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2020-2021 FOCUS Staff Krissy Brzycki Bryan Aung Synthia Davis Madison Leonard Evan Taylor Hannah Hunt Genevieve Holt Bawi Zing Austin Ward Frederick Seddon Lyndsey Spoonamore Ella Bennett Blake Hall Joslynn Roll Raechel Johnson Daniel Schoch Kert Boedicker
Co Managing Editor Co Managing Editor News Editor Community Editor Sports Editor Feature Editor Entertainment Editor Page Designer Page Designer Page Designer Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter Adviser Principal
A LETTER FROM THE EDITORS
This issue wasn’t the easiest to publish. We had some big obstacles to overcome and it took a lot of time and effort, but here we are. The first virtual FOCUS issue ever, right in time for Halloween. A lot of things are scary right now. Seniors are making choices that will impact their future. Juniors are starting to face the realities of being upperclassmen, the late nights of studying and doing homework. Freshmen and sophomores may still be trying to find a sense of identity in a school they only go to twice a week. And the outside world is a mess, much scarier than any haunted house could be. So let’s sit back, take a deep breath and just remember what comes next. Once we get past the spooky part of fall, we transi-
tion into a beautiful time of warmth and thankfulness. It’s a time for friends and family. And that’s something PMHS does better than anyone else-- create a family. The sense of community that fills these halls is nothing to scoff at. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that we all support one another. So, from the FOCUS family to yours, please enjoy this issue. Your managing editors, Krissy Brzycki & Bryan Aung
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH 2021: BRYAN AUNG
What trait do you value most as a student?
“Bryan’s unique outlook allows him to see events happening more as noteworthy and interesting than obstacles. He plans meticulously and performs to the best of his ability turning in quality work of which he is always proud. He is such a role model for so many facets of our Falcon Family. I am most appreciative of his dedication to Early College and his 200 level college courses he is taking this year. I could not be more proud of him!” -English teacher Martha Cook
“Persistence. There are a lot of difficult things that come from school and student’s job is to go through that storm and finish.”
“Waad is an outstanding young lady who comes to class each week prepared to participate and learn. She contributes to class discussion and is always willing to answer questions and ask if she doesn’t quite understand a concept. She has a fantastic attitude and a strong work ethic that has helped her to succeed in Algebra 2 during the hybrid learning process. Waad is an absolute joy to have in class.” -Math teacher Gabe Hollander
“We have to focus. I value focusing in class, doing all the work we have to do, and keeping up with what the teacher asks.”
“When classes or assignments are tough for him, Eric does not give up, and instead displays a great amount of grit fighting through them to get them done well. He has said that this year has been very challenging with the hybrid schedule, but he hasn’t let that stop him from working hard to get his assignments done and turned in. Outside of his work ethic, he is an extremely kind, fun loving, and personable student who makes everyone’s day a little better with his attitude and smile!” -EL teacher Kelly Harmon
“Being nice and working hard. Because if you work hard you get good grades and when you’re nice to people you make friends.”
2022: WAAD ALHBEISH
2023: ERIC NGAMIJE
2024: SIMON HMUNG
“Simon is a fantastic student. He is a hard worker and always brings ideas and thoughts to the classroom. He’s great at questioning what we’re doing and talking with other students to work through some of those things.” -Math teacher Kalie Holdren
“I value hard work. From the very beginning, I have always been working hard, trying my best to do everything I can. When I don’t get things done, I do not feel comfortable.”
Falcons engage in civic duty Hannah Hunt Feature Editor
Fall is a time of change, noticed first in the sudden chill of the air, then in the golden hue of the leaves. In 2020 in particular, change comes to everyone in the form of the election. This year’s election will differ significantly due to the challenges of COVID-19. Safety concerns have prompted an expectation for an influx of absentee ballots. These are mailed in, rather than being submitted in person on the Nov. 3 election day. Marion County residents, including eligible Perry students, can choose to mail their ballots or to vote here at PMHS. All students will be learning virtually on the Tuesday of election day to ensure a safe environment for both students and voters. To many, this election will be remembered for its unusual circumstances and extra precautions.
Photo by Hannah Hunt
However, to seniors Jayde Tuvell and Michael Fleenor, this election will be remembered as the first time an essential right was exercised. Tuvell and Fleenor will both be participating in the 2020 election as first time voters. To Tuvell, voting is an exciting way of using her voice.
“A lot of the younger generation needs to get involved knowing we are the future of our country,” she claims. She is eager to vote and has chosen to do so in person here at Perry, wanting to “get the full experience.” Fleenor feels a similar sense of excitement. He has chosen to opt for an absentee ballot for safety precautions. He considers how his thoughts about the process have changed over time. “I always saw voting as this grand privilege given to those old enough, but growing up I realized that I was wrong about that,” he reflects. “It’s an important right to vote, not a privilege as I assumed when I was young.” Seasons might change. Election processes might be altered. But Falcon participation in democracy will persist forevermore.
Students find community in popular online game Synthia Davis News Editor
Who would’ve thought that a game could bring a connection between the general public, well known celebrities and even representatives in Congress? Or bring a sense of security in insecure times? Among Us answers these questions. Among Us is an online game played with four to ten players. Although it was released in June of 2018, the multiplayer game has gained popularity more recently. The game allows a person to play and interact with either a group of friends, strangers or even both. It provides a sense of connection between players when they can’t always be physically connected. On Oct. 20, U.S. Rep. Alexandria
Ocasio-Cortez even live streamed herself playing Among Us with several popular Twitch streamers, including Corpse, Mxmtoon and Jacksepticeye. Fellow Congresswoman Ilhan Omar joined in the fun. Twitch is an app that allows gamers to stream video games for the pleasure of viewers. OcasioCortez’s stream broke the record for the most viewers, peaking at 435,000 views. Connection is another reason why this mobile game is so popular. Senior Pale Unchit and her friends have met people from across the United States and even Mongolia. The in-game chat allows players to discuss who the imposter is, but it also leaves room to make lasting friendships. “If they’re cool and funny, I’ll ask them for their Discord so I can add
them to my friend’s Discord server,” Unchit states. Discord is a messaging app with a video call option. Many believe that using a Discord server is safer than other social media platforms because personal information is not displayed. Athletic teams have also bonded and built a stronger chemistry from playing together before practices and on the bus to and from games. “Playing Among Us helped bring us together by working as a team to defeat the imposter,” girls soccer captain Chloe Campbell states. “It’s like playing on the field, but we can be relaxed and have fun while playing the game. This helped create a sense of relaxedness and trust with our teammates on and off the field.”
As cold weather approaches, admin reviews policies Bryan Aung
Co-Managing Editor
As the Midwest’s balmy fall begins to fade into distant memory, the region prepares to greet another seasonal guest: winter. With the arrival of bitterly cold temperatures, questions about Perry Meridian’s school operations arrive, as well. Coats, schedule changes, and school preparations regularly linger on people’s minds due to the colder weather. “It’s going to be annoying, but when it starts hitting below zero ,it’s gonna suck,” sophomore David Williamson laments about the upcoming drawbacks of the colder season, commenting on the hassle of winter coats.
The sustainability of an in-person hybrid schedule also persists . “What we tried to do was preplan the predictable,” principal Kert Boedicker says . “From a high school standpoint, we’ll be on a 50 percent capacity, so we’ll continue to do our normal thing.” Boedicker further mentions the proposed schedule changes for K-8 schools with the possibility of going back to a full schedule. However, for Perry Township high schools, a two day schedule will be used for the time being. Boedicker values caution as COVID-19 cases continue to pop up within the high school. “At any given time, if we get to a certain percentage of students who are sick with cold and flu symp-
toms, that could unfortunately close us,“ Boedicker says, mentioning the need for a steady, calculated return. He stated the threshold for closure would be around 30 percent. On the front lines of the nurses office, nurse Mandy Martin is confident in the procedures set by the local health department, although new procedures will be discussed in coming weeks. The nurses are equipped with sanitation bottles, wipes and no-touch infrared thermometers, prepared for the bitter cold. “At this point, it’s the same things with the masks, the one way hallways and social distancing,” Martin says. “Whether it’s cold or warm, it’s the same procedure.”
Homecoming prevails despite pandemic Evan Taylor Reporter
This year’s Homecoming looked different, to say the least. No hallway decorations, no tricycle race, no telephone booth, no obstacle course, and no tug of war. Instead, students experienced Homecoming in a new and different way. They got to decorate doors, go on a scavenger hunt and dress up throughout the week. “The main challenge was to find a way to build the same amount of enthusiasm and involvement while adhering covid guidelines,” English teacher and Homecoming sponsor Jessica Hunter said. While many of the normal PMHS traditions were off-limits, new ones, like the scavenger hunt, began, involving many students with different parts of the school staff and grounds. Another activity that replaced a favorite was decorating the doors instead of hallways. The door decorating also encouraged inclusiveness and eliminated after school conflicts, like jobs. “It didn’t feel like we were all working together like the years past,” senior Mckenzie Greathouse said. “We were all disconnected. It really just felt like another week. I didn’t really even participate this year, which is sad to think about because I usually am so involved. This
One way to earn points in the scavenger hunt was to recreate a famous movie scene. (Photo by John Mercer)
year definitely wasn’t as fun, but they gave it a shot, which is all that matters.” As a yearly participant and organizer, Greathouse was disappointed in the output of many members of the senior class since they were once known as the class who didn’t try but became the class that turned it all around to win the overall class competition in one year. Greathouse expressed why she thought the turn-
out had wanted. “I think it was so low because it was so different, and we were split by last name.” Even though some felt the presence of low participation, some, like senior Krissy Brzycki, rose to the occasion and earned Super Fan for the week. Brzycki was at home quarantining out of precaution for her fellow Falcons. “I’ve always participated in HoCo dress-up days, and I wanted to make
English teacher Stefanie Davis’ advisory class poses with their decorated door, inspired by Broadway. (Photo from Jacqui Sheehan)
sure this year was no different,” Brzycki said. “I even decorated my door at home just because I wanted to experience my last Homecoming and everything it had to offer.” Her favorite outfit of the week was zombie Abigail Williams, where she combined a Puritan costume from Goodwill with a mix of makeup and fake blood. “Feels weird to be the first Super Fan that never stepped a foot in school,” she said. “I wish I could have participated more, like in the doorway decorating competition.” She also emphasized that Hunter and fellow English teacher Jacqui Sheehan did the best they could and created a fun, exciting week. “You have to give props to them,” Brzycki said. “They did a really good job of doing what they could with the circumstances of the year. It was fun but different, but it is hard to compare since the circumstances were so drastically different.” As of now, the future of Homecoming activities are unknown. “Sheehan and I have not discussed what will remain, but some activities from this year will stay intact because we saw more involvement from students who typically do not participate and there lies the struggle,” Hunter said. “How do we hold on to the excitement and involvement next year?”
New RDM kicks off fundraising Joslynn Roll Reporter
With the help of English teacher Jeremiah Robinson, Riley Dance Marathon (RDM) is a new club offered at Perry Meridian that was previously only offered through partnership with Southport. “RDM means a lot to me,” Robinson says. “I was not a Riley kid, but my best friend in high school was. He had Hodgkins Lymphoma and lost his battle with cancer when we were seniors in high school. During his time at Riley I was a witness to all the amazing things that Riley does.” The club’s co-president, senior Kaitlyn Gornik,
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also emphasizes her personal experience with the organization. “RDM is the way I can give back to the place that kept me alive,” Gornik says. As co-president, Gornik’s responsibilities include anything from
running a meeting to planning an event. Riley Dance Marathon’s first event is the Spooky Spectacular on Oct. 30 from 6-8 p.m. in the north teachers parking lot. School clubs are assigned a “drive-thru” section,
to work until June 1,” Elliott explains. She says that during the first surge, her parents lost a lot of business, from which they are still recovering. The daycare takes extra precautions to remain open, including temperature screenings and stamping children’s hands to make sure they are washed frequently. “Even with the loans, my parents still missed out on how much they would really be making during those months, and that’s going to be harder to make up,” Elliott says. Like Elliott, senior James Lin understands
the necessity of keeping his family’s 19-year-old Chinese restaurant up and running. “We’ve stopped doing deliveries because we didn’t want to take any risks,” he says. “But to compensate for that, we have partnered with some delivery services, like DoorDash.” Similar to the daycare, Lin’s restaurant had to remain completely closed until June. After reopening, the family still abides by strict safety regulations, like closing off booths and installing plexiglass. The restaurant is sanitized regularly to
which they can decorate according to their own chosen themes. “We are really excited for our Spooky Spectacular, especially since the fate of trick or treating is still in the air,” Gornik says. “This is a perfectly safe way to get in the Halloween spirit and raise money. After all, it is for the kids.” Because of COVID-19 restrictions, club members had to reimagine the event, adhering to CDC and school guidelines to ensure safety. “I’m most excited to see what the members of my group are able to accomplish,” Robinson says.
Main Street copes with COVID-19 Raechel Johnson Reporter
Grocery store shelves are stripped of toilet paper. A sign marking “Canned Goods” dangles atop a crowded aisle. Across the street, gas prices have hit a record low. Corporate America has been hit hard, but so have a number of local business owners. Junior Mackenzy Elliott helps at her parents’ daycare and knows firsthand the toll COVID-19 has taken on small business. “My parents had to apply for some loans, and they didn’t get to go back
prevent the spread of the virus. “Personally, I feel safe going to work,” Lin exclaims. “My family took the virus very seriously because we don’t want to put ours and other’s lives in danger.” However, business may not flow as it used to. “I feel like there’s been a lot of stigma around going to Asian restaurants because of the racism going on right now,” Lin says. This poses an additional challenge to the small business and may prevent the family from profits they would have seen before the virus.
5 | Community
FALL FA DOMINIC MOLLY HON SHANNON
ISAAC LIAN
“Isaac was unexpectedly “Molly is definitely a “He is so supportive. thrust into the #1 singles He’s so energetic. It’s so super positive leader. She’s spot over halfway through the fun to be with him on the always going to make evseason and has played his best eryone else feel better, field. Say we get a touchtennis ever since. He has risen down, he’s running up and even if it means she has to to every occasion, compettake the blame. Everyone ing against every team’s best down the field screaming, hooting and hollering. radiates off of her [energy]. player. He’s also a great role model for our younger playHe’s such a sweet person. [Hitting 1,000 assists] is ers to watch. He is smart and He’s one of our star play- pretty impressive.” -team- mentally strong, and his game is mate Sally Mortensen ers.” - teammate Kaitlin really dynamic.” -Coach Daniel (Photo from Emily Steinmetz) Schoch Gwin (Photo from Maggie Cooper)
(Photo from Lauren Mervar)
ALCONS HIGHLIGHTS
The Boys Varsity soccer team made it to sectional semifinals. The Girls Varsity soccer team beat Herron High School and grew closer as a team. The freshman football team ended their season with a 7-2 record.
CLAIRE JOSEPH SAMPSON BAWI
“She’s been a captain since her “Joseph’s work ethic on the sophomore year. She’s been the field and in the classroom is most experienced and the leader nothing short of admirable. for three years, so she’s really de- He has the desire to get better veloped some amazing leadership every single day, plays through skills. She had a successful seainjuries, uplifts his teammates, son in being the Marion County and always makes our program, champion as an individual. She’s a academics and his family his great example of hard work and priority. His goal is to become she shows the team what needs a Division 1 soccer player and to be done to be successful.” is well on his way to making -Coach Andy Sebold that happen.” -Coach Machy (Photo from Emily Steinmetz) Magdalinos (Photo from Audrey Nash)
Cross Country had four runners (Lauren Mervar ‘21, Savannah Hill ‘24, Andrew Haggerty ‘21 and Erick Gallardo-Cortes ‘22) compete in the individual Semi State meet. Girls Golf won their fifth consecutive Marion County Championship. Boys Tennis won sectionals for their third year in a row. The Unified Football team went undefeated in their regular season. The Girls Varsity volleyball team was runnerup for the Sectional Championship.
Interruptions to the Flow Students battle distractions and stress
Frederick Seddon & Bawi Zing Staff Reporters
In the Oct. 1, 2020, FOCUS survey of 330 students, 91% expressed an increase in how much anxiety and stress they are facing this year compared to years prior. The changes caused by new systems, new technology, and a new world are creating stress in students’ school and personal lives. “Change causes stress, no matter if it’s a good change or not,” social worker Tracy Kappel says. “It’s okay they’re feeling overwhelmed right now because this is new. It’s new for them; it’s new for us.” Students taking AP and advanced courses are struggling more because they are “covering oodles of content,” according to Guidance Director Brad Miller. “I definitely think, not that kids aren’t always stressed that are taking a lot of AP or advanced classes, this year seems more magnified.” Kappel and Miller, along with school counselors and administrators, are on a mission this year to help students figure out time management so they can be in a better place academically and mentally. “They are coming in and saying, ‘I don’t know,” Kappel says. “‘I just don’t know why I’m not able to get it done. I don’t know what to do. I don’t know how to get back on track.’ When you don’t know, that’s frustrating,
and that’s stressful.” Her goal is to “find some sense of normalcy,” with students. “It helps to ease some of that stress,” she says. Freshman Daniel Van, a hybrid student, believes this year is what is expected of a normal school year in terms of workload. “The work that my teachers give isn’t something that is hard or you can’t do,” he says.
Van believes that being an incoming freshman added to the difficulties of this year. “It was a little hard at first to figure out where all my classes were and to figure out how my teachers taught and assigned work, but it got better with time,” he says. Virtual students have a different perspective. “Teachers give us a variation of one to five assignments per
week, which is a typical amount,” junior Elly Kimbual says. “But when you take into consideration the type of work each assignment requires without much guidance from teachers makes it difficult.” Kimbual thinks certain classes are more difficult to do at home. “AP classes are already hard enough in person and with the lack of presence of a teacher, it can be overwhelming at times,” she says. A plethora of students see themselves in the shoes of struggling students like Kimbual, but some believe they are thriving, such as senior James Lin. “This school year has been pretty easy because I have been given more time to do assignments and focus on other important subjects such as studying for SATs and preparing for college applications,” he says. To him, this year has not resulted in any stress or mental implications, but he admits he misses the presence of peers. The lack of presence and interactions seems to be a trend that students struggle with. Because of the lack of human interaction, there are many students who are disengaged and unmotivated. “We want kids to know we’re here,” Kappel says. “We want them to reach out for us and ask if they need some help. If they need help figuring out how to get back on track. If they just need someone to talk to. We want kids to reach out to us and use us for that.” (See “Interruptions”)
In your team Canvas page, there are many resources available to help you this school year. Here is where you can find them: Request to see a counselor Found in the left column underneath “Science of Happiness.” Early College students see Mrs. Shull. 21st Century Scholars see Mrs. Mills.
Request to see Mrs. Kappel (social worker) Found underneath the counselors in the same left column.
Will we ever go back “Home” screen. The lab is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday to full time? When is my from 7:10 AM to 1:55 PM. module due? Did I do the at “Help! How do I tackle my tendance question? What if schooling this year?” Found in Modules beneath the Falcon my internet goes out? I miss TV broadcasts. It includes many “How To” skills, friends. Is it almost Friday? I for such as organizing time, getting tuabout that assignment! My Canvas isn toring, and finding loading. Do I have a quiz next week? What h words of pened to the other half of the alphabet? I thou time! There’s so much work. Will we ever go bac Math Lab Found on the table at the
Interruptions (continued) Although students are connected to their devices more than ever for school, there is a concerning lack of connection between students and teachers. According to administrators and counselors, engagement, whether that be doing work or generally being interested in what’s going on in the classroom, is dwindling. However, teachers and administrators are giving their best efforts to aid the student body in any way they can. As hard as they may try, the information thrown at kids this year can be overwhelming. “It’s a noisy world…and I think sometimes the message is lost about resources,” Miller says. The Google Form filled out in the Advisory period is part of a plan to bring back the involvement in one’s education and to direct students on the right path. The responses from the form are sent to Advisory teachers each week. “If you fill it out and have some areas of weakness, your teachers can see it and check in with you,” Zach Ervin, assistant principal for Team 2023, notes. Another purpose of this form is to have students reflect on their academic success. “The idea is to give students a space weekly to reflect on how they are doing
in their classes because you can’t improve something you can’t measure,” Ervin states. There has also been a considerable amount of focus put into engaging virtual students, who may not see their teachers throughout the week. According to Ervin, teachers have been encouraged “to reach out to those students that are virtual, especially if they are struggling in classes” with phone calls, Google meetings, and other means. The schedule put in place after fall break is just another step in plans to have greater engagement in and outside the classroom, and other changes are sure to come to aid in achieving this goal.
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Halloween During COVID-19
It’s that time of the year again. The leaves start to fall and spooky decorations go up. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I still get all bubbly inside every year for it, even though I am almost a legal adult. This year people are unsure how, or even if, Halloween is going to be celebrated safely because of COVID-19. According to the CDC, indoor gatherings generally pose more of a risk than outdoor gatherings. This means that most party ideas are dangerous
By Madison Leonard
and not the best thing to consider right now. Even though this seems like a huge limitation, there are ways to have fun celebrating while being outdoors. Trick or treating could work if people still followed the safety precautions for COVID-19, such as wearing a mask, using social distancing, staying home if sick and having non-self-serving foods, but there may be some who want to be extra cautious with how they join in on the fun. For the warier, one of the safer ways to cele-
brate is to make a haunt- have a good time and be ed scavenger hunt with safe. your family and have the first person to find all the items wins some candy. Or you could set up a projector and have a scary movie marathon outside -25,871 total cases with a bonfire. Times are scary right -Over 200 daily cases now and people have every right to be concerned, 3293 hospital visits but you do not have to -792 deaths give up on the holiday spirit just yet. If celebrat-11.2% of school-age ing this year worries you Source: Marion County too much that is okay, but Health Department, as of if you think outside of the Oct. 25, 2020 box you can come up with entertaining ways to still
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Halloweentown: A Spooktacular Movie By Genevieve Holt
Halloween is just around the corner, and with the holiday comes many traditions and celebrations, as well as the airing of new and old movies that correlate with the holiday. A popular and wellloved example of this is “Halloweentown,” a 1998 Disney Channel Original Movie directed by Duwayne Dunham. It is the first in the “Halloweentown” series and stars Debbie Reynolds, Kimberly J. Brown and Judith Hoag. When young Marine discovers that her grandmother, as well as her
mother, are witches, a secret her mother had intended on keeping, she is intent on learning the craft herself. Along with her younger siblings, Dylan, and Sophie, they follow her grandmother to the magical place of Halloweentown. However, there is trouble there that will require all of Marine’s family to help defeat. Halloweentown is a family favorite and incorporates all of the favorite aspects of Halloween, including a ghost, goblin, werewolf, and other supernatural creatures that both help and hinder the children on their journey
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to save their family. Watching the movie now as opposed to seven years ago is a very different experience. It used to be something I would wait for excitedly every time October rolled around. I loved the magic and the thought of a normal girl discovering she had magical powers. Now, however, I see how cheesy and honestly predictable it was to the point where it was hard to watch. But the memories of how much I enjoyed watching it will give the Halloweentown series forever a place in my heart.
PERRY PERRY MERIDIAN MERIDIAN COSTUME COSTUME IDEAS IDEAS Mr. Cunningham
Orange Arrow
Mr. Allen
Ms. Davis
Mr. Tatum
Mr. Boedicker
Here are some jack-o-lantern templates for you to use! Just print them out and cut on the dashed lines! Share them on Twitter and tag @PMHSFocus for a chance to win a prize!