Tiger Topics N the Red: Volume XIII, Issue 2

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Volume XIII, Issue 2

Fishers High School

Oct. 22, 2018

Tiger Topics:

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Photo by Helen Rummel.

CHOOSE TO VOTE www.ďŹ shersnthered.com


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Oct. 22, 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS MARCHING BAND SEASON

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INDEPENDENT RESEARCH

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CCA DESIGN

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SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS

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HALLOWEEN SAFETY

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SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIM RESOURCES

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“BRING IT ON” MUSICAL

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DELLA LEVA ESPRESSO BAR

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ASPIRING ARTIST: ALEXA KAYS

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FALL FASHION

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FALL CRAFTS

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NEW GIRLS BASKETBALL RULE

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FISHERS SPORTS NETWORK

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FOOTBALL SEASON RECAP

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GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

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ALBINʼS ANGLE: MARCHING BAND

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H2H: GAP YEARS

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PURPOSE OF LIBRARIES

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FACING SEXUAL ASSAULT

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EDITORIAL: MIDTERM VOTING

BEHIND THE COVER Senior Megan Miller enters City Hall, which will be open for early voting starting on Oct. 24. Photo by Helen Rummel.

Arts & Culture takes on fall projects (Video)

fhsnthered.com:

Road to College: Finalizing Standardized Tests

fhsnthered.com:

30-31

Farmerʼs Market fosters Saturday sales

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WANT MORE?

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Oct. 22, 2018

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Marching band tuba players sophomore Megan Fuller and junior Sam Carnahan practice on Sept. 14 after school in the blocked parking lot near senior parking for their upcoming performance during halftime. Photo by Kaylee Demlow.

“Wild” competitions await fall marching band season John Yun yunjoh000@hsestudents.org

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ight gleams off the metallic instruments in the parking lot as the marching band practices their performance pieces for the show “Wild.” The marching band has approximately 260 players, the largest ever for FHS. They started practicing in the parking spaces blocked off near senior parking two weeks before school started, working four days during the school-week and all day on Saturday. The marching band plays three pieces this year: “Sensemaya” by

Revueltas, “Somewhere” from the Broadway musical “West Side Story” and “Wild Nights” by John Adams. Senior baritone player Jack Kirkwood has a solo, and junior trumpet player Nolan Lehman and senior trumpet player Isabella Hooten are part of two quartets - one with junior flute players Grace Owens and Camryn Fulton, and the other with senior trumpet player Parker Studer and junior trumpet player Zach Schultz.


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Features The performance lasts around 8-10 minutes, and the color guard members have cages that they move around and climb on during various parts of their show. The color guard, spinning flags, rifles and sabers, provides live visuals as the marching band performs. “The reason why I love color guard is that, unlike other activities or sports during the season, there is no competition,” color guard junior Keely Murdock. “Instead of a rivalry with HSE, we collaborate and cheer on both teams.” Two years ago was the first time the marching band made finals for BOA Super Regionals, and last year was the first time they went to BOA Grand Nationals, where they made it to semifinals. Their goal this year is to place higher than last year and get close to a 100 for their score. So far, the marching band has placed first at the Avon HS invitational and second at the Ben Davis HS invitational. Drum majors senior Lily Rollison, senior Alexis Boards, junior Oliver Hazel, junior Alli Mudra, and junior Emily Seidl are placed along the edges field so that the marchers can see them from most angles as they move around the field. “We have been doing a lot better so far this year,” drum major junior Oliver Hazel said. “There have been some focus problems at some points, but I think as we get closer to competition, people know that they need to start focusing more on the

performance.” Baritone saxophone player junior Elijah Hudson believes that his goal goes beyond just winning to also becoming better as players and people before high school ends. “My goal for band is to help others grow into very mature players and people because the more mature you become, the more respected you will be,” Hudson said. Although Hazel believes the marching band has some focus issues, trumpet player freshman James Gibbs thinks that the section leaders and the leadership teams are always there to make sure the band is on track and doing the best that they can do. “We have gotten most of our movements faster, and, of course, the staff is there to help us get better than before,” Gibbs said. The marching band has many upcoming competitions, including the ISSMA Semi-State competition on Oct. 24, ISSMA State Finals on Nov. 3 and BOA Grand Nationals in Indianapolis on Nov. 9-10. They are judged on music (individual and ensemble), visual (individual and ensemble) and general effect (overall impression and emotion). “Band is important to me because of the family it builds for you,” Hudson said. “If I didn’t have band, I wouldn’t be the same person because band instilled leadership skills in me.”

1. Marching band and color guard perform on senior night, Oct. 5. They work together to choreograph their perfomance. Photo by Kristine Brown. 2. Marching band flute players and clarinet players practice in regular clothes on the football field next to the cages on Aug. 29. Photo by Elissa Mitchell.

Marching band and color guard use the cages to showcase and visually represent the songs that they are playing during senior night, Oct 5. Photo by Kristine Brown.


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Oct. 22, 2018

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Independent research projects let students explore interests Marie Gabbard gabbamar000@hsestudents.org

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cience, English, history and many more subjects are all studied on the same day in one classroom. This is what it is like for a typical independent research class, where students pick what they want to study. Each year a new group of students embark on this experience. Two of the most common ways of doing independent research is through the IB project and the AP research class. Independent research is the process of investigating one question in-depth, usually over a period of many months. Students may work on these projects when they are juniors or seniors. For IB, they do most of the work during the summer between their junior and senior year, and for AP Research, they take the class during the school year. Students participate in the class for different reasons, like learning about open ended inquiry and preparing for college level work. Some students take research because it prepares them for the kind of projects and writing they will have to do in college. “I’ve already been introduced to what that’s like,” senior Nicole Rueff, said. “College research is a lot different from what most classes do here in high school. It’s much more intense and indepth.” Rueff took AP research her junior year and did her project on how college students sleep in dorms. AP Research is class that follows AP Seminar and consists of a 4,000-5,000 word research paper and oral defense. Students prepare for this by continually working on the project throughout the school year.

Graphic made by Marie Gabbard

Sometimes the passions students explore in their research are covered in classes and they want to go more in-depth like for IB senior Michael Hicks who did his project on the second red scare in the United States during the cold war. Other times students want to delve into a topic not offered through a traditional class, like Rueff’s project on sleep. In the IB program students pick their research project spring of their junior year and then work on writing a rough draft and finding sources for their project over the summer. The paper ends up being 4,000 words. “They have the ability to oftentimes expand upon passions and interests that they have that don’t necessarily fit into the curriculum of a particular class,” IB coordinator Jennifer Gabbard said. Doing independent research allows students to go further in depth by using new research techniques they learn, such as how to read scientific papers and how to find specific sources through databases. “I’ve certainly had an interest in history since I was young,” Hicks said. “It allowed me to have a greater insight into that.” Another unique aspect of independent research, is the lack of a given answer to the question they are investigating. While in a normal class there is a problem and a solution to it, in independent research there is no definitive answer Reuff said. This is similar to college level research where students must design their own question and answer it. “Personally it’s able to help me analyze other studies a lot better,” Rueff said. “I can comprehend where the research is coming from and the limits of what results say.”


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Seniors Emily Burke and Nicole Sarmadi sit at the counter in the A and B hallway taking advantage of the CCA’s lounge areas while eating lunch. Photo by Sam Bauer.

CCA design destined to spread throughout school Janie Van Overwalle vanojan000@hsestudents.org

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unlight seeps through the large glass windows as students take seats on the couches throughout the day, studying and socializing with friends. The design of the CCA was made to reflect the collaborative spaces of Google and Apple to give students the atmosphere of what they will be going into after high school. Assistant principal Steve Loser said the CCA was initially built to add on to the school as a senior academy while student enrollment increased. “A team of school board members and architects took ideas from professional environments and tried to replicate those ideas in a school environment,” Loser said. The CCA has more meeting rooms and collaborative spaces for teachers and the community to meet. Loser believes the area has transitioned from a senior academy, its original purpose, into a college and career academy open to anyone. He believes students should receive a feel for college environments, whether or not they are seniors. “You get that college career experience when you’re ready, not just when you’re a senior,” Loser said. Junior Lily Frankland said the CCA feels less like a school environment making it easier for them to focus. “The CCA is more open giving students more space to spread out to focus,” said Frankland. Senior Drake Stallworth believes being focused helps students, like himself, understand the material they are learning in class better.

Loser said the more traditional parts of the school like the A and B hallways are reflecting CCA design of the areas in order to feel less of a traditional school environment. In some of the A and B halls, counters and couches have been added to expand onto the CCA’s lounge areas. “This was an intentional plan. The change in experiences [students] have is not just exclusive to kids that go to the CCA,” Loser said. Junior Abbey Schmidt said she enjoys the spread of lounge area in these hallways. “It’s smart of the administrative staff to add these lounge areas, students use them a lot.” Schmidt said. Teachers and students that are not in the CCA still have the option to remove themselves from the traditional classroom environment. The fishbowl project rooms are also the start of a new transition towards the CCA design spreading throughout the school. “If students don’t have classes in the CCA and want to work in those lounge areas, it’s nice to have them around so you don’t have to walk from the A and B hallways to the CCA,” Stallworth said. The administrator’s priority is to purchase more soft-seating for other academic areas. Although the administrative staff is waiting on teachers to request furniture, so they will know it will be needed and used. Loser said there needs to be room for this furniture as well as being in a spot where teachers can supervise from their classrooms. “Anything that changes the experiences of students and teachers in the learning environment is a priority.” Loser said.

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Oct 22, 2018

Schoolboard candidates seek midterm election seat Ben McHenry mchenben000@hsestudents.org

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Why are you running for HSE School Board?

or the upcoming midterm elections, taking place on Tuesday, Nov. 6, one of the many positions being voted upon is the HSE School board. The school board consists of seven members: president, vice president, secretary, and four at-large board members. In the upcoming midterm election, there are four open seats being voted upon. Hamilton Southeastern schools is made up of four districts, and any candidate running must run in the district that they currently live in. In past elections citizens voted for the candidates in each of the three townships: Delaware, Wayne and

Fall Creek. This year voters only vote amongst the candidates running in the one of the four districts that they live in. The candidates in District 1 are Bradley M. Boyer, Benjamin Elsbury, and Joshua D. Richardson. District 2 candidates consist of Janet Pritchett and Frank Whelan. Michelle Fullhart is the sole candidate running in District 3 as well as the only candidate running for reelection. Bradley L. Banks and Julie Chambers make up the District 4 candidates. I could not reach Joshua D. Richardson or Frank Whelan for information on their election.

“I passionately care about this community, our children, and our teachers! We moved to this community because of the schools and we have some big transitions coming up in the next four years and I have the education and experience to make a difference.” - Jennifer Reardon McSoley

“We have an amazing community and school system; however, if we don’t work to make changes now, we are going to miss our opportunity to take our school district to the next level and really differentiate ourselves. To push our schools from good to great requires people with different experiences and backgrounds.” Matt Molter

“I have a passion for public education and a vested interest in our district. My four children are students in the district and I have been volunteering in the district for 12 years. I have a knowledge of what is currently going on in the schools and that is a unique perspective I can provide as a school board member.” - Janet Pritchett

“I love being able to serve a district that I have been a part of for over 27 years. I am a champion of our students and staff, and making HSE the best place for all students to learn, as well as the best place for our staff to work, and grow is a guiding principle for me.” - Michelle Fullhart

“I feel that the school board has not been as committed, nor as involved, as it should be. The school board has not effectively led the school district. It has not cast a vision, set goals for the school district, monitored performance, measured results and held people accountable.” - Bradley Boyer

“I want to bring more transparency to the Board. I also want to increase the number of school counselors, continue to support our mental health initiatives and ensure our teachers have the tools and resources they need in the classroom.” - Julie Chambers

“I always like to utilize my volunteer time to do something that positively affects children. I can’t think of anything more important to children of the community than their education. I have volunteered with numerous organizations that impact children, so the schoolboard is a natural fit for me.” Bradley Banks

“I feel that at this point in my life I have been called to give time and energy back to a community that has given me so much. I have a passion for education, so I feel that this avenue is the best route for me to add to this community’s success.” - Benjamin Elsbury


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What do you want to improve about HSE schools?

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“I would love to improve school safety, mental health awareness, anti-bullying and communication.” Jennifer Reardon McSoley

“I’d like to make HSE schools more family friendly for all of the community. Also, going straight to college after graduation isn’t the right path for everyone, so I’d like to focus on alternative pathways for those students. We should also focus on balancing technology and screen time with utilizing technology for learning.” - Matt Molter

“I would like to explore alternative testing methods beyond standardized testing. Student learning and growth is dynamic and anything but standard so our methods of evaluating students should follow suit.” Janet Pritchett

“My campaign is based on what I call the SAFE platform. S stands for security. This plan focuses on safety, academics, facilities, and extracurricular activities. I hope that we can make some serious progress in these four fields over the next two years.” Bradley Banks

“HSE is considered a high-achieving school district by the State of Indiana. But, there is always room for improvement in our schools. Two areas that I recently suggested that I would like to review to look for ways to improve - the 1:1 technology initiative and the teacher evaluation process.” Michelle Fullhart

“I want to see the school board lead the school district, to cast the vision and set goals for the administration. I also want to implement a consistent set of curriculums throughout our district elementary schools. I’d also like to promote vocational training in our high schools.” Bradley Boyer

“One thing we need to improve is the diversity within our teaching staff and administration. Representation matters and we need to recruit a more diverse staff to reflect our student body. I feel that it’s important for kids to see themselves represented here.” Julie Chambers

“I want to improve communication between the board and its stakeholders. I feel that getting information can be complicated for our stakeholders and I want all parties to be informed on the issues that are affecting the school system.” Benjamin Elsbury

You can reach the candidates for further contact below: Jennifer Reardon McSoley: jrmcsoleyhseboard@gmail.com Matt Molter: www.molterforschoolboard. com Janet Pritchett: jmpritchett11@gmail.com Bradley Banks: bankonbanks4hse@gmail. com Michelle Fullhart: fulhartforhse@gmail.com

Bradley Boyer: bboyer@watermarkeps.com Julie Chambers: chambers4hse@gmail.com Benjamin Elsbury: belsbury@aol.com Frank Whelan: facebook @ whelanforhseschoolboard Joshua D. Richardson: could not find any contact information for Joshua D. Richardson

For more information on where you can vote go to https://www.hamiltoncounty. in.gov/222/Current-Election-Information.


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Oct. 22, 2018

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Photo by Samuel Bauer

There are no cool ‘Tricks’ to Halloween Safety Samuel Bauer bauersam000@hsestudents.org

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andering through the night in search of goods and sweets while clutching a pillowcase or bucket in hand, Halloween gives children and teenagers an excuse to have fun collecting candy or hanging out with friends. Although the night may seem all fun and games for many, there are risks associated with Oct. 31. Halloween safety is a term brought up now and again over issues that deal with those who participate during the holiday. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), pedestrians are two times more likely to be struck by a vehicle on Halloween when compared to any other day of the year. Also, in 2017, motorist-related deaths were the second highest in October, which is more than any other month besides July. With many new drivers in Fishers, the safety of pedestrians is always something students keep in mind, especially on Halloween. Common ways pedestrians can protect themselves is by wearing reflective gear when going outside during the night. Reflective gear allows for driver’s visibility of children to increase, keeping them safe. Another simple way for pedestrians to stay safe is by being more aware of cars by keeping their heads up and keeping their devices in their pockets when crossing roads and intersections. “If you’re going with a group of friends, go with those that are going to be respectful to your neighbors, and just be aware of your environment,” senior Luciano Cutrone said. However, one common concern when trick-ortreating is that people could be in danger by going alone. Cases where kids have been abducted occur frequently and students have seen the increase in the use of amber alerts on their devices, which

indicate timely news on local child abductions and missing children. “I feel that if kids go out to go trick-ortreating, definitely go with your parents unless you’re old enough to be going out alone or with a group of friends,” Cutrone said. There are many activities that a younger audience can take advantage of to celebrate, while staying safe. One event that high schoolers help facilitate for the younger audience is the AllTreats-No-Tricks event. Kids can come to collect candy and participate in activities like coloring, painting and working with robotics, while also being dressed as their favorite fun or frightening character. “All Treats-No-Tricks” has been going on for about five or six years, and it’s a safe trick or treating event where all the money and proceeds go to Riley Children’s Hospital,” Riley Dance Marathon sponsor and arts teacher Danielle Ontiveros said. “All the clubs and sports have a table where they pass out candy and there are also tables with activities for the kids.” The event is supervised and held indoors so if the rain shows up, the kids can too. Parents and staff members will always be in the area at the time of the event, and the location is easily controlled within a specific area of the building, which prevents the hassle of those who are quick on their feet. “Toddlers including elementary students and pre-school children are generally the ones able to participate [in the All-Treats-No-Tricks event,”] Riley Dance Marathon Sponsor and art teacher Abbey Horst said. “Our high schoolers are also involved because they are the ones who run the event which is held at FHS in the CCA.”


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Features

Sexual Assault by the Numbers 8

Every eight minutes, evidence of sexual assault against a minor is found

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Victims of sexual assault are four times more likely to develop a drug addiction later in life

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An American is sexually assaulted every 98 seconds

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Seven percent of assaults happen at school

13 percent of victims do not report the assault because they believe the authorities will not help

All statistics from RAINN. Infographic by Nate Albin.

Sexual Assault Resources Contact Information National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE Prevail 24-Hour Crisis Line: 317-776-3472 Confidential One-on-One Online Chat with RAINN Specialist: online.rainn.org

Resources available for student victims of sexual assault Nate Albin albinnat000@hsestudents.org

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he HSE school district wants to make sure all students understand that there is help. The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) reports that 15 percent of the estimated 321,500 yearly sexual assault victims are under 18. In-state universities such as IU, Notre Dame and Purdue have all had recent sexual assault cases reported to authorities. HSE has taken steps to set up sexual assault resources for students. The district is in the first year of a partnership with Prevail, a sexual assault help and prevention organization, to provide victims support 24/7. “Prevail holds support groups for students in our school that are facilitated by a school counselor and an advocate from Prevail,” HSE Director of Mental Health Brooke Lawson said. Kelly Ferriell, a Prevail sexual assault advocate, explained that they can help with many repercussions of sexual assault. They help focus on mental aspects such as trauma, life impact and emotional management. Before all this can happen, a victim must take the first step. “Reaching out for help is important for many reasons,” Ferriell said. “Sexual assault is an experience that changes how we think, feel and understand the world around us. Sexual assault is not something anyone’s brain is prepared to manage on its own.” While crucial for victims of sexual assault, it can be very hard to ask for help. According to RAINN, only 31 out of 100 are reported to authorities. “‘It’s embarrassing, I’d say,” a student who experienced sexual assault said. “There is also the worry that your parents will find out, friends will find out, and they’ll think of you differently. I just didn’t want to be seen as a victim.” While some worry about friends finding out, a trusted friend can be an important source. Friends can help by listening to a victim and then work with the victim to help them onto the path of getting help. “The first person I went to was one of my closest friends,” the anonymous student said. “She said to me that it wasn’t okay, and that’s when I realized maybe the situation was a lot more messed up than I thought.” Sexual assault victims can feel long term effects. RAINN reported that sexual assault victims can often cause depression, traumatic flashbacks and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “Sometimes, right after a sexual assault, it can feel like everything is ‘fine’. That is often a survival mechanism that protects the person from the full intensity of their feelings,” Ferriel said. “There is no one right way to respond.” Sexual assault has become a subject locally and nationally that has gained more attention through movements such as #MeToo. With that has come more resources for victims to get help. Help can come from a trusted friend, a counselor or teacher, or a service like Prevail. “It is never too early or too late to reach out for help,” Ferriell said. “It doesn’t matter if a sexual assault happened ten years ago, ten days ago or ten minutes ago, there will be help.” *Interviewees who share sensitve information will be kept anonymous for their well-being.


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Oct. 22, 2018

Theater “Brings It On” in fall musical Andrew Bauer bauerand000@hsestudents.org

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1. Junior Brooklyn Limback, sophomore Morgan Joiner, sophomore Sebastian Trojilo and sophomore Kayla Wilkerson move with the music during practice on Tuesday, Oct 2, while the ensemble practices the number “Welcome To Jackson.” 2. Choreographed by former FHS graduate Annie Wolfert, students in the ensemble dance in unison to “Welcome To Jackson” on Tuesday, Oct. 2. Photos and graphics by Andrew Bauer.

umerous stunts and tumbles flash around for the fall “Bring It On” musical. The show will be performed Nov. 15-17 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. It is based on the Broadway show written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Amanda Green. Campbell Davis, (played by sophomore Emily Legg) the newly named cheer captain at Truman High School, receives a letter redistricting her to a more urban school, Jackson High School. At Jackson, Campbell starts her own cheer leading squad to counter Eva (played by sophomore Madelynn Ayen). She is under the impression that Eva was involved with her redistricting to Jackson. Weeks of preparation go on behind the scenes of each musical. From practicing the vocals to the acting, cast members must dedicate a lot of time to producing the show. “Right after we audition, we do a few weeks of learning the music vocally,” performing arts teacher and director Jon Colby said. “While all that is going on, [band instructor] Charles Kunz is getting the band together and [performing arts teacher] Andy Smith is starting to design the set and will start getting that into place. Then we start the choreography and block it all onto the stage- figuring out where everybody goes….costumes, props, it’s a lot.” Usually within a musical, there are three aspects students cover in a performance but this year, students will have to incorporate athletics as well. “We took a cheer boot camp class for three hours in the gym and it was hosted by one of the cheer coaches,” senior Millie Obungu, lead actress portraying Danielle, said. It lasted three hours where students learned about tumbling. They learned how to do some simple stunts like preps, thigh stands and were going to be taught extensions as well, which will be added into the show. Taught by JV football cheer coach Miata Walker, the students learned stunts that they may have otherwise thought to be incapable of. Treasurer and varsity cheer coach Jennifer Hall will also be helping to implement some of the tumbling into the show as well. Diversity is found within the cast and crew. Scenes from the show will display a suburban Truman High School with a predominately white student body whereas the more urban Jackson High School will display a more ethnically diverse student body. “Bring It On The Musical” gives students participating an opportunity to perform roles that they may not usually play in other musicals like participating as LGBTQ+ roles. Senior actor Carl Tensmeyer plays La Cienega, Danielle’s backup girl. In the show, it is implied that La Cienega is transgender.


Arts & Culture

“To feel like I’m representing aspects of the LGBTQ+ community is honestly so rewarding,” Tensmeyer said. “The show really focuses on giving those a voice who don’t typically have one. So to feel like I’m able to give La Cienega her voice means everything to me.” This show is more modern than other musicals in the past, which allows the show to connect more with the audience and is relatable to more students as well. “It has turned out to be my favorite show yet,” Tensmeyer said. “I’m super happy this gets to be my last musical because it almost feels like all aspects of the four years have been leading up the perfect show with new opportunities for those who haven’t had them in the past.” “The whole idea of it is that there is a more suburban school a lot like Fishers and another school that has a lot more diversity, with many more races mixed in,” Obungu said. Colby chose this musical for this reason. Truman reminded him of FHS. He wanted to create a more diverse atmosphere in this musical to fit the parts of both schools.

Wolfert gathers the ensemble together for a pep talk to instruct on the next number for “Bring It On: The Musical.” Photo by Andrew Bauer.

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The cast of “Bring It On: The Musical” strikes a pose during rehearsal in the auditorium after school on Tuesday Oct. 2. Photo by Andrew Bauer.


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Oct. 22, 2018

Della Leva brews signature espressos Grace Mossing mossigra000@hsestudents.org

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s customers walk into Della Leva, the sweet aroma of coffee and pastries envelops them. This aesthetically pleasing, European coffee shop caters to all coffee lovers with a drive-thru, environment suitable for meetings and amiable employees. Della Leva Espresso Bar, off of 106th St. and Crosspoint Blvd, also offers a trendy alternative to most coffee shops. Modern and bold furniture decorates the shop. An intricately painted mural of roses adorns the side wall as fun light fixtures brighten the shop. Trendiness does not come with an added price. A medium iced caramel macchiato at Della Leva costs $4.05 while Starbucks charges $4.45, and the sizes are quite comparable. When ordering, I had a hard time deciding what I wanted, but luckily, the barista readily assisted me. She offered great suggestions of coffee specific to my taste as well as a selection of complementary pastries. From her recommendations, I chose to order a raspberry scone and a medium Havana cappuccino, containing espresso, sweetened condensed milk, steamed milk and cinnamon. While waiting for our orders, my friends and I tried samples of an almond croissant left out and offered to all customers. It was light and great for people who do not like food to be too sweet. Within a couple minutes, my friends’ orders had come. One of them ordered the iced caramel macchiato. It tasted sweet and not overly strong. The sweetness covered the coffee flavor, offering a drink ideal for those who do not love the bitterness of coffee. To switch it up, the other ordered a matcha latte, which consists of green tea and milk. It had a consistently smooth taste and was not too bitter. The latte had just enough milk to balance out the green tea flavor but not enough to water it down. With the matcha latte order came a blueberry muffin for everyone to try. The light and sweet bites with blueberries evenly dispersed provided for a nice sugary snack. My raspberry scone came out next. Thanks to the baristas, it arrived warm. Compared to the muffin, it was much denser with a buttery taste complemented by tangy raspberries. The scone looked homemade and fresh. Surprised that my coffee had not yet come out, I went up to the counter to ask what was taking so long, and they confirmed that a lady had mistakenly picked up my order a few minutes ago. The mistake I made for never hearing my order called was quickly compensated for as they told me that they would just make me a new one. The baristas offered us the lady’s abandoned coffee for free and one of my friends took it. The Havana cappuccino was well worth the wait. From the first sip, sweetness overwhelmed me, but within a couple seconds, I could taste the bitter taste of coffee I know and love. This drink was one I could order every day and never get sick of. The only disappointment came with the plain coffee that had been left behind by the lady. A bitter, bland taste overwhelmed what little flavor there was. Della Leva receives a 4.5 out of 5 for me. As a locally owned espresso bar and one of its kind, it is a must visit for all people that live in Fishers.

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3 1.An iced caramel macchiato alongside a raspberry scone sits on a Della Leva granite counter covered with Fishers magazines. Photo by Katie Wiseman. 2. A raspberry scone accented by a clear glass plate perches upon the armrest of a bold red swivel chair. Photo by Grace Mossing. 3.A blueberry muffin sits on a Della Leva table with a matcha latte and journal notebook. Photo by Katie Wiseman.

Rating: 4.5/5


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Arts & Culture

Alexa Kays leaps into spotlight Carson Lilley

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lillecar000@hsestudents.org

tage lights flicker on and the curtain raises, drawing the audiences’ chatter to a close. Suddenly, contemporary music fills the room and senior Alexa Kays begins performing with the other dancers. Kays began dancing at the age of two when her mom signed her up for classes. Raised in an athletic family, her parents wanted to see their daughter try something other than sports. She currently dances at the G. Scotten Talent Center. “I love dancing because it keeps me in shape,” Kays said. “I feel like it involves a lot of etiquette. It teaches me manners and confidence and things I might not have learned if I didn’t dance.” Kays’ favorite styles are jazz and contemporary. However, she takes classes in genres such as tap, hip hop and ballet in order to remain wellrounded. “My strongest style is probably ballet because I’m built like a ballerina,” Kays said. “Most ballerinas are super tall and a little lanky and I fit that description, which helps me a lot.” Kays typically spends 25 hours a week at the studio, alternating between taking classes and running through competition pieces of various styles. During the school week, she spends an hour on conditioning, an hour running through competition pieces and takes two hours of technique classes. On the weekends she practices her competition pieces for seven hours. “Right now dance is my entire life since I’m always at the studio,” Kays said. “It’s taught me everything I know and I feel like I would be such a different person without it.” Competition season lasts from January to May, and Kays competes jazz and contemporary dances three weekends a month. Eight studios typically attend each competition. Outside of attending competitions with her studio, she also visits conventions, where she competes and takes classes from choreographers. Throughout the year, Kays has a solo, duet and seven group dances that

she focuses on. Each Saturday is spent running through all nine dances. “Solos are fun because you can make them however you want to be and they’re less stressful,” Kays said. “Groups are a lot harder because you have to try to blend in and look like everyone else.” Recently, Kays became a prodigy for Energy Dance, meaning she travels with them during the year to mentor dancers and assist them in classes. She is also a part of another company called Hollywood Connections in Las Vegas. Kays often travels to Los Angeles with her companies to dance. There, she takes classes from famous choreographers such as Mia Michaels from “So You Think You Can Dance.” “Dancing in LA is so fun because the dancers there are so different,” Kays said. “They always seem to be a year ahead of us and they know what styles are going to be cool before they’re cool here.” During competition season, Kays’ studio often travels to St. Louis, Detroit and Chicago in order to dance against tougher teams. There, she performs all nine of her dances. “Alexa has really pretty and long lines as well as amazing technique,” teammate and sophomore Sydney Brown said. “She’s really confident in her dancing and in herself.” Kays hopes to pursue dancing in college by trying out for dance teams. She plans on studying exercise science or physical therapy. For now, Kays can be found busy in the studio preparing for her next competition.

Senior Alexa Kays practices jumps at a beach in the Dominican Republic in April 2017. Photo used with permission of Alexa Kays.


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Oct. 22, 2018

Arts & Culture

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Fashion trends fall back to the past Katie Wiseman wisemkat000@hsestudents.org

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assing students in the hallway sport oversized sweaters, denim jackets, jeans and joggers during the fall, reflecting the newest trends that resemble styles worn three decades ago. This season, comfort is the top trend. People are dressing more for comfort over style or finding a balance of both. “I really like to wear flannels and comfy sweaters,” junior Minju Park said. “[I like] sweaters that are cute, but comfortable too.” Sweaters offer comfort and warmth, and dressing it up with a skirt adds personality. Layered looks with skirts and tights with boots or denim jackets over cozy sweaters “[For layering], I really like anything with sweaters and skirts,” junior Nicole Arive said. “I think it’s a really good match.” Seventeen Magazine reports that the layering trend this season includes celebrities like Hailey Baldwin, Selena Gomez and Kendall Jenner and they use layers to create a unique look that anyone can copy with a few fall staple pieces. “I think sweaters and fashionable pants, like jeans or joggers [are favorites I see people wear.]” sophomore Luke Kraft said. The pieces Kraft mentioned offer convenient and fashionable trends for guys that can be styled in different ways so everyone can add their own personal touch. Once again many choose comfort this season, opting for sneakers over boots for everyday looks, although combat boots are still a prominent fall staple. “I see a lot of boots: Doc Martens and other good boots.” Kraft said. Popular stores for students to pick up fall pieces include Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, J. Crew, Pacsun and Brandy Melville. “J. Crew is nice for nice sweatshirts, socks and long shirts,” said Kraft. Patterns and colors that students notice as being on trend this year include plaid, denim and, neutral colors like white, gray, and beige, along with muted fall tones like red, brown, mustard yellow and orange. “I think denim is a good category of fashion. You can really tell someone’s personality with a lot of denim.” Kraft said. Denim jackets fitted with pins, patches or fleece around the collar are styles that have returned. “[I like] muted colors that mimic the leaves changing like red, brown and yellow,” Kraft said, “maybe not like spring colors.” On a chilly fall day this season, there is no need to look further than sweaters, sweatshirts, joggers and a favorite pair of sneakers for a fun, fashionable look that provides a balance of both comfort and style.

Both Fong and Park wear sweaters paired with a casual pant and boots provide a comfy yet stylish look that fits with common fall style trends. Sheikh and Tarbutton sport denim, drawing inspiration from the 70s and 80s. To transition into colder months, the duo also displays more muted tone.

Senior Ben Fong

Sen iors Ma riam She ikh

and Jen ny Tar but ton

Jun ior Mi nju Par k

Jun ior Kyra Ste wa rt

Sophomo re Liz Xala

Xala wears a a sweater with cutouts to make a comfortable look unique with classic black pants and sneakers.

Junior Nicole Arive replicates current trends by combining denim, muted tones, patterned tights and heeled ankle booties.

Sophomore Luke Kraft mixes trends by pairing a classic collared sweater with more modern joggers and sporty sneakers.

While Stewart chooses to accesorize a laid-back look with personalized pins, Frash keeps his style simple, sticking to a darker fall color palette.

Senior Trevor Frash

Photos by Katie Wiseman.


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Oct. 22, 2018

Fall crafts simple beyond be-leaf Curren Gauss gausscur000@hsestudents.org

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Fall Wreath Instructions: Materials Needed: - Wooden rings (from Michaels) - Garland of leaves (from Michaels) - Hot glue guns (previously owned, can be purchased at Target or off Amazon) Step 1: To start, previously owned hot glue guns were plugged in to warm. During that time, the leaves on the garland were cut off into individual leaves. Step 2: After the leaves were cut, they were glued onto the wooden rings. The best method for this was picking a specific point on the ring to start at, then working your way around. Step 3: With the wreaths almost finished, extra berries and glittery leaves were added to finish off the project. Step 4: The completed wreaths were hung on the front door. Photos by Katie Wiseman For more visit Fishersnthered.com

littery leaves and dripping glue guns clutter the kitchen tables of many families during the months of October and November while they attempt to construct the perfect fall craft. Easy, seasonal and low-cost projects are the goal for those wanting to create something unique and autumnally appropriate. However, many do not know where to start. Pinterest Club sponsor and Spanish teacher Stephanie Gutting expressed that it is not as hard as some may think. “In terms of finding a project, Pinterest has a ton of ideas, not only things that you can make but even just ideas for things at home or décor,” Gutting said. Gutting and the members of Pinterest Club meet monthly in A102 to make different crafts that are usually seasonally based. “A lot of members like to decorate mason jars for various holidays,” Gutting said. “The fall is a great time for that.” Gutting also mentioned her preferred fall crafts which included painting pumpkins and making wreaths. In an attempt to replicate some of these crafts, wreaths were made and pumpkins painted, both crafts being low cost and not involving too many materials. Instructions for a fall wreath are located in the caption. In addition to Pinterest Club, many people choose to craft on their own time. Sophomore Savanna Jensen often works on crafts at home. “Usually I’ll do something based on the season,” Jensen said. “Then I’ll go to Hobby Lobby and get craft supplies.” Jensen discussed past projects, one of her favorites being a shadow box which is a glass front box containing themed objects, like leaves. “I painted the frame and put the letters to spell out ‘fall’ on the glass,” Jensen said. “After, I filled it with flowers.” Traditional Pinterest decorations are not the only projects that people make. Senior Sam Durnell expressed her interest in different non-fall related crafts. “I love making friendship bracelets. I have a box of yarn and thread that I use to make them,” Durnell said. “I’ll braid the string together and then add beads.”


Arts & Culture Durnell finds fun in doing other crafts but bracelets are something she can make year round. Bracelets allow Durnell to express her creativity without being tied down to a season based theme. However, customizing jewelry is seasonless, meaning she can give items to her friends and family throughout the year. Currently, she is incoorperating fall aspects into her jewelry. “Sometimes I’ll take different colored string and use that,” Durnell said. “I love reds and burnt oranges that really tie in fall elements.” Gutting stated how easy and fun creating art can and how despite minor challenges, the club is able to make something unique, even if it does not look exactly like the picture. “A lot of us are perfectionists so we are afraid of it not looking how it does online, but the club members are very flexible, crafts are a great stress reliever and a wonderful creative outlet,” Gutting said.

Painting Pumpkins Instructions: Materials Needed: - Pumpkins (from the Fishers Do-It Center) - Acrylic paint (from Michaels) Step 1: First, decide what you want to paint onto the pumpkin. For these pumpkins, inspiration was pulled from Pinterest. Then just paint the pumpkins. Photos by Katie Wiseman

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Oct. 22, 2018

Girls adjust to IHSAA rule Mari Kantner kantnmar000@hsestudents.org

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irls basketball begins their season before the end of October but have been working out since July 10. This year’s preseason workouts were different than workouts in years past due to rule changes. The Indiana High School Athletics Association (IHSAA) adjusted their rules on how girls basketball teams can practice in the off-season. Originally, players could practice two hours a day for two days a week during the off-season in what the IHSAA called an open gym. The IHSAA mandated that these open gyms must be conducted without a coach present. The girls were expected to come in alone or with teammates and use this time to work on their skills. “It’s a majority of my time before and after school, but it’s part of the commitment,” junior center Lydia Stullken said. While players can still have preseason open gyms, restrictions on the scheduling of practices have been tweaked. Coaches can now lead and participate throughout these two hours sessions with players. Competitive season started Oct. 15 and will conclude on Feb. 9. During official in season practices, girls learn to work together as a team. According to Stullken, older players help train the newer members, so the entire team can grow and become better. “People could try to play it by themselves, but if you’re going to play it really well you need to work together,” head coach Lauren Vail said.

1. Junior Lydia Stulken guards a player from Mooresville on Nov. 29. FHS lost 61-48. Photo by Nya Thornton. 2. Coach Vail gives junior Tamia Perryman advice as she takes a breather on the bench on Nov. 29. Photo by Nya Thornton.

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As the team grows together, they will work to improve upon last season’s record of 13-14. “Our goal is to beat all the teams in our conference and become the sectional champions,” said junior Kaitlynn Feagan. Varsity’s first game is away, Oct. 25, against Pendleton Heights at 6 p.m. Freshman and JV’s first games are away on Nov. 3 against Southport.

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Students go behind the scenes Lance Marshall marshlan000@hsestudents.org

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2 1. Sophomore Noah Washburn and senior Joseph Kim discuss a play in the 21-9 loss to Noblesville on Aug. 31. Photo by Kaylee Demlow. 2. Junior Ben Johnson works on the sound board during live broadcast at the Noblesville game. Photo by Kaylee Demlow.

ports-enthusiasts-turned-broadcasters get off the couch and enter the press box to call games for FHS. Fishers Sports Network gives students an opportunity to call all types of athletic events occurring around FHS. “In FSN we try to cover all student sporting events that we can make, which evens out to about 30 games a season,” senior Joey Cerone said. “It is basically what you see on ESPN and FOX, but just at the high school level.” FSN was created as a club in 2015. Cerone and 2016 graduate Sam Niederman were a part of the original crew of 13 members. “I was mentored in by a guy named Sam Neiderman and he convinced me to help him start up this club,” Cerone said. “It is one of those things that I started from the ground up and is nice I got to do it for all four years.” In live broadcasting there are more jobs than the play-by-play and color commentator. If members do not like commentating, then they can be assigned to the camera or work with the computer software during a broadcast. During every FSN event, guidance counselor Matt Swaim or economics teacher David Turner is always one of the sponsors there to help out and guide these members to a successful broadcast. “On an actual event, there are many roles where some students are running the camera, some students are talking and some are running the software,” Swaim said. “But as we listen or watch the broadcast, we try to make sure if something is not working correctly we correct that.” With being apart of FSN, these members know that a broadcast can not be perfect every time. Since it is a high school club, problems can occur during home or away events like the internet connection dropping or issues with the sound board. “You always have to be prepared if any kind of tech issue pops up,” senior Ben Clark said. “The real challenge is staying calm and focused during the broadcast while the issue is being handled.” With FSN only being a club they do not have the time like a class would, for set practices or being able to sit down and talk to members on their performances Swaim said. But that does not stop members from practicing and studying sports that they cover and are not familiar with. “Youtube is my best friend when I am not familiar with a sport I am covering,” Cerone said. “I go through and watch all the sport highlights tapes so I have an idea what to expect play wise and I also go over the rules to familiarize myself with what is going on during the game.” Now that fall sports are coming to an end, FSN is accepting new members for the winter season. For students interested in joining, they can contact Swaim at mswaim@hse.k12.in.us or go visit Swaim in the guidance office for questions. “If you like commentating or watching sports, I would recommend joining FSN,” senior Joseph Kim said. “Being involved in commentating is a great way to connect your passion for sports.” To view FSN you can either go on their twitter page @ FSN_Tigers where they post a game link for every event or go to the FHS athletic page and click on the FSN tab. The next broadcast will be football sectionals on Oct. 26.


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Oct. 22, 2018

Sophomore quarterback Lucas Prewitt handles the ball as he scrambles for a team member to hand the play off to on Oct. 5. FHS beat Westfield 11-7. Photo by Malak Kakour.

Football tackles season obstacles Antonio Martinez martiant000@hsestudents.org

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s sectionals are right around the corner for the Tigers, they have a 3-5 record on the season. The Tigers faced injuries all season which has led to obstacles. “On the defensive side, we’ve been pretty good,” senior offensive guard Andrew Voskuhl said. “Injuries have hurt some of our key positions, but some players have really stepped up and they rose to the occasion.” The defensive side of the ball gave up points in a 31-7 loss against North Central on Aug. 17 in the first game of the season. Since then, the defense has slowly but surely been getting back on track only giving up 12 points in a 17-12 win over Franklin Central on Sept. 28. “The only thing we need to eliminate is giving up key plays in the late in the game,” Voskuhl said. “If we can get that down we would be solid.” The offense has been plagued by injuries all season which has lead to some difficulty in scoring. Senior tailback HL Lewis was out for three weeks, which led to some difficulty running the ball. “I know from the offensive side of the ball we are not playing how we


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Sports would like to be,” senior wide receiver Collin Statz said. “Injuries hit us pretty 5. our players 6. hard this year but, I feel like when come back we can improve as7. a whole.” This season, quarterback Jon Vore suffered a knee injury that prevents him from playing. Even with Vore out, he still has a senior leadership position. “I feel like most of our seniors, if not all of them, have done a good job at setting an example as to what we are as a football team,” Statz said. “We set examples on the field during practice or games and off the field in the locker room and the classroom.” Being a leader for underclassmen does not just take one day. It remains an effort that is put in throughout the season. The overall performance of the team is something that has developed over the season. “On the defensive side, I think we are pretty good,” Statz said. “If we eliminate the big plays in the end game, I believe that can give our offense the momentum they need to put together a scoring drive in the fourth.” This year, Keith Shelton stepped up and took the role as special teams coordinator, the coach who runs the punting and kicking teams, for the Tigers. So now he must focus on both sides of the ball when coaching. “Becoming special teams coordinator has shifted my focus a bit,” Shelton said. “I have to focus more on offense than in the past [to be ready for special teams needs].” The special team unit has proven to be decent this year as they have two field goal blocks on the season. “To improve special teams, we have to get good fundamentally to insure that we can handle anything that the opponent tries to do to us.” FHS will play at Pike on Oct. 26 for the Class 6A sectional semifinals.

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Junior kicker Jack Phillips launches the ball to the uprights during the Oct. 5. 11-7 win over Westfield. Photo by Malak Kakour.

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221 1. The ball tumbles away from the Tiger receiver as he takes a tumble as well. Fishers lost to Brownsburg 27-20 on Sept. 14. Photo by Elissa Mitchell. 2. Before halftime against Brownsburg, a player pile forms. Photo by Kaylee Demlow. 3. The offense lines up for a2snap against Westfield on Oct. 5. Photo by Malak Kakour.


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Oct. 22, 2018

Senior Rose Duffy begins to set the ball at the Zionsville game at FHS 3-0 winning game on Aug. 23. Photo by Leen Mahmoud.

Girls volleyball dig into season Rebekah Shultz shultreb000@hsestudents.org

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eing seventh in the state, the girls volleyball team has improved their ranking from ninth in the state last season. Out of 24 games, the girls volleyball team only lost four. “We’ve fixed a lot of things from communication on the court to just things we need to do while playing,” sophomore varsity player Jada Allen said, “simple things like stances to just mindsets we have against each team.” The team also lost a key player this season, with Mallory Hernandez graduating. The team has adapted to new plays covering the old spots that the graduated players had played. Senior setter Rose Duffy who had 35 assists, three digs, and two blocks at the senior night volleyball game at Avon. The team beat Avon 3-1 who is third in state and was the girls first time in the past four years beating them.

Allen, at the senior night game had nine kills and three block assists. “The pressure changed a lot because even last year when I was a dresser for varsity like when I went it I was just always nervous and constantly nervous about messing up,” Allen said. “But now it’s like once you’re there, you’re just there to play and you get more comfortable and more of a natural feeling.” Junior Brynn Roberts agrees, but says the pressure was not as bad for her because she had an older sister (Ayslinn ‘18) already on varsity volleyball that helped her adjust. The seniors on the team, this being their last season playing volleyball for FHS, are sentimental. “After four years, I’m really almost done with Fishers volleyball and only have a few more games to rep number 13 in red,” Duffy said. “It’s especially hard to think about leaving all the girls I’ve gotten close with this year but I’m looking forward to college volleyball next year and what’s to come with that.”


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Stirring up treble: marching band cannot be sport Ellie Albin albinele000@hsestudents.org

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ports encompass a wide variety of activities - football, baseball, gymnastics, swimming - the list continues. It would seem plausible that marching band, one of the hallmarks of the fall football season, could make the argument as a sport. However, marching band should not qualify as a sport due to the idea that it fits the mold of a performing art more accurately but, that should not be seen as an issue. In Hamilton County, sports are valued. Travel leagues start as young as first grade, season passes can be bought for high school sporting events, and booster clubs require large budgets every year to meet the wants of athletes and coaches. Marching band has become a major part of the sports culture FHS has built. They execute physically demanding shows every year for spectators to see and attend competitions. Since marching band has been put on center stage at football games for many years, students have begun to ponder whether or not marching band can be called a sport. The answer to marching band being a sport remains complex. Yes, the musicians march around the field in a manner that manages to stay perfectly on beat, and, yes, they put in many hours of physically exhausting practice. However, the band misses out on some eligibility it takes to be considered a sport. The qualifications that prevent marching band from being a sport begin on the legal level. According to the NCAA, a team can only practice for a maximum of 4 hours per day in order to prevent injuries and other health issues. The IHSAA follows similar guidelines for high school athletes. This, therefore, would place marching band outside of the eligibility to be considered a sport. At FHS, the band often practices six to eight hours on Saturdays, even on competition days. During the summer, practices last approximately 12 hours. While it may sound strange that the marching band actually practices too much, they would violate IHSAA regulations if they were registered as a varsity sport.

On top of this, producing music still remains the priority for the marching band, which would qualify it as a performing art. Show choir has been widely accepted as a performing art, even though they include intense choreography for their show and attend many competitions throughout the school year as well. The music is what makes marching band, as the name states, a band. Without music, spectators would simply watch high school kids move around the field at halftime with no rational purpose. The addition of music, therefore, is what separates marching band from the sports realm. The main focus for the marchers is the music and the art, whereas the main focus for athletes is competitions that involve physical exertion. Marching band members should not be distraught over not being considered a sport, however. No one ever said that being a sport makes you automatically superior to any other activity, even if this district appears to value sporting competitions more than any other pastime. In fact, performing arts provide many of the same benefits that sports do. As stated by the Washington Post, the arts allow for creativity, the building of confidence, non-verbal communication and the development of dedication and problem solving. Classifying something as either a sport or a performing art should not mean anything more than that - a classification. While marching band cannot be considered a sport, the activity is still a cherished tradition and deserves the same respect as any sporting event.

The marching band performs during halftime at the homecoming game against Brownsburg game on Sept. 14. FHS lost 27-20. Photo by Elissa Mitchell.


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Oct. 22, 2018

Gap years prove to be beneficial to students Ashley Steele steelash000@hsestudents.org

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fter years of pulling all-nighters to study, forcing myself to go despite being sick and stressing over projectors, very little of my time has gone towards activities outside of my classes. Taking a gap year before going to college allows people to use their time as they desire, which is well-deserved. In Gap Year Association’s National Alumni Survey from 2015, 81 percent of respondents took a gap year because they wanted a break from academics. With time out of school, people have the chance to discover new hobbies, work or figure out what they want to do with their life. The same survey found that 85 percent of respondents cited traveling and experiencing other cultures as reasons they decided to take a gap year. Programs relating to a broad range of interests exist for people looking to take a structured gap year. These take members to different countries with the purpose of interning, traveling and service learning. Some people decide not to take a gap year because they fear colleges will not accept them after taking an academic year off. However, more and more colleges encourage students to take a gap year. Both Princeton University and Tufts University offer a bridge year program, which is a college-sponsored gap year, to a limited number of students. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill provides students the opportunity to apply to their Global Gap Year Fellowship program, which awards students $7,500 if they get accepted. On top of gap year programs, some colleges like Harvard University, Yale University and University of Pennsylvania recommend taking a gap year but do not include programs for it. After being accepted into certain colleges, like Indiana University and Taylor University, people may still take a gap year without impacting their admission by applying for a deferral year at their college. The study found that 44 percent of people take a gap year to explore careers, which helps people gain further understanding of what they want to major in. Their exploration can confirm whether they should further their education in that field, or save money that would have been spent on classes for a major they ultimately chose not to go into. Also, experience gained from the activities embarked on over a gap year gives students more to add to their applications. As seniors apply to colleges, I recommend they consider they consider whether a break from academics will benefit them or not, and what type suits them the most.

“Gap years can be very helpful for students who donʼt know what they want to do yet.“ - Hannah Sweeden, 12

“I feel like a gap year helps you make money in order to go to the college you want to go to.“ - Nic Milender, 11

“If you were to take a gap year to travel, which many people do, you would become more culturally informed and learn a lot of real life social skills for a lot cheaper than going to a university to do those same things.” - Max Keithley, 12


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Gap years stall careers, empty wallets Ethan O’Sullivan osuleth000@hsestudents.org

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hen my family immigrated from Jamaica, funds were tight for a few years. My grandparents, who left humble jobs back home, could not afford the prospect of putting kids through college. So when he was a teenager, my father worked overtime at two jobs for a year before he had enough money to go to school. He put off college out of necessity. My dad’s goal was to take a path that would place the least stress on his parents for the maximum benefit to them. He could have used that year to fund expensive projects while his parents continued to support him, but he knew what they could and could not do. Instead, his gap year was about doing his duty as a son by taking charge of his future. Fast forward to today, where my family is not nearly as desperate, and now my parents are the ones encouraging me to take time off. I know that they are not doing this for themselves, however, so I insist upon going directly to college. Stalling my college and professional career for a year will not give them financial security as they age, and it will not put food on their table when they cannot put it there themselves. Consider how idealistic a gap year is. A year full of travel, volunteer work and self-discovery can easily turn into either a sizable expense of time or resources. It takes money to sustain most of those plans; more money than most post-high school jobs can create. High school graduates make about $22,700 a year, and traveling for that same amount of time can cost about $20,000. Quite a few volunteering programs are far out of reach of that budget. Although they start at about $9,600, many volunteering programs can cost up to $78,000 for a volunteer to participate for an entire year. Those numbers, large enough by themselves, do not take grocery, utility, housing and car bills into account. To put it plainly, someone taking a gap year will need to dip significantly into their parents’ pockets, no matter how determined they may be to raise the money themselves. Even if someone takes a year off to raise money for school, they still need to eat. I want to take time to develop myself into the person I want to be. I just want to pay for it with my own money. So I propose a more conscientious philosophy It may cost as much as gap year, but attending it broadens my family’s horizon because it sends me earlier to a successful career. If I put it off, I need to think about the burden that places on my family. As seniors apply to college, I implore Photos and graphics by them to strike a balance between what value their education has for them Helen Rummel. and the other people under their roof.

“A lot of the people I work with started out skipping a year, and theyʼre still working at this place thatʼs only like $8 an hour.” - Delaney Curtis, 11

“If I do take a year, Iʼll get into that swing of not going to school, and maybe Iʼll forget about going to college altogether.” - Cassie Reifeis, 11

“Youʼll get out faster if during your placement tests you still remember everything from a few weeks ago vs. a year ago.” Katie Randall, 12


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Oct. 22, 2018

Libraries supply more tools Hallie Gallinat gallihal000@hsestudents.org

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n this day and age, technology is growing and becoming more accessible to younger generations. Yet, schools still have libraries full of books when people can find anything they want on the internet. It can make some wonder why schools keep libraries, but there is so much more to the library than just books. When working on a project alone or with others, most students want a quiet and distraction free area. However, a common classroom might not accommodate these needs. It might be too loud and students cannot focus or cannot hear their project partners. A school library accommodates students who want a silent place to work. According to Edutopia, school libraries are transforming into learning commons, areas that encourage collaboration. Students working in groups have a peaceful place for doing so in small rooms and independent workers have comfortable seats and tables to work at too. School libraries also have a large number of resources other than books. The library has

Senior Olivia Craig works on a library computer on Oct. 3. Photo by Hallie Gallinat.

Graphic by Hallie Gallinat.

printers for students and staff to use. For students in the 3D Printing Club, they also have access to the 3D printers. Students and staff have access to a computer lab for internet resources. The library also has resources online such as INSPIRE, a free online database. Students can also search the library’s collection and save titles for later with another website called Destiny. With these internet resources, however, the book aspect of the library may seem obsolete. A quick Google search brings results from all across the web. While it may seem great having so many options, filtering through all of websites to find the best one can be a chore. A librarian can find the exact information a student needs on their database or by taking the student to the right book they need. “Google can bring you back 100,000 answers, a librarian can bring you back the right one,” author Neil Gaiman said on the Texas Computer Education Association website. However, libraries would not be able to function if librarians did not work there. Librarians help students find the resources they need and teach important 21st century skills, including communication, information literacy skills and problem solving. With all of the other resources and events libraries hold, books may seem to take the backseat. Some libraries have started to become “bookless” according to Edutopia. Cushing Academy in Massachusetts, for example, took their collection of books and physical resources and transferred them to an online database. This changed the way students used the library, says Edutopia. School libraries have evolved from more than just books. They have transformed into a learning center, a digital and physical database and a technology center, while also offering old fashioned paper books for students to enjoy.


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Benefit of doubt applies to accusers as well as accused Sydney Greenwood greensyd002@hsestudents.org

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or four hours, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford answered every question asked by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Sept. 27. She described in specific detail the events that night when she claims that Justice Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her. She admitted when she did not know an answer. To millions watching worldwide, she was strong and credible. President Donald Trump said so himself. And yet, Kavanaugh was voted onto the Supreme Court on Oct. 7. It makes no sense that if that many people were swayed by Dr. Ford’s testimony, then Kavanaugh would be elevated to the highest court in the nation. “Any woman can ruin a man’s life,” Victoria Belk, a student at Liberty University and president of the university’s chapter of Young Women for America, said, according to Time Magazine. She also noted, according to USA Today, that, "This [Judge Brett Kavanaugh] could be our brother, our dad, our boyfriend and we strongly believe in our justice system and you’re innocent until proven guilty.” That is the cornerstone of the American justice system: innocent until proven guilty. If the accused should be viewed as believable until they are shown to be wrong, then the same viewpoint should be applied to the accuser. Yet, in cases of rape or sexual harassment, people believe that the accusers, often women, lie. Mankind has a long history of being unfair to rape victims. From the Code of Hammurabi condemning both the criminal and the victim to death, unless she was a virgin, to marital rape only becoming illegal in the United States in 1993, according to Vox. In some police departments in America, corroboration was required to even file a rape report, according to the Huffington Post. This is eerily similar to Pakistan’s Hudood Ordinance which demands that a female rape victim find four male witnesses that can corroborate her story, otherwise she will be prosecuted for adultery. Even the idea that corroboration should be necessary is ridiculous. No one asks for a videotape of a robbery. A web map is not needed to demonstrate intent in murder. Besides, most crimes that are sexual in nature take place in private, away from prying eyes, according ABC News. It is a deeply ingrained belief that women are liars. Our society perceives men as more intelligent, we have waiting periods for abortions because we believe that women cannot make their own decisions, and 90 percent of women are discriminated against at the doctor’s office. According to ThinkProgress, it took one woman nine months to be diagnosed with uterine fibroids that were potentially deadly and required surgery. All her doctors told her it was in her head, and believed that she was lying. When someone is accused of rape, even if there are no witnesses, the likelihood is that they committed the crime. The percentage of false rape accusations is the same as all other crimes: two-10 percent, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. This statistic is often inflated, as some rape cases are labeled ‘false’ when there could have been delayed reporting and insufficient evidence needed to prosecute. This means that sexual harassment still occurred, but that it did not meet all of the guidelines to be counted as rape. The statement ‘believe women’ is not about immediately thinking that the man is guilty. Instead, it is about granting the women their basic right, giving them the benefit of the doubt, that they are not lying.

Kevin Spacey, Justice Brett Kavanaugh, Ed Westwick, Harvey Weinstein, Al Franken, and Matt Lauer have all been accused of varying degress of sexual harrassment. Photos used with permission of Tribune News Service.


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Oct. 22, 2018

N the Red

Editorial Opinions: Do the votes of high schoolers make a noticeable difference in elections?

5: Yes 3: No

STAFF Editor-in-Chief: Helen Rummel Copy Editor: Ashley Steele Web/News Editor: Ethan OʼSullivan Features Editor: John Yun Arts & Culture Editor: Carson Lilley Sports Editor: Ellie Albin Social Media Editor: Lance Marshall Unity Director: Hallie Gallinat Cartoonist Olivia Buchtenkirch Videographer Laney Kyle Reporters Nate Albin, Andrew Bauer, Sam Bauer, Marie Gabbard, Ben McHenry, Curren Gauss, Sydney Greenwood, Mari Kanter, Tony Martinez, Grace Mossing, Rebekah Shultz, Janie Van Overwalle, Katie Wiseman Photographers Mya Ball, Kaylee Demlow, Malak Kakour, Leen Mahmoud, Elissa Mitchell Principal Jason Urban Adviser Kristine Brown Associations IHSPA CSPA NSPA Quill and Scroll Printer: AIM Media

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Midterm elections misunderstood by young voters

ecord numbers of citizens will head to the polls this year. Time magazine reported that over 800,000 Americans registered to vote on National Voter Registration Day. Even in the midst of an especially engaging midterm election, young voters still seem to be apathetic. A poll conducted in June by The Atlantic reported that only 28 percent of young adults (ages 18 to 29) said they were “absolutely certain” they would vote in the midterm elections. Meanwhile, 74 percent of seniors said they would vote. The disparity in participation between ages shows how divided the generations in America are. Young people have demonstrated their power impressively through movements like March for Our Lives and #MeToo, but if their push for change stops short of the polls it will be fruitless. In the 2000-2016 responses to the Census Bureau, Americans cited their reason for not voting in midterms. Among the most common were “too busy” or “not interested.” In addition, younger people may be particularly less inclined to vote due to the overwhelming nature of researching local politics. According to Jennifer Benz, principal research scientist from Associated Press, 83 percent of millennials get their news from YouTube and 50 percent from Instagram. While national politics are sensationalized and covered frequently on social media platforms, local news is not. This means that many millennials may be going without knowledge of local politics. They may be entirely unaware as to what the midterm ballots entail. An easy way to find it is to use IndyStar’s voter guide. The tool uses your address to determine what your ballot will look like. Some of the positions featured for the Nov. 6 election include Senate, House of Representatives, HSE school board (see pp. 8-9), Indiana Supreme Court and Indiana Court of appeals, to name few. Midterms are generally less glamorous than presidential elections. Nevertheless, these elections have a major impact. Indiana is currently choosing between incumbent Democrat Joe Donnelly or Republican Mike Braun for Senate. This year has emphasized how important senators are because the Senate made the decision to confirm Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Based on a poll by Reuters taken in September, only 31 percent of the adults supported Justice Brett Kavanaugh for Supreme Court. However, on Oct. 6 Kavanaugh was confirmed by the Senate with a two-vote majority: 50 to 48. The decision will affect the Supreme Court for decades because justices are not required to step down after a certain time period like most government positions. The story suffocated political news for weeks and eventually ended in deep division, yet the confirmation hearing only highlights a tiny part of the power of the U.S. Senate. A House seat is also up for election between incumbent democrat Susan Brooks and Democrat Dee Thornton. Between the House and Senate, Congress writes bills, deals with national budgets and tax cuts, and handles foreign relations and more. Impeachment trials, which the Senate runs, have become involved in political discussions as of late. Congress is crucial in a democracy. The power of those in the Senate and House is also partially the people’s power. If younger voters ignore the opportunity we have to take our voices to polls, we run the risk of being dismissed in the future. Teens are memorable for their fierce dispositions and it is important not to let ourselves become indifferent where it really matters.


Opinion

N the Red

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How can Iearn more about these candidates?

I can help!

Editorial Policy Tiger Topics N the RED is the official monthly newsmagazine of Fishers High School. It is distributed free to 3,500 students and over 300 school personnel. It is designed, written and edited by students. Opinions expressed in the newsmagazine do not necessarily represent those of the adviser, administration or staff. Letters to the editor may be submitted to A218, or to fhsnthered@gmail.com. Letters must contain the writer’s phone number for verification. Letters to the editor will not be published anonymously. If there is any incorrect information, corrections will be made in the next issue.

Mission Statement As the student-run newsmagazine of FHS, Tiger Topics N the Red is dedicated to providing the staff, students and community of FHS with a timely, entertaining and factual publication once a month by means of public forum. In publishing articles that students enjoy reading, we are furthering both the educational experience and the expansion of FHS culture. The staff works to create a sense of unity and awareness and to allow the students of FHS to have a better insight to the world around them.


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N the Red

ISSUE REVIEW

Oct. 22, 2018

TWEET US YOUR ANSWERS FOR A CHANCE AT A PRIZE @fhs_NtheRed

Across 2. What fashion trend is becoming particularly prominent this season? 5. For what purpose do most people decide to take a gap year? 6. When do IB Students conduct the majority of their independent research? 9. The new IHSAA rule mandates that teams must practice without the presence of a ___. 12. Some police departments require this for a rape report to be valid. 13. Which alumni helped to found Fishers Sports Network? 14. Who is the only candidate running in District 3 of Hamilton Southeastern? 16. What is the name of the third piece that the marching band plays?

Down

1. From which famous choreographer did Alexa Kays learn? 3. What was the original intent behind the CCA? 4. From which continent does the Della Leva coffee shop take inspiration? 7. Which month had the second-highest recorded number of deaths last year? 8. Marching band tends to practice up to how many hours above the legal limit to be a sport? 10. The cast of “Bring it On� had to learn techniques from which competitive sport? 11. What organization did the school recently partner with to lend assistance to sexual assault victims? 14. Where did the Arts & Culture buy most of their materials for their fall crafts? 15. Where do most millennials get their news?


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