school year, it is exciting that students can start their summer off early. Seniors finished on May 8 and are concerned about what their first semester in college might look like due to the pandemic

Q

uarantine—one word that most of us dread.

While many students are overwhelmed with online schoolwork, it can be easy to drown in the world of Netflix and social media during free time. However, it is important to take time away from technology and take advantage of the quality time with family.

According to The New York Times, usage of websites like Facebook, Netflix and Youtube increased by approximately 20 percent between Jan. 15 and March 24.

A May 12 poll of 143 students revealed that 97 percent of students said that their screen time had increased since the start of quarantine. And considering that our schoolwork is on technology, they were also asked how long they use their devices for entertainment purposes. The poll showed that 40 percent of students used their screens for entertainment about five hours a day.

Increased screen time has shown to have negative effects on the brain.

CNN reported that social media may be slowing down the development

graphic by

gardiner vose

of teenagers. This means that spending more time on screens can affect memory, impulse control, academic performance and sleep quality.

So, why risk it? Sitting in the house can get boring, but logging off devices can be good. Mike Brooks, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist at Psychology Today, recommends only two hours of screen time for teenagers on school days, and up to four hours on weekends.

Obviously students are exceeding the recommended hours with school alone, so it’s important to refrain from spending extra time on screens. Playing a board game, going outside or picking up a new hobby are great ways to stray away from technology, relax after a long day of online classes and ensure you get a good night’s sleep.

Since there are a large variety of fun and time-consuming activities to choose from, making decisions about what to play or what to do can be a struggle. However, this obstacle should not prevent people in isolation from finding new ways to pass the time.

My family’s favorite game to play recently has been Monopoly. My siblings and I played it five nights in a row.

A new game we’ve tried is I Dissent, an argumentative game that, in my experience, can get kind of crazy. Other family activities include a game of football in the backyard or a dance party.

There are also fun hobbies to try like learning a new language, playing an instrument or teaching a pet new tricks.

I’ve been experimenting with the guitar which usually takes up hours of my day.

I also taught my dog how to give me a high five, which is hard with a puppy, but rewarding in the end.

The most important thing is that these activities are engaging and keep people in quarantine away from screens. Let’s lower our screen time and hang out with family. I have a challenge and encourage everyone to participate. Once a week, take one night away from devices and play a game or try a new pastime. Since the quarantine is the best way to avoid coronavirus contagion, this will help make the most of it.

Small businesses need government support

Due to virus, many small businesses are shut down and need more government aid emily lichty

life editor

Forced to shut their doors in the midst of the coronavirus shutdown, many small businesses are struggling to pay their employees and keep up with their expenses. According to a study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 43 percent of small businesses predict that they will be unable to avoid permanent shut down within the next six months.

Small businesses need more assistance and funding, and the actions that the U.S. government has taken to protect small businesses and their employees have not been sufficient, leaving many small businesses vulnerable to collapse.

In March, the Paycheck Protection Program was put into place, setting aside $349 billion to distribute forgivable loans to help small businesses during the shutdown. However, this program failed to provide enough of these loans to small businesses across the country, as only six percent of small businesses have received loans, according to Forbes. The majority of this money went to large businesses through loopholes in the program.

Statistics released by the U.S. Small Business Administration show 4,400 out of the 1,661,397 approved loans were for amounts over $5 million. The funds ran out on April 3, less than two

weeks after they became available, proving that the initial $349 billion was simply not enough to assist the numerous small businesses who needed help. Stuck in an argument over how the additional funds should be distributed, the government didn’t pass a bill to add more money to the program until April 21. The additional amount of money added to the program is $310 billion, which as the original funds revealed, will only help a small number of businesses in need of assistance.

The amount of funds put into the program is only part of the problem, as the program has no restrictions to make sure that the money is distributed fairly to the small businesses in need. The PPP considers businesses with less than 500 employees at a single location eligible for a loan. This opens up the funds to large businesses, including large chains with many locations and takes away money from the small businesses for which the money was originally intended. For example, large businesses such as Potbelly Sandwich Company and Shake Shack have both received $10 million loans, despite the fact they both have over 6,000 employees across the country and millions of dollars in savings.

Some businesses have decided to return the funds that they gained through the PPP in order for the money to be redistributed to small businesses.

Hotel chain Ashford Inc. returned their $70 million dollar loan after receiving criticism for taking the money. Ashford Inc. and other businesses claim that they did not expect the funds to run out before reaching other businesses that needed them. The government set May

7 as a deadline for businesses to return their loans in order for them to be redistributed, yet these actions shouldn’t be necessary in the first place.

The program has been poorly thought through, and the proper restrictions have not been put in place to move funds where they are needed. With banks distributing funds to the companies who are applying for the biggest loans, they turn away small companies that are in higher need of the funds and closer to closing. The original $349 billion has now been committed and has left many small businesses disappointed that their needs were ignored.

The additional funds added to the program will continue to go directly into the hands of big businesses with more power unless the program is reinvented.

Although the money that these large businesses receive is used to benefit their employees, the money they have received should be going to help small businesses survive.

As the situation worsens for small businesses, the problem will only grow, and many businesses will permanently close. The number of jobs lost by the closing of small businesses will add up and significantly damage the economy.

More funds need to be added to the program, and strict restrictions need to be put in place that ensure small businesses get the loans that they were promised or otherwise, the problem will continue. It is the government’s responsibility to make sure that the voice of every business is fairly heard, regardless of their size, so that as many businesses as possible can survive and maintain their workforce.

Sports

20

Eagle Edition // May 15, 2020

Spring sports’ seasons cancelled, teams adapt Seniors share their frustration, reflect on past experiences, potential victories

story by

elliot mccabe & elizabeth siegel

“

IT HAD TO HAPPEN, AND I FULLY UNDERSTAND THAT, BUT IT DOESN’T TAKE EMOTION OUT OF THE SITUATION. I’M GRATEFUL FOR THE FEW WEEKS WE DID HAVE TOGETHER THOUGH.

Maggie Koch, womens lacrosse coach

C

oronavirus started off as small talk in the U.S. but soon turned into a widespread global pandemic.

With over 39,800 cases statewide, Texas has shut down all nonessential businesses and closed all schools. Along with these nonessential businesses closing, all school sports and activities closed as well. Students, captains and coaches were disappointed to find out about the closure and abrupt ending of their spring seasons––a season that could have won state.

“At first I did not expect what COVID-19 was capable of,” senior lacrosse captain Jack Loftus said. “I didn’t really want to accept it... [The cancellation] was heartbreaking.”

Loftus had been out of sports previously from a knee injury and was begging to get on the field at the end of the lacrosse season. He was excited to finish his last season and hopefully end the season as a Texas State Champion for the second year in a row.

“The senior class is capable of a lot,” Loftus said. “It is sad we could not prove ourselves one last time.”

Seniors, like Loftus, were frustrated upon hearing the news of

the cancellation, and even though a pretty good team this year. We they will never have the memory probably weren’t going to take SPC, of finishing their senior year with but we could’ve done something.” a state victory, the entire senior The tennis team, because it lacrosse class will requires less close forever have the contact, has been “THE SENIOR cheerful memories hoping to set up CLASS IS CAPABLE matches with other of playing lacrosse OF A LOT. IT IS SAD teams in Dallas. together.

WE COULD NOT “The senior The teammates PROVE OURSELVES have bonded with class lost only ONE LAST TIME.” three games from each other and second to fourth have learned many grade,” Loftus said. treasured morals that “Throughout the 12 they don’t want to past years [I played] give up playing just for the school, yet. [the lacrosse team] “It didn’t really hit has made many me that the season Jack Loftus, memories that we was over until it was senior will all cherish [for] my senior night, and the rest of our lives.”

I was sitting at home Coaches had been not playing my final trying to keep in contact with their match,” senior tennis captain Sarah players and encouraged them to stay Morrow said. “No matter how far active by sending weekly workouts you might be down, you can always in case the season would be able to come back up to win.” resume.

Girls lacrosse coach Maggie Koch “As a senior, it was my last season, won’t get to see the team every and it didn’t end as I hoped, so it day and use their interaction as wasn’t a very good feeling when I an outlet to relieve stress from the found out,” senior track captain pressures of school and life.

Humza Naseem said. “We had “It had to happen, and I fully

understand that, but it doesn’t take emotion out of the situation,” Koch said. “I’m grateful for the few weeks we did have together though.”

Koch has been coaching the current seniors for four years. And all four years she has gone with the team to SPC and has won twice.

“Each of them embraced whatever position and role they were given each year and did it to the best of their ability, which has made them really good teammates,” Koch said. “It’s tough every year to think about not having the senior class back... I’m really going to miss them.”

Koch believes in teaching the girls valuable lessons that can be implemented from the field into the real world and hopes that, after what we are going through, the girls will learn important values such as empathy, confidence and resilience.

“Sports are difficult emotionally and physically, and mistakes are constantly made,” she said. “Once something is done, it’s done, so harping on a mistake doesn’t change that it happened. Being able to move on makes playing sports more enjoyable, but it also makes some life situations easier.”

Sports //

Eagle Edition // May 15, 2020

21

Athletes face uncertainty regarding commitments Quarantine forces end of seasons, may impact summer tournaments story by

sloane hope

W

hile the impact of the COVID-19 quarantine has greatly affected academics and learning environments, its impact on sports and potential commitments is just as significant.

Following shelter-in-place orders issued throughout Texas, the Southwest Preparatory Conference originally canceled all sporting events from March 15 through April 13, but it just recently announced the termination of the remainder of the spring season for all sports and schools within the conference. With the cut off of the season, athletes had much fewer games, tournaments and practices than in past years, which could be detrimental to those players that rely on spring and summer seasons for possible college recruitments.

Sophomore Isabella Custard has been playing tennis since she was five years old, playing at Brookhollow country club until eighth grade when she decided to join the Highland Park Elite group to further her experience and get to the next level.

“I’ve played since I was so young, and it has always just been something I’ve loved doing,”

Custard said. “I am Calvert said. “I think playing in a fairly competitive college would be the best of both person, and I love the worlds. I would get to go to a great control you have on a singles college while getting to continue court where only you can what I love doing.” determine the outcome.”

Custard also hopes to continue Custard was relying playing in college, but rather for on the spring and summer a division two, division three or seasons after her semester college club team. While she likes abroad in Switzerland where the idea of structure provided by she was not able to practice. playing in college, she wants to “I was totally fine with maintain a healthy balance between [going abroad] given all the her tennis, school and social life, amazing experiences I would have which she doesn’t think would and assuming I would work extra be possible if she committed to a hard when I got back,” Custard division one school. said. “I don’t know when the next “I wasn’t even sure whether or tournament I can play in will be, not I wanted to play in college but I really need to get my until I talked to my coach about ranking up. I it before I left for have only played in Swiss Semester,” “THE ENDING OF seven tournaments Custard said.

THE SCHOOL since the summer “He helped SEASON MEANS of last year, which me see that is pretty much NO OPPORTUNITY I would feel a nothing compared gap in my college TO WIN THE to previous years.” experience without STATE OR SPC Sophomore Riley being part of a team Calvert also relies and playing every TOURNAMENTs.” on the spring and day.” summer seasons While neither for lacrosse, when athlete can scouting most often compete or occurs. practice with other Riley Calvert, “The ending teammates, both sophomore of the school have found ways to season means no practice around their opportunity to win the State or houses and stay in shape.

SPC tournaments,” Calvert said. “It “I workout and throw against also means less practice for the club a wall every day,” Calvert said. “I tournaments in the summer, which also like to go on runs and do the are the games most college coaches workouts my coach gives us, which come to.” often include speed work and Calvert has been playing lacrosse passing routines.” for 10 years, having started in first However, Custard is not able to grade. He has played with Stickstar access a tennis court to play oneLacrosse, an elite club, for four on-one with family members; most years and has been a varsity player courts are locked up and their nets since freshman year. He hopes to have been taken away. continue his lacrosse career at a “I have been hitting against a wall division one school. as much as I can, but that’s really “I really enjoy lacrosse because of the only thing I can do under these the high-intensity atmosphere and circumstances,” Custard said. “I the challenge each game presents,” have mainly just been working on

my fitness by going on runs every day, doing online workouts and other things of that nature.”

Despite the cancellation of the season and inability to practice, Calvert remains cautiously optimistic about the rest of this year and next season.

“The only thing I am worried about is all of the uncertainty surrounding this summer’s tournaments,” Calvert said. “But our team has too much character and talent to let this hurt our season next year. I think the whole situation will sort itself out.”

EAGLE

EYE With Matthew McCoy interview by

callie hawkins

Q A

Q A

Q A

When did you start playing golf?

The first time I picked up a club, I was probably three or four [years old] because my dad has always been an avid golfer and has always had clubs laying around the house. But I never really took it seriously or practiced; I only played every once in a while for fun. Starting three summers ago, I realized that I had what my dad always called “an exceptional knack.”

What is your favorite part about golf?

For the sport itself, far and away, it would have to be just getting out there and playing.

My dad has always described golf as the only sport that you can play when you are 18 and when you are 80 and always have a good time. Golf is just something I can get lost in. It just clears my head. It’s therapeutic.

What’s your role on the varsity golf team as a junior?

It’s definitely different from sophomore year. Sophomore year, Jackson Fricke and I were the only two sophomores [on the team], and we were at the bottom of the social hierarchy. Junior year I am definitely a more experienced golfer than I was my sophomore year. My leadership role has gone up because this season, I had become third seed on varsity.

22 // Sports

Eagle Edition // May 15, 2020

Professional sports put on hold amidst COVID-19 outbreak The NBA, MLB and other sports leagues are waiting to make a decision about the future of the 2020 seasons story by

smith cochran

A

fter warm-ups and the shootaround, the Utah Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder were in their huddles, preparing for the awaited tip-off on March 11 earlier this year. Chesapeake Arena, home of the Thunder, had almost 20,000 fans packed in to watch the showdown.

As the game was delayed, loud music was turned on to distract the oblivious fans from the ominous situation.

Both teams exited the court, and delusional “boos” were thrown out by some fans. The game was announced postponed, and the exits were filled with disappointment.

On March 12, the National Basketball Association, along with many other sports leagues and organizations, announced the suspension of their season due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus.

“I understand why the season was postponed,” junior and Dallas Mavericks season ticket holder Michael Bagley said. “I think Adam Silver–– commissioner of the NBA––did a good job shutting things down quickly.”

Because the season was postponed, season ticket holders are left wondering what will happen to all of their game passes. “[The Dallas Mavericks organization] has to wait for and see what happens [to the season],” Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said. “Then, [the Mavericks] will work with the NBA and decide [what to do with the tickets].”

For Bagley, he has been told the rest of his tickets can now be used as vouchers for any future contests. Prices for the vouchers vary depending on how much a ticket costs a certain game.

“I’m not sure what the final deal is, but that’s what [the Mavericks] are giving us as of now,” Bagley said. “[The credit] is the exact value of the ticket for any given game. So lets say [the Mavericks] are playing the Denver Nuggets, those tickets would not be anywhere near as much as tickets to a Lakers game [because the Lakers tickets are worth more].

The system is not set in stone due to the fact there may be a continuation of the postponed season. The NBA shares

its plight with Major League Baseball, as the virus has negatively impacted both seasons.

“I think they did the right thing considering the circumstances,” sophomore and Texas Rangers season ticket holder Kai Robinson said.

“However, it sucks that there aren’t any baseball games to watch on TV or go to.”

Earlier this month, the Texas Rangers were planning to unveil their longawaited stadium, the new Globe Life Park. Complete with air conditioning and a roof, fans could not have been more excited to watch a ballgame in it. Postponing its first game was like rubbing salt on a cut for Rangers fans.

“I was looking forward to seeing what the field was going to be like with a roof,” Robinson said. “[The roof ] is a major change from the old stadium. I was also looking forward to trying some of the new food items they [were going to introduce] this season.”

The MLB and NBA are handling the situation similarly, with ticket credits to games that never played. However, the MLB never started their season, while

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the NBA was in the final third of its season.

“There are still hopes that [the Texas Rangers] will play their games,” Robinson said. “It all depends on how the MLB modifies the schedule, so they have not refunded [ticket holders]. If the season gets completely cancelled or if they play less games than normal, [the tickets] would carry over credit into next season.”

The MLB originally was rumored to be planning a program that would place teams in Arizona, Texas or Florida. To reduce risk of spreading the virus, there would be no fans allowed and instead of being in the dugouts, teams would be stationed in their clubhouse.

“As a fan, I think it wouldn’t be fun because I love going to the games,” Robinson said. “If they can play the games at their spring training facilities, then fans could at least watch it on TV.” This plan was not moved on, and a more conventional plan was proposed instead. MLB owners sent a plan to the players association outlining an 82 game season that would start in July

UNUSED Million of jerseys sit in closets all over the country waiting for sports games to resume. On March 12, many sports leagues and organizations, announced the suspension of their season due to the outbreak of COVID-19. photo by Smith Cochran with “spring training” starting in mid June.

Every team would try and play in their home ballpark, unless state or federal regulations prevent it. For example, due to the restrictions in Canada, the Toronto Bluejays would have to play their games in Florida where there spring training is located.

Nothing is official, and the MLB has to see where the country is in terms of the pandemic as the summer months approach.

Whether you’re a fan of college sports, basketball, football, cricket or you aren’t a sports fan at all, everyone can agree that America could use entertainment.

“I hope [professional sports] will start back up soon,” Bagley said. “America is bored and needs sports to get through quarantine.”

Eagle Edition // May 15, 2020

Sports //

Spring athletes and coaches make the most out of the grim situation

23

GAME TIME line

story by

lauren weber

I

t was Sunday night, and junior Samantha Whiting had been doing homework for hours.

She opened her phone to a Twitter post, which announced that the mens lacrosse season had been cancelled. Tears inexorably slid down her face as she called another crying teammate and texted her coach, “is our season cancelled too?”

This year, spring sports teams are forced to adapt to unprecedented conditions––they have to communicate virtually and train individually. Lacrosse, tennis, softball, baseball and track seasons have been cancelled.

“I’d been waiting for lacrosse season,” Whiting said. “Playing lacrosse really kept me going through junior year; it kept me excited. I was motivated to work hard and defend our state title, and now it’s just gone.”

The womens lacrosse team still commemorated their senior night virtually on April 24, and the team moms delivered decorated signs and balloons to the seniors’ houses to emulate the normal experience. The team has still engaged in virtual meetings, and for the first four weeks of quarantine, each grade level led a meeting. The seniors held a game of charades, the juniors dropped off cookie dough at the players’ houses, the sophomores designed a Kahoot and the freshmen created a Jeopardy game.

“At lacrosse [practice], you talk to everyone, but with online school it’s harder to keep in touch,” Whiting said. “Zoom is a way to do that. Our team is one of the closest groups, so it’s really nice to see everyone even if it is online.”

Track and field coach Evan

“The Last Dance”

May 17

College Football

May 18

2017 National Championhip Clemson Tigers vs Alabama Crimson Tide 6 p.m. CT ESPN

Hadrick has also prioritized the mental and emotional health of his athletes during this time.

“Intrinsic motivation is more important than ever with everyone in quarantine, so this is a great opportunity to work on that with our athletes,” Hadrick said. “We’ve been talking to our athletes about figuring out how our workouts are personally beneficial to them, whether it’s getting them ready for their fall sport or helping relieve some stress after a day spent in front of their computers.”

Head womens tennis coach Julie Schiller has gotten creative in finding ways to keep her players healthy. She created a week of challenges for the players that included physically, musically and creativity-based activities.

“We [like this system] because it is a bonding experience

Center

Smith’s

story by

smith cochran The summer brings change every year; students are out of school for over two months, the days are longer and the bluebonnets have already bloomed. This year brings dozens of new, unexpected changes.

While this erases an endless amount of opportunities and entertainment, it also may mean trouble to all college athletic directors and athletes. If the football season is postponed, large universities could lose mass amounts of money, and smaller colleges and universities could suffer even more, having to cut more staff or sports.

Old Dominion University was one of the first schools to terminate a

Episodes 9 and 10 8-10 p.m. CT ESPN

varsity sport, cutting their wrestling team. Larger division one schools most likely will not have to remove sports, yet they will lose money. For this reason, the NCAA needs to do everything possible to play a football season.

On a regular year, there are around 24 different university athletic departments that bring in an annual revenue of over $100 million. The money comes from donations, student fees and of course ticket sales. In total, the amount made from ticket sales by all athletic departments was around $14 billion. The profit made at a certain game, gets split between the participating schools, which helps pay expenses throughout the athletic department. Without it, many athletic departments will have to downsize.

Kate Brown, the governor of Oregon, announced there will be no

without actually being together,” junior Ally Jeter said. “It also keeps us accountable for our health because we do GroupMe posts, and everyone can see what we all are doing for workouts and activities. Our coach wants to make sure we are not only staying fit but taking time away from our screens.”

Similarly, the softball coaches have been sending their players exercise routines and links to professional softball games to study technique.

“Our team is doing its best to continue communicating whether it’s through [the] coaches posting workouts on Schoology or someone sending a funny TikTok to our team GroupMe,” junior Monse Rodriguez said.

Baseball met in early April to discuss the future of their season.

“The idea is that hopefully

ONE LAST GAME Freshman middie Amelia Sinwell runs the ball up the field against Greenhill during a JV home game on March 10, a few days before Spring Break. The team had no idea it would be their last game of the school year. photo provided by Shawn Walther

we will play someone at the end of May just to put a cap on the season,” junior John Callis said.

“Mr. Baad wanted all spring sports to play their rivals, such as St. Mark’s.”

According to a poll of 143 students, 52.4 percent report miss having daily practice.

“When you’re at school during the day, you sometimes feel so tired that you don’t want to go to your afternoon practice,” Whiting said. “I remember we had to do a difficult running test during lacrosse on my birthday this year. But I would honestly do that every single day to have the season back.”

Without football, colleges need to find funding elsewhere large gatherings in the state until after September. Though discouraging, in no sense does it mean there won’t be football played. The Southeastern Conference has said they will play with no fans and do any means possible to have a season, and that’s relieving due to the fact that without college football, the south would be utterly lost.

In 2015, the athletic department at the University of Oregon brought in around $196 million with about $26.6 million coming from ticket sales. The Ducks play three home games in September this season, one being against Ohio State University.

Estimating the ticket revenue of each game, Oregon will lose around $6.65 million, assuming their ticket revenue is consistent each year just from missed games in September.

Common sense would tell us that

the larger percentage of colleges and universities are not like Oregon. Most schools do not make nearly as much money or have large donations.

The athletic department at the University of Idaho was already over budget before the outbreak of the virus. The Vandals lost around 50 percent of all football revenue from ticket sales the previous season as well.

The football games brought in $1.6 million from ticket sales last season and $200,000 from all other sports.

Without fans at football games, it’s hard to picture how Idaho athletics will look in the future.

Saddening as it is, a fall without football may be the reality come August and September. Not only will this be deflating for the millions of football fans, but it could be detrimental to smaller college athletic departments.

“Miracle”

May 22

7 p.m. CT ESPN

NCAA Mens Lacrosse

Dallas Mavericks

May 20

2011 NBA Finals Game 6 Dallas Mavericks vs Miami Heat 6 p.m. CT ESPN

2019 World Axe Throwing League Championship

May 23

8 p.m. CT ESPNEWS

May 25

2019 National Championship UVA vs Yale 5 p.m. CT ACCN

Johnsonville ACL Cornhole Championships

Major League Baseball

May 26

2016 Chicago Cubs vs Cleveland Indians 6 p.m. CT ESPN

May 30 2020 Doubles Championship 1 p.m. CT ESPNEWS

“E:60- Forever Broncos”

May 31

Postponed games until 2021

Eagle Edition // May 15, 2020

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