JagWire Newspaper: Volume 22, Issue 5 by JagWire newspaper

JAGW IRE

TIED TO TECHNOLOGY

Technology’s increasingly significant role in society causes unhealthy relationships to phones and social media in teenagers

VOLUME 22 ISSUE 5 MARCH 10, 2022 Mill Valley High School | Shawnee, Kansas

TABLE OF CONTENTS

March 10, 2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS

3 OPINIONS

STAFF EDITORIAL

4 5

NEWS

NEW CHIPOTLE

NEWS

REVIVED CLUBS

6-7 FEATURES

CROCHET AND KNITTING HOBBIES

Junior Madison Koester has created many crochet items, such as the Bernie Sanders meme Friday, Feb 25. Photo by Alayna Dill

8-9 FEATURES

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

10-11

2021-22 STAFF

FEATURES

BEHIND THE SCENES STAFF

12-15 FEATURES

TECHNOLOGY ADDICTION

16 ADS 17 OPINIONS

5900 Monticello Road Shawnee, KS 66226 Phone: (913) 422-4351 Fax: (913) 422-4039 Email: jagwirenewspaper@gmail.com Adviser: Kathy Habiger khabiger@usd232.org JagWire, a monthly publication of Mill Valley High School, is printed by Valley Offset Printing

Professional Associations Kansas Scholastic Press Association National Scholastic Press Association Journalism Education Association Journalism Educators of Metropolitan KC The 2021 JagWire earned a Pacemaker and an All-American rating from NSPA. It is also a member of the NSPA All-American Hall of Fame.

Quinn Franken

Online Editors in Chief

Gabby Delpleash Avery Gathright

Photo Editor

Hayden Resch

Assistant Editor

Madelyn Welch

Reporters & Photographers

Kaitlyn Burke Grace Brookshire THE POLITICAL DIVIDE Emma Clement Julia Coacher Liz Coenen GRAPHICS Alayna Dill SPACE Amy Hill Katelyn Krosky SPORTS Sydney McGlasson PLAYERS’ Natalie Merley SUPERSTITIONS Chloe Miller Baylen Monson A&E Sophie Sena BOOK Julia Shumaker RECOMMENDATIONS Elizabeth Summa Abigail Troilo PHOTO ESSAY Luke Wood UNUSUAL PETS

18-19

20-21

22-23 24

PUBLICATION INFORMATION JagWire Office

Editor in Chief

Editorial Policy We value your opinions. If you wish to submit a column or a letter to the editor to the JagWire, you can do so by handing it in to a member of the staff or to the print journalism room (C101). Additionally, you may email any member of the staff with opinions, as well as tweet us at @millvalleynews. Anonymous content will not be accepted. Please understand that we have the right to edit all copy that runs in this publication.

Censorship Policy The Kansas Student Publications Act guarantees the same rights for student journalists as are guaranteed for professional journalists. These rights include, but are not limited to, all First Amendment rights, including the rights of freedom of speech and the press, insofar as published items may not contain libelous, slanderous or obscene statements, may not incite or promote illegal conduct and may not cause a substantial disruption to normal school activity. This law also prevents censorship of any kind by the adviser, building or district administration.

ON THE WEB @millvalleynews @millvalleynews1 @Mill Valley News

JagWire

Design by Julia Shumaker

OPINIONS

Staff Editorial

A DANGEROUS DEPENDENCY

Obsessions with phones and social media pose a threat to both basic cognitive and social development in teenagers by jagwire staff

et out your laptops and go to Canvas.” This phrase, is so commonly heard by students, that they often forget how much of their school day is spent looking at a screen. “Go like and comment on my recent post.” These words cause our free time to be filled with such meaningless activity that we end up assessing our self-worth from the little number that appears over the word “followers” on our Instagram profile. We scratch our heads and ask ourselves “Why do our students think they are not good enough,” yet we, too, participate in being a slave to the menace that holds our kids’ self esteem: our screens. From the rise of Gates to the works of Zuckerberg, removing technology from our daily lives altogether would be nearly impossible. However, with 39% of our young adults reporting an addiction to their phones and a study from the University of Missouri linking anxiety and depression to excess phone use, our devices are taking over our lives. Who knows, you may have already checked your phone before getting to the second paragraph of

this editorial. We turn to our devices for everything. According to the American Marketing Association, your brain on the “smartphone” drug is the same as your brain on cocaine: we get an instant high, or release the pleasure chemical “dopamine” every time our screen lights up with a notification. Dopamine reinforces and motivates the behavior that makes us feel good and, in turn, can create addiction. Our attention spans are diminished at the mercy of our screens; a 2017 study from Microsoft shows that even goldfish can focus longer than we can. Our addiction even goes as far as to hurt our natural desire to experience real face time and, instead, makes us prefer talking to a face on a screen or hidden behind a screen. In a 2017 study looking at the rise of depression and suicide among teenagers, the CDC noted a rise in rates from 2010 to 2015, and found that suicides among teens rose by 65%. The number of girls with severe depression rose by 58%. Though it’s only a correlation, the team found a tight relationship between mental health issues and a rise in “new media screen activities.” About 48% of those who

spent five or more hours a day on their phones had thought about suicide or made plans for it, versus the 28% of those who spent only one hour per day on their phones. Apple demonstrated awareness by introducing the Screen Time feature in the 2018 iOS 12 update, a settings feature that allows the iPhone user to monitor how much time they spend on their phones. However, this surface-level solution is the equivalent of telling an alcoholic to lock up their liquor but letting them keep the key. In order for change to come from in a world characterized by its rapid technological advancements, we must acknowledge that there is a time and place to use our devices and, more importantly, times to put them away. Schools and businesses should encourage their students and employees to “go dark” from personal devices during free periods to improve mental health and productivity. Setting time limits on apps is a step in the right direction however, the method is purely a band-aid solution. Today’s technology has the power to do outstanding things. It’s up to us over whether we can use that technology to our detriment or our advantage.

NEWS

Design by Liz Coenen

CHASING

BEFORE

March 10, 2022

AFTER

CHIPOTLE Students enjoy the improvements and amenities of the new Chipotle location in Monticello Village by baylen monson

writer/photographer

nder construction for many months, Chipotle completed the renovation of a new restaurant in January. The building was previously an Arby’s building on West 66th Street. The new location is directly across the street from the original Chipotle, and has multiple new features with a more modernized look. According to senior Aubrey Burnett, an employee at Chipotle, the awaited restaurant construction lasted several months. “All of [the employees] were really excited about it,” Burnett said, “The new store took about three to four months to be finished.” Compared to the previous building, the new building stands alone allowing more space for parking and a drive-thru. Inside, there are more seating options, as the lobby is much larger than the original. Additionally, a soda machine sits in the lobby, allowing customers to self-serve their drinks where they couldn’t before. These features have also brought increased business to Chipotle. Senior Jordan Standen, a two-year employee at Chipotle, says that he’s seen more customers come in since the renovation.

The old Chipotle building (left) is in the process of being demolished for the new Chipotle (right). The building comes with more parking, a larger interior, and a hit drive-thru. Junior Anna Stottlemyre enjoys the drive-thru.“It makes it a lot quicker to get your food if it’s busy on the inside.” Photo by Luke Wood

“We used to not have a lot of people come in. It was mainly just our mobile orders,” Standen said, “Now we’ll have a line in both the drive-thru and the lobby.” Not only do customers benefit, but employees have too. Standen explained that at the old location, there was not enough space to work without running into a coworker. Now, there is

“I feel like people like it a lot better. The space is more convenient for the customers.” senior Aubrey Burnett

more space behind the counter, and bumping into other employees while working is no longer an issue. Although they gained space up front, Burnett mentioned that employees lost some room in their back office, in comparison to the old building. “I miss how big the old office was.

WHAT’S YOUR ORDER? Students’ go-to order at Chipotle

Porter’s order:

Sophomore Porter Slattery

-Burrito -White rice -Steak -Cheese -Corn -Green Salsa

In the back we had lockers to put our stuff [in],” Burnett said. When it comes to student approval, both Standen and Burnett shared that they feel like most students have positive opinions about the new Chipotle. For junior Anna Stottlemyre, the most notable aspect of the new restaurant is the drive-thru. “[The drive-thru] makes it a lot quicker to get your food if it’s busy on the inside,” Stottlemyre said. Like Stottlemyre, Burnett shared that the drive thru is an important addition to the new building. “It makes online orders so much easier,” Burnett said. Chipotle made additions to both the outdoor and indoor environments. The easily-accessible parking, drive-thru, and renovated interior make for significant improvements, and with more space for customers and employees, it makes for a more favorable building than the last. Reflecting on customer opinions, Burnett shared that the new Chipotle is more widely enjoyed. “I feel like people like it a lot better,” Burnett said, “The space is more convenient for the customers.”

19% 6% Students prefer: Bowl 11.5% Burrito 64%

Tacos Quesadillas

Survey of 122

JagWire

NEWS

THE COMEBACK CLUBS Design by Katelyn Krosky

The In the News, Young Republicans and HOSA clubs are back this year after an odd year with COVID-19 by kaitlyn burke

writer/photographer

ue to COVID-19, and a lack of student representatives, some clubs at Mill Valley were not able to stay afloat in past years. Students took the initiative to bring back these clubs, as they are crucial to creating a community of encouragement and discussion. In December 2021, the Young Republicans club was revived by president, sophomore Madison Moody. Before, Young Republicans was led by now-graduated students. The club is sponsored by Brian McDaneld, freshmen baseball coach and para. Discussion is an important part of developing opinions. Moody expands on what is going to happen during meetings. “The point of Young Republicans is just to provide a place where Republicans can speak their mind and discuss current issues,” Moody said. “[We] discuss how we view politics or view political issues.” Many students with a Republican political affiliation are excited to partake in the discussion. “I’m excited that Young Republicans has started again because it provides a safe place to have our voices heard and to make connections with people with the same ideals,” Moody said. In The News is another revived club led by sophomore Meron Abebe. It is a place where current news is discussed openly among students. Abebe took the responsibility of leading and discusses what is in the

Listening to fellow Young Republicans group members, sophomores Madison Moody and Tenley Moss discuss possible community service projects at their inaugural meeting Tuesday, Feb 15. “We want to provide a place where Republicans can speak their mind,” Moody said. Photo by Luke Wood

works for the club. “What a typical meeting will look like is, we’ll have slides and then each slide be a discussion topic,” Abebe said. “I’m planning on saying, go to one wall if you agree with [a statement] and go to a wall [if you] don’t, and then discuss.” Abebe shares why it’s important that the club be brought back. “We’re trying to get more opposing viewpoints and have different opinions, so conversations and topics will be more interesting to talk about. The people are really nice, and it’s fun,” Abebe said. HOSA, another recently revived club, is aimed to encourage students who want to pursue a career in the medical field, led by the sponsor, nurse

Heather VanDyke. Officer, sophomore Chaley Spaulding, tells more about why HOSA is a club, and what happens at meetings. “The goal of HOSA at Mill Valley is to learn more about future careers in the medical field,” Spaulding said. HOSA was brought to school to create an environment for aspiring medical career potential. Spaulding shares what happens at a meeting. “We have a guest speaker that works in the medical field come and talk to us about their job. We’re able to ask questions and learn more about their career,” Spaulding said. “If we don’t have a guest speaker, we do an activity such as making cards for healthcare workers or finding out how many germs are on our hands.”

WANT TO KEEP IN TOUCH? Follow what these revived clubs are doing HOSA @millvalleyhosa Heather VanDyke

Contact: hvandyke@usd232.org

Young Republicans

@mvhs_young_republicans Brian McDaneld

Contact: BMcDaneld@usd232.org

In The News @mv.in.the.news.club Meron Abebe

Contact: Abebemer000@usd232.org

FEATURES

JUST UNWIND

March 10, 2022

Students take up knitting and crocheting to pass time and relieve stress by abigail troilo writer/photographer

by avery gathright online editor in chief

Passing time in seminar, junior Sean Olin starts working on a new hat Monday, Feb 28.

Sitting in the comfort of her home, sophomore Grace Cormany works on knitting a blanket Monday, Feb 28. Photo submitted by Grace Cormany

Photo by Alayna Dill

GRACE CORMANY

Sophomore Grace Cormany found her passion for knitting last year in a crafting class. “I took a class with Mrs. Ellis and she had me [knit],” Cormany said. Knitting helps Cormany relax and relieve her anxieties after a anxious day at school. “It’s really calming, especially after a stressful day,” Cormany said. “If you just light a good candle and you start, it’s really good for stress and anxieties and all that.” Cormany’s favorite part of the knitting process is when the end result is in sight. “I really like when you see it all start to come together,” Cormany said. “Starting and finishing, you have to do the weird stuff but in the process, it’s just mindless and you see it and it’s coming to life.”

CRAZY CREATIONS

GRACE CORMANY

SEAN OLIN

Junior Sean Olin began knitting in middle school, after being inspired by his family’s enthusiasm for the hobby. “I got into it because my sibling was really good at knitting,” Olin said. “My grandma had to babysit us during the summers and she was like, ‘An activity that two of our children are into and I can do? We’re going all-in on this.’” Olin enjoys that can allow him to pass time in his classes without losing focus. “Knitting is something that you can do during class, while doing something with your hands and paying attention,” Olin said. “If you get on your phone in class, you will get in trouble [or] if you try to draw something or read a book that you’re not supposed to be reading, but you can knit.”

Projects created by each student

MADISON KOESTER

ELLA EDWARDS

JagWire

Design by Grace Brookshire Sitting at her desk, junior Madison Koester crochets the top of a round tuffet Friday, Feb 25. Photo by Alayna Dill

MADISON KOESTER Junior Madison Koester began crocheting when her sister brought home some yarn from a Girl Scouts project. Koester uses the hobby to make things for her friends. Usually, [my friends] think it’s pretty cool because I don’t have any friends that can crochet, so they’re like, ‘Oh, can you make me this,’” Koester said. Koester has crocheted several projects, her favorite of which being based on a popular meme.

“I think one of my favorite projects is the pattern for the Bernie Sanders mittens that became a meme,” Koester said. Koester believes crocheting is portrayed as an activity for older people, but is becoming more mainstream. “I think a lot of people just see it as a grandma thing, something that people do [when they] retire and have more time,” Koester said. “But I think it’s become more trendy again among teenagers.” Relaxing at her desk, sophomore Ella Edwards starts another patch for her cardigan Sunday, Feb 27.Photo by Alayna Dill

ELLA EDWARDS

Sophomore Ella Edwards discovered her hobby of crocheting at the beginning of COVID. “It was more of just a hobby I picked up when COVID kind of first started,” said Edwards. Crocheting has been a way for Edwards to create something while using her hands and gives her something to work on outside of school. “It gives my hands things to do, when I’m needing something to do.”

Edwards explains that crocheting is different from knitting because of the different materials and processes. “Knitting, you use two needles and crocheting you use the hook. It’s just kind of a different process,” Edwards said. Edwards has made a variety of wearable pieces, including a cardigan. “I’ve made a couple hats and scarves.”

FEATURES

THE STITCH Get the facts about the differences between knitting and crocheting

KNITTING

Knitting uses a pair of long needles to form the loops, moving a set of loops from one needle to another; the stitches are held on the needle.

CROCHETING Crochet uses a single hook to hook the loops together directly on the piece. It is this major - difference that makes crochet much easier to work with than knitting.

marthsatewart.com

WOMEN’S MARCH FEATURES

March 10, 2022

Four stories of women inspiring women in honor of Women’s History Month this March by julia coacher writer/photographer

by madelyn welch assistant editor

CASSIDY ECKHOFF AND KATE KERSHAW Junior Cassidy Eckhoff stands with mom, Kate Kershaw. Eckhoff said that Kershaw has taught her “to love everyone regardless of gender, age, or race.” Photo submitted by Cassidy Eckhoff

Junior Cassidy Eckhoff is inspired by her mom, Kate Kershaw because of her kind spirit and her willingness to put her kids first. The best thing Eckhoff learned from her mom is to be kind to everyone. “I have learned to love everyone regardless of gender, age, or race,” Eckhoff said. Eckhoff also loves how her mom can brighten a room just by being there. “I wish I had her kind spirit. She is just the kind of person to walk in a room and the whole room lights

MEGHAN MCAFEE AND DELANEY KEMP Holding up the State trophy in October of 2021, freshman Meghan McAfee stands with 2019 graduate and former runner Delaney Kemp. Photo submitted by Meghan McAfee

Freshman Meghan McAfee is inspired by former Mill Valley runner and student Delaney Kemp for her unconditional compassion and dedication. “She’s kind to everybody, even if she doesn’t know them and [she is] hard working at everything she does,” said McAfee. McAfee’s biggest takeaway from Kemp is her consistent perseverance and willingness to not give up when things get hard because it’ll pay off in the end.

up. She just brings so much joy,” Eckhoff said. Eckhoff is also very grateful that she has a mom that will do what’s best for her kids no matter what. She also comforted Eckhoff when she was being dropped off at their dad’s. “I was very attached to her and would always bawl my eyes out when she would drop us off at our dad’s. She would do things like take a longer route to get to my dad’s house and she would walk us up before she left and we would do a quick prayer together,” Eckhoff said.

“[As Kemp was a competitor who struggled a lot with injuries in high school], she persevered and was able to still have a great college career. It was really inspiring to see somebody have courage and keep working hard despite having struggles,” said McAfee. “She came to state cross country this year and it was just really nice to have somebody [who had won state before] there so she knows exactly what it’s like. Having somebody there to talk to about it was really nice.”

JagWire

Design by Grace Brookshire

FEATURES

Taking a picture with her mom, Stephanie Walker, for homecoming 2021, Senior Lauren said that Stephanie has taught her to “always keep Jesus first in my life.”

Smiling at the camera sophomore Claire Moberly with her grandma Lola Moberly. Lola has taught her “to stay strong and to always look on the positive side.”

LAUREN AND STEPHANIE WALKER

CLAIRE AND LOLA MOBERLY

Photo submitted by Lauren Walker

Senior Lauren Walker looks up her mom, Stephanie Walker because she is always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needs it. “A quality I desire to have is my mom’s servant heart,” Walker said. “I look up to her because no matter the situation she is willing to humble herself and help out others.” One of the things that bring Walker and her mom close is their faith. Walker has learned from her mom how to keep Jesus first in her life and to treat people with respect. “She has taught me

the importance of having a solid foundation in Christ,” Walker said. “She has also taught me to treat others with care and kindness no matter what.” Walker also looks up to her mom because she is thoughtful and caring. This is especially true when Walker went through surgery. “A recent experience was when I had sinus surgery. My mom was very caring and nurturing. She took care of me and showed me what it means to truly show love to someone through serving them,” Walker said.

Photo submitted by Claire Moberly

Sophomore Claire Moberly’s role model is her nana. Moberly appreciates the fact that her nana is always looking on the bright side. “She has shown me how to stay strong no matter what and to always look on the positive side,” Moberly said. Moberly also loves how her nana tries her best to make sure her family feels loved and appreciated, and will stick by them no matter what. “She always makes efforts to reach out to her loved ones and make sure they know that they are

loved and cared for. She does everything she can to make sure our family is happy.” While being there for her family, Moberly also says that her nana has the ability to make her day better instantly and it is important to Moberly that she feels she can reach out to her at any time. “She is very caring. She never fails to make my day with just a single text. I love how caring she is because I know I can always reach out no matter what,” Moberly said.

THE TRAILBLAZERS Women who are inspiring females and becoming popular role models

MALALA YOUSAFZAI KAMALA HARRIS ALEXANDRIA OCASIOWorld’s youngest Nobel Peace Prize First woman, first South CORTEZ winner Brought attention to the threat of losing girls’ education in Pakistan

Asian American and first black woman to become the Vice President of the U.S.A

Fights for workplace safety, equal pay, equal educational opportunities and paid parental leave for women

10 FEATURES

BEHIND THE STAFF SCENES: EDITION

March 10, 2022

by sophie sena writer/photographer

by baylen monson writer/photographer

A look at some of the lesser-known staff and what their jobs entail

DEANA THOM-REGISTRAR

Working in her office, registrar Deana Thom replies to an email Tuesday, Feb 15. One of Thom’s main jobs is to enroll and withdraw students. Photo by Elizabeth Summa

One of the original staff members, registrar Deana Thom has worked at Mill Valley for nearly 22 years. Her main responsibilities include enrolling and withdrawing students, and keeping track of all official student records such as GPAs, grades, transcripts, and test scores on Skyward. Most of her day involves computer work, and assisting counselors, students, and teachers. She frequently works with upperclassmen and students who have graduated, giving them transcripts and documents needed for graduation, college, and job applications. She’s crucial in helping the counselors build the master schedule, and the secretaries document attendance on heavy attendance days. A lesser known fact, Thom plays a big role behind the scenes. She plans and coordinates graduation, from or-

dering caps and gowns, to organizing the event. “The registrar does everything [for] graduation,” Thom said. “I get the information from students to get diplomas, get order-ins for graduation regalia… then I help with the program and get everyone organized.” Thom also does small scale jobs, like operating the lamination machine and running staff coffee machines. Thom says that students are often unaware of who she is and what exactly she does until they are upperclassmen. Nevertheless, she says she feels appreciated by everyone at Mill Valley for her work, which includes lots of diversity. “It’s not boring, let me tell you. There are many things I do once or twice a year,” Thom said. “[There’s] a lot of variety working with the kids.”

GERALD YOUNG-CUSTODIAN

Custodian Gerald Young is one of five daytime custodians at Mill Valley. Slightly understaffed, the custodial team takes on many crucial tasks around the school. They clean and maintain nearly every area in the school: from bathrooms and classrooms, to hallways and floors. Everyday jobs include taking out trash, wiping down tables, vacuuming, sweeping, and even setting up for athletic events after school. Each morning, the custodians clean the cafeteria kitchen to prepare for the lunch ladies. Following that, they have a brief meeting, and once the bell rings, they break off into designated areas for routine cleaning. Many students rely on the custodians to help locate lost items, or unlock doors. Custodians hold the responsi-

bility of being able to unlock any door in the building. “If the locks on the doors aren’t locked, we are responsible for [that],” Young said. “ I don’t think people realize that’s part of our job.” Additionally, the custodians work to fix anything that may be broken in the school. Occasionally, the bathrooms are not respected and kept as clean as they should be, and as a result, the custodians have to repair soap dispensers, toilets, and toilet paper holders. Young says the custodial team feels their work is especially appreciated when they get to help students out, but overall, the health and safety of everyone at Mill Valley is a priority to them. “We clean so that [students] can have a safe environment where they can learn,” Young said.

Cleaning the senior cafe, custodian Gerald Young picks up food from lunch Wednesday, March 2. One of Young's jobs is to clean up rooms and set up for home sports games. Photo by Elizabeth Summa

JagWire

Design by Julia Shumaker

MICHELLE KILE-NUTRITIONIST

Michelle Kile smiling at the camera Tuesday, March 24. One of Kile’s jobs is to order food for lunches and breakfasts. Photo by Elizabeth Summa

Student nutrition assistant Michelle Kile can typically be found in the kitchen writing reviews, ordering food for students and helping cook food that is provided by the school. When it comes to her favorite part of her job, Kile enjoys being able to interact with her coworkers the most. “The fun part of it is that there’s 13 personalities and that’s fun, having multiple personalities and getting along really well. We joke a lot. We sing a lot. We listen to music a lot. It’s just fun,” Kile said. In fact, Kile enjoys her job so much that she often wonders why more people don’t apply for jobs like hers. She has a great time interacting with her fellow staff members and the students. However, Kile’s job isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. Kile often

FEATURES

struggles to order the proper amount of food for the students. This is because of the fact that it is impossible for her to get an exact count of the students when placing the orders. “Depending on what the item is, if we undershoot we have to have a backup plan, if I haven’t ordered enough you panic a little bit and then we have to make it work with what we have. But if we overshoot, either we hand it out at the end of the day, it has to go in the trash, or it can be refrozen depending on what it is,” said Kile. Kile normally interacts the most with students in the morning during breakfast and when she sometimes works at the register. And when it comes to the students and staff, Kile feels like the other lunch staff, as well as her, are very appreciated.

GARRISON BALLAM- TECHNICIAN Garrison Ballam acts as K-12 technology support for the school and is better known as the “tech guy” throughout the school by both students and teachers alike. Ballam can often be seen fixing the various technology problems that students and staff face throughout the day. “I usually have two or three things that I need to get done for the day and then throughout the day, there’s usually a handful of interruptions that pull me aside, or people from the office need me to help with something so I have to drop things and drop what I’m doing and help them out,” Ballam said. Despite the usual consistencies in his work, Ballam still comes into contact with unique circumstances every so often and even has some horror stories. “Someone spilled milk on their

laptop and brought it in like a few months later. And it was full blown cheese at that point.” Ballam said. However, the main thing that Ballam wishes the students would do in order to help him with his job is to simply try rebooting their laptops before coming to him. Ballam’s favorite aspect of his job is being able to help people via fixing broken laptops and other technology, and often thinks of the times that his parents struggle with technology problems and how rewarding it feels when he is able to fix the problem and help his parents. Ballam feels the same way when it comes to helping anyone, even if they aren’t his parents. “For me it’s like my bread and butter. So it’s easy for me to do and easy to make someone else happy,” said Ballam.

School technician Garrison Ballam, who usually checks computers in for new students, helps someone and fix the issues on their computer Thursday, Feb. 24. Photo by Amy Hill

GET TO KNOW THE STAFF

The staff share some lesser-known facts about themselves inside and outside of the school

Deana Thom says that when Mr. Waldeck retired she was told that there is a time capsule in the side of the jaguar statue.

Garrison Ballam works for a small startup company and not the district.

Michelle Kile expresses that her job is very enjoyable and she wonders why more people don’t want to do her job.

Gerald Young reports that the custodians are all Mill Valley sports fans, especially football with their 3 recent state championships.

FEATURES

March 10, 2022

TECHNOLOGY Affecting social lives, school and relationships, technology addiction threatens all aspects of teenagers’ lives by gabby delpleash by avery gathright by abigail troilo

online editor in chief

alking into the commons during one of the lunch break periods, it’s not unusual to see a group of students sitting next to one another yet ignoring each other in favor of the glowing rectangle in front of them. More often than not, we choose to be a slave to our screens over interacting with the people who are sitting right in front of us.

writer/photographer

TECH’S EFFECTS In today’s world, phones control our everyday lives, telling us which restaurants we are closest to, what products to buy and what music to listen to. Whatever reason we turn to our phones for, we often find ourselves doing so as a way to escape reality. According to science teacher Ryan

Johnston, technology has the potential to be both helpful and a hindrance, especially for younger generations. “I use [technology] if it makes my life better overall,” Johnston said. “If it doesn’t, I cut it out of my life entirely. Young people are more receptive to technology because technology is new and so are young people. Young people inherently don’t have the experience and prejudice that older peo-

JagWire

ple have. This is also why they solve so many problems that older people can’t. It’s a double-edged sword.” Freshman Lilly Rugenstein believes our devices provide people with new connections. “Connection wise, [technology has] pretty much everything [you need] to know what’s going on in the other part of the world,” Rugenstein said. “Some of my friends moved to Texas so I communicate with them better [through technology]. I don’t really look at social media a lot and, if I do, I’m looking at what people are doing, not worrying about [things] like, “oh, I should do that.” Psychology teacher Kirsten Crandall explains how technology is addictive by design. “The tech that most young people are addicted to is profitable for someone, despite how it might seem,” Crandall said. “The free apps [i.e. Instagram, Twitter] and games make someone money, the longer you are on them. So this technology is designed to keep you engaged and coming back as much as possible. To do so, they employ several strategies; social pressure, operant/classical conditioning and schedules of reinforcement and physical dependency.” In order to make time for her hobbies, sophomore Kaylen Hyde attempts to keep her screen time down. Like Rugenstein, Hyde uses her phone to stay connected with her loved ones. “I read a lot, that is my main thing,” Hyde said. “I read a lot of romance and mystery, or I help with my mom’s daycare after school or, sometimes, I’ll draw. Little things like that get me away from my phone. I always have [my phone] by me just to have it near me because it’s important to me. Especially with having family, I want to try to respond to them right away because they’re my family. I always have it beside me, but I’m not always on it.” Crandall says young adults enjoy social media because of its ability to provide instant gratification. “There are many components that make technology addictive to young users,” Crandall said. “This is especially true of technology centered around social media. One reason this appeals to young minds so significantly is that this technology offers instant gratification in an arena of life that is always the top priority for this age group. “Developmentally, teenagers care most about their connection to and approval from their peers.”

Design by Quinn Franken

TECHNOLOGY IN IN TECHNOLOGY SCHOOL SCHOOL

Although technology is viewed as a beneficial tool in today’s society, its imprint on our professional lives, whether that be school or work, has made functioning without it nearly impossible. Johnston, who considers time away from technology “a nice vacation,” believes the insertion of technology into our professional lives will only gradually heighten our addiction in the future. “The addiction will only increase. There are thousands of people whose sole job is to draw your attention to a screen. And they are very good at it,” Johnston said. “They have sold devices to parents who in turn used them as digital pacifiers. And now these devices are glowing life preservers in a sea of existential meaninglessness to hundreds of millions of young people. These devices have grown to be as much a part of children’s nervous systems as spinal cords.” Crandall views the usage of technology in jobs and school curriculum as something necessary and valuable in order to move forward in a rapidly developing world. However, she still strives to prevent spending unnecessary time using her devices. “As a psychology teacher, I see

FEATURES

PHYSICAL FACTORS Symptoms and signs that may indicate an unhealthy relationship to technology

8:00 HEADACHE EYE STRAIN BACK PAIN ISOLATION SLEEP DISTURBANCES NEGLECT SCHOOL WORK COMPULSIVELY CHECKING PHONE SOURCE: HEALTHLINE

14 FEATURES

some of the dangers and negative potential,” Crandall said. “However, it is the way of the future and so many necessary and valuable resources exist there. I actively work to have set time frames for what technology I use. For example, I take a break from looking at any screen after 15 minutes of consistent use. I’ll read something instead, make a phone call, look outside, etc.” In addition to using tech in the professional world, students have found it increasingly difficult to distance themselves from screens when all of their classwork exists within a laptop. For Hyde, the prospect of digital school work has led her to believe that technology will soon dominate every aspect of our lives. “Now more than ever, because we’ve started doing more stuff on laptops instead of on paper, I feel like it’s harder to step away from a screen even if I wanted to because, eventually, it’ll be where education is almost all online except for math, because you can’t do math online,” Hyde said. “But at some point, I feel like technology will just kind of take over the world and everything will have to do with technology at some point.” While not as concerned over technology taking a more domineering role in the future, Rugenstein feels that technology’s involvement in everything we do is reason to question our dependence on it going forward. “I’d say [technology] isn’t necessarily destroying our lives even though many people might say that,” Rugenstein said. “I’d say [technology] adds to [life], but too much can ruin it. There’s a fine line that is now a bit shady or blurred because of how often it is used now.”

March, 10 2022

AWAY WITH ADDICTION It is not easy to refer to what we as a society have as an “addiction.” The word seems too sterile and clinical to describe what’s happening to our brains in the smartphone era. Someday we may learn to live in harmony with the portable supercomputers that satisfy our every need and provide us with infinite amounts of stimulation. But for many, that proper balance of time spent on and off of our screens hasn’t happened yet. However, there are steps one can take to improve their relationship with technology.

“I’d say [technology] adds to [life], but too much can ruin it. There’s a fine line that is now a bit shady or blurred because of how often it is used now.” freshman Lilly Rugenstein

Crandall explains how one can take small steps in order to wean themselves from the constant need to look at a device. “If a person feels they spend too much time on technology or that an aspect of it is negatively impacting their mental health they should take

small steps,” Crandall said. “Drastically deciding to quit apps or limit it down by anything over 30% simply won’t work. So instead, say you’re going to go through and unfollow two accounts that have a tendency to make you feel anything but better.” Hyde believes that her hobbies help her keep her screen time down on her personal devices. “I’ll have my phone by me and maybe answer a text while I’m reading, but I read for a couple hours sometimes or 30 minutes,” Hyde said. “I do a lot of my schoolwork which takes time away from my phone and I’ll draw and stuff like that.” Rugenstein also enjoys drawing when trying to reduce her screen time, but explains how she still remains connected to technology when doing so. “I like to draw. But then again, I write on the computer what I draw without it so [I’m] still connected, in a sense,” Rugenstein said. For Johnston, it is important to recognize that society has become dependent on technology that sometimes causes more problems than it solves. “At this point we are using technology to solve problems that technology created. It is a dangerous cycle,” Johnston said. “I don’t know how humanity will get out of it because the majority of humanity is soft flesh that dies without central heating and cooling. I don’t exclude myself from this population.”

JagWire

Design by Quinn Franken

TOO MUCH TECH? Students look into their screen time and app activity 11% 18% 81-120 16% 0-40 41-80 20% 121-150 151-200 >200 13% WHAT IS YOUR 22% AVERAGE AMOUNT OF HOW MANY NOTIFICATIONS DID YOU HAVE YESTERDAY?

PICK-UPS PER DAY?

10% 8% 7%

18%

25%

32%

0-40

41-80

81-120

121-150

151-200

>200

EIGHTY FIVE

<1 hr

TOP 5 MOST USED APPS

TIKTOK TIKTOK 2. SNAPCHAT SNAPCHAT 3. YOUTUBE 4. INSTAGRAM 5. NETFLIX

percent of students got their first phone between the ages of

10 and 14

AVERAGE DAILY SCREEN TIME

FEATURES

16% 45% 24% 14%

1-3 hrs

4-5 hrs

6-7 hrs

>8 hrs SURVEY OF 122 STUDENTS

SOPHOMORE MADDY OLIVIER

SENIOR ASHLEY ATKINSON AVERAGE DAILY SCREEN TIME

AVERAGE DAILY SCREEN TIME

MOST USED APP

AVERAGE DAILY PICK UPS

AVERAGE DAILY PICK-UPS

HOW DOES YOUR PHONE AFFECT DAILY LIFE?

“MY PHONE AFFECTS ME ALOT. I’M ALWAYS ON IT EVERYDAY WHETHER IT BE FOR WATCHING TIKTOKS OR NETFLIX, OR I USE IT TO SEE THE WEATHER OR USE IT TO FIND A LOCATION I’VE NEVER BEEN BEFORE. IT’S VERY HELPFUL , BUT I CAN ADMIT I’M ON MY PHONE WAY TOO MUCH.”

“A LOT OF MY TIME IS SPENT ON MY PHONE. I USE IT FOR SCHOOL, FOR FUN, FOR COMMUNICATION, TO STAY CONNECTED, AND TO LEARN. I THINK [MY PHONE] HAS A POSITIVE IMPACT, BUT I NEED TO SPEND LESS TIME ON IT.”

7 HOURS

TIKTOK/SNAPCHAT 300

5 HOURS

SAFARI 73

16 ADS

March 10, 2022

APPLY BY APRIL 1, 2022 FOR THE

MV MV BOOSTER BOOSTER CLUB CLUB SCHOLARSHIP SCHOLARSHIP

Booster Club will award 12 $500 scholarships Scholarship requirements: 1. Must be a Mill Valley senior 2. Must have at least a 3.0 GPA 3. Parents/guardians joined Booster Club members by December 16, 2021 4. Must attend a 2- or 4-year university, vocational or technical school Find the application: https://millvalleyboosterc.wixsite.com/mvbc/booster-club-scholarship WWW. millvalleyboosterc.wixsite.com/mvbc

Make a SPLASH at the City of Shawnee! 2022 Summer Aquatic Center Positions The Shawnee Parks and Recreation Department is looking for energetic individuals wanting to join our team this summer. We are hiring NOW for the 2022 aquatic season! Positions are open to individuals ages 14 and older.

Lifeguards- $13/hour Swim Instructors- $14/hour Front Desk - $9/hour Concession - $10/hour

@mvjagsboosters

@MVjagsBoosterClub

CONGRATULATIONS

MILL VALLEY NEWS

2022 NSPA ONLINE PACEMAKER FINALIST One of 47 finalists for the highest honor in high school journalism for the third year in a row

$100

referral bonus for each employee recruited and retained through the season!

The City of Shawnee is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

cityofshawnee.org/jobs • 913.742.6404

EDITORS: Gabby Delpleash, Avery Gathright, Damara Stevens, Ally Sul CONTRIBUTORS: JagWire newspaper and JAG yearbooks staffs

JagWire

by sophie sena

writer/photographer

THE DIV DIVIDE IDE BETWEEN US As students develop their own unique political opinion, the political divide in the community grows larger

ver the past several years, the political gap has become larger and larger. This has led to the further polarization of the parties and less willingness to agree with those from opposite political standpoints which has had a negative effect on politics as well as social issues today. This political dissonance, as well as its effects, has become so large that the effects can even be seen within our society, in media and even our own school population. Over the years, party politics have been brought to the forefront of many important discussions and have become highly impactful when it comes to people’s ideas on those issues.

“The key way to counteract the spread of false ideas about the positions of people based on political parties is to promote conversations about topics.” junior Sophie Sena

Social media has made this impact even greater. In fact, according to the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School, young Americans are more likely to be involved in politics than in the past decade. Party politics have also become a larger part in how people make their political decisions. People now focus on making their decisions based on their personal beliefs, people are the thoughts of their political party. This has led to more closed mindedness from the parties when it comes to agreeing with the views of those on the other side of the political spectrum.

This issue can be seen within our own school by observing political conversations. Many people within the school hold strong opinions about what they believe, however not much discourse can be observed throughout the school. The polarization can even be seen through the introduction of the Young Democrats and Young Republicans clubs. These clubs more strongly enforce whatever political standpoints the club members have. Neither of these clubs are made to help the students within them understand standpoints of the other but rather create spaces for people who already agree with each other. The refusal to get to know the arguments that the opposing party is making can also lead people to have a false sense of what the average people of that party represent and support. Because of the polarization of the media, many people have a specific idea of the views and thought processes of the opposition. However, people fail to realize that the representation of the political parties is monstrously over-exaggerated. In fact, if more conversation were sparked by students, many of them would probably realize just how much they can agree on certain issues. This has also caused more animosity to grow between the parties. The result of this being a further lack of discussion because of unwillingness to listen to the ideas of others. This will then hinder people’s ability to simply interact with those who have ideas that oppose their own. The key way to counteract the spread of false ideas about the positions of people based on political parties is to promote conversations about topics. By doing this, we might be able to make more progression toward a better future where important topics can be properly handled. This would also help create an environment where people can feel free to voice their views and partake in political discussion freely.

Design by Liz Coenen

OPINIONS

44%

of students politically identify as left-leaning

31%

of Americans politically identify as left-leaning

37%

of students don’t politically identify with either party

41%

of Americans don’t politically identify with either party

19%

of students politically identify as right-leaning

25%

of Americans politically identify as right-leaning

Source: Wikipedia

18 GRAPHICS

March 10, 2022

OUT OF THIS WORLD From rockets to aliens, explore fun facts and theories about the mysteries of the cosmos

NASA’S CURRENT SPACE MISSIONS

NASA has made many first-of-its-kind explorations to obtain information on the void above

Hubble Space Telescope

Since its 1990 launch, Hubble has changed our fundamental understanding of the universe. Named in honor of the trailblazing astronomer, Edwin Hubble. Hubble has made more than 1.5 million observations over the course of its lifetime.

Juno: Mission at Jupiter

“Goal: Understand origin and evolution of Jupiter, look for solid planetary core, map magnetic field, measure water and ammonia in deep atmosphere and observe auroras.”

Artemis Program

“With Artemis missions, NASA will land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon, using innovative technologies to explore more of the lunar surface than ever before.”

SPACE PHENOMENON Space phenomenon is defined as naturally occuring events within the cosmos. Source: Oxford Languages

Supernova: A star that suddenly increases greatly in brightness because of a catastrophic explosion that ejects most of its mass. Black Hole: A region of space having a gravitational field so intense that no matter or radiation can escape.

Galaxy: A system of millions or billions of stars, together with gas and dust, held together by gravitational attraction. Meteor: A small body of matter from outer space that enters the Earth's atmosphere, becoming incandescent as a result of friction and appearing as a streak of light.

Design by Chloe Miller and Research by Emma Clement

JagWire

’ S IU ICSt Pluto’s R ‘SI TISTfeel abaonud aliens A tudentsstatus T S s ary ow et e h plan e S

% 5 5 % 9 4

GRAPHICS

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s as w o t lut lane P ish d a p w ts re en side d tu on fs c

ve lie e b t nts exis e d

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ASTRONOMICAL THEORIES

Scientists have developed many theories in an attempt to explain space The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang is the idea that our universe began at a single point and then stretched (and still is stretching) to its current size. Source: NASA Extraterrestrial Life Extraterrestrial life is the thought that life may exist, or at one point existed, outside of Earth. Source: Britannica Heat/Entropy Death Heat/Entropy Death refers to the mostcommonly accepted hypothesis that the universe will ultimately evolve to a state of no thermodynamic free energy. Source: Interesting Engineer

Big Rip The Big Rip is the hypothesis that all matter within our universe will eventually lose cohesion, and is torn apart resulting in the end of our universe. Source: Merriam Webster Gravity “The force that attracts a body toward the center of the earth, or toward any other physical body having mass.” Source: Oxford Languages Multiverse Theory A theory that suggests the possibility of multiple universes and that ours is not necessarily unique. Source: Oxford Languages

20 SPORTS

March 10, 2022

SPORTS SUPERSTITIONS

Students share their unique superstitions that they believe aid them in their game-day performances by kaitlyn burke by julia coacher

writer/photographer

superstition that takes place in a sport is something that an athlete does that is initially developed by accident, but then since they had a positive outcome doing it, they continue to practice it. A superstition is first evolved when an athlete competes and depending on their success or failure the superstition is formed. They are intended to provide some assurance for the future. Superstitions vary from athlete to athlete, but what they all have in common is they provide the athlete a sense of control as well as confidence. Many famous athletes also practice superstitions and a few even have become famous for them because they are so out of the ordinary. A superstition can range from wearing the same socks every game, to eating a bowl of Lucky Charms before you compete. Many athletes use superstitions to feel a relief from anxiety before they play, to become calmer and more poised. A superstition for an athlete can be

a way of gaining confidence in their sports. Superstitions and rituals could be interchangeable words. A superstition is created in hindsight or unexpectedly but then becomes a repeated habit. When it becomes a behavior that you constantly repeat before competing, believing that it has a specific purpose,

“A superstition is first evolved when an athlete competes and depending on their success or failure the superstition is formed.” sophomore Julia Coacher and Kaitlyn Burke

it is considered a ritual. A ritual being created for an athlete better prepares the athlete both physically and mental-

ly by visualization or guided imagery. They are able to recreate the time and feeling that they performed well, in hopes of that bringing more luck. In some cases, athletes can feel so compelled to do that certain thing before every game, it can become detrimental to their performance. It is important that athletes are able to distinguish between a compulsion and a superstition. If an athlete feels so compelled to practice that thing before the game, and something gets in the way of doing that, it can be utterly damaging. A lighthearted superstition can be proven to be beneficial to athletes, it is when that fine line is crossed between compulsion and superstition that problems arise. There are many different students within our own school that have their personalized superstitions, all of which are unique to them. The superstitions have been practiced each time these individuals have competed and haved help bring them a feeling of luck and success.

FAMOUS SUPERSTITIONS Famous athletes’ superstitions that they believe help their performance ALEX MORGAN GRACIE GOLD USAIN BOLT

Morgan proudly wears number 13, despite its unlucky reputation. She also has to put her right sock on first, roll her shorts once, and never tuck in her jersey. Source: Q 105.7 & 103.5

Gold believes an evil eye necklace given to her by a ballet teacher years ago has helped propel her to stardom.

Bolt would make it a point to brush his hair with his hands and walk backwards before doing the bolt sign with his arms pointed towards the air.

Source: Jewelry Blog by Morgan

Source: SFGate

JagWire

Design by Natalie Merley

Junior Halee Evans, a swimmer of nine years, has a superstition called “double capping” that she has followed since middle school. Her superstition is inspired by an older teammate she looks up to who also follows the same double capping routine. “I put on a latex cap first, then put on my goggles, and then top it off with my jaguar cap.” said Evans. “I convince myself my caps or goggles will fall off if I don’t.” Evans’ cap had fallen off two time in a row last high school season when

she didn’t double cap. “I lost my latex cap that I usually double capped with so I couldn’t do it for a few meets during high school season and my cap fell off during almost every race.” said Evans. Evans believes there is a more logical reason behind her superstition but continues to follow it. “I’m pretty sure that since my hair is pretty thick it is what causes my caps to fall off if I don’t have a latex one on underneath, but all of the team caps we are required to wear for racing are silicone,” said Evans.

Sophomore Dillon Cooper, a varsity wrestler, has been carrying out a superstition for the past year, which is eating Lucky Charms before every tournament. “It became a thing when I was cutting a lot of weight. I wanted to eat on the morning of so I could have energy by the time I wrestled.” said Cooper.

of luck. “During one of our earlier meets TJ Cathey won some little stuffed animals from a claw machine at the bowling alley we were at and kept them on the table and we did good I believe it helps with the luck.” said Shulda.

SENIOR DYLAN HOOPER

PEDIALYTE

Photo Submitted by Halee Evans

“I wrestled well so I kept doing it and it became a habit.” As this is a superstition Cooper has been practicing for a year, he believes it may or may not have an effect on his success. “I don’t think I would perform that differently but you never know since I’m so used to it.” said Cooper.

JUNIOR BRODY SHULDA

Photo Submitted by Dillon Cooper

Photo Submitted by Dylan Hooper

JUNIOR HALEE EVANS

SOPHOMORE DILLON COOPER

Junior Brody Shulda, a bowler, participates in a superstition in which both the boys and girls bowling teams place stuffed animals on the tables where they bowl. The superstition developed unexpectedly and gave the athletes a sense

SPORTS

Senior Dylan Hooper, a Stanford commit, has been playing soccer for fourteen years. Hooper has a couple of superstitions that he practices before every game. “I typically drink a full pedialyte bottle the night before, and then eat the same meals the day of the game,” said Hooper. “[I eat] two scrambled eggs, one sausage patty and a turkey sandwich, and I never use my phone the day of a game.” Hooper practices this superstition because he believes it enhances his level of play.

Photo Submitted by Brody Shulda

“Cramping is quite frequent and once I started to use Pedialyte I stopped cramping almost completely,” said Hooper. “I eat that because that is enough food to energize me and not be too much. I don’t use my phone because one day on a trip I left my charger at home so I didn’t have access to my phone and I played really well,” said Hooper. Hooper’s superstition is unique to him and his gameday routine and will be a vital part in his collegiate soccer career.

22 A&E

TURNING PAGES

March 10, 2022

Finding a new book can be a difficult feat, but with a couple helpful reviews you might be able to find your next read

EMMA CLEMENT

“CRIER’S WAR” By Nina Varela

ASHLEY BENNETT

“COST OF KNOWING”

By Brittany Morris

Nina Varela’s duology takes place in a fantasy land called Rabu. In Rabu, the humans and automae (a physically enhanced race of humanoids) have always had tense relations. After years of war, an automa king called Sovereign Hesod ends up on the throne. The protagonist, Ayla, is a teenaged human whose family were killed by automae when she was young. Ever since, she has planned to get revenge on the king by killing his daughter, Lady Crier. Crier has always been studious and focused, but her recent betrothal with Scyre Kinok has thrown a wrench in her usual facade. Ayla finally gets the chance to carry out her plan when she is given a position as Crier’s handmaiden, but Ayla finds it harder to kill her with each

passing day. This duology is well written and has incredibly well executed queer relationships and characters. While the world building seems confusing at first, the plot is very fast paced. The book switches perspectives, with some chapters told by Ayla and some by Crier, which shows the intricacies of their relationship. Crier finds herself instantly falling for Ayla’s impulsivity, but Ayla is in denial. Crier is also royalty, while Ayla works for the automae and lives with rebels. All of these things add layers to the enemies to lovers, slow burn romance between the two of them. Anyone who likes reading fantasy, LGBTQ+, futuristic, or romance books will enjoy Varela’s duology.

Life, years after the accident, seems to be normal enough for Alex. He and his brother, Isaiah, live with their Aunt. Alex has a job and a girlfriend. Alex tries his best to be a good brother to Isaiah by keeping an eye on him, checking in on him when Isaiah seems to want to be alone, even protecting him. But, what Alex is hiding from everyone else is that anything he touches, allows him to see into the future. Seeing his girlfriend break up with him in the future, shocks him. But, when he sees his little brother’s death, that changes everything for Alex. Now Alex is trying to race against time to figure out how to stop his brother’s death from happening. On the way he learns new lessons about friendships, love, and community.

Will his girlfriend, Talia, still love him when she finds out? How does he keep his brother safe…more importantly, ALIVE? Your community should rally around you as you are struggling, right? Read from Alex’s point of view to see if he can find a way to save his brother and his other relationships, all while dealing with microaggressions and racism from his neighborhood community. This book is so powerful! Alex and Isaish’s brotherly love is moving. What the two boys deal with in the aftermath of their parents death is tough, especially with Alex’s anxiety. It’s important for us to see things from another point of view. This author does an amazing job of giving her readers that opportunity.

JagWire

CARTER TOLLMAN

“RENEGADES” By Marissa Meyer

SARA SEDGWICK

“A MAN CALLED OVE”

By Fredrik Backman

Design by Natalie Merley and Photos by Alayna Dill

out and risks not just her freedom, but all of the Anarchists. While undercover, she meets Adrian. Together they fight on missions to protect the people from danger, but her true mission is to learn about a boy held in captivity, Max. Max holds an unknown but special power that could bring back her uncle, Ace, who was weakened due to the war. Nova must balance a fine line as she gets closer to Adrian her mission moves farther away. I really like this book because it shows many perspectives on the same situations which is a difficult thing to see. I think anyone who likes action, fantasy, or superhero books would enjoy this book.

In the last few years Boomer has come to be a term of disgrace meant to signify that a person is too grumpy and old fashioned. As “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman opens, Ove seems to define the term to perfection as he tries to purchase an iPad, and spends most of the time complaining to the clerk in the store. And honestly, Ove spends most of the book complaining about a wide range of events, most of them involving his neighbors. After having recently lost his wife, Ove finds himself feeling alone and useless. He spends most of his days thinking about his wife, judging people, and, really, just wishing for his life to be over. But when a small accident involv-

ing his mailbox occurs, Ove is forced into having an active part in the world again. Ove turns from a curmudgeonly Boomer to a beloved companion, although he may drag his feet about this change the entire time. This book is driven by the characters rather than by the plot, and Ove is one of the most memorable characters I have met in my time as a reader. The book does deal with serious topics including depression, thoughts of suicide, and the death of loved ones, but seeing Ove transform from a hermit to a vital part of the community. This book shows us that life wants us to keep living, no matter how old and grumpy we may be.

Fellow students share their amount of time spent reading

Read 15-30 minutes a day

50%

Don’t read for pleasure

“Renegades” by Marissa Meyer follows Nova, a teenager in a world where there are two types of people: those with powers and those without. Nova’s power is the ability to put people to sleep by touching them. She is part of a group called the Anarchists, one of two opposing groups of superheroes. After a long, bloody war, the Renegades won and took over the government and the Anarchists have been in hiding since. Nova and her team botch an assassination attempt against the leaders of the Renegades after which they Anarchists go into hiding. They eventually come up with a new plan that involves Nova going undercover as a renegade. This risky plan all bets on her not getting found

READING TIMES

29.5%

A&E

11.5%

Read 30-60 minutes a day