MOTIVATED MINDSET

Students, professionals discuss changes in motivation from going virtual

SAUMYA SOMASI STORY

For sophomore tatum siebert, motivation is an important goal in her everyday life. As a hybrid student and a “people-person,” Siebert said virtual days often unmotivate her from doing her school work.

“When it’s like this assignment is due at 5 p.m., well it’s like I’m not gonna see anyone, and those are just pixels on a screen. I mean it says late but does it really mean anything? Versus when it’s in person and I feel like there are actual expectations from me and it feels a lot different,” Siebert said.

Comparatively, junior Bill Qian has not felt unmotivated from moving to a virtual schedule.

“There have definitely been times where I’ve felt like I just really don’t want to be here, but I think that has more to do with school than with transitioning online,” Qian said. “Honestly, sometimes it’s nice to get a break from constant school, and it eases the pressure of having school work.”

Rob Kern, licensed mental health counselor, said he has seen decreasing motivation in students, where social interaction limited and a great portion of daily life is conducted online.

“There is greater confusion and often times less clarity about educational goals with virtual education,” Kern said. “Families are being forced to renavigate how to structure athome learning, which often results in students feeling pressure.”

Siebert said by interacting with people over the phone or through a call, she has helped retain some of the social atmosphere that comes with school.

“(I try) to do things with friends, and working on things together kind of grounded me and it was like ‘well I can’t go on Instagram or my phone because my friend’s doing it too’ so then we’d both kind of keep each other motivated,” she said.

However, Siebert said it does not always work to keep herself motivated.

“In November of 2020, it was really difficult. I felt like I was just kind of getting burned out. I tried so many things to make things easier or be more motivated but it felt like there was no end in sight, especially with COVID, I just felt alone.”

Kern said feeling unmotivated is often inevitable, especially as life during COVID-19 brings its own set of unique issues. He said, “Motivation is a combined issue of our conscious and subconscious. It is not as easy as ‘flipping a switch’ and suddenly feeling motivated. As such, chastising ourselves for not feeling motivated will not suffice. Instead, as we treat ourselves with compassion we become self-advocates.”

Qian said while social interaction was necessary to motivate him, he emphasized staying motivated by organizing his workload and prioritizing the things he needed to get done.

He said, “I basically planned out my entire month to prepare me for everything I needed to get done so I had a visual of what I needed to get done. Checking things off (of my plan) was satisfying every time

BY THE NUMBERS 8,358

students across Indiana are fully virtual

7

schools in Indiana are 100% virtual

0.8%

of students in Indiana students are learning virtually

*these numbers are accurate to the 2020-2021 school year

NCES SOURCE and I started getting things done and planning ahead more.”

Kern said he agreed there were a variety of techniques to stay motivated during periods where one feels unmotivated.

“When a task begins to become bothersome, our increasing frustration or exhaustion can get our attention,” Kern said. “We then take a step back to carefully reconsider how best to proceed.”

Siebert said she could see some positives that came from going virtual, especially as she said she had more time for introspection and thinking about her future.

“In relation to motivation, I know that my worth is not just my grades. My worth is not just how I look. Like I’m a cool person,” Siebert said. “There are so many things to me that are more than just what college I get into and that has been really motivating. And because we aren’t always with other people, I appreciate the interactions a lot more. I appreciate the little things more.” H This story was originally published online on March 24, 2021

STAYING ON TOP

Check out the Pomodoro technique

What is the pomodoro method?

It is a study and work method that increases productivity

How does the pomodoro method work?

Sessions are made up of 25 or 50 minutes of work and either 5 or 10 minutes of break time

Why is it called “pomodoro” method?

Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s named the method after the tomatoshaped kitchen timer

EMILY SANDY, KIERSTEN RIEDFORD GRAPHIC THE MUSE SOURCE

Repeat

25 Minutes

5 Minutes

HUMANS OF CHS

Scan this QR Code to see more Humans of CHS

In light of quarantine anniversary, students recall activities on this day last year

ELISE VARHAN, JASMINE ZHANG Q&AS This Q&A was originally published online on March 18, 2021

junior zachary osborne

Lockdown happened around the end of our winter workouts for football. We were just getting ready to start spring workouts but we had to cancel all those due to the pandemic. This year, we’re able to do most of those workouts again as we’ve adapted to the disease.

sophomore jaylen zachery

Last March 13 was pretty normal. I think that this year’s school structure is going better than last year’s because

I got pretty lazy when everything suddenly stopped during shutdown.

sophomore emily waddell I was at a volleyball tournament. I remember there was a bunch of talk about canceling school, canceling volleyball, which was a really big deal back then because we were in the middle of a season. For a while, life was pretty different, especially during lockdown, but things have been starting to get back to normal.

sophomore averi weninger

The weekend everything got shut down, I was supposed to have a hockey tournament, but it got canceled last minute. I thought it was kind of weird that things were getting canceled due to a disease, but I didn’t think that it would last this long or be this drastic. Things have changed a lot since last year, which is definitely something I didn’t expect back in March.

ELISE VARHAN PHOTO

senior chloe chui

Last March 13th, I was mostly preparing for ISSMA State, the

ACT and Science

Olympiad. Sadly, all three of those were canceled. Also, I was hanging out with a lot of people and getting home pretty late each day in general. A lot of things have changed since then. A lot of my interactions with people are virtual.

In a way, I both like and dislike hybrid scheduling vs. virtual. Having a drastically different schedule each day makes it harder to have a consistent daily routine.

SCOUT ME IN!

In light of National Girl Scout Day, students, leaders share benefits, impact of Girl/Boy Scouts

DANIEL TIAN STORY

March 12, national girl Scout day, commemorates the day that the first Girl Scout troop was registered in 1912. Consisting of 18 girls in Savannah, Ga., the “Girl Guide” organization was founded by Juliette Gordon Low, who had met the founder of the Scout Movement, Robert Baden-Powell, when she lived in the United Kingdom. Low had envisioned a Scout Movement but for girls, leading to the establishment of Girl Guides, which later changed its name to the Girl Scouts of the United States.

Allison Miller, a Girl Scout since kindergarten and freshman, said joining the Girl Scouts has helped her grow as a young person and improved her self image, confidence and social skills.

“I think that scouting has influenced my character in many ways. It has improved my leadership skills and ability to help those in need in a more impactful way,” she said. “(Scouting) has also taught me to look after myself, which contributes to my high self-confidence and high self-esteem. It has also made me a more outgoing person. Scouting has benefited my social skills because of all of the opportunities to talk to new people and be in front of a crowd.”

Jenn Stumpp, Miller’s Girl Scout troop leader, said she loves to watch her scouts grow as leaders and as valuable members of society.

“The last couple of events they have led, they have not needed me for anything,” she said. “I’ve seen them grow in maturity and responsibility, and I’ve watched them grow out of their awkward phases. Even though every member of our troop has joined us at a different time in their scouting journey, it has been very rewarding watching them grow.”

Max Ahrbecker, a Boy Scout since first grade and senior, said the Scouts have taught him many valuable skills as well. He said he built a deck for his Eagle Scout badge.

“Through leadership within the troop, I gained many important skills. Scouts helped me develop my public speaking and communication skills, and I am much more comfortable talking to new people,” he said. “It also taught me how to teach others new skills, something I consider very valuable. I also learned how to budget, plan and raise funds for a project.”

Stumpp said she believes the Scouts are a great program. She said one of the reasons are the relationships her scouts create with one another.

SPEAK-UP!

EMILY SANDY SPEAK-UPS

How has Girl Scouts impacted you?

“Girl Scouts has made me a better leader. It’s taught me many skills on how to be a supportive friend to other girls and work well with a team. I’m a camp counselor, so I get to guide girls and help them discover their potential.” Junior Sarah Warf

EMILY SANDY PHOTO

“Being a Girl Scout has taught me plenty of practical skills from first aid to money management, but more importantly, it builds my character. I’ve grown to be a more resourceful, considerate and hardworking person, and

I have Girl Scouts to thank for that.”

Senior Mackenzie Misterka

MACKENZIE MISTERKA SUBMITTED PHOTO

GIRL (SCOUT) POWER

COOKIE COUNT

In celebration of National Girl Scout Day, check out the history of the youth organization, percent of cookie sales

23%

Other Varieties

1940s Girl Scout troops work to teach women survival skills during World War II 2000s Girl Scouts adapt to the technological age and encourage interest in computer science

Juliette Gordon Low founds the Girl Scouts Girl Scouts launch “Speak Out” and “ACTION 70” projects to fight for racial equality

ELISE VARHAN GRAPHIC GIRLSCOUTS.ORG SOURCE

9% Trefoils

19% Samoas 25%

Thin Mints

11% Do-Si-Dos

“I look at the fact that I have seventh graders connecting to sophomores in high school, and there are also some girls in my troop who are friends with seniors in high school,” she said. “They had all met because of Scouts. While I see the girls in my troop connecting and building relationships, I see the bigger picture of them connecting to other girls outside of my troop and connecting with society as well.”

Ahrbecker agrees the connections were important. He said in his troop, he is someone everyone can talk to.

“I am an introvert by nature, and I made many friends through Scouts,” he said. “Many of my current friends were involved in my troop. Everyone in my troop respects me since I am someone that they can look up to/ voice their concerns to without being mocked. It is important to me that everyone feels included and respected, so that they feel like Scouts is their safe place. The only way to truly understand someone is to get close to them and look at the world from their point of view.”

Miller said she agreed and mentioned how she felt Girl and Boy Scouts are like a big family.

BY THE NUMBERS 58%

of women elected for Congress in 2018 were Girl Scouts

2.5

MILLION estimated Girl Scouts worldwide

8.04

average score among Girl Scouts rating the organization 1-10

“I joined scouts because in kindergarten, they had a booth and I had a lot of fun playing with the other scouts. To a 5-year-old, that’s all that matters,” Miller said. “I would definitely recommend scouting, regardless of Girl or Boy Scout. I believe (scouting) is a very flexible activity, and after one point, it’s just a big group of friends.”

Despite supporting Scouts in general, Ahrbecker said he believes there are still some issues with the Scouts organization. He said he does not like how the Scouts blindly glorify America and how they require religious affiliation.

“While it is good to recognize the privileges we have in America, it is important to see the negatives as well. Kids should be able to discuss issues such as climate change or (Black Lives Matter), while asking questions, voicing concerns and offering potential solutions,” he said. “Thinking about this at an early age will help people understand issues better and become more comfortable with change. I also don’t like the requirement of being affiliated with a religion. I feel like it is im-

SCOUT’S HONOR: Freshman Allison Miller (second from right) and members of her troop sit on a fallen tree along their creek stomp. Miller said that being involved in Girl Scouts has improved many important life skills for her. ALLISON MILLER SUBMITTED PHOTO portant to include all people regardless of religious beliefs.”

Despite the Scouts’ nationalism and religious affiliations, Ahrbecker said he thought scouting changed him for the better, and he would recommend scouting. He said one impact was the development of his character.

“The main moral code of Scouting is the Scout Law. Its 12 points include being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. I try my best to live by these principles,” he said. “I would recommend scouts to the readers since it teaches valuable life lessons and allows one to make friends and get outdoors. It was extremely important to me growing up and has influenced my path after high school.” H This story was originally published online on March 18, 2021

IN FULL BLOOM

With March 20 marking first day of spring, students, staff share benefits of gardening, spending time outside

CADY ARMSTRONG, TESSA COLLINSON STORY CLARE DIERCKMAN PHOTO

According to sophomore Josie Paxton, the changing seasons means she can once again go on long hikes and sit outside.

Paxton said, “I spend a lot of time outside when the weather is nice... I go on a lot of hikes and just like to take it all in: the sun, the scenery, the grass and just kind of the life going on around you. Being around that and nature just makes me feel good and I just like being outside.”

Paxton is not the only one who feels better after spending time outside. With the first day of spring on March 20, many begin to look forward to the warmer weather and spending time outdoors. According to a 2019 study by the Scientific Journals, doing so can be beneficial; the study found that individuals

Scan this to view a graphic on how to garden properly at home and at a community garden

ROOTS ON-THE-GO

Learn about different plant-related mobile apps and search engines

Forest is a productivity app that helps people combat phone addiction and focus on productivity

Plant Nanny is a health app that reminds you to drink water by watering your own virtual plant

JetPunk is a trivia site that donates 5% of its profits to planting trees when you take quizzes

Ecosia is a search engine that donates 80% of its profits to organizations that support reforestation when you use it

EC SIA

SOWMYA CHUNDI GRAPHIC TREES.COM, THE APPLE APP STORE SOURCES who spent 120 minutes outside per week reported a significant increase in their sense of well-being as well as overall health.

According to Outdoor Exploration teacher Derek Moser, these benefits are why he spends as much time outside as possible.

“I really just try to get outside for a while every day. Getting fresh air and sunshine is just so important. There’s so much data that proves that it is so good for you,” Moser said. “Especially now with COVID-19, even more so because data is showing that it’s not spreading (as much) outside. I’m in higher spirits, a better mood and better health after doing so... Going outside, it is one of those things where there’s really no downsides to it.”

Fran Rushing, AP Environmental Science teacher, said she also agreed that spending time in nature makes her feel good.

“(Going outside) feels so very good and can help to relieve stress, sadness and frustration when life gets difficult,” Rushing said via email. “Playing outside just melts all my cares away and makes me feel like a little kid again. Even if I only take a walk around my property and breathe in the fresh air, it helps. Best medicine ever.”

She said one of the main activities she does outside is gardening.

“I keep a garden because I enjoy being outside, and taking care of the growing things gives me a good reason to go outside every day,” Rushing said. “I’m not the type that goes places to hike or look at nature very often, but I do love to be outside enjoying it at home.”

Paxton said she also spends a lot of time gardening and raising plants.

She said, “I started really getting into gardening one to two years ago. I really like seeing the plants grow along with you and what you’re capable of creating and taking care of. It is really interesting because once you kind of get to know the plants, you start seeing their personalities and it is fun to see them grow in their different ways.”

Senior Daniel Tocci said he plans to start a garden as the weather grows warmer. He collected seeds from his

PLANT MOM:

Sophomore Josie Paxton waters her plants, ensuring she gets to the ones she needs to each day. Paxton said caring for plants forces her to maintain a schedule, which improves her mental health since organization helps her feel better about herself. She said the toughest part about having plants is caring for them because they demand a precise schedule, especially some specific breeds of plants. CLARE DIERCKMAN PHOTO

garden last year for plants such as tomatoes, dragon roll peppers and cantaloupes and said that he plans to grow them to help his mental health.

“Growing a garden definitely does help with mental health. It’s nurturing something and putting so much effort into growing these plants; the reward is so much more than let’s just say you buy some food at the grocery store and you just eat it,” he said. “There’s no sense of pride in just eating something from the grocery store, but once you grow it yourself, that gives you a sense of pride. That gives you a sense of confidence. If you put the effort into actually growing these crops, it definitely helps your mood when you actually reap your rewards.”

For Tocci, this passion for nature and the outdoors has led him to pursue forestry as a career.

“I chose to go into (forestry) because of the passion I’ve always had for nature. All of my hobbies involve (it),”

he said. “It’s kind of cliché to say, but nature relaxes the mind… I wanted to work outside, so forestry will be great.”

Moser said his appreciation for the outdoors also prompted him to take action. For him, this meant creating the Outdoor Exploration class, an elective Physical Education course offered at this school for all grades.

“It took three years to get it approved but once it was, I just knew it was a class kids want to do, and something that’s really important,” Moser said. “From 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., you’re inside and sitting down. However, with Outdoor Exploration, you’re up and moving around outside and just learning in a different way. This class teaches important life lessons they can’t learn in a traditional class, and I just wanted a way to incorporate nature into kids’ lives since so much is spent inside.”

According to a 2001 study conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency, the average individual will spend 87% of their time inside and an additional 6% in automobiles, totaling 93% of their lifetime. When averaged out, the time spent outside equals half a day per week. Further, with the increase in technology and its accessibility, it is likely that the amount of time people spend inside has increased since then.

Tocci said he counteracts this trend by spending the majority of his summer outside.

“I spend five or six hours a day outside during the summer. A lot of that is taken up by either hiking, fly fishing and occasionally kayaking and just really trying to get outside,” he said.

Rushing, who owns three acres of land, said she also spends much of her free time outside, taking care of her property.

She said, “Being outdoors just feels good to me. It improves

PLANT LIFE: Fran Rushing, AP Environmental Science teacher, works on her greenhouse garden with her grandson. She said gardening allows her to connect with her family in new ways.

10

Read a story on Key Club’s tree-planting event to plant more trees in the city of Carmel taking place on April 17

GROW GLOW:

Fran Rushing, AP Environmental Science teacher, tends to the daffodils in her garden. She said tending to plants has been proven to boost mental health, and she said she has experienced the benefits herself.

FRAN RUSHING SUBMITTED PHOTO my emotional and mental state every time. Even if I was in a good mood before I went out, it gets even better when I am out there breathing in the fresh air and feeling the sun on my skin and the dirt beneath me.”

Paxton said she also finds benefits from her garden. She said while it may not directly correlate with her mental health, there are still lessons she learns from her plants.

“I have definitely learned a lot about acceptance because a couple plants that I have taken care of have died, and it is always hard when this happens because you have to accept that your plants aren’t perfect and you have to understand that it is not because of something you did wrong,” Paxton said. “I think that I’ve just learned lessons like this along the way from gardening, and I think that these have just made me grow and be a better person.”

Until the weather becomes concretely warmer, however, Tocci said he continues to find new ways to spend time outside.

“Spending time outside in the winter, you can still do stuff but you are definitely limited,” Tocci said. “I can understand why people don’t really want to go outside because even when it’s not sunny out (but) not freezing like it (was on Feb. 28)— even when it’s like that, it’s still really gloomy outside. There’s no green plants. Everything’s gray but you can still do stuff outside, even in winter. Just go hiking in the woods, walk around a pond or something.”

Similarly, Moser said winter does not stop him from spending time outside either.

He said, “I go outside a ton in the winter such as walking, hiking and shoveling snow. I run every morning outside unless it is negative 30 degrees. I really just try to get outside every day and think it is super important to spend as much time outside as you can. Even if it is cold, if you wear the right clothes, you can still go outside.”

Paxton said that she is thankful because the cold weather does not prevent her from gardening.

She said, “Even though the weather sometimes prevents me from going outside, I do most of my gardening indoors. In the winter, I am grateful for this because I can still keep my plants... Really, we’re at an age where everything is constantly changing, so it is really nice to have something that stays with you throughout (the seasons). Most of the time the plants grow and get bigger, and seeing this growth provides a sense of satisfaction. It used to be little, just like my skill set, but then as I’m growing and evolving, they’re doing that too, so our progress is side by side.”

Paxton said that this feeling she gets from taking care of her plants is why she recommends others to consider trying gardening.

She said, “I would recommend trying out gardening. Even if you don’t think that you’re interested in it, people can change. Definitely go ahead and try it because it’s fun and really enjoyable once you get started.”

Moser said he also encourages people to spend more time with nature.

“Whether it is taking Outdoor Exploration or just going for a walk, consider increasing your time spent outdoors,” he said. “It really is fun, and you get so much out of it.”

PLANT POSITIVES

Take a look at a few mental health benefits of plants • Boosts creativity by up to 15% • 79% of patients felt calmer after spending time in a garden • On average, having 10+ trees on a city block improves mood in ways comparable to a $10,000 increase in annual income • Depressed patients that had therapy in a forest setting experienced 20% to 30% higher rates of complete remission compared to those in a normal setting

CHLOE SUN GRAPHIC PSYCHOLOGYTODAY, HILLSIDE, LIVEKINDLY SOURCES

MARCH/APRIL GROWING

See the plants with proximal growing seasons

Seed indoors, plant later*:

Cantaloupe (March 28 to April 4)

Cucumbers (March 28 to April 4)

Lettuce (March 13 to 28)

Swiss Chard (March 13 to 28)

Plant seeds outside:

Chives (March 28 to April 4)

Dill (March 21 to April 4)

Onions (March 28 to April 18)

Parsley (March 28 to April 11) *For more plant data, scan the QR code on the right page

DID YOU KNOW?

Humans tend to feel more optimistic in areas with plants and nature. A survey on four San Francisco Bay Area hospitals claims 79% of patients said they felt more relaxed, and 25% felt refreshed and stronger after spending time in a garden.

HILLSIDE SOURCE

Some plants are started indoors as seedlings with controlled light and temperature. Ex: Basil, broccoli, cabbage

GETTING INTO GARDENING

See the methods of garden starting, time frames for planting

Plants bought at garden centers or started as seedlings can be transplanted into the ground or into bigger pots.

RILEY TERBUSH GRAPHIC FARMER’S ALMANAC, PLANT MAP SOURCES

Plants come with tags that have care information, including: Hardiness zone* Fertilization Seed spacing Watering

Some seeds are planted directly outdoors. Ex: Root vegetables, arugula, corn

*Hamilton County plant hardiness zone: 5b (-15 to -10 degrees) to 6a (-10 to -5 degrees)

Scan this to look up the ideal seed planting and growing periods in Carmel for specific vegetable garden plants

Furthermore, a 2017 study conducted by the American Cancer Society found that in addition to helping many such as Moser with their mental health, going on walks outside helps improve physical health. The study followed 140,000 adult Americans and found that those who walked for two hours a week had a 20% lower mortality rate than those who did not.

Moser shared a similar sentiment and said that doing light physical activity outside can do much for cardiovascular health.

“I think a lot of people are mindful of their physical health and weight, and losing or gaining and exercise is a part of that. It is hard to walk a mile when you’re just inside your house, so you have to go outside and do it there, so this is one benefit of (going outside),” Moser said. “More importantly than the weight thing is your heart and getting your heart rate up and taking care of your heart health, and working out outside can go a long way for (the heart). This can be something fun and should be enjoyable.”

Paxton said she agreed, encouraging everyone to find their niche to make going outside a better experience.

“Going outside should be something you want to do, so just try to avoid the mindset of thinking of going outside as a burden,” she said. “If you’re trying to go outside more, spend that time outdoors doing something you enjoy… It really is fun once you figure out what you like, so just take your time, relax and enjoy the experience.” H

PHONE-Y PLANTS: Scrolling through an informational plant app, sophomore Josie Paxton researches some of the plants she owns. She said gaining knowledge about the plants she has helps her better care for them. CLARE DIERCKMAN PHOTOS

Spider Plant Overview

FAQs about Spider Plants Chlorophytum Overview

SEASONS CHANGE

CHS show choirs modify spring competition season

EMILY CARLISLE STORY MARISSA FINNEY PHOTOS

This year, most groups and teams that compete or perform in any aspect have had to drastically change their plans of attack; the show choirs at this school are no exception. Last year’s show choir competition season wrapped up right as COVID-19 began to hit the United States and was cut short by one contest. This year, however, most choir students are preparing to not have any real competition season at all.

According to showchoir.com, three out of the five competitions the Accents and Ambassadors had planned to attend are still set to happen, but the manner in which they will occur—and if the competitions will even happen at all—is still subject to change. Because of this, students involved in show choir said they are having to change their mindsets and become less competition-driven.

Seth Jacobsen, member of Ambassadors and sophomore, said this year has been challenging for the choirs.

Jacobsen said via email, “The pandemic has made [show choir] a lot more challenging since the only time we’re all together is at the after-school rehearsals. We’ve had to work a lot harder this year, not only because we rarely see each other but also we wear masks the whole time during our three-hour rehearsals. I think COVID has also positively affected us, too. We’ve grown a lot closer with a lot less drama than usual. I think everyone is struggling right now and we can all relate to each other.”

Kathrine Kouns, director of choirs and lead director of Accents, said she agreed with Jacobsen and said everything is up in the air. She said right now the choirs are adapting to new situations.

Kouns said, “As of right now field trips aren’t allowed and we are not allowed to stay in hotels overnight and things like that. But even if that was not the case, I do not think it would matter. Right now every school that is hosting a competition is very up in the air as they deal with the regulations in their own districts.

“We have no plan to participate in a virtual competition or perform alone for judges without being able to see and meet other show choirs,” she added. “I don’t think that is the purpose of show choir and I do not think it would be educational enough to be worth it. I’ve always said it’s not about the trophy, it is about the experience, which just won’t be the same this year.”

Due to recent circumstances, the Ambassadors attended one competition at Brownsburg High School on March 13, where they finished second; however, this was the only group that travelled to any competition this year. Even without a “true” competition season, the students involved in show choir at this school said they are doing their best to continue to perform and spread joy within the community. The Accents are planning a 1940s Great-American-Songbookbased variety show which will fea-

SING IT OUT:

Seth Jacobsen, Ambassador member and sophomore, does a vocal warm-up during a rehearsal for the upcoming Ambassadors show. Unlike the Accents, the Ambassadors will be putting on more of a traditional set this year and competing more.

SPEAK-UP!

VALLIEI CHANDRAKUMAR, PALLEVI PILLAI SPEAK-UPS VALLIEI CHANDRAKUMAR, JULIA DONG SPEAK-UP PHOTOS

In spite of the unusual show choir competition season, are there any silver linings?

We are still able to rehearse together once a week as a whole group, which is always a great time, as I get to see friends from the other cohort. I also think that learning songs and choreography at home has helped develop my music ability.” Julia Dong, New Editions member and sophomore

“I feel like a lot of (the Accents) weren’t really sure if we were going to be able to perform at all and (of) what opportunities we would have. So, we do have a few performances coming up in public with people that can come and watch and that’s nice...” Dakota Brown, Accents member and junior

DID YOU KNOW?

Show choir was originally called swing choir in which a group of people would combine choral singing with dance, sometimes within the context of a specific idea or story.

OXFORD MUSIC ONLINE SOURCE

ture both solos and duets along with group numbers.

Yumi Colombo, president of Accents and senior, said she loves the plans that are in the works and cannot wait to perform for an audience again.

Colombo said via email, “The plan in the making right now is to create a performance for (members of the community) such as people in nursing homes and senior living facilities. We are hoping that if things are stable enough, in March or April we could put together a 1940s-themed set of sorts to perform in the parking lots as a way of entertainment for the elders in our community who haven’t been able to see many visitors or enjoy live entertainment due to the pandemic. This is a chance for us to not only perform and share our love for music, but also a way for us to impact our community and give something for these people to smile about. We are hoping that the theme choice will help them reminisce about the days gone by.”

While the Accents prepare their cabaret-style show, the Ambassadors are planning a more traditional set as of now, according to Jacobsen. He said he was excited to bring any aspect of performance to the community.

Jacobsen said, “Just getting to perform on stage is very exciting to me. It’s literally my favorite thing to do no matter what the circumstances are. It’s a privilege just to be performing with this amazing group.”

Even in times of stress and fear, life can find ways to produce joy in the midst of chaos, according to Colombo, who said she thinks it is more important than ever to find what you love and do what makes you happy.

She said, “Whether there are students who are in athletics, performing arts, clubs or they just come to Carmel High School for the academics, I want everyone to know that they should take every opportunity they can to create joy for themselves and those around them. Especially now, it is easy to see what we are missing out on this year and the unfairness of it all, but it is all the more worth it when you find things that you can still achieve. Don’t give up just because a pandemic kept you from your original plans. Make new ones worth pursuing and all will work out. H Scan this to read how the marching band and New Edition adjusted to COVID-19

This story was originally published online on March 18, 2021.

WORTH IT:

Yumi Colombo, president of Accents and senior, rehearses after school for the upcoming community shows. The shows’ set will be 1940s-themed, and Colombo said she cannot wait to perform again.