January issue 2016

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Red & Black Newspaper 1.12.16 • Volume 85 • Issue 4 Jefferson City High School Jefferson City, MO

Binge-watching

How to feed the addiction p. 18-19

CONTENTS 1.12.16

NEWS 3 5 6

Academies are restructured for the 16-17 school year People celebrate the holidays with Living Windows Capitol Caroling carries on a JC tradition

7

JCHS fundraisers help out in time for the holidays

8

Stuco hosts annual holiday party

9

Companies join forces with (RED) campaign

SPOTLIGHT 10

New Years Resolutions: Students who have made them and students who have kept them

IN-DEPTH 18

2

Binge-watching is a common pastime for many students

SPORTS

OPINION

12

Lady Jays Basketball: shooting for state

24

Editorial: Are sports worth the risks?

13

Pick ‘em

25

14

Dance team brings the spirit to games

Head to Head: eBooks or real books?

15

Wrestling team celebrates their 50th anniversary

26

Is giving or getting more enjoyable?

16

Students who are also refferees

27

16

Jays Bowling Team update

How long should people keep up Christmas decorations?

17

Featured Athlete: Logan Moriarty

27

Social media gloating over the holidays

17

JCHS athletes who went pro

FEATURES

A&E 28

Winter fashion trends

29

Stores with the best deals around the holidays

20

Students participate in tabletop gaming

21

A basketball manager and his love for the game

29

Billboard top 5 vs.

JCHS top 5

22

The famous Christmas lights of Jefferson City

30

Reviews: Star Wars, Chris Brown, Concussion

22

How foreign exchange students celebrate holidays

31

Timeline of 2015

31

Instagram Contest: Starting the new year

23 Emily Hoerchler: The “everything” girl

1.12.16//CONTENTS

Some of these changes have been for the better and some have caused divided opinions amongst students and staff.

However, as we enter into this new year, we should all accept what has happened and move on from it. We already know that the year 2016 will have its own changes that we will have to experience, both for seniors moving on to college and for underclassmen and staff sticking around for the 2016-2017 school year at JCHS. Change is inevitable, so the best advice that I can give is for everyone to live in the moment and view the start of the new year as a blank slate. Onwards and upwards, right?

Hello from the other side, 2015!

Have a good paper day everyone. And a good year. And just generally a good life.

-Jacob Worsham

FROM THE EDITOR

Hello.

It’s me.

I was wondering if after all these years you’d like to meet.

To go over.

Everything.

Like the year 2015! We are officially into the year 2016, so it is time for new beginnings and some life reflection. If you are reading this you officially survived finals, so that is something to be happy about. In terms of the Red & Black, this issue officially marks a halfway point for our staff. We have published four issues, and we still have four to go before the end of this school year.

2015 has been a year of great change for Jefferson City High School in particular. We got a new principal, integrated the academies, welcomed a wave of sophomores with iPads in hand, and tried out a completely new schedule for the first time.

Academies undergo yet another change Madi Baughman

T

hough students have already seen a lot of change on the subject of the academies, more adjustments are to come for the future. Starting during the 2016-2017 school year, the academies that have been integrated into Jefferson City High School this year will be restructured so that there are no longer seven paths to choose from, but three.

The three new academies are a mix of the paths of the former seven: Health/Human Services constitute one path, Agriculture/Industrial Engineering & Technology make up the second, and Communication Arts, Business & Global Studies have been combined to form the third. In addition to these three choices, there will also be a general studies academy option for students who wish to have a more general education. This path is only

available once a student arrives at JCHS; in 8th grade students will have to pick one of the three main paths.

The change was made because the high number of academies made it difficult to schedule students into classes. With the current number of teachers, it was becoming impossible to keep core classes academy specific with seven different academies to consider.

Current students in the academies and middle school students coming into JCHS next year will have the option to choose which of the new academies they want to go into. Students will still be allowed to switch academies in the same way that they were offered this year. The principles and foundation of academy learning will remain the same, so the only real change will be the different grouping and the addition of the general studies option.

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January 12, 2016 Volume 85, Issue 4 Red & Black is a student led newspaper that serves as a public forum for the school and the community. Opinions expressed in the paper are not necessarily those of JCHS nor the faculty, staff or administration.

Editors: Jacob Worsham Madi Baughman Erica Overfelt Mackenzie Allen

Website Manager: Brooklynne Propes Staff Reporters: Ainsley Grey Brandon Eigenman Brenna Duncan Claire Shipley Dalton Wheeler Maddy Bergstrom Madeline Moats Megan Cassels Megan Newton Taylor Johnson Veronica Townsend Advisor: Timothy Maylander Jefferson City High School 609 Union Street Jefferson City, MO 65101 (573)659-3193 redblack.jchs@gmail.com

@jcredblack 1.12.16//NEWS 3

NEWS

[photo by Maddy Bergstrom]

[photo by Maddy Bergstrom]

[photo by Maddy Bergstrom] Top Left: The News Tribune holds a candy cane house that children can go through to get their candy prize.

Top Right: Junior Emily Rackers performs in The Nutcracker for passersby.

Bottom Left: Performers from the Capital Ritz Dance Team showcased their routine.

Bottom Right: Children dressed as elves, Santa, or other holiday favorites were a common sight in the windows.

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1.12.16//NEWS

[photo by Maddy Bergstrom]

[photo by Maddy Bergstrom] Orchestra students senior Sierra Tackett, senior Evan Wilde, junior Lauren Rector, and junior Rachel Ulm perform holiday songs in the window of Carrie’s Hallmark.

Downtown windows come to life Maddy Bergstrom

A

mong the lamp lit streets of downtown Jefferson City, the window displays are alive. From a sugar plum fairy to a tea party with the Hatter, a string quartet to a line of little dancers, the store fronts were filled with performers spreading a little holiday joy.

On Dec. 4, many businesses opened their doors to choirs, actors, bands, dance studios and much more as a Jefferson City tradition.

“I feel honored playing for the city in well-known events such as Living Windows,” senior Evan Wilde said. “I, along with the others, performed string quartet arrangements of well-known Christmas pieces such as ‘Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer’ and ‘Frosty the Snowman’. The group’s personal

favorite was a lively and fast-paced arrangement of ‘Jingle Bells’.”

Jefferson City has always taken pride in its traditions, and Living Windows is apart of that lasting community. Families walk the streets, enjoying the Christmas spirit as they stroll through the Candy Cane House and jump in this season’s first snow.

“I love the Living Windows tradition,” junior Stephanie Scott said.

“I felt like as I walked down the streets of our town I was truly breathing in the Christmas spirit.”

With five blocks of winter fun, Living Windows was an experience many have been happy to enjoy over the years and for many to come. Choirs sang on the streets, ballerinas posed in the storefront, dancing prodigies waved

from the windows, and even Santa Claus came to visit.

“I think it is a wonderful experience to let performers of Jefferson City have an outlet to showcase their talent in a very creative way. [Living Windows] is perhaps one the the most popular events Jefferson City has to offer,” Hannah Dolan, a student attending Helias, said.

This year’s Living Windows and Christmas season has come to a close, but the feeling it creates in the community stays all year long.

“I hope that downtown events such as Living Windows will continue well after my lifetime,” Wilde said.

“They are vital to our community and reputation as a historically rich, traditional city.”

1.12.16//NEWS

5

Capitol Caroling brings people together Madi Baughman

E

very year, members of the community start off the holiday season with Capitol Caroling.

People from all walks of life gather together for one night to hear the sound of beautiful music echoing off the walls of the Capitol building. This was the 78th year of Capitol Caroling, and the event took place on Dec. 8.

Each year there are different pieces showcased. For example, last year the opening from “Frozen” was performed.

This year, they performed the holiday classic “Sleigh Ride.”

“We like to do a lot of different types of music each year, which can be fun,” junior Ali Robinson said.

During the performance, choir, band and orchestra joined together to give the audience an evening full of holiday

spirit. The performing groups each prepared their pieces and practiced for about a month before the show.

“To prepare for this event, I practiced music on my marimba for about an hour every night,” sophomore Samantha Gierer said. “My favorite part about performing is that I get to show off how much I have been working.”

Even though some of the performers have participated in the event for multiple years, nerves can run high.

For the choir, it can be excessively tiring to stand and sing for such a long period of time under the hot lights in the Rotunda. Everyone is encouraged to give their best performance, which puts a lot of stress on the shoulders of the performers.

“In the few minutes before we play, I get really nervous that I’m going to screw up,” Gierer said. “But then I realize that it will be fine, and it always is.”

For the community, Capitol Caroling is a long-standing tradition unique to Jefferson City. Family and friends come from all around to be a part of the holiday celebration. People will even come to the capitol hours in advance so they can be sure they get a good spot to watch the performance. It’s one way that the people around Jefferson City can come together and share in the fun of the holiday season.

“The community recognizes and appreciates the continuation of such a unique and amazing tradition,” Robinson said.

[photo by Madi Baughman]

[photo by Madi Baughman] Above: The choir, band and orchestra join together to perform for members of the community.

Top Right: So many people attend Capitol Caroling each year that audience members will even listen from above the performance.

Bottom Right: Some audience members arrive early to make sure they get a spot in the front.

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1.12.16//NEWS

[photo by Madi Baughman]

[photo by Erica Overfelt]

[photo by Erica Overfelt]

Left: Winning team CP3 holds up the bracket after they won the tournament.

Above: Teams play hard in the dodgeball tournament, which donated the money raised to Adopt-A-Family.

JCHS helps out in time for the holidays Jake Worsham

J

efferson City High School was filled with the holiday spirit at the end of last semester with multiple fundraisers raising money for different causes. The different events were not only for a good cause, but also provided a great amount of fun and entertainment to both those participating in the events and those watching them.

To kick off the season with a spirit of giving, students participated in a 3v3 basketball tournament to raise money to help those in underdeveloped countries who are in need of food and clean water. This project came about from a group in Leadership class and was held on Dec. 4. 12 teams signed up, and the winner was a team called CP3.

“The reason that it was one of the things we chose to do was because it provided a new and fun activity for the students of our school and it was basically cost free for us to put on,” junior Carson Ridgeway said. “I would say it went really well for the first time having the tournament, and all the proceeds raised are being donated to ServOne and Just One Africa.”

The fun continued on Dec. 11 when 17 teams competed in a dodgeball tournament in order to raise money for Adopt-A-Family. Around 600 dollars were raised and went straight to the organization.

“The dodgeball tournament went really well,” fundraising chair Athira Nambiar said. “[Adopt-A-Family] is especially important during the holidays because families are given clothes and toys as gifts to help with celebrations. Doing the fundraiser through a dodgeball tournament is simply a fun and convenient way because it doesn’t cost anything to run it.”

In addition, in the weeks before the break the Library Board partnered with the Leadership class in order to “Spread the Warmth” by hosting the Mitten Tree. The Mitten Tree lasted from Dec. 7 to Dec. 17, and students were encouraged to bring in scarves, gloves, hats and coats in order to donate. Students brought in donations to their first block class on B days or simply donated them in the library.

“The mitten tree is a JC tradition

started in the honor of one of our librarians to help provide warm clothing to children in need across Jefferson City,” Library Board officer Stephanie Scott said. “This year we are providing clothing to the Boys and Girls Club.”

Donations brought in were scaled with a point system, and the first block class with the most donations were awarded a Panera breakfast. Although this was the incentive, many students donated knowing that what they were doing would help families in Jefferson City get through the harsh winter months.

“I truly enjoy working with the board on the project because I feel the project shows tangible evidence of the joy and caring of Christmas,” Scott said. “I get to watch as our school pulls together to provide help for those in need, and I think that there is something truly magical about watching as the pile of mittens, and by extension, joy, grows to help out those kids.”

1.12.16//NEWS

7

[photo by Taylor Johnson]

[photo by Taylor Johnson]

[photo by Taylor Johnson]

Top Left: Members of Young Democrats put the finishing touches on their house.

Bottom Left: Members of Medical Club decorate their house together.

Above: Seniors Haley Watson and Delaney Anderson carry the Young Democrats house, which came in second place.

StuCo hosts annual holiday party Brandon Eigenman

E

veryone needs a little holiday cheer this time of year, especially when finals are coming around and they are stressed.

For some clubs in the school, they got that opportunity this year to participate in events such as gingerbread house building, eating goodies, ugly sweater fashion shows and games.

“Decorating the gingerbread houses was my favorite,” senior Haley Watson said. “I liked how each club could have

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1.12.16//NEWS

their own creative spin on the houses.”

Ten clubs attended this year’s festivities, each bringing a different treat to share with those gathered. The party is celebrated every other year, and this year was one of the largest turnouts that StuCo has had.

“The Christmas party helps unite the student body in a setting where everyone can enjoy themselves and have fun,” StuCo Membership Chair and organizer of the party, Brittany Patrick said.

The gingerbread house contest was by far one of the highlights of this year, adding a bit of a competitive spirit while maintaining the fun atmosphere.

The houses themselves were baked by StuCo advisor Chad Rizner, and then assembled by StuCo members.

The top three winners for the contest are as follows: in third place, International Thespian Society, in second place, Young Democrats, and in first place, the Red and Black, drawing the event to a sweet conclusion.

Companies team up with (RED) campaign Dalton Wheeler

T

he (RED) Campaign, founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver in 2006, is one of the leading charities to reduce the amount of people in this world with HIV and AIDS. (RED) has now raised more than $320 million that all goes toward work in the field. Many companies have joined with the (RED) Campaign to work towards an AIDS free generation by creating products that represent (RED) and have a portion of the profit directly donated to the campaign.

(RED) has worked to reduce the

number of babies born with the virus every day, which was previously 1,500 babies a day. Recently, with the help from (RED), that number has been reduced to 600 babies a day.

There are many companies involved with (RED) ranging from Apple, Coca Cola, and even gaming companies such as Supercell. These companies support the campaign in different ways such as Apple creating a red iPod or Supercell allowing for in-game purchases that donate 100 percent of the money straight to (RED).

ud o r p d an d e t a per ! o 1 9 d 9 n 1 a nce ed i n s w s o t r ly po s a e r Local a f o r e t r suppo

1.12.16//NEWS

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New Year's Resolutions Each year, millions make a promise to themselves to keep a resolution for 365 days and not break it.

Few actually follow through with this promise, but that hasn't stopped JCHS students from making some resoultions for the new year. Here are some of our favorites:

“Eat big to get big.”

Adam Weaver, Senior

“My New Year’s Resolution is to try to be nice to my younger siblings.”

Molly Schmitz, Sophomore

“My New Years resolution is to get straight A’s before the end of the year. I say this because I really do not like having bad grades or even having C’s.”

Amarictta Allen, Sophomore

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1.12.16//SPOTLIGHT

“Get fit. Get healthy. Better posture.”

Deztiny White, Sophomore

“My New Years resolution is to take more initiative in things. Just when I see things that need to be done, I do them on my own without people telling me to. I think that’s the road to me being a better person and a better me.”

Bryanna Goins, Senior

“My New Years Resolution is to get my right leg the same size as my left one since I had ACL surgery on my right one.”

Jason Myers, Senior

“In 2015, I went a whole year without eating McDonalds and (barely) survived my New Year’s Resolution.”

Natalie Vance, Senior

1.12.16//SPOTLIGHT

11

SPORTS

[photo by Erica Overfelt]

[photo by Veronica Townsend]

[photo by Erica Overfelt]

Top: Coach Brad Conway speaks to team between quarters in their game against Alton, Illinois during the Holiday Hoops Tournament. This tournament was held at Helias and Jefferson City High School.

Bottom Left: Juniors Alaina Allsbury and Shaina Anderson high five during halftime durimg their game against Alton, Illinois. The Jays won 38-24.

Bottom Right: Senior Megan Foster keeps the ball away from opposing team, St. Joseph Benton. The Jays lost a close one, 36-39.

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1.12.16//SPORTS

Lady Jays Basketball: Shooting for State Veronica Townsend

W

hen walking into the Flemming Fieldhouse early in the morning, you can hear basketballs bouncing, coaches encouraging young women and balls going through the nets. That can mean only one thing: the Lady Jays Basketball season has just tipped off.

The Lady Jays Basketball team has a 10-3 record made possible by a new coach, a defensive mind set, infectious team chemistry, game day preparation and fans.

After having four coaches in four years, the Lady Jays are looking for stability. They believe they have it with their new head coach, Brad Conway.

Conway coaches through repetition and drills. The players are adjusting to Conway’s coaching style by working together.

“He wants us to win, and that is my favorite trait about him,” Varsity senior Nicole Martin said. “In the past we would play fast, but this year, Conway wants us to slow down, and stop to run

JCHS Student

Pick ‘em:

through our next play.”

The team overwhelmingly believes defense has a slight edge over offense.

Their coach is very defensive minded and wants the team to put effort into getting stops and steals. They believe the defense controls the offense.

“Defense wins games; offense wins championships,” sophomore Niya Slaughter, who plays on the Junior Varsity team, said. “Defense helps us get the ball, and keeps our opponent from scoring.”

The team bonds every Saturday by doing team building activities like going to out to eat. Most of the players believe that the team gets along on and off the court leaving positive vibes on game day.

“We love each other,” Slaughter said.

“I do not know what I would do without them.”

On game day, the team prepares with team talks. The team also has a reflection time where it is quiet and players listen to music to help them get focused for the game. Lastly, they works on drills like free throws,

passing, pivoting, free shooting and lay ups before the game.

“Our head coach posts positive tweets and quotes on the team’s Twitter on game day,” Assistant Coach Kay Foster said.

Even though this is the last season for Martin and other seniors, they have improved since their freshman year.

The seniors will miss all their coaches, teammates and fans.

“As a freshman, we were expected to lose all of our games,” Martin said.

“This year, we are expected to go to state and win it.”

According to coaches, the attendance at the first Lady Jays Basketball home game was very good with everything that has been going on at the school. As the season goes on and the Lady Jays get more wins, the coaches and players expect attendance will improve.

“We would like more people to attend more games and see our hard work,” Slaughter said. “We want to fans to get a good feel about how hard we work and we really want fans love to watch to us play.”

Each issue a random JCHS student, faculty member and Red & Black staffer is asked who they think will win the sporting event. The record is kept all year to see which group wins overall.

Jays Basketball VS. Helias Crusaders

St. Louis Blues VS. Carolina Hurricanes

Student Record 4-2

JCHS Staff

Jackson Meyer Staff Record 4-2

Red & Black

Kelly Hart R&B Record 3-3

Megan Cassels

1.12.16//SPORTS

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[all photos submitted by Makenzie Slater] Left: The Jay Dance Team leads the Jay Marching Band around the track before a home football game. The dance team does this before every home football game.

Right: The dance team performs a routine in the middle of Adkins Stadium for the crowd to see. The Dance Team performs during halftime at many home sporting events.

Dancing in the streets: Jay Bird edition Mackenzie Allen

A

t Jefferson City High School, the phrase “Jay Pride” has a very heavy meaning. Being one of the biggest high schools in the state of Missouri, the athletic department at JCHS, from a student’s opinion, is one of the best. This being said, sporting events just would not be the same without the spirit squads. The JCHS Dance Team is definitely a squad to be seen. With the sparkly red dresses and the shiny white boots, these girls just can’t be missed. The dance team practices twice a week for two hours preparing for their next performance at a sporting event. These girls perform at both football and basketball games.

Around this time of the year, it is usually basketball.

“At football games, we march down

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with the band and we dance sidelines all game,” senior Meghan Sanders said. “For basketball, we perform at halftime.”

Since they perform at several events, these girls usually have different dances for each performance.

“Depending on the dance, it can take up to a month to perfect,” Sanders said.

Choreography is a very important part of each routine. The seniors helped with the first one, but as to all the others it is usually up to the coaches.

Since they get new girls each year, it is always a transition to adapt to the new teammates, as it is for every sport.

Dance team members say this year has been better than ever.

“We all hangout outside of practices, so it has made us closer as teammates,”

1.12.16//SPORTS

senior co-captain Makenzie Slater said.

“The bond is a lot stronger this year.”

For some of these girls, dance has been apart of their lives since they were little girls. Dancing is a passion for them, and doing what they love in front of their peers at school is just an added bonus. It is a good way to show school spirit and shows off all the amazing talents that these girls have.

To the average person, these girls would just be seen as acquaintances that perform as a team for their school.

But to them, it is more like performing with all of their close sisters.

“The dance team means alot to me,” senior co-captain Paige Hollingsworth said. “I put my heart and soul into this team and I would consider each and every one of them family.”

Jays Wrestling starts 50th season right Megan Newton

F

or their 50th anniversary, the Jefferson City High School wrestlers are striving to be better than they have ever been before.

They have high expectations set for them from their fans, as well as from themselves. Prior matches this season have challenged the wrestlers and made them focus and work even harder than usual.

So far, those expectations have been met - and exceeded. As of Jan. 7, the team is undefeated (7-0) and has amassed 36 straight wins.

According to senior Jacob Brune, the toughest dual so far has been the meet against Neosho. The boys are faced with many tough tournaments throughout the season, but what separates this tournament from the rest is that Neosho is in the top 20 in the country.

“Neosho is ranked number 18 in the country and some of our guys really had to step up and over achieve,” Brune said.

Having the fan support behind the wrestlers helps motivate them and push them to keep working hard.

Senior Jalen Martin appreciates the fan support and encourages them to come to future matches. The fans can also add pressure onto the wrestlers.

“To the fans, thank you for all the support you’ve given us so far this season, and we hope that you will continue to come out and support us,” Martin said.

After such an accomplishing season last year, the wrestlers really have to work hard to try to accomplish their goals and get to the point that they were at last year. Martin’s goal as an

individual and as a team is to go to the state championship. The wrestlers got third at state last year, and they feel the pressure on their shoulders to do even better this time around.

“The expectations set for the team adds pressure, but the only way coal becomes a diamond is through extreme amounts of pressure,” Martin said.

Left: Coach Cagle talks to senior Jalen Martin in between wrestling matches.

Bottom: Senior Tanner Irwin takes a Neosho opponent down to receive two points.

Irwin won the match and so did the Jays 38-36 overall on Dec. 12.

[photo by Taylor Johnson]

[photo by Taylor Johnson]

1.12.16//SPORTS

15

Student referees making the calls Brenna Duncan

S

tudents can see referees at any sporting event they attend. Sometimes the spectators are mean to the refs, call them names, and yell about how blind they are or how bogus the call they just made was. But sometimes, it’s not just adults who make decisions on the court, or the field.

Students who walk these very halls are some of the striped-shirt dictators of the court.

They are some of the many who get yelled at, harassed, heckled, and cursed at. They must ignore all these things in order to do their job.

“The older the kids get, the more competitive it gets and more arguing occurs,” senior volleyball referee Jayme Baumgartner said.

“I have had parents, coaches and players argue with calls, but only the parents actually aggressively yell.”

Children can be just as competitive as teenagers; they are not nearly as aggressive and angry but they can still have a bit of attitude. The parents can just as bad, if not

[photo by Brenna Duncan] Senior Will Theroff referees at a YMCA girls basketball game.

worse. They will often argue with the referees, whether they are students or adults. Parents are known to go to any lengths to support their children, which appears to also include yelling at

officials.

“One time a dad came out on the court and started screaming at me and my supervisor had to come and escort him out of the gym,” senior basketball referee William Theroff said.

Jays in the bowling lane full of competition Claire Shipley

T

he Jefferson City Bowling Club is unlike any other club at Jefferson City High School. They practice year round and attend tournaments almost every weekend. The club practices every Tuesday and Friday from 3:15 to 5:15 p.m. at Capital West Gates.

Assistant coach Ryan Forbis has been working with the club for two years and was on the 2014 state champion high school team.

“Coaching this club helps me with my own bowling,” Forbis said. “I enjoy analyzing the team and finding the mistakes to fix them.”

During the practice at Capital West, the team plays against each other and focuses on getting better. They meet at the bowling alley after school and play single games against each other for two hours while they try to improve their skill.

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“They focus on making spares because it’s the hardest part of the game,” Forbis said. “We have to get them mentally prepared for the next tournament.”

On the weekends the team competes in tournaments with 8-10 high school teams either in Rolla or Columbia. In the Columbia league they play a single game and the Rolla tournament is a team game which means the entire team competes together.

“I love going to tournaments, because you can meet a bunch of different people that love the same thing as you,” senior Robbie Loehner said.

Loehner first started getting interested in bowling when he saw his brother join the club, and his dad participating in the local bowling leagues. Loehner’s dad, KC, is the head coach of the club.

“I like having him as the coach because he’s really good at keeping most of us in line,” Loehner said.

Senior Damani Winters started his

1.12.16.15//SPORTS

bowling career doing local Saturday leagues and is now hoping to go pro.

“I really love to bowl and would love to do it for a living,” Winters said. “I want to start off bowling in college then hopefully go pro.”

During the practices and competitions the bowlers get to interact with each other and share their love for bowling.

“During practice I get to be around people from JC and get to experience different relationships. I get to see the side of people that no one else gets to see,” junior Carli Dennis said.

Other than being competitive the bowling club is also different by the fact that you have to try out for the club.

“You have to talk to the coaches and show them your skills and they will decide if you’re capable enough or if you need to practice more,” Dennis said.

The bowling club is an open club that anyone can try out for.

“I love the thrill of being competitive and being with your Jay friends,” Loehner said.

FEATURED ATHLETE

Dreams become reality for JC athletes Veronica Townsend

T

Logan Moriarty

Sport: Wrestling Grade: 12 Years on team: 4 Background: “I started wrestling when I was five. Out of all the other sports I played I was best at wrestling and it just kind of stuck.”

Favorite part: “My favorite part is the family/brotherly bond that you form with all your teammates.”

Role model: “My role model is my mom. She works hard to do whatever I need and provide me with everything I want.”

Favorite memory: “My favorite memory was winning the dual against Neosho this year to capture a team title at MO Duals.”

Least favorite part: “My least favorite part is losing. Losing is never fun and I am very competitive, so it makes it a lot worse.”

Fun fact about the team: “We have set the most consecutive wins record and we recently beat the #18 ranked team in the country.”

Interesting fact: “I am actually super uncoordinated and unathletic.”

Future: “I plan to wrestle in college then go on to be an orthopedic surgeon.”

Awards: 2 time All-American, 3 time All-State Best game: “The most memorable and best match I have wrestled was against Sam Crane from Rockbridge.”

he expectation for some athletes in Jefferson City High School is to play for a college team, but few are able to exceed the expectations and play professionally. For Maya Moore, Sylvester Williams, Justin Gage, Justin Smith and Sydney Crafton, going professional went from a dream to a reality. While some went pro in the USA, others went pros overseas. They all might have started in the same place, but they all have different paths to fame.

Maya Moore is one of the most well known athletes that started her career in Jefferson City. When she was young, she did gymnastics. At the age of eight, Moore started to play basketball and was inspired by Cynthia Cooper from the Women’s National Basketball Association. Moore moved to Georgia in middle school. While at Collins Hill High School, Moore lead her team to three Georgia State championships and the 2007 National Championship.

During her college career at the University of Connecticut, Moore won two National Championships. Moore was also the first pick in the WNBA draft with the Minnesota Lynx and has won three championships there.

Throughout the summer, Moore plays overseas and has won a Euro league Championship.

“You can tell she was really gifted, and it was hard to imagine that she would go pro, but we had hopes and dreams,” Cherlyn Williams, Moore’s cousin, said. “We were very proud of how she progressed through each level.”

The last three professional athletes to come out of the Jefferson City High School football program were Sylvester Williams, Justin Gage and Justin Smith. Coach Lerone Briggs played with Gage and Smith and coached Williams.

“I did not even think that they would go pro,” Briggs said. “Once they got into college, I kind of had an idea that they would go pro.”

Williams played one year of Jefferson City High School football and did not start. After his high school career,

Williams took a couple years off to go to work. Williams then decided to try football again and went to a junior college. Williams was successful in junior college leading to his signing with North Carolina. After college, Williams became a first round draft pick in the 2013 NFL draft and is now starting with the Denver Broncos.

“It was blast to watch his progression from where he played one year as a Jay and did not start to starting for the Denver Broncos,” Briggs said.

Justin Gage was an All-State Defensive Back for two years at Jefferson City High School. Gage signed with University of Missouri and as a wide receiver broke most passes caught, most yards gained, and most consecutive games with a pass reception records. Gage went on to become a fourth round draft pick for the Chicago Bears for four years and played for the Tennessee Titans for three years.

“I remember telling Coach LePage that he needed to be taken out of a game because he was overwhelmed,” Briggs said. “It was hilarious, because he became an all-state safety in the next two years.”

Justin Smith was nicknamed by his Jefferson City High School teammates as Smitty. During his college career at Mizzou, his success was more prominent, earning All-American Honors, the sack record for two years, and he was the first true freshman to start all games at Mizzou since 1986. He is also very active in the Jay community.

“Anytime you can get a pro athlete of his status to come back, it helps your program,” Briggs said.

Not only can professional dreams be achieved in the United States, they can also be achieved overseas. Sydney Crafton played for the JCHS Lady Jays Basketball program, college ball at the University of Missouri and professional basketball for Azzura in Italy. Now Crafton is now retired and is starting her first year assistant coaching at Western Illinois University.

“I haven’t been back home much, but I’m certainly proud of my alma mater,” Crafton said. “I try and keep a positive reputation and speak highly of JCHS.”

1.12.16//SPORTS

17

IN-DEPTH

The art of binge-watching Why do you binge watch?

“Because I know I can always find good movies to watch.”

“Because I get hooked on the shows and I lose track of the time.”

-Makenzie Slater, 12

-Daniel Ellinger, 12

“Because it for real becomes a part of my life, I feel like I’m in Grey’s Anatomy.”

“Because it’s so addicting and I have no life.”

-Hayden Hirschvogel, 11

-Gabrielle McGinty, 11

“Because since the next episode is there, you don’t have to wait.”

-Celina Lashelle, 11

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1.12.16//IN-DEPTH

“Because it makes me feel loved.”

-Van Johnson, 10

Popular services for binge-watching Description: Netflix is a streaming service that allows access to thousands of movies and television shows online, along with some original content.

Cost: $7.99 per month

Steps for successful binge watching

1

Find time You should find a period of anywhere from an hour to a full day in which to devote to this mission. For a less stressful experience, it would be ideal if you had nothing more important to do (such as homework) but this is not required.

Minimize your social contact with others for a more enjoyable experience.

2

Pick a good show There are many services for streaming and countless television shows on those different services.

It is important to pick a show that will keep you engaged, and it is different for everyone. A few suggestions from our staff are listed to the left if you need an idea.

3

Bring snacks In order to maintain your nourishment during your binge-watching, it is vital to obtain a variety of snacks and drinks. Some common ideas include popcorn, candy, chips and soda.

4

Get comfortable Make sure your snacks and the remote are within hand reach. Wear comfortable clothes and have a blanket and a pillow handy just in case you decide to take a quick nap.

Description: Hulu is a streaming service that allows day-after access to current seasons of television shows, along with some past seasons, movies, and orginal content.

Cost: $7.99 per month

What to watch: our suggestions

Description: Six friends battle through their tumultuous and often comical lives in New York City with the help of one another.

Description: Friendships and rivalries fill a small town as twenty-somethings try to find themselves admist the constant drama.

Why you should watch it: “There are ten seasons to burn through, and it is so hilarious and heartwarming. It is a classic.”

-- Jake Worsham

Why you should watch it: “There’s always something intense happening and after a couple episodes you get hooked.”

-- Megan Newton

Description: Doctors in a Seattle hospital deal with medical and personal dilemnas in this drama.

Description: Football rules this drama set in a small town full of angsty teens and their coach.

Why you should watch it: “There’s twelve seasons and there are so many twists and turns. Plus, I think I could diagnose any person at this point.”

-- Madeline Moats

Why you should watch it: “It gave me a better understanding of high school sports and the obstacles players have to overcome.”

-- Brooklynne Propes

Enjoy!

1.12.16//IN-DEPTH

19

FEATURES

[photo by Madi Baughman]

[photo by Madi Baughman]

Before the tournament begins, members get their mats and card decks Club members participate in their weekly tournament, which helps them ready to play. find people with common interests and make new friends.

A different style of gaming comes to JCHS Madi Baughman

H

idden away in Room 140 is a new organization unlike any other club, but most students don’t know about it. On Tuesday and Friday afternoons, students gather for activities that consist of purely fun: tabletop gaming. Tabletop Gaming Club officially began last year, but membership has grown this year.

From 3:00 to 4:30 p.m., students spend their time playing dice and card based games, such as Yu-Gi-Oh, Magic the Gathering and Dungeons and Dragons, among others.

“Tabletop Gaming is where people meet to play all different types of games,” junior Trey Stumbaugh said.

Science teacher and club advisor Jackie Johnson stepped up to the task of sponsoring the group this year. Spanish teacher Melissa Zeiger sponsored the club last year, and when she was unavailable, the students met in Johnson’s room.

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“My husband still has his Magic cards from high school and plays Dungeons and Dragons on the weekends, so I had a natural camaraderie with this great group of kids,” Johnson said.

Unlike some school clubs, the power in Tabletop Gaming Club is divided between three students - Tyler Umfleet, Shanna Ornan and William Moeller - so that leaders can work together to keep members happy. They also tend to lead the club in its decisions so that Johnson is not the one calling all the shots.

For members, meetings are a way to find people with the same common interest to spend time with. There are clubs and teams at JCHS for many sports and academic subjects, but tabletop gaming doesn’t seem to fall into a category; it creates its own.

The club is not just any other school organization because it is special to many of the members.

1.12.16//FEATURES

“It’s special [to me] because I like making new friends,” Stumbaugh said.

“My favorite thing about the club is getting to know people.”

There are a lot of reasons why the club’s membership has largely increased from last year. Promoting the club more has helped to have a larger turnout of interested students. The club doesn’t charge dues, and joining is as simple as coming to a meeting.

With the larger classroom available this year, room for more members has vastly expanded. The most important factor, however, is that the members are very accepting of students who decide to join.

“The club is made up of such a diverse group of students,” Johnson said.

“Many of the members have not faced such acceptance in their classes or in the lunchroom, but for a few hours a week, it is cool to be different. It is embraced.”

Senior Adam W. poses with a football and basketball to symbolize the two sports he manages.

Adam was the football manager this past year and is now currently the basketball manager, meaning he spends much time over the winter in the Fleming Field House.

[photo by Erica Overfelt]

Managing with a love for the game Madeline Moats

W

ebster’s dictionary defines a school sports manager as a student in a high school or college who assists an athletic coach.

However, Adam W. is more than that to this high school; he is the definition of Jay Pride. He can be found on the sideline of the football field at every game or talking football to a player or coach. It is now basketball season and he can be found on the floor at every game, or having a conversation about basketball to anyone who will listen.

His love for the game (both basketball and football), players, and coaches is something extraordinary.

“Adam always brought energy to practice and games and always kept everyone motivated,” senior football player Alijah Howard said. “Even when

we were having a bad practice or not playing well he’d always have a smile on his face.”

Adam’s love for sports has always been there, and he would be playing if his body allowed. Although his condition won’t allow him to play, he is just as happy on the sideline cheering on his school. He is very educated about basketball and football. The football team loved having Adam from pumping them up before practice and games to dancing in the locker room after a good win; the team wouldn’t be the same without him. Adam loves not only watching but assisting any way possible, from helping pass out water bottles at games and practices to cheering up a player who is down.

“He brings this special kind of energy

that nobody else can,” senior basketball player Jacob Gourley said. “No matter what, he is always putting a smile on the whole team’s face. He is a key part of our team.”

Managing the football and basketball team has been a learning experience for Adam. It has taught him not only all about the game but has given him responsibility, time management, and communication skills. His attitude has seemed to become more positive and it gives him something to be excited about. Adam had the chance to go to every game including away games and got close with coaches and players.

“I get to make a lot of really good friends, learn about the game and I just have a lot of fun,” Adam W. said.

1.12.16//FEATURES

21

Lighting up Jefferson City

[photo by Erica Overfelt]

Megan Cassels

T

’was the season to be jolly.

When Christmas lights went up, stomachs were full of grandma’s roasted turkey, and the kids were outside having fun and building snowmen. Now that we have had time to ourselves and our families, we all settle back into work and school.

Christmas trees come down, food is put away, and snow melts into water.

Many people can agree that Christmas lights are fun, festive and warming. The Holtmeyer house on Mercedes Dr. in Jefferson City felt the same way. The house displays nearly 12,000 LED lights every year. The family set the lights up late October/ early November and took them down around the first of January.

The Holtmeyers are well known around Jefferson City for their “dancing lights” on their home. Tuning your radio to 96.3, one should be astonished to see Christmas lights synchronized to music in a range of 300 feet away from the home with the help of a transmitter on their house. The songs played this

The Holtmeyer house lights up a display that synchronizes with music played on 96.3 fm.

year were: “Trans Siberian Orchestra,” “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” theme song, “Let it Go” from “Frozen” and more Christmas songs.

“The lights are synchronized to music by using a computer program called Light-O-Rama,” Ashley Holtmeyer said. “It’s a complex program that you can program lights to turn off and on, fade in and out, at any given second of a song.”

Over the five years they’ve had to practice, the Holtmeyer house is gradually increasing the quality of the entertainment set up.

Traffic is usually less calm during the week compared to the weekends and nights closer to Christmas.

“Let’s just say that the Christmas

lights have put Mercedes Lane on the map,” Holtmeyer said. “Traffic seems to flow pretty good though as most people are courteous of others and our neighbors by not blocking driveways and moving out of the way if needed.”

The family has won many awards because of their astonishing home: first place for use of lights from the Jefferson City Home Decorating Contest, City’s Best from Jefferson City Magazine, and the first ever recipient of the Jefferson City People’s Choice Awards.

“We saw how much joy Christmas lights brought to our kids, so we decided to share that joy with others,” Holtmeyer said.

Exchanging holiday traditions away from home Maddy Bergstrom

A

time for giving, a time for family, a time for being thankful, and a time for spreading joy. The holidays have always been viewed with a smile as the season brings about a feeling of unity and humanity. Most of all, it brings about a feeling of family.

“I miss my friends and family a lot, [my] family in Brazil is really united and friends as well,” Maria Eduarda Casal, an exchange student from Brazil, said. “But I just keep in mind that my time now is here and I have to live my life here and experience everything because that’s the best experience I’ve ever had in my life.”

Casal will be missing her New Year’s tradition of going to the beach with her

22

family but will also get the chance to experience the holidays in Louisiana and Alabama.

Though exchange students will not be able to spend this holiday season with their families back home, they will be able to experience that joy with their host families as they discover the traditions of Jefferson City.

“I went to [Living Windows] downtown. It is a different experience and way to spend the holidays,” Simone DiSilvio, an exchange student from Japan, said.

DiSilvio will not only experience Jefferson City’s traditions, but also traditions from other states as he and his host family travel to California for the holidays.

There are many things to look forward

1.12.16//FEATURES

to in the holiday season: the music, the lights and the snow. However, there are also things that exchange students leave behind.

“It’s so much different because you have the tradition to be with family and it is weird because you’re not with family, it’s like you miss a part of your life,” DiSilvio said. “I [also] really miss the carnival.”

DiSilvio will be in the United States until the end of May, giving him the opportunity not only to experience the winter season but also different ways of celebrating holidays such as Valentine’s Day and Easter.

“We have really similar trditions, but you [United States] take like Halloween and Christmas more serious,” DiSilvio said.

[photo by Erica Overfelt] Junior Emily Hoerchler poses with five club shirts from activites she is currently involved in. Hoerchler is involved in seven clubs at Jefferson City High School and is an ambassador for four of them.

The everything girl: Emily Hoerchler Claire Shipley

T

hroughout high school there are a lot of clubs and activities that one can partake in, but many just choose one or two to be in.

Junior Emily Hoerchler, on the other hand, is part of seven clubs and is an ambassador in four of them “She’s a really good leader,” Future Business Leaders of America Secretary Emily Rackers said. “She makes sure everything gets done and makes it fun.”

Hoerchler is the Vice President of FBLA, President of Art Club, Chancellor of Yacht Club, Publicity Chair for Student Council, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and is a member of National Honor Society and Orchestra.

“I have a problem of getting too invested,” Hoechler said. “If I do

something I want to do it really well, which can be both a blessing and a curse.”

Over the past year Hoerchler and her friends created their own club, Yacht club, where they attend boating safety classes and do public service projects such as cleaning up around the river access.

“Yacht Club is probably my favorite because we get to plan everything on our own,” Hoerchler said. “It’s just a fun thing me and my friends started because we were bored.”

The broad categories of the clubs Hoechler is involved in helps her decide what she would like to do with her future. From a business club to an art club, she gets a very wide experience.

“The clubs give me a good basis since

I don’t know what I want to do after high school,” Hoerchler said. “FBLA gives me good business experience and Art Club lets me be creative. Yacht Club is also a really good experience since we built it from the ground up.”

Coming from a private middle school, Hoerchler didn’t have the opportunities to join as many clubs as she does now at Jefferson City High School. The clubs have helped her gain very useful skills.

“I’ve become more outgoing,” Hoerchler said. “Before I was really nervous to speak in front of a crowd, but now I am the president of clubs and have no problem being in charge and speaking up.”

1.12.16//FEATURES

23

Opinion

A

The Red and Black Editorial: Are sports worth the risk?

s fall sports wrap up and winter sports begin, the halls of Jefferson City High School become filled with students on crutches, in casts or otherwise injured. It’s a harrowing reminder that while the games and activities we participate in are fun, they are also far from safe.

Every single time an athlete steps onto the field, court, or mat they are aware of the risks. The most common sport injuries are sprains, pulling a muscle or tendon and fractures. However, are these injuries worth it?

Obviously there are going to be two distinctly different perspectives/opinions when this question is asked. Diehard athletes and those who don’t participate in sports have very different opinions on the matter.

From an athlete’s perspective, they go into a sport (hopefully) well aware of all the injuries that can occur. The question is whether or not a person should participate in something knowing that there is a chance of injury.

Let’s forget about high school sports and think of just about any life example that can put someone at a risk: getting in a car, walking across a street, using a hair straightener, using a knife when cooking, holding the phone above your face when laying down, and dancing in the shower all bring danger. When thinking of any of these daily life occurrences, almost everyone has done more than two of these things. They may not always think about the risks involved with

player’s head, but I do know they think sports are worth the risk of injury.

From the outside of the athletic department looking in, it is still unclear why people choose to put themselves at risk on purpose. There is always that possibility that a tackle on the football field, a softball hitting someone, or a fall on the basketball court can result in something much more serious than a sprained ankle. Stress fractures and torn ACL’s - both debilitating for athletes - have been suffered by JCHS athletes. A lot of the times athletes tend to brush off the aches and pains or even a concussion.

Concussions seem to be a very common injury that happens to be described as “it’s not that serious” when in reality it is. Even minor concussions can change the way one’s brain functions.

But coaches and trainers are better than ever at not only treating these injuries, but preventing them from [Cartoon by Ainsley Grey] happening in the first place.

At the end of the day, it’s hard to convice those on either side of the debate that When a person chooses to the other is right. Like most things do something they expect the in life, there probably isn’t a yes or consequences, and when something no answer to this question. While just happens to a person it comes playing sports is a risk, so is taking a as a surprise. Athletes know that shower, going to school or sleeping on while playing sports there’s a good your back. Yes, sports are increasing chance they’ll be injured, so why play the risk of injury, but walking onto them? This is a frequently asked the court, field or mat is a decision question from just about everyone, every coach and athlete makes under that happens to have no true answer. the awareness of all the risks.

I am not entirely sure what all goes through a wrestler, or even a football

these things, but they all have their own unique kind of danger.

So what is the difference between participating in these daily things and a high school sport?

24 1.12.16//OPINION

head TO head eBooks make it easier to read anywhere you want Maddy Bergstrom

T

eBooks: Useful or just pointless?

here is a certain kind of magic when walking through a bookstore, browsing the aisles to select the perfect title.

But there is a different sort of magic in carrying an entire library around with you wherever you go. A thousand books right at your fingertips. Many feel that eBooks take away from the experience of reading, that it is simply not the same if you do not turn the pages and see the print on paper even if the words are still the same. The author did not intend for you to immerse yourself in the book, but in the words within the book.

There is a message there; some think it to be among the pages, but the medium really makes no difference if the story is truly beautiful.

As the world progresses, so does technology - and with that paper becomes pixles.

This does not take away from the art of writing, it does not limit creativity - it simply presents it in a different light.

Electronic books are much easier to navigate. They take away the hassle of flipping through 300 pages and searching the table of [photo by Erica Overfelt] contents. Did I also mention they are completely paper-cut free? You don’t have to worry about losing your bookmark, you can simply leave the page open on your device and continue reading whenever convenient (that is, if you’re able to put the book down in the first place).

One of the more favorite perks has to be the ability to read in the dark, something I know many of us bookworms have been waiting for since the second grade.

I must agree, there is something truly magical about holding a copy of your favorite book in your hands, but I do not feel having that copy as an electronic books takes away any of the magic. After all, the spell is in the words - not the paper.

T

Books are not supposed to be made as electronics Brenna Duncan

he first evidence of books are from the fifth dynasty B.C.E., so why would we want to pollute the idea of books and reading by putting them on electronics? Do people no longer enjoy going to their local booksellers and browsing through the aisles, finding books that strike their fancy? The wonderful smell of a new book? That’s one of my favorite smells.

People think that paper and books and actually writing things down is a thing of the past. We can do almost anything on electronics, and it seems that the entire world is turning to that. However, while everyone is so wrapped up in TV, Netflix, Instagram and Twitter, it’s nice to be able to sit down and just get away from all of that. Instead of staring at a screen and swiping to turn the pages, I can read an actual physical book.

Staring at screen all the time can hurt your eyes; staring a paper won’t do that. Books are an instrumental part of learning and growing up. We should not be tainting that by using eReaders or iPads to read our books. It’s also much harder to see how much of the book you have left, and if you’re in class and your teacher says go to whatever page, it’s going to take you a lot longer on your electronic version than it will for me on my nice physical book. Plus, you have to charge your device to read the book! That’s just absurd.

A few years ago my mom bought me a Kindle. I bought a few books on there, mostly because they were cheaper, but I quit using it. I just did not like it, I liked being able to hold my book and feel the actual pages as I read it.

Actual books may be more expensive, but they are a lot easier to read, and much prettier to stack on your bookshelf.

1.12.16//OPINION

25

To give is to recieve the reason for the season Brandon Eigenman

I

n the day and age that we live in, materialism is at an all time high and the sense of importance on truly giving has been all but lost and forgotten. The desire for iPhones and tablets and all the things that money can buy overshadows the need to give selflessly and without reward. No matter how many kettles and charities you may see advertised and how much money they raise, the amounts blindly spent on unnecessary items far overshadows this.

Everyone enjoys receiving something for the holidays; it is something every child craves and every adult looks forward to. The area underneath the Christmas tree is one of the most sacred and beloved places for humans. Some, though, don’t have that area, as they lack a tree, or even a safe environment to live in.

People become so caught up in getting things and hoarding materialistic goods that they blind themselves to the problems of others around

them. Most struggle with first world problems, such as not getting the right color iPhone or not being able to get the newest gaming console, while some people struggle with whether they are going to be able to eat or not, or if they will be able to stay warm in the winter.

For these people, the generosity of others is is the only way they can even hope to stay alive. If it wasn’t for organizations and people who were okay with giving some of what they had to those in need, those people would be dead. There is no better feeling than being able to help someone who will never be able to repay you with anything other than the gratitude they have now.

This is what we need rather than people blindly spending money on things that are unnecessary for those who, in the end, have no true appreciation for anything given.

26 1.12.16//OPINION

[photo by Mackenzie Allen]

How long should Christmas decorations stay up?

Taylor Johnson

D

ecorating for Christmas is known to be one of the most exciting times of the year. Driving around town, you can see Christmas trees with hanging ornaments, houses adorned with bright lights or even a blow-up Santa Claus waving toward you. Christmas decorations can be overwhelming to put up, so people may procrastinate taking them down.

There is no defined time frame of how long you should leave the

decorations up. Seeing Christmas lights still hung up around February seems lazy, because February has a different holiday to be celebrated.

Valentine’s Day decorations do not include Christmas trees, lights, and blow-up Santa Clauses. A reasonable time to put away decorations is the first two weeks of January. This helps differentiate one holiday from the other.

By waiting until the first two weeks of January, you have time to enjoy all

the decorations and festivities. The past few weeks always seem like I am running a marathon, so catching a break is what I always love. During this period you have time to recover from all the hustle and bustle and should be ready to put away all the decorations. I soon overlook all the Christmas decorations because I’m ready to move on for the upcoming year. Therefore, waiting any longer is just delaying the process.

Social media encourages holiday depression Jake Worsham

A

round the holidays, a scroll through a newsfeed on any social media account is often full of family pictures, piles of presents and “thankful” posts with some kind of warm fuzzy filter. Often millennials (as well as middleaged adults) take to their Facebook and Instagram to make everyone else feel as if they are having a fabulous time full of eggnog and fuzzy socks.

A rundown of just how many presents they received (or how much money they spent on their kids) can also be found. This is the season of purging in many ways: of food, of money, and of social media posts.

While small portions of gloating and appreciation are acceptable, it is the culmination of all of these that can make those not as fortunate feel bad about themselves. Many do not have enough money to buy all of their children brand new iPhones, and some do not even celebrate Christmas.

When these people see all their friends sharing their

seemingly perfect lives via their various accounts, it can make them feel bad about the situation they are currently in.

My advice for those who suffer from this social media anxiety is for them to try to avoid their accounts around this time of the year. While it is good to feel happy for your friends and family, it gets to a point where it is not good to be exposed to all this fabricated perfection.

It is good to limit one’s social media use in general, as this phenomenon is something that is always present but is only heightened by the excitement of the holidays.

For those who celebrate holidays to those who do not, there are some things that should be kept private. Every person has high points and low points in their lives, and some of these are good to share to the world and some are not. The key is to understand this: before you post something, ask youtself how this will affect your friends and family who will see it.

1.12.16//OPINION

27

Arts & Entertainment

Staying warm with new Winter fashion trends Mackenzie Allen

A

s the season changes, all of the winter clothing comes out of the closet from last year and all of the different styles start to be seen. When the temperature drops, it is always interesting to see all of the new trends that have come back from the past or just made their peak this year. Each year certain clothing seems to be more popular than years past. This year for girls, it is usually a vest with a sweater, jeans and cute boots. For boys, it is usually a quarter-zip sweater with a flannel underneath, nice pants and possibly Sperry’s.

This is always different depending on someone’s style, but it all seems to be around the same thought of “What’s Trending Now?” There seems to be clothing or accessories

that becomes a trend each season of the year. This winter, for both genders, you see a lot of vests (sweater, fleece, fur, etc.) with sweaters or long tops, cardigans, booties with or without a wedge, Timberland or Oxford boots, any type of plaid (including flannels), and many types of pullovers.

This list could go on for a while, but there is just simply too many popular items for this season. Winter is a great time to try new outfit ideas, mainly because it has such a wide variety of clothing you can wear and you can also change up your outfits day-to-day depending on the mood you are in. But regardless, the outfits are always nice to see. If the trends are changing now, I can’t wait to see what kind of items will come out in future seasons to come.

Kade Franks

Katie Davis

Sahil Sah

Samatha Banks

28 1.12.16//ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Holiday cheer through holiday deals Brenna Duncan

T

is the season for giving, and a lot of getting. So why not get even more with some great after-Christmas deals? It’s no Black Friday sale, but still a decent discounted price.

There aren’t any insane crowds and people fighting over the newest TV or the latest iPhone for cheap.

Now you could’ve still gone to Best Buy and bought the new Samsung 4K Ultra HD TV and saved $300, or save $10 on some Blu-Ray DVDs. You could’ve bought a Fitbit activity tracker and get 20% off the Aria Scale.

As usual, Bath & Body Works had a large sale going on with almost everything in the store. Wallflower Fragrance refills for 45% off, 3-wick candles were 50% off, and they had a Christmas clearance that had items 70% off. Body Care items were buy 3, get 2 free and PocketBac Sanitizers were 5 for $6.

Macy’s had loads of racks of clothes with 40% off the original price and there were multiple racks marked down 70-80%. JC Penney’s had their biggest afterChristmas sale ever with marked down clearance 60-80% off. There was a coupon giveaway at the door the day after Christmas and if you spent $50 or more, you would recieve $50 off.

December can be such a hectic month, so it’s important to find the hot deals once the holidays have passed. Doing so obviously can’t replace your Christmas shopping, but you can use some of the money relatives or Santa gave you to buy the things you actually want for really nice prices. It’s like a gift that keeps on giving.

VS #1. Hello - Adele

jchs Students

#1. Love Yourself - Justin

Bieber

#2. Sorry - Justin Bieber

#2. Sorry - Justin Bieber

#3. Love Yourself - Justin

#3. Hello - Adele

Bieber

#4. What Do You Mean? -

#4. Hotline Bling - Drake

Justin Bieber

#5.What Do You Mean? -

#5. Same Old Love - Selena

Justin Bieber

Gomez

1.12.16//ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

29

Did you see a good movie? Read an interesting book?

Hear a great song that’s stuck in your head?

reviews

Stop by room 141 with your suggestion.

Jake Worsham

S

poiler alert: Han Solo dies. If you don’t know that already then sorry, but you are almost a month late. The decision to kill Han Solo is what everyone is talking about regarding this movie.

However, no matter who is angry about this decision, I think it was the best for the series as a whole.

Despite this, I think the movie was an excellent addition to the original series. The movie resembles the basic plotline that the original Star Wars, “A New Hope,” did, and in itself feels much like the 1977 movie. The new

characters Rey, Finn, Poe, BB-8, Kylo Ren and Maz are a welcome addition and take on the classic roles that Luke, Leia, Han, RD-D2, Darth Vader and Yoda held in the original trilogy. In addition, some of the original characters return for cameos that will make true fans tear up with joy. Filled with action, this recordbreaking movie is for fans and even for people who have never watched Star Wars before. May the force be with you as we wait another year for another Star Wars movie.

Dalton Wheeler

C

hris Brown did something in his new album, “Royalty,” that most artists don’t do. He kept his work in the same style that went with him, he didn’t try to change it up. This makes me respect Chris Brown because certain artists try to change the type of music they make and it does not end up how they want it to. Most of the songs in the new album are about loving someone with the exception of a few. Overall, the music is great. The beat makes me want to bob my head and just

listen. Even the bass is great and is fun to turn up. Lyrically, the album is lacking. You have to specifically like this type of music to like the lyrics. Personally, I only like a couple songs on the album, most of which are the ones not about loving people.

I realize this is because I do not like this type of music. That being said, if you like music with a good beat and music that is very passionate, this is the album for you.

Brooklynne Propes

C

oncussion, starring Will Smith as an African doctor and nerupathologist named Bennet Omalu, is an interesting and relatable movie. It starts out with Smith being troubled by an autopsy he performed on former Pittsburgh Steelers football player Mike Webster. He is suspicious that the brain looks normal but the man died so young. The further examination of the brain suggested the existence of a new disease resulting from on-field head butting: chronic traumatic encephalopathy,

or CTE. The movie goes about him trying to fight the National Football League about safety issues. The NFL had no interest in hearing what he was saying, much like if someone involved in high school football would not want to listen to someone saying the sport they love is unsafe.

The movie was very informational and a step in the right direction for a different spin of a football movie.

Concussion is, to say the least, a breakthrough in sports movies.

30 12.08.15//ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

2015: The A&E Review

INSTAGRAM CONTEST

January

Flannels add a little casual warmth These Things Happen

by G-Eazy dropped

Febuary

High-waisted Jeans make a comback Vests provide warmth along with style

Short hair became cutting edge with ombre

March

Just tag @jcredblack and #jcredblack on your photo to enter Theme: Starting off the

new year The “flow“ is a blast from the past

April Braids are making a comeback Wedges are worn all over

1st

May Guys bring a twist to the “flow” by wearing the man bun

June

@montannaaa

2nd

Long crystal necklaces become popular

August @travis.w.jolley

T-shirt dresses add a classy but comfy outfit choice

October Turtle necks are hip this season

3rd

November 25 by Adele released

December Saint West was born

@shainshain0222

Next Issue: Winter Sports

12.08.15//ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

31

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