Comet - February 2021

COMET

FEBRUARY 2021 VOLUME 55, ISSUE 3 LAKE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL ST. JOHN, INDIANA

MAGAZINE

S L I O A

TI O N

S H I PS From social distancing to lockdown guidelines, isolation has redefined relationships PAGE 14

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WHAT’S INSIDE

CH MAROUR FORIVES L

FEATURES

14.

NEWS

04.

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VACCINATION SITUATION LET’S TACO BOUT FREE LUNCH

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ALL EYES ON YOU PANDEMIC PAYCHECKS

ISOLATIONSHIPS From social distancing to lockdown guidelines, isolation has redefined relationships

ON A POLITICAL PEDESTAL

How the idolization of politicians has begun to reshape our democracy

I JUST DON’T CARE

Throughout all of the destruction and chaos, have we become desensitized to tragedy?

COMET STAFF

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nitya Shah DESIGN EDITORS Emily Prince Jackson Novak Elizabeth Sulek Alayna Wilkening PHOTO EDITORS Mateusz Gacek Kelly Hayes Jordan Znosko COPY EDITORS Brenna Polovina Tiffanie Richerme Brian Scott

EDITORS Mia Born Mackenzie Guthrie Luke Hamilton Riley Knestrict Hailey Prasopoulos Justyce Reed Lexi Rigg Adriana Rodriguez Brenna Sealy TEAM LEADERS Taylor Anderson Alyssa Klimowski Cori Lollis Icyss Meredith Jona Rivera Molly Tkach

STAFF MEMBERS Kevin Aharrah Sharon Austin Meghan Beilfuss Kylie Biehler Kai Blankenship Isabella Brazzale Emily Brown Ines Caballes Caleb Chen Serenity Diaz Olivia Figg Brooke Follrad Natalie Genovese Sasha Gerike Parneet Gill Corinne Gillette Maya Gorney Annika Gorney

Charlotte Harmon Cameron Houston Alison Irace Yadira Jimenez Andie Kalemba Joanna Kouros Krista Kulacz Lauren Kutcka Olivia Mapes Rachel Narjes Lilah Nelson Emily Neyens Shelby Noonan Abbey O’Neill Rachel Phillips Madelyn Porter Allison Potpora Emma Rodriguez Elizabeth Schallmo

Eden Schilling Reagan Sideris Isabella Simkus Della Steif Meghan Swacus Trista Thompson Victoria Torres Daisy Monahu Aly Wenglarz

ADVISERS Mrs. Kristina Collard Mrs. Sarah Verpooten Mrs. Carrie WadyckiCruz

BEHIND THE COVER An illustration depicting a distanced relationship, Design by: Nitya Shah and Alayna Wilkening Comet is a student publication of Lake Central High School in St. John, Indiana. All content is student directed and produced.

Opinions are those of the writers and do not imply the position of the school. Questions and comments can be directed to Nitya Shah at nityahahs@gmail.com. Businesses interested in advertising should contact 219-365-3886.

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THE FEBRUARY ISSUE

CULTURE

34.

SPORTS

28.

14.

20.

SHIFTING TO THRIFTING

30.

32.

33.

ACCOMPLISHED ATHLETES FOOTBALL’S FRESH FACE WINTER WORKOUT

BREAKING THE NORM HITTING A RACIAL NOTE WHICH SZA SONG SHOULD YOU ADD TO YOUR PLAYLIST? #IS IT WORTH A SHOT?

24.

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EDITOR’S WORDS

lockdowns, has tested the strength of each and every relationship, and especially the strength of oneself.

It can be easy to overlook this issue. With something so unprecedented, we’re all I STARTED OFF THE school year writing about a just trying to make it out of this period of time, but as important as physical health million college essays while trying to balance a may be, mental health is just as crucial. With the political unrest at the Capitol substantial amount of schoolwork, and I quickly to a possible new strain of COVID-19, 2021 already seems to be a year filled with became aware of the distress senior year had in misfortune. And over time, we have become so accustomed to this misfortune that store for me and all of my classmates. But what I it gets harder each time to process one’s own feelings – until there is nothing left. never took into consideration was that through it In the February issue, we tackle these weighty topics, including the imprint all, the one thing that usually makes the adversity isolation has left on our relationships to the of high school worth it was seeing people. The personal copious amount of tragedy our generation connections fostered during these four years are vital in has faced since our birth. Additionally, we cover making it through each day – and for some, that’s all there is. the emergence of the new vaccine, the shift From in-person students walking through lackluster hallways to thrift shopping, the racial disparity in the to e-learners spending days and nights in their bedrooms music industry and more. While flipping through learning through a screen, this year has been draining, these 44 pages, I hope you take notice of our nonetheless. The pandemic has turned almost everything visual and verbal storytelling to convey these on its head, but one thing that tends to be disregarded is compelling stories and take time to reflect on NITYA SHAH, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF how it has completely transformed the way we see each yourself. How are you doing? other. Isolation, whether that be a result of quarantining or

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INSIDE NEWS VACCINATION STATION The COVID-19 vaccine has finally arrived, sparking controversial conversations

LET’S TACO BOUT FREE LUNCH Federal funding allowed for all students to receive free lunch for this academic year

ALL EYES ON YOU Teachers use GoGuardian to view everything students do on their Chromebooks

PANDEMIC PAYCHECKS Students discover firsthand how COVID-19 has impacted businesses and changed working conditions

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04. NEWS

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WORK PLACE CHANGES Lauren Miranda (12) stocks the shelves at Whole Foods. Miranda’s job, like most, has been impacted due to COVID-19. Photo by: Icyss Meredith

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VACCINATION SITUATION WORDS Meghan Beilfuss, Natalie Genovese, Madelyn Porter, Tiffanie Richerme, Elizabeth Schallmo, Reagan Sideris and Molly Tkach

The COVID-19 vaccine has finally arrived, sparking controversial conversations

FINALLY HERE Vaccine rollout in Indiana currently allows those 70 and up as well as healtcare workers to receive the vaccine. They were able to begin registering for a vaccine Jan. 8. Design by: Elizabeth Sulek

DESIGN Elizabeth Sulek

NEARLY A YEAR after COVID-19 spread across the globe causing extended lockdowns, scientists have created a vaccine for the virus and are hopeful to bring an end to the pandemic.

However, not everyone is on board with the vaccine.

“I’m not getting the vaccine, Mariana Bendinelli (12) said. mainly because it could The quick release of the vaccine possibly kill me in the fact that I hasn’t allowed for much long-term could be allergic. I don’t think it testing. These long term effects are has been tested enough; I just a concern to some, leaving them to didn’t find much [research]. The opt out of taking the vaccine. vaccine could kill me or have a “IT WOULDN’T HAVE “Most of my family said that they terrible long term effect, long were going to wait to make sure it people that had their vaccines term effects that we won’t BEEN RELEASED TO was really safe to take the vaccine. did. Overall, it was fantastic. After know until it’s too late or costly THE PUBLIC WITHOUT I’ve [done research that is] an doing my research and studying, for most people,” Julian Vargas influence on making my decision, all PROPER TESTING.” I felt better,” Ms. Sarah Bennett, (10) said. the videos of social media I’ve seen a community healthcare worker, Vaccines normally can take JOHN SCANLON (12) of people taking the vaccine just said.

10-15 years to develop, but made my choice,” Isaiah Williams (9) With vaccine rollout underway the COVID-19 vaccine was said. in Indiana, healthcare workers fully created and released in Both anti- and pro-COVID-19 vaccinators are have been able to recieve doses. Despite under a year. Currently, their is wary of the long term effects. However, those like concerns about quick development, healthcare no vaccine available for those Mrs. Christina Genovese, Clark librarian, believe the worker Ms. Beverly Fritz feels safer being ages 16 and under. benefits outway the risks. vaccinated.

“There has been a decent “I want to take the vaccine to protect my family, “I have a little concern about it because it was amount of testing done. Yes, myself [and] my friends, and help slow the spread. developed so quickly, but overall, I feel a little it may seem rushed, but we I am a little bit reluctant, because it hasn’t been safer after having it,” Fritz said. have never had a situation around that long, and most medications are tested Although scientists have tested the vaccine, where something like this a lot more thoroughly, so it scares me a little,” one person’s experience receiving it may be needed to be produced so Genovsee said. different from the next’s. With any vaccine, there fast. I truly believe it is all hands Due to the makeup of COVID-19, the vaccine was are side effects; with the COVID-19 vaccine, on deck, and that everyone developed using a new process not used these long-term effects are still unknown. who is in the field previously. This has been another point of “Any vaccination has the risk of there being of producing the concern for many. detrimental effects to the health of those who vaccine is working “I DON’T “I was very nervous initially about get it, but with years of testing the risk is lower; their hardest,” THINK IT HAS getting the vaccine. I was scared to get however, the COVID one has not been tested for the vaccine, because it was something long enough to know if there are any long-term BEEN TESTED that nobody else has ever had before. So side effects,” Madisen Pivoney (12) said.

ENOUGH.” as a nurse, I knew I had to do my research.

Talks of mandating the COVID-19 vaccine I got the information and the studies of have arose, but no conclusion can be made due JULIAN VARGAS (10 all the people that had the vaccines and to the many differing opinions on the vaccine. read that and really looked at how the “While I wish everyone would get one, I do not think that they should be mandatory. I respect the personal freedom granted to each individual by our country,” Dr. Dustin Verpooten, science, said.

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FOR THE RECORD Frontline healthcare workers and first responders (police, firefighters, etc.) able to get vaccines.

Limited vaccines available.

Phase 1A

Ages 70 and older able to get vaccine by appointment.

Expands to age 60 and up when supplies allow.

Phase 1B

Essential workers, like school teachers, those living/working in jails, detention centers, group homes or homeless shelters have access to the vaccine.

Phase 2

The general public will be able to recieve the vaccine. This is estimated to be mid-2021, but is subject to change as a result of vaccine availability.

Phase 3

Indiana’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan as of Jan. 12

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LET’S TACO BOUT FREE LUNCH Federal funding allowed for all students to receive free lunch for this academic year WORDS Lauren Kutcha, Cori Lollis, Brian Scott and Meghan Swacus DESIGN Emily Prince

DUE TO RECENT government aren’t working can eat lunch still. I don’t “YOU STILL GET THE funding, the school received have that much time to pack my lunches, so a free lunch and breakfast being able to pick up food makes it easier.

SAME LUNCH BUT program that will be in effect But I know they’re on a budget,” Kira Gill (10) YOU DON’T HAVE until funding runs out. This said.

TO PAY FOR IT.” program offers lunch and Due to the program, there have been breakfast to all students. changes to how students get their lunches.

ADISON MOREY (9) “Currently all students are According to Adison Morey (9), the program eligible for one free breakfast makes getting lunch easier. meal and one free lunch meal daily.

“I think that it is great because you still get the same Funding is coming through the USDA. It lunch but you don’t have to pay for it, which is helping a lot is expected the funding will last through of people out in this time of COVID-19. It is easier because the 2020-21 school year. All students are all we have to do is walk down to the cafeteria and pick eligible for free meals daily,” Mrs. DeAnn what we want out and then go back up stairs and eat our Alleva, Food Service, said. lunch,” Morey said.

The grant was given to schools due With the changes on how lunches are run, it’s become to COVID-19’s effects on parents’ and easier for students to get their food as quick and easy guardians’ ability to pay for lunches. Free as possible. Although some of the students shown have lunches are hoped to give relief to parents different thoughts about the quality of the food since the and students in an unpredictable state. recent changes in the lunch menu.

“It’s good because kids who might not be “I feel like the quality has remained the same but the able to afford food because their parents options are less, which is understandable because they cannot bag everything they used to serve for lunch. It hasn’t really affected me. It’s pretty much the same except we don’t have trays and have to eat in the lunchroom,” Brianna Cook (11) said.

The school has been trying to do what it can to provide a decent lunch

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GRAB & GO A student looks at breakfast options at the free grab and go breakfast cart in Main Street. With the free lunch program, the school offered free grab and go breakfast in the mornings for students. Photo by: Cori Lollis

QUICK QUOTES

What is your favorite lunch?

“I like the bosco sticks and I don’t Shannon know why. They’re just a classic that Bruner (9) never gets old. I just always had them in elementary and middle school, so it’s just nice to have. I like it when they have the mashed potatoes and gravy, that’s really good.”

Joshua favorite school lunch food is Hayes (11) “My the spicy chicken sandwich. Mostly

because it doesn’t disgust me as much as some of the other foods. I remember eating it in elementary school with friends.”

“Bosco sticks because they are Kori just so simple and just so good. Kosteba (11) I just remember I would always get them even in elementary school. If I could get another one it would probably be the spicy chicken sandwich, I just love chicken [and] spicy things, and I just think it’s pretty good.“

Lila chicken Rogers (11) “Spicy the pizza sticks

sandwich or because it is delicious. Spicy chicken has always been my go-to since middle school. It reminds me of the good old days and it is like a comfort food.”

“My favorite would probably be the Veronica spicy chicken sandwich because it Filbin (9) is just so flavorful and delicious and with a little bit of ranch from the lunch ladies, I really enjoy it. It’s usually what I get whenever I have the time to get lunch just because it’s so good.“

as possible. While taking the precautions necessary, the free lunch program has been “THE OPTIONS ARE able to continue without any PRETTY MUCH THE setbacks.

“I think it’s a good idea. It SAME.” gives people food without MACKENZIE ZIELKE (12) costing any money to the more students we get, then we can start student’s parents. They are changing the menu and start adding for students, giving different options taking enough precautions. things on. It probably did increase,” to choose from like bosco sticks and They seem to be preparing the food in a very Calderwood said. mac and cheese. With both students anti-covid way. I think they are keeping their With the semester changes and more students coming and staff taking safety precautions, distance from others, using hand sanitizer, back, there were changes to the menu like limited a la it ensures everyone can have a safe wearing masks, and wearing gloves,” Eli carte options. Despite the changes in the menu, there meal.

McGuffey (11) said. are still students who still say that their options have not “We made a safe environment Due to the difference between online changed. for everybody and stuff like that, learners and in-school learners, the menu “I usually get bosco sticks or the pizza sticks are really everyone has to adapt somewhere had to be changed to fit the numbers. good when they have them. I feel like the options are from the students all the way to the With the precautions in place to make sure pretty much the same as what we’d usually get, just in cooks, how we do things, how we students are receiving a safe lunch, the cups instead of on a tray. I don’t think it’s changed but I package things, and how we give lunch staff had to decide what to do. don’t pay that much attention to school lunch choices. them to the students every day. So “We have the initial decrease because of It’s easier to just grab lunch than having to bring one you know it’s a learning curve a little e-learning, but then even as the from home. I think it’s pretty cool. It definitely can help bit, but we want to keep semester changed the amount students,” Mackenzie Zielke (12) said. everybody safe,” Mr. Greg of food increased and it’s given Due to government funding, there is only a certain Calderwood, Cafeteria, “I THINK [FREE us larger numbers, so we had amount of money the school receives for the free lunch said.

LUNCH] IS A to take things off the menu. The program. After the money runs out, students will have to With creating a safe pay for their own lunch.

GOOD IDEA.” environment for both “If funding runs out we will communicate this to all families in LCSC. students and staff, the ELI MCGUFFEY (11) At that point we’d go back to our regular school breakfast and lunch lunches are to be delivered programs. Students will need to pay for their food through their food to students as effectively service account unless they are on the free program. Applications for the Free and Reduced program are available on Skyward for parents to complete,” Alleva said.

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ALL EYES ON YOU Teachers use GoGuardian to view what students do on their Chromebooks WORDS Taylor Anderson, Sasha Gerike, Olivia Mapes, Rachel Phillips, Brenna Polovina and Trista Thompson DESIGN Alayna Wilkening

CHROMEBOOK CONTROVERSY With the use of the Chromebook extension GoGuardian, students’ online activity is constantly monitored. This has raised debate as some feel it is an invasion of privacy.

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SINCE A PERCENTAGE of students are e-learning this year and aren’t under direct supervision of teachers, concerns were raised about cheating on online assignments and assessments. Teachers “IT HAS BEEN VERY now have access to the controversial ENLIGHTENING TO Chromebook feature GoGuardian, which shows exactly what students ME AS A SPANISH students are getting side-tracked or are doing on their school-issued TEACHER AS TO trying to cheat. computers. While some teachers “It has been very enlightening HOW STUDENTS ARE and students see this as a helpful to me as a Spanish teacher, as to tool, others believe it is a violation ACTUALLY DOING how students are actually doing of students’ privacy.

THEIR WORK.” their work. They aren’t doing their “GoGuardian is a website work. I see students not even trying that helps teachers keep their MRS. CINDY LALE, WORLD trusted? The thought of having to read the Spanish and do the students on track and away from LANGUAGE someone watch your screen, work. I see students immediately inappropriate content. I found out what you are doing and what going to Google Translate or finding about it when my teacher was you are viewing could be uncomfortable for the answers on a Quizlet,” Mrs. Cindy Lale, World talking about tests and quizzes some people; it’s like someone hovering over Language said. this year,” Chelsea Lam (10) said. your shoulder. Also, if GoGuardian can watch GoGuardian is only installed on school-issued When students log onto you after school is dismissed, I understand how Chromebooks, so students who have their own Google Meets on school-issued people think it is disturbing,” Margaret Quandt personal computers are able to view what they want Chromebooks, they get a (10) said. without teachers seeing. If students do not have the notification that GoGuardian has On the other hand, some students believe that means to have their own laptop, though, they are started up. Many students, like knowing they are being watched at all times forced to use school-issued Chromebooks where a Isabelle Gonzales (10) found out keeps them on track with their assignments. teacher can see and tell how long they have been about the use of the application Some students would agree that it is useful on any open tabs. This extension has raised some themselves or through their to teachers. Lauren Chiang (9) believes it can debate, as some students, such as Luis Martinez (12) teachers, rather than any formal be hard on the teachers to keep a balance feel it is an invasion of privacy and not necessary to announcements from the school. between in-person and e-learning students. use at all times.

“My chemistry teacher uses it, “Since I am a virtual learner, the only time “I do not use a school Chromebook, but even and she kept mentioning that my teachers used GoGuardian on me is when though the Chromebooks are school property, I she was going to check to see I took tests or quizzes. I thought it was really do not think that gives [the school] the right to be if everyone was on task with useful for the teachers to see which question able to see what a student is doing unless really GoGuardian. I kind of figured that you are on and kind of guide you through it necessary. I understand why the school wants to use this meant she could see what without having to physically be in class showing a program like GoGuardian, but I find the principle you’re doing,” Gonzales said. them your Chromebook,” Chiang said. of it to be wrong. Watching over students’ activity Many teachers feel that Mrs. Lale feels that if students are complaining doesn’t seem right. I think the only time it could be they benefit from having this about their workload getting more challenging, acceptable is during tests,” Martinez said.

Chromebook extension and use that is the response of teachers who want to GoGuardian’s extensive information on students’ it for all of their tests and quizzes. make sure students are actually making an online activity has raised some eyebrows, as some This way, they can monitor if effort to learn the material. students do not feel comfortable “If students feel that school work is getting with the level of details that teachers harder since we installed GoGuardian, it is have access to through the program. probably a direct result of teachers watching “IT MAKES STUDENTS “In my opinion, it shouldn’t be a their students take the easy road,” Lale said. thing because it makes students FEEL LIKE THEY AREN’T All in all, while GoGuardian has definitely feel like they aren’t being trusted BEING TRUSTED. IT raised concerns about students’ right to even when most of us haven’t done privacy, students are reminded that they are anything to break trust. It makes MAKES US FEEL LIKE allowed to use different computers where the us feel like children. The school CHILDREN.” extension is not installed. talks about how they are trying to “Since the Chromebook is school-issued prepare us for college and the ‘real MARGARET QUANDT (10) and students intentionally signed up to world,’ but how can they do that if receive them I don’t think it’s an invasion of we’re being treated like we’re not privacy. The only reason someone would feel uncomfortable with teachers seeing what’s on their school-issued Chromebooks is if they’re doing something that they’re not supposed to,” Lale said.

41%

NO

59%

YES

TALLIED UP

Do you think GoGuardian is an invasion of privacy? *poll out of 352 students

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PANDEMIC PAYCHECKS

WORDS Kevin Ararah, Parneet Gill, Icyss Meredith, Tiffanie Richerme, Della Steif DESIGN Emily Prince

Students discover firsthand how COVID-19 has impacted businesses and changed working conditions

THE RITUAL OF BEING hired at a local business, whether it’s to pay for college, or simply to gain work experience, is a process almost considered a rite of passage for students. It’s also one of countless tasks altered by COVID-19 this year.

“A lot of us get very stressed from the Nawrocki (10) said. amount of pressure we have to deal Mackenzie Zielke (12), an employee at Zig-e’s Funland, with. We often get frustrated with each recalls a positive experience with employers who enforced other. The pressure of making sure things safety procedures.

Although the business suffered stay safe and to make sure [the work] is potentially costly downtime, their standards reassured staff done right does make us antsy, but we and reduced the chance of disease spreading to customers. try our best to make sure that we don’t “They do temperature checks for employees, take things out on people that come in,” provide both employees and customers Ericka Rodriguez (10) said. they needed me. It was hard masks if we need one [and] we have lots “I DECIDED NOT Students claim safe and sanitary to balance school, sports of hand sanitizer for both employees and conditions are imperative during this and a job at first, but as TO TAKE A BREAK customers and disinfectants to use to keep time. Employers varied somewhat in their time has gone on, I feel like DURING THE games and other high-touch areas clean,” adherence toward COVID guidelines, but it is slowly getting easier,” Zielke said. students tended to agree that businesses Nied said.

PANDEMIC.” For some, working at a business is still as at least adequately met safety needs, Other students, however, much of a learning experience as it always LAUREN MIRANDA (12) either for the benefit of the community, or were personally encouraged has been. It’s potentially useful as practice merely to avoid repercussions for doing to work part-time at for budgeting time, and especially for managing stress in otherwise. essential businesses for more practical this possibly-dangerous environment. Students such as “As of right now, the business is requiring and economic reasons. Students needed Alexa Nied (11), an employee at Dairy Queen, felt the need guests to wear masks when they come to take advantage of their time off and to work during this pandemic to relieve family stress while in [Dairy Queen], and keep them on pick up work hours in order to earn the also learning about work expectations and until they are seated. Also, money they needed for college and other managing stress. some booths and tables activities, in spite of the risk of catching or “Being in the middle of a pandemic and just were closed because of transmitting disease.

“I FELT getting my license, I didn’t want my parents to COVID guidelines. The only “When [Zig-e’s Funland] decided to have to worry about spending more money on OBLIGATED TO real precaution they took reopen, we were told [that] if we didn’t feel gas and other small things that I might want. It [for employees] was having comfortable or safe coming back to work WORK AS HARD was not the safest time to get a job, but we’re everyone wear masks,” Beck that we didn’t have to, but I chose to come AS I COULD.” doing everything we can to make sure they stay back because I need to start saving money sanitary. Since it was my first job, I felt obligated for college, and I just need to be making ALEXA NIED (11) to work as hard as I could and to work whenever money for my own needs,” Zielke said.

Saving money comes in different forms based on students’ varying needs and economic situations: some employees choose to spend some of their paycheck, while others are obligated to put most of it away. Although some other students have part-

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time jobs, Lauren Miranda (12) went a step further in order to reach her goals, by graduating early to work and save up for college.

“I made the decision to graduate early Whether it’s fewer customers visiting at a time or from Lake Central because my goal for the people only ordering take out, the decreased next 7-9 months is to work two jobs, so I can traffic has been concerning for local businesses, save up a ton of money for college. That and even for shops part of larger franchises. way, when I actually enter college in the “The business during the summer, versus the next summer or fall, I will not be the typical fall versus the winter has all been ‘broke college student.’ [decreasing], along with the people That is why I decided to that come in. During the summer I not take a break during “ I CHOSE TO COME would probably serve about 100the pandemic, and why I BACK BECAUSE 200 people during one of my shifts, wanted to strive through I NEED TO START but as time went on and the cases and work even harder,” grew, it seems that now only regulars Miranda said.

SAVING MONEY FOR and sometimes people that are Some students have also COLLEGE.” expressed how their store’s business has decreased as MACKENZIE ZIELKE (12) a result of the pandemic.

SMALL TALK

How has “I work at the work been Southlake YMCA different? in Crown Point as

with Jordan Duggan (12)

a lifeguard. For the most part, everyone has been normal, or maybe a little more stressed, but it’s mostly outside of work-related issues for other people.”

Was working through the pandemic a choice?

THE GRIND Lauren Miranda (12) stocks the shelves at a Whole Foods supermarket. This type of essential business was beneficial for students seeking money and work experience during the pandemic.

Photo by: Icyss Meredith

“Yes, working through the pandemic was a choice, and I’m currently working because I need money for college and for economic reasons, just so I’m able to financially be safer when I’m older.”

How have you changed to keep safe?

“Mask mandates, social distancing, extra cleaning and limited capacity.

They’ve just made us take our temperature, and they’ve been lenient when it comes to calling off.”

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Increased isolation due to quarantine guidelines has taken a toll on relationships between friends, couples and families WORDS Kylie Biehler,

Annika Gorney, Maya Gorney, Charlotte Harmon, Yadira Jimenez, Andie Kalemba, Rachel Narjes, Brenna Polovina, Victoria Torres, Jona Rivera and Emma Rodriguez

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ISOLATION’S IMPACT ON MENTAL HEALTH Source: The U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health

;

PROLONGED isolation is associated with suicide attempts

LONELINESS

can cause many symptoms of depression such as lack of sleep and increased anxiety

COGNITION

can worsen over time (such as negative thoughts about oneself) due to loneliness

“It has weakened my bonds among my friends because I haven’t been able to see them or talk to them as much; however it’s strengthened my family bonds more. I now call my grandparents and uncles and aunts, etc. more frequently to see how they are doing. I can’t really see my family and friends in the way I was able to do before quarantine,” Samuel Burbage (11) said.

Maintaining relationships throughout this pandemic may almost seem impossible for some. According to multiple students, their school friendships were the most affected.

“I lost three friends at the beginning of quarantine, and when that happened, my relationship with my only other friend strengthened. In the beginning, I was very depressed, but I realized that I was actually happy that I lost my friends because they were not true friends,” Abigail Dobricky (12) said.

Among these changes, mental health is heavily affected by lengthened periods of solitude. For some, they have treated this time alone as an opportunity for personal growth and inner reflection.

“At first, the downfall of my relationships affected my mental health; it became hard and I was pretty sad, but I learned how to cope and eventually made new friends.

Throughout quarantine, I have learned about how to deal with stress and cope with anxiety among other things which definitely made me more confident in myself and my abilities,” Ava Jiminez (9) said.

KIMBERLY HESTERMANN (11) walks into school to attend her chemistry class on the mandatory e-learning day. She notices that what once was a colorful place for constant interaction, laughs and bustling hallways has now become a dull place of eerily silent hallways and deserted, lifeless classrooms. With this realization, she and other students have had to cope with maintaining relationships and the “I HAVE lack thereof during this LEARNED period of separation.

“Isolation has definitely HOW TO changed me as a DEAL WITH person and my mindset.

STRESS.” Life is short and when life was altered AVA JIMENEZ (9) completely because of the pandemic, everything that was actually important in my life was brought to my attention. I’ve come to the conclusion that I need to stay busy in order to be productive,” Hestermann said.

According to the American Psychological Association, seclusion has not only proven to change people over time but it also has caused many people’s close relationships to change as well. Many people felt that they have had to adapt to these transitions by coming up with creative ways to keep in touch with each other.

Along with the chance for strengthening relationships and themselves also comes the possibility for developing and growing for future hardships.

“I was able to keep some relationships with family and friends over the quarantine. I still kept in touch with some of them so that’s one of the good things. This has taught me to become more independent and figure out what to do in these types of situations,” Madison Ralston (11) said.

However, a large number of students also experiencing mental challenges have not been able to overcome them.

Instead they were engulfed and focused on the bad around them. The National Library of Medicine states that loneliness is strongly intertwined with depression.

“I’ve had no motivation to do anything. I already have problems with overthinking and this past few weeks, I feel I’ve lost myself, and I’ve been overthinking so badly about everything. I’m not saying I need social life to be better, but I do forget about my worries when I’m with the people I love,” Sarah Gross (12) said.

Nevertheless, some “I’VE HAD NO students have been able to get MOTIVATION through their mental TO DO barriers.

They were ANYTHING.” able to look past the negatives and focus on the positives.

SARAH GROSS (12)

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UNHEALTHY

lifestyle changes such as smoking, lower physical activity and poor dietary choices can result from loneliness

SLEEP TIME

can be reduced by 7% because of increased isolation

AT LEAST 80%

of people under the age of 18 claim to have been through a moment of extreme loneliness

“Before COVID, I would beat myself up for things I can’t control, such as other people’s actions, but during COVID, I have realized that there are many things we can’t control, and knowing that helped me love “THERE ARE who I am as a person,” Hannah MANY THINGS D a m a s i u s WE CAN’T (11) said.

CONTROL.” According to the Kaiser Family HANNAH DAMASIUS (11) Foundation, in 2018, one in five Americans have felt socially isolated from people.

Those same people have said that the social isolation caused some form of negative impact on their life. Many relationships were lost or weakened due to isolation, causing some people to view isolation as purely negative.

“My friendships have been affected the most because normally I’m pretty active in wanting to hangout with a group of friends but now I’m more at home and I’ll just binge watch Netflix or something,” Burbage said.

20,000 ADULTS

reported they sometimes or always feel alone

Because of this trend, many students were able to pick up on why relationships fail.

A percentage of students have learned lessons about maintaining relationships.

“Throughout COVID, I have learned that it takes effort from both sides. Taking time to talk to others is something that both people in the relationship must do; the relationship can not last if one person does not put in the effort of talking, planning times to hang out, etc,” Damasius said.

Others have also learned about the flaws and strengths of relationships.

This situation has shown them which relationships were worth keeping.

“Quarantine has affected my relationship pretty badly because I couldn’t hang out with a lot of people that I wanted to. A relationship that affected me the most was friendship because we were so close before the pandemic, and then once we hit quarantine and all of this other stuff, we kind of went our own ways, and we never really got in touch very much,” Ralston said.

Throughout all of this, people have learned creative ways to make and keep new friends. People often turned to technology for this. Technology is a safe way to maintain bonds with others without risking one’s health to COVID-19.

“I have been FaceTiming my friends a lot and I hang out with my family sometimes. I have been taught who my true friends are. During quarantine I made a couple of online friends with the

same interests as me,” Dobricky said.

On the other hand, the Pew Research Center states that technology can have a huge impact on key social skills.

Studies show that teens now solely rely on technology for evoking emotions and can further encourage this prolonged solitude.

“I am astounded at how difficult it has become to have someone actually look at you when they are speaking.

I’m constantly informing my 17-yearold that it used to be rude to talk to someone without even looking at them,” Lucretia Walker, a quality-improvement associate for planning and evaluation social services at Pew Research Center, said.

Overall, relationships “WE DID SEE with friends and family have been EACH OTHER, affected greatly.

BUT NOT AS However, relationships MUCH AS WE between students that are dating have DID.” also been affected.

DOMINIC COLIANNI (11) Couples had to deal with the isolation and communication flaws that came with solitude.

“We did see each other, but every so often, not as much as we did. We still hung out but only like two to three times a week and our families would quarantine us before we went anywhere. Quarantine has made our relationship stronger because it would test us to see how long we could be without 17.

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with their parents have grown stronger due to the amount of time spent at home.

“The relationship that was affected the most would be my relationship with my mom because we became much closer than ever. Since we were all in quarantine, it was harder for me to open up to my friends. I started opening up to my mom a lot more and formed a bond we’ve never had,” Christine Garcia (11) said.

For many, parent relationships were impacted in ways people could hardly process. Some, like Mrs. Leslie Iwema, World Language, have found it difficult to come in contact with her parents.

“I feel that my relationship with my parents has been the most affected. I hate that we don’t get to just go over to their house or hug them now. We have tried to do more Zoom calls and stuff like that, but it’s hard with the older generation and technology,” Mrs. Iwema said.

With everything the year has consisted of, students have used this time away from people to reflect on these events and establish a clean perspective. They were able to use this as an opportunity for a fresh start.

“Everything does happen for a reason and I believe 2020 was a year that we didn’t expect, but that we needed. I’ve grown as a person because of the events that happened last year and my perspective definitely has changed for the best,” Hestermann said.

time adapting to the struggles that came with solitude. Many of these challenges include distance.

“It’s so hard to meet new people, most high school relationships start in school.

With less social interaction than ever, it makes it so much harder than ever. A major problem is now you need to be a good texter or else a relationship will fail. It’s made a lot of barriers for me, but in the end what I’ve learned is that love is worth it,” Joseph Cardinale (12) said.

Although relationships falter both negatively and positively, it doesn’t solve the communication challenges that have arisen in seclusion. Oftentimes, couples had to turn to using their phones to talk to one another.

“Our communication kind of changed because we would see each other in person a lot when we hung out, but when quarantine started, we were on our phones a lot more talking since we couldn’t see each other. We communicated by texting and FaceTiming a lot,” Colianni said.

The ability to communicate frequently is a common problem among student couples. Some would even FaceTime to imitate face to face communication.

“During the time of not seeing one another for a couple months, we would use Snapchat and FaceTime. We definitely FacTimed way more because we couldn’t see each other in person,” Tien Le (10) said.

Family relationships have also been heavily affected.

In some cases, students felt like their relationships

HAVE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS BEEN AFFECTED

BY COVID-19?

NO

23% Poll out of 111 students

YES

77%

“IT’S SO HARD TO MEET NEW PEOPLE. MOST HIGH SCHOOL RELATIONSHIPS START IN SCHOOL. WITH LESS SOCIAL INTERACTION THAN EVER, IT MAKES IT SO MUCH HARDER THAN EVER. IT’S MADE A LOT OF BARRIERS FOR ME, BUT IN THE END WHAT I’VE LEARNED IS THAT LOVE IS WORTH IT.” JOSEPH CARDINALE (12)

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BUILDING OR BREAKING BONDS Being isolated from people has caused students’ relationships to change

“I AM PUTTING MYSELF BEFORE OTHER PEOPLE THAT DON’T TREAT ME THE SAME. THERE’S LESS DRAMA.”

SAFE AND SOUND Maintain friendships while following COVID-19 guidelines

Have a Netflix watch party through Google Meet

KYLE BIRGEL (12)

Video chat with multiple friends through group FaceTime “THIS ISOLATION WEAKENED MY BONDS BY NOT BEING ABLE TO COMMUNICATE FACE TO FACE AND NOT REALLY SEEING ANYONE.” KAYLEIGH WALKER (11)

Many websites have set up virtual escape rooms that friends can do together

“ISOLATION STRENGTHENED MY BONDS BY LETTING ME CONNECT USING MY PHONE AND BEING ABLE TO TALK TO [MY FRIENDS] WAY EASIER.” GRACIE COCKRELL (9)

“I’VE LOST TOUCH WITH SOME PEOPLE. I TRIED TO KEEP TEXTING THEM TO MAINTAIN THE RELATIONSHIP.”

Go outside on a socially distanced walk or bike ride

Write letters or cards to send to friends

MADELYN GALL (12)

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Tyler Goncher (12) and Caleb Towasnicki (12) hold a Biden flag and Trump flag.

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how idolizing politicians can affect our democracy WORDS Kai Blankenship, Caleb Chen, Alyssa Klimowski and Tiffanie Richerme DESIGN Nitya Shah PHOTOS Kelly Hayes and Jordan Znosko

Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Bernie Sanders, Ronald Reagan and Ruth Bader Ginsburg all have one thing in common; They were idolized by a large group of people. Political idolization leads celebrities and politicians to be viewed very similarly. Political figures who are idolized are generally seen as more than politicians.

“I think that some people are too biased when it comes to politics, and them idolizing certain politicians makes it even worse because they won’t even listen to anything except what that politician says. I try to stay quiet about politics for this exact reason, because usually the people that “People are drawn to idolize idolize certain politicians are the ones who will not whoever their respect anyone’s opinion friends and family support.” and will not listen to it unless it agrees with their opinion,” Yaneli Terrazas (11) Abigail Sullivan (9) said.

Idolizing politicians can come from various places, including one’s family.

Yaneli Terrazas (10) explains opinions tend to circulate within a family, leading to similar beliefs being shared. Similarly, political views can also be shared through friend groups.

“I think that people are drawn to idolize whoever their friends and family supports, like with parents as an example. You’re with them 24/7, so sometimes their political views rub off on you,” Terrazas said.

Political idolization is not always considered a negative action. Kyle Kennedy (11) believes that idolizing a politician can benefit citizens by giving them a role model.

“Idolization happens when people admire

front & center

someone in their everyday lives, someone who has the power to make a substantial impact on their lives. I don’t think it’s a bad thing to do so.

We want our generation and further generations to have good leadership to look up to,” Kennedy said.

However, Caleb Towasnicki (12) holds a contrasting view. While Kennedy believes that political idolization could be a benefit to our government, Towasnicki believes that political idolization separates us as a nation. He describes how social media and fake news can increase the divide between citizens in the country.

“I do believe that [political idolization] separates us as a country more, and that causes problems like events that have [occured] recently. Political idolization separates us as a country. I feel social media plays a big role in that, with how fake or real news will “[Political spread on it,” Towasnicki said.

Idolization] On Jan. 6, 2021, a crowd separates us gathered at the Capitol as a country building as electoral votes more, and were being certified. Some that causes people from the crowd broke problems.” into the building, trespassing Caleb Towasnicki (12) How do people begin to politically idolize politicians?

with Mr. Joshua Clark, Social Studies

“I would say people get in their heads what their parents agree with and how they were raised. It just depends on your total socialization, like your school, who you hangout with, your friends, cliques and stuff.”

on government property and breaking into the offices of government officials. Kelsey Lavin (12) explains her thoughts on the unrest at the Capitol building, describing what she believes it shows about the rioters.

“People are so brainwashed by Trump that they staged an entire terrorist attack on the Capitol building. I think that Trump supporters have idolized Trump to the point where they almost see him as a ‘god’ essentially. They listen to everything that he says, and when he called the election unfair, they believed him,” Lavin said.

Donald Trump is a politician who some believe has polarized many voters. He is one politician people tend to idolize. Trump’s die-hard supporters listen and take his words seriously, even if the statement may not be factual.

“I believe that this election was taken, and that Trump has way better ideas and thought[s] to

How big of an effect does political idolization have on today’s culture?

“Enormous, like how people see [and] feel about Trump or any other politicians.

People really feel passionate about Trump. It is whether they really like him or they really hate him, and there is not a lot of in between.”

Do you think there are other people, like Trump, who are politically idolized?

“I would say Bernie Sanders.

People felt strongly about Bernie, especially younger people. I have noticed that from social media from former students. They would post stuff very strongly about it.”

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A Biden supporter and a Trump supporter wear the hat of the politician they support.

fix this country and help the American people more than Biden. Trump has influenced me in a positive way. Trump influences his supporters by his actions and words. Trump knows what is best and wants the best for everyone,” Joseph Boutros (10) said.

There are other politicians that can be considered idols to some as well. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) serves in the U.S. House of Representatives and is very active on social media. Ava Jimenez (9) explains that AOC is sometimes idolized by Gen-Z. “I think [political idolization] is seen on both sides of the political spectrum. Many kids idolize people like AOC for example. I think this extends from social media and TikTok. I think it’s okay to

“[Political idolization] is seen on both sides of the political spectrum.”

agree with someone’s views or policies, but people making fan pages and shirts for her is a bit extensive for me,” Jimenez said.

Politicians are idolized for their beliefs, and they attract Ava Jimenez (9) people who share their same mindset. Pia Lopez (11) believes that Joe Biden has influenced his supporters by relating to them and giving them hope.

“Biden influences his supporters by relating to them [and] by showing awareness how their life could be difficult, especially during a time like this.

He doesn’t fail to provide diversity in his opinions either. Biden has influenced me by giving me and

Have there been any political figures that people have idolized in past history?

How much do you think Trump has changed the Republican party?

“Maybe [Ronald] Reagan.

I know that in the 80’s people that are Republican now, before Trump came along, people felt very strongly about Reagan.”

“I think Trump has split the Republican party into two factions. I can see in the future that party splitting is in jeopardy. People are torn between those two groups.“

Do you think political idolization has an impact on young voters?

“I feel that younger people tend to feel more strongly and passionate about issues like that. It is either they really love Trump or they don’t. And they express that more strongly than anybody I think.”

many others hope,” Lopez said.

Political idolization can affect people’s judgement and have a major influence in the way they view situations. Jimenez explains that people should be aware of the fact that politicians are people too, and therefore can make mistakes.

“Political idolization affects everyone, regardless of political affiliations, and I think it is important for everyone to be aware of the fact that politicians and political figures are humans and make “Biden has mistakes too; treating them as influenced if they can do no wrong will me by giving end up hurting more people in me and many others hope.” the long run,”Jimenez said.

Pia Lopez (11) Do you think the polarization of politics is good or bad for society?

“We, as a whole, are so divided.

More divided than this country has ever been since the Civil War. It is also good for people to feel strongly and passionate about issues. But overall, we are just at a breaking point.”

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i just don’t care.

“Psychic numbing” is a phenomenon where people ignore information that they view as upsetting or traumatizing as it becomes worse and worse. Since destruction and chaos has almost become the new norm for this new generation, some people have become desensitized to the realities of our world today.

PAGE BY Taylor Anderson, Ines Caballes, Brooke Follrad, Lilah Nelson, Rachel Phillips, Brenna Polovina and Trista Thompson DESIGN Elizabeth Sulek

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SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL in Newton,

ON SEPT. 11, 2001, terrorists from the group Al-Qaeda hijacked four American planes. They took over and crashed two planes into the Twin Towers in New York, N.Y., one into the Pentagon in Washington D.C. and one into a rural field in Pennsylvania. This tragedy directly took the lives of 2,977 innocent people, including 412 emergency responders at the World Trade Center.

Connecticut was attacked by a gunman who killed 26 people before dying by suicide to avoid charges from law enforcement.

Twenty children and six educators were shot and killed, forever changing the community. This event is one of the deadliest mass shootings in the United States to this day.

casualties

casualties

most seniors were

most seniors were

“I think 9/11 can feel kind of removed from our generation since most of us weren’t alive or were really young babies, but it’s still a really amotionally charged topic for a lot of people 20 years later. I think that shows how much of an impact it had on America as a country.”

“My parents were watching the news and got extremely upset. I was shocked that someone could go into a “safe” place and kill someone. For the next couple of days after it happened, we had the news on all the time. I still remember seeing all the kids and teachers faces on the TV that were killed.”

2,977

27

9-10 years old

not born yet

Amanda Willy (12)

HURRICANE KATRINA was a

category 5 hurricane that started on Aug. 23, 2005, and ended Aug. 31, 2005. It hit in the southern Gulf Coast in the United States, specifically the New Orleans area. Over $125 billion in damage was caused and it took years for people in the affected communities to be able to rebuild.

casualties 1,833 most seniors were

Sarah Cunningham (12)

casualties 3

most seniors were “I was pretty young when the bombing happened, but I remember watching the news afterwards when they were looking for the suspects. I just remember feeling scared and sad when it happened. I didn’t understand how or why someone could do something that terribly.”

Gian Abangan (12)

Nora Markley (10)

5

most seniors were 17-18 years old

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10-11 years old

“Well, with so many events that have happened, I do think that people have become more desensitized.

We don’t really have high expectations for things getting better because of everything that’s happened, so natural disasters wouldn’t really be that shocking like this one was.”

casualties

Job # x

April 15, 2013 suffered a an attack when two bombs were detonated near the finish line. More than 260 people were injured from the attack. The two suspects were quickly identified after the fact and later aprehended. The suspects were brothers and claimed to be self-organized, not part of a group.

2+2=4

2-3 years old

8

THE BOSTON MARATHON on

THE CAPITOL BUILDING had its security breached on Jan. 6, 2021, shortly before Joe Biden was declared presidentelect. A mob stormed the building, causing destruction to the building and its artifacts. Approximately 56 police officers were injured in the riot trying to protect members of the Senate that were in the building to verify electoral college votes. Former President Donald Trump was charged with incitement of insurrection and impeached for a second time, as most of the rioters were

“For starters, I was outraged.

On the other hand, I was shocked. The fact that something like that could’ve happened is just shocking. I feel like the initial coverage was good. They brought it to our attention, and they kept on giving us more information as the day went on.”

Austin Boudi (10)

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AT AN ARIANA GRANDE CONCERT on May 22, 2017, a

CH MAROUR R FO IVES L

suicide bomber detonated a bomb in Manchester Arena.

Many of the victims were exiting the arena as the blast moved through the entire building, leaving 1,017 injured and 117 hospitalized.

Grande held a tribute concert with several other famous musicians on June 4 to recognize the victims just two weeks later.

casualties 23 most seniors were

THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC was first seen in December 2019 in China and soon after spread to the United States. Schools and businesses shut down, and quarantine mandates were issued throughout the country in March 2020. Masks were required to be worn to prevent the spread of the infectious virus and things started opening back up with restrictions in May.

casualties

2.08 million

most seniors were

13-14 years old

16-17 years old

“I had been to concerts before. It was scary to think that such a normal event turned into a tragedy. If it happened now, I would be horrified, but at the same time, with everything that’s happened over the past couple years, I think we’ve all become desensitized towards events like it.”

MARJORIE STONEMAN DOUGLAS High School in

Parkland, Fla. was the site of the deadliest high school shooting in American history.

The shooting occurred on Feb. 14, 2018, and inspired students across the country to participate in walk-outs and marches for gun control.

Survivors from the school used their experience to form groups to make sure that their story wasn’t forgotten.

Jillian Neal (10)

“When it first hit, I didn’t realize how big of a deal it was. Then, once it settled in, I realized. Most of my friends and family seemed down, and it was really hard to be home all the time. It was a really depressing time.

I felt that the restrictions were clearly released too early because there was a second wave.”

WILDFIRES SPREAD

throughout the Western United States starting in late July of 2020 and got out of control in August, due to ignition from thunderstorms.

The fires continued into September due to other factors fueling the fires.

About 13,887 buildings were destroyed by the 52,113 fires in Ore., Calif., Colo., Idaho, Wyo. and Utah.

Brooke Batema (10)

casualties

casualties

most seniors were

most seniors were

“When I first heard about the shooting, l was terrified because I was in fear of what could happen to other schools across America. It made me feel unsafe, and I also felt bad for the kids involved. I never understood how someone could do that, especially to people so young and had a future ahead of them.”

“I felt like a lot of the public was blindsided to how many fires that really happened because the news outlets didn’t really talk about it unless they were really big.

We usually take the liberty on really just ignoring things that don’t affect us, instead of seeing how we can help lift others when they’re in dark times.”

17

46

14-15 years old

16-18 years old

Jada Jones (10)

in the spotlight with Ms. Catherine Buksar, Psychologist

Alissya Popoca (12)

Psychologically, how does the brain numb itself to avoid thinking about tragic events?

Why do you think people tend to become more desensitized to tragedies now?

Do you think that COVID-19 is being treated differently than past large-scale events?

Do you think this is a fixable issue that we as a society can avoid in the future?

“Your brain is going to look for shortcuts. The brain uses this thing called a confirmation bias, when you look for details that support something you already think. [What happens] to produce our responses to tragedies is a matter of selfidentification. It is empathy that makes us look at what is happening with a tragedy and we imagine those are our brothers, fathers, or any family in [the tragedy].”

“If you can have your life threatened and several hours later pretend it didn’t happen, that shows the desensitivity.

You can put that on the back burner and not think about it for a while because if you do, you won’t be able to go about your day. This is not the right way to go about it, but that’s what they do. What we know about any kind of trauma is that it is cumulative. It’s like layers of wallpaper.”

“It is happening over a long stretch of time. We are not losing people in a spectacular, bomb explosion sort of way.

With COVID, our brains are not made to understand the scale because it is happening in little bitty pieces, in individual hospitals, a person at a time.

Your brain is not putting all of those people together. If it did, we would treat it the same way, but it isn’t.”

“For a lot of people, when you don’t see an end in sight to ongoing disappointment, tragedy or sadness, you become cynical. To selfprotect, they start looking for and expecting bad things to happen. [I think there is a way to heal from that], but it takes work. It is really a matter of being willing to hear people out and relate to them as people, not as just their thoughts or beliefs.”

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DRESSED IN BLACK Megan Martewicz (11) and the Varsity Centralettes line up and pose for the beginning of their dance. The dance teams perform a jazz, pom and hip hop dance routine every year.

Photo by: Matt Gacek

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ACCOMPLISHED ATHLETES Students give the rundown of the college commitment process and their next steps as athletes

FOOTBALL’S FRESH FACE After Coach Tony Bartolomeo resigned, the athletic department found a new head football coach

WINTER WORKOUT Take a look at how winter athletics is changing because of the pandemic

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INSIDE SPORTS 29.

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ACCOMPLISHED ATHLETES

recruiting process and can gladly say that “THE PROCESS OF COLLEGES ARE on the it’s over. This was one of the most difficult COMMITING TO lookout for new student and emotional decisions I have ever had to SCHOOLS WAS athletes to join and enhance make,” Bakker said. their programs. This college The long process consists of coaches EXTREMELY LONG, recruitment process can be reaching out to students, observing them STRESSFUL AND a grueling experience, but for and narrowing down their prospective athletes like Paige Bakker (12), EMOTIONAL.” athletes according to their evaluations. it is worth the time and stress.

On the student’s end, athletes like Bakker PAIGE BAKKER (12) “The process of committing also want to make sure their school is the to schools was extremely right fit for them, both academically and long, stressful and emotional. The recruiting athletically. process started in June after my sophomore “I am committed to the University of Illinois at the year. It took me well over a year. Trying to figure Urbana-Champaign campus for Women’s swimming. I out and understand what exactly I wanted in chose Illinois because the school, coaches and program a school and what I needed ended up being have my heart. The school’s engineering program is a process that took me over a year. Swimming outstanding, and so is their swim team. Most of the in college did not seem like a huge deal or swimmers on the Illinois team have STEM majors as well, opportunity to me until the emails started to which makes me excited to get to know them better. come in from coaches and colleges all around When I verbally committed to the school I felt this weight the country. At first I was overwhelmed, but being lifted off my shoulders because I knew I had made then I started to get more of a hold on the the right decision,” Bakker said.

Bakker isn’t the only athlete who felt the pressure during her commitment process. Softball player Peyton Pepkowski (12) felt nervous not just about impressing coaches, but also about making the right decision for her.

“The process of committing was very stressful. I was nervous about

Students give the rundown of the college commitment process and their next steps as athletes WORDS Isabella Brazzale, Natalie Genovese, Shelby Noonan, Elizabeth Schallmo, Tiffanie Richerme and Molly Tkach DESIGN Jackson Novak

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COMMITED TO THE FUTURE Top Row: Breanne Mitchell (11), Tatumn Damron (12) and Carter Doorn (12) Bottom Row: Paige Bakker (12), Jordan August (12) and Peyton Pepkowski (12). The students will be involved with college athletics in the fall. The commited athletes showed off their college merch.

FASTFACTS The athlete recruitment process through the eyes of a college coach

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COLLEGE COACHES GET A LIST OF PROSPECTIVE ATHLETES THROUGH APPS, WEBSITES, CAMPS AND EVENTS

COACHES SEND OUT RECRUITMENT LETTERS AND CAMP INVITATIONS. THEY GROW INTEREST IN ATHLETES

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EVALUATIONS ARE CONDUCTED THROUGH CAMPS, INVITATIONAL EVENTS AND TOURNAMENTS

COLLEGE COACHES SEND OUT VERBAL OFFERS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

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ATHLETES VERBALLY COMMIT TO THE SCHOOL, AND AN OFFICIAL CONTRACT IS SIGNED source: Next College Student Athlete

but ultimately, I am very happy with my decision,” Pepkowski said.

In addition to academic programs and school divisions, athletes like Carter Doorn (12) took careful consideration of the team environment. He is excited to join the baseball family.

“I’m committed to Purdue University West Lafayette and I’m going down there to play baseball. I felt [Purdue making the right decision and the University West Lafayette] “WITHIN JUST A FEW was able to use technology to constant stress of trying to impress was best fit for me, it’s SECONDS I GAVE THEM secure his spot on the team. a coach; you never knew who was close to home. I grew up A YES.” “Playing college hockey has watching. After I committed, it felt like a Purdue fan my whole been my number one goal for a weight was lifted off my shoulders. life. It had everything I BRANDEN KERRICK (12) a while. If I am able to, I would The school offered me an opportunity was asking for in a school. love to. The coaches reached to further my education as well as play I wanted a place to feel out to me to set up a time where the sport I love at the same time. I was like home and this was we could meet and tour the school. By the end of extremely excited when I received the it. It’s exciting, being a part of a family as a that they wanted to see me play at my next home news. Loyola offers everything that baseball team, we’re all going to be a group game, but then I got hurt that following weekend.

I wanted in a school. They have a of brothers together. I mean, we’re going to I sent them the footage I had from that same great athletic program and an even see each other pretty much every day. New weekend, and they got back to me within a few better academic program. guys come in, old guys leave so its days to promise me a spot on the team. I was really The team culture there is a big brotherhood, a big family. I excited that they gave me a call and offered me a like a family, and that was was ecstatic when I got offered my “YOU NEVER spot straight up. Within just a few seconds I gave something that was really scholarship,” Doorn said.

KNEW them a yes,” Kerrick said. important to me. It took me Despite being injured during the Just like Kerrick, Breanne Mitchell (11) found her about two and a half months process of his recruitment, Brendan WHO WAS decison to be easy. since they offered me to Kerrick (12) was not set back. He WATCHING.” “I took a college tour and knew that that was the make my decision. I put a school for me, so it was an easy decision. I was speechless and lot of thought into it, so it so excited for my hard work paying off, and my whole family was took me a while to choose, PEYTON PEPKOWSKI (12) so happy and proud of me,” Mitchell said.

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FOOTBALL’S FRESH FACE After Coach Tony Bartolomeo resigned, the athletic department found a new head football coach WORDS Sharon Austin, Kai Blankenship Alyssa Klimowski, Allison Potpora and Brian Scott DESIGN Alayna Wilkening

DEMANDING DEFENSE Coach Tony Bartolomeo is correcting his defensive line. Bartolomeo was the previous coach from 2017 to 2020.

FOR THE RECORD

WHEN OLD STORIES come to an end, new ones begin. The football team is opening a new chapter by welcoming a new coach to the team, Coach Rick Good. Good was hired after Coach Tony about each Bartolomeo, Physical candidate. Not only Education, resigned. are they interested in “When there is a learning about these “WE ALSO WANT vacancy, the position is candidates, but also OUR COACHES TO posted for a minimum about their experience EXCEED.” of two weeks. During and how they connect this time we will receive to the school and team online applications environment. also wants to make and the majority of “A committee of administrators, sure he will thrive in his position. the candidates will coaches and stakeholders is formed “One area that can help contact me to express for all head coaching vacancies. We separate candidates from one their interest and share want to use the process to learn as another is successful head their experiences. We much about a potential candidate coaching experience. We are did not have as many as possible. We utilize contacts that excited to announce Coach Rick candidates as usual know this person to learn about Good as our next leader for the with our coaching them as a person, leader, philosophy football program. The committee vacancies, but whether and how they relate to the school, believes that Coach Good’s that was impacted by students and community. We also football experiences from playing the pandemic or not want our coaches to exceed within at high level, being an assistant is unknown,” Mr. Chris the core values instilled by Lake for highly successful programs Enyeart, Athletic Director, Central,” Enyeart said. and then leading Calumet over said.

After ensuring a good fit, the the past four years to record Regardless of COVID-19, committee learns as much as successes [made him a good Enyeart and his board possible about the candidate. This candidate],” Enyeart said. want to learn can include: past job It was announced at a school as much experience, goals for the board meeting on Jan. 19, that as possible season, and coaching Good will be the next football “WE DID NOT tactics. While making coach. Good will also be a new sure the candidate will math teacher. He will start both of HAVE AS MANY mesh well with other staff his positions at the beginning of CANDIDATES members, students and next school year.

AS USUAL.” the community, Enyeart “[He] will be transitioning to LCHS at the conclusion of the school year as a staff member. Coach Good will begin off-season workouts in the next couple weeks,” Enyeart said.

Coach Scott Freckleton

2001-2004

A recap of past leaders of the football team

Scott Freckleton was a highly respected coach and former Hobart player. He led the players in a professional way.

Coach William Melby

Bill Melby replaced Freckleton in hopes that the football program would 2005-2009 recover from a losing streak. Under Melby, in 2007 the team was led to a 7-5 record.

Coach Brett St. Germain

The responsibility of returning Lake Central Football to its glory days was handed over to St. 2010-2016 Germain. Under his wing, Lake Central’s record was 31-64.

Coach Tony Bartolomeo

2017-2020

Tony Bartolomeo is the most recent football coach. He resigned this year. In his final year of coaching, the record for the Indians was 1-9.

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WINTER WORKOUT

Take a look at how winter athletics is changing because of the pandemic

44% Out of 102 athletes want to continue to play their sport in college.

“SOME GOALS WE HAVE THIS SEASON [ARE] TO GET AS MANY SWIMMERS DOWN TO SECTIONALS AND STATE AS WE CAN, AND JUST IMPROVE OUR TIMES MORE.”

WORDS Kai Blankenship, Serenity Diaz, Alyssa Klimowski, Emily Neyens, Allison Potpora and Brian Scott DESIGN Alayna Wilkening

“WE ALL WEAR MASKS, GET OUR TEMPERATURES CHECKED BEFORE PRACTICE, AND TRY OUR BEST TO MAINTAIN SIX FEET WHILE DANCING.” Alexandria Rhodes (9) said about dance COVID precautions

$6

ticket price to each game

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tickets were redeemed to the boys basketball home game on Jan. 8

Megan Soeka (10) said about the girls swim team

AVERAGE NUMBER OF HOME GAMES GIRLS BASKETBALL

10

BOYS BASKETBALL

10

“WE ARE ALL TRYING TO MAKE IT TO STATE AND WIN THE STATE FINALS. I DO BELIEVE WE CAN ACHIEVE THAT AS A WHOLE.” Chris Cortez (11) said about the wrestling season

GYMNASTICS

6

GIRLS SWIM

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BOYS SWIM

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“WE WEAR OUR MASKS WHILE STRETCHING AND WARMING UP WHICH IS DIFFERENT BUT IT DOESN’T AFFECT US TOO MUCH. WE ARE NOW ENTERING COMPETITION SEASON AND ARE VERY EXCITED. WE ARE SETTING OUR GOALS HIGH AND HOPING FOR THREE STATE TITLES.”

WRESTLING

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Jilly Fryzel (10) said about her hopes for the upcoming dance season.

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THRIFTY THINKING Sophia Textor (11) searched through clothes at Etc... Thrift Store. Thrifting has grown in popularity over recent years due to the many benefits that it presents. Photo by: Jordan Znosko

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SHIFTING TO THRIFTING Shopping at thrift stores has become an increasingly popular way for teenagers to buy clothes

BREAKING THE NORM

As society breaks away from historically significant gender stereotypes, students find themselves changing their own styles and identities

HITTING A RACIAL NOTE Racism, stereotypes and racial faults are not going unnoticed in the music industry

WHICH SZA SONG SHOULD YOU LISTEN TO? Take this quiz to find out!

#ISITWORTHASHOT?

Students and staff respond to an Instagram story to share their opinions on the COVID-19 vaccine

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SHIFTING TO THRIFTING Shopping at thrift stores has become an increasingly popular way for teenagers to buy clothes

WORDS Alison Irace, Krista Kulacz, Cori Lollis and Tiffanie Richmere

LOOKING FOR HIDDEN GEMS Sophie Textor (11) looks through shirts at etc... Thrift Store in Schererville, IN. Etc… Thrift Store has been open since 2009 and is dedicated to providing students at Highland Christian with a quality education.

DESIGN Emily Prince

IN RECENT YEARS, thrift shopping has become an increasingly popular way to shop, especially among teenagers.

Students give their perspectives on ethical issues involved with thrifting and explain why they choose to buy their clothes second hand.

“I started thrifting about what some may consider unethical three years ago with my mom. labor.

I mostly just go to Goodwill, ¨I believe thrifting is a much more because it is the most sustainable option and allows “THRIFTING PROVIDES convenient and closest to me,” people to buy clothes from local AN ALTERNATIVE WAY Rylie Pancoast (9) said. businesses instead of supporting TO BUY CLOTHES.” Thrifting can be a convenient huge corporations that use child option for students to update labor,¨ Chen said. legitimate business opportunity.

SOPHIE TEXTOR (11) their wardrobe without having “Fast fashion” usually refers to “I think people reselling thrift to spend a lot of money. Some mass-produced cheap clothing and store items online for a higher students even prefer finding can be harmful to the environment price is fair because they took clothes at thrift stores to because of the pollution it creates. Concern for the the time to find that item and get it for a good shopping at the mall for this environment can be a big reason that some students price, and they can make money by selling it for reason. choose to shop at thrift stores. what it would normally be worth in retail,” Textor “I found better stuff at places “I think fast fashion is bad for the environment, and said. like Goodwill. I go to Goodwill thrifting provides an alternative way to buy clothes Recently on social media, a debate has retail and bins. I usually look for cheap prices without hurting the environment,” sparked over whether or not the increase in for Dickies crew necks, shirts, Sophie Textor (11) said. thrifting is causing a shortage of clothes for jeans and flannels,” Jake Chen Recently, there has been a higher demand for low-income families whose only option is to (12) said. vintage clothing, which creates opportunities for thrift. Rylie Pancoast (9) gives her perspective Part of the appeal of people to profit off of thrifted clothes by reselling on the topic. shopping at thrift stores is the them online. This creates a debate on the moral “I don’t believe [thrifting] is stealing from families ability to find unique and even correctness of reselling thrifted clothes. whose only option is to thrift because those vintage pieces of clothing “I find it wrong that someone buys a $3.99 t-shirt stores are out there for the public so anyone that wouldn’t normally be at Goodwill and sells it for a much higher price should be allowed to buy what they want from sold at retail stores. online. That person is taking clothes away them,” Pancoast said.

Buying clothes from people who can only afford thrifted Especially during the uncertain times of second hand can clothes and those who enjoy thrifting for COVID-19, local businesses need all the support “I FOUND help students avoid the low prices and the creativity that they can get. At a local thrift store called BETTER shopping at large comes with thrifting,” Cassandra Morgan ETC... Thrift Store in Schererville, Beth Mills, a companies that use (12) said. manager, believes that there has been an influx STUFF AT The whole concept behind thrift stores is of customers.

PLACES LIKE being able to buy second hand clothing “We see everybody in here. We see young GOODWILL.” for lower prices. Some students take issue teenagers who are coming in to find the latest with the fact that resellers are making trends, or start their own trend of new clothing,or JAKE CHEN (12) a profit off of this clothing; however, old clothing. We see the middle-age moms others believe that reselling clothes is a who’re looking for deals for their kids,” Mills said.

Thrift stores rely on donations in order to stay in business. For Morgan, thrifting provides a unique experience that retail stores lack. ”Thrifting is an amazing way to give clothes a second life.

You can find one-of-a-kind items when you thrift, and that is what makes it so special,” Morgan said.

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SECOND

HAND SHOPPING how thrifting came to be THOUGH IT WASN’T labeled as “thrifting” at the time, using and selling used clothes gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

As urban areas began to expand in population, clothing became more affordable. This led to clothes becoming more disposable.

Along with growing populations, the size of living places shrunk, causing more clothes to be thrown away. In an attempt to lessen the burden of waste management systems, pawn shops sprung up and made an effort to find new uses for these items.

Christian Ministries looking for funding for their outreach programs took interest in secondhand stores. Because of this, stores such as Goodwill and Salvation Army were born.

“STORES SUCH AS GOODWILL AND SALVATION ARMY WERE BORN.” In 1897, members of the Salvation Army went out on the streets and asked people for used clothes, and in return received food and shelter. Similarly, Goodwill was launched and began hiring poor and disabled people to collect goods.

By the 1920s, these stores had become so organized that they were comparable to department stores. As these stores began to gain popularity, the terminology began to shift as well. The stores that were considered “junk shops” were now being called “thrift stores.”

Today, the appeal of thrift stores continues to rise as teens and adults realize the benefits of buying clothing and other items secondhand.

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BREAKING THE NORM

As society breaks away from historically significant gender stereotypes, students find themselves changing their own styles and identities

SELF EXPRESSION Michael Shaw (9) chooses to express himself through his hair. He overcame after he received negative comments regarding the color.

WORDS Cori Lollis, Daisy Monahu, Brenna Polovina and Isabella Simkus DESIGN Jackson Novak

WALKING THROUGH THE aisles of Walgreens, Michael Shaw (9) feels stares and hears rude comments under other customers’ breaths. He checks out and walks to his car, his face red with humiliation.

All because he purchased pink hair dye.

“A lot of people make fun of my hair since I’ve dyed it. They would okay to express something differently either call me harmless names, “I’M JUST than how others think people are or I’ll be discriminated against supposed to act,” Abigail Sanow (10) NOT A a lot more because I’m putting said.

GENDER more of who I am out there, and In the past, it was expected to abide people don’t like that because it’s like it because I don’t have to please by traditional rules. Today, some may NORM.” Indiana. Even my family disliked it, everyone I come in contact with. I can feel pressure in trying to fit into one but I don’t mind. If they want to MICHAEL SHAW (9) feel free to do whatever pleases me gender, but others are embracing the criticize me about it I don’t care,” and not other people. Gender norms change.

Shaw said. are women and men put into certain “I definitely think that gender roles put As gender norms become more categories of how society should perceive them,” a lot of pressure on everybody, especially those that relaxed, people are presenting Anekwe said. may not fit in a category. I think that people assume themselves how they want, Nonconformity clothing is especially frowned it puts a specific standard on each gender since regardless whether they receive upon, according to Claire Alexander (9). She in the past people were very judgemental about support. Men dabbling in women’s expresses how freeing individualistic fashion can what men and women were doing. But today, I feel stereotypes such as painting be. like people are becoming more flexible about the their nails or dying their hair are “I think most gender norms are very outdated certain roles that each gender should perform or becoming more comfortable with and irrelevant now. I would define them as do since everything is changing. People are talking doing what makes them feel like unimportant. It affects what I wear, how I’m about it more and are becoming more aware that themselves. treated, what I see: pretty much everything. With things are changing,” Karina Mraz (10) said.

“I feel like people should be people becoming more accepting of others Breaking these gender stereotypes has become able to feel comfortable enough breaking the gender norms of the past, I feel normal for Adora Anekwe (10). Through her clothing, that they don’t have to hide who like I’m more able to be who I want to be and she goes against what society deems as more they are. It’s nice to see people dress how I want to dress. I feel that now more “feminine” by wearing baggier clothes. Though expressing themselves the way than ever women of all ages have way more Anekwe acknowledges that these norms do exist, they want to, and at the end of freedom than in the past. I feel like more people she feels that she can wear and look how she wants the day if they want to not follow are becoming more accepting of women dressing despite them. gender norms it’s their life. I agree more masculine and men dressing more feminine “Gender norms have affected my life in ways such with the norms being shifted to the point where those two terms are starting to as how I dress and what I do. Girls are thought because it is okay to not mean much,” Alexander said. to be more feminine, so I dress in be who you are. It’s As feminine and masculine become outdated clothing like leggings and skirts, and terms, the barrier that surrounds these strict not so much baggy clothes, unless “I THINK MOST gender norms is becoming less defined.

I’m at home. I also do my makeup GENDER NORMS This deconstruction of gender and society’s on a day-to-day basis as well. Now, ARE VERY expectations of it is encouraging others to accept I can be free to do whatever and their true, authentic self. wear whatever; for example, it feels OUTDATED.” “At this point, [my hair] just kind of brings out normal to wear baggy clothes and CLARIE ALEXANDER (9) more of who I am. I’m just not a gender norm. I not do my makeup when I don’t feel faced trouble with people disliking me due to how I dress and how I present myself. Honestly, if people are going to criticize me for that I just don’t talk to them. They got their problems and I got mine. I’m going to be myself and they can go be themselves if they want. If you want to wear something, just wear it. We all have more things to worry about then what other people are wearing,” Shaw said.

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ICONS’ IDENTITIES Famous icons that have broken gender stereotypes

ELLIOT PAGE is a canadian actor and producer, who recently came out as transgender. He has played many gender fluid characters throughout his career, like in “Juno.”

HARRY STYLES is an English singer. His bold fashion statements represent how a man can have a more feminine wardrobe without feeling emasculated.

PRINCESS DIANA first broke royal protocol in her wedding vows when she refused to “obey” her husband, Prince Charles. She continued to defy the expectations of a royal woman.

BILLY PORTER is an actor and singer who came to fame while performing on Broadway. He wears gowns expressing sexual identity.

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HITTING A RACIAL NOTE

Racism, stereotypes and racial faults are not going unnoticed in the music industry WORDS Emily Brown, Corinne Gilette, Joanna Kouros, Icyss Meredith, Brenna Polovina, Alysha Wenglarz DESIGN Elizabeth Sulek

THE INEQUALITIES between struggle to make it in the music industry.

“I FEEL POC ARTISTS races has been an ongoing “The lack of people trying to uplift POC topic to handle. These issues singers, there are so many underrated DON’T GET THE run deeper than the surface artists who happen to be POC, but the RECOGNITION AND of police brutality or racism, music industry prevents them from being and they are implemented up there. There’s a lot of racism in the AWARDS THEY into industries that aren’t music industry which prevents the raise in CLEARLY DESERVE.” talked about. The music their fame. They’re looked down by society industry shows no difference. and society wishes that they’ll fail [and] fall JALEN BARROW (12) “Overall, I think all [people into stereotypes. A lot of POC artists have of color] are disadvantaged proved that wrong though, but I do believe in the music industry. We have to put up with they have a disadvantage,” Jada Jones (10) said. even more racism in an industry run by old People have noticed how certain genres can carry a white men who are out of touch with minorities. stereotype. The artists who perform genres usch as rap or Black artists are constantly cheated out of R&B of music become associated with those preconceived their recognition. Even when they’re clearly a notions that can even prevent them from reaching a larger better choice,” Pierce Hawthorne (9) said. audience.

Many artists struggle with growing and “I honestly feel like at one point there was an attempt developing their platform, but when it’s with to make it harder for POC in the music industry, but POC people of color, it’s even more of a struggle. are the music industry in every way. I know a lot about the The music industry seems to highlight and industry, and it’s really dark. Say I wanna be a rapper, and uplift white artists, while artists of color I’m really good but I don’t have a street image. Some labels would turn me down, which is fair but could be said about any type of person that doesn’t fit the description of a pop star or etc,” Aiden Dean (12) said.

The image of artists of color that want to make a start in the industry are

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GRAMMY GRABS Upcoming Black artists are telling their stories of the music industry.

Big music corporations such as The Grammy’s have been known to snub people of color and profit off of their success. Design by: Elizabeth Sulek

OFFBEAT Genres that are typically white dominated have POC artists are working to be equal in the industry

SZA Solana Imani Rowe, known as SZA, released her first selftitled EP in 2012. Recently, she released a full-length studio album, “Ctrl.” SZA’s song “All the Stars,” featuring Kendrick Lamar was featured in “Black Panther.” She’s seen success with award shows, holding 60 nominations but has won 30%.

RAVEENA Raveena Aurora uses her music and Sikh background to create music that holds the weight of feeling of being at a crossroad of your cultural identity and your future. Combining her soul and R&B music style with her own personal experiences, she’s taking the indie world by storm.

DARIUS RUCKER CMA winner Darius Rucker is one of few POC in the Country genre. In 2014, he won the “Best Country Solo Performance” award, making him only the third black man to win a vocal Grammy award in the genre, causing him to make waves in the industry.

snubbing to POC dates back to the 90s. Notable albums such as Micheal Jackson’s “Off “POC ARE THE the Wall” and Prince’s “1999” failed to be nominated at all.

MUSIC INDUSTRY Beyonce was nominated for 9 IN EVERY WAY.” Grammys for “Lemonade” but only won 2. She won 22% of still surrounded by this generalization.

AIDEN DEAN (12) what she was nominated for.

Black artists, for example, tend to These struggles are not only only win awards with the words “rap,” interested in music and I can see that it would be apparent in Black Americans, but are in all “urban” or “R&B” in their titles. more difficult because I am a POC and female,” people of color.

“POC have to work harder than Sarah Loubeau (9) said.

“A lot of artists are under appreciated someone non-POC. I feel POC artists Along with getting overlooked at times, POC because of their skin color, which in any don’t get the recognition and awards are also used for the need of diversity. Artists industry, is biased. They are nominated but they clearly deserve. Black people such as The Weeknd are asked to perform at don’t win an award everyone thought they faced injustices when Hip Hop was The Grammys, but hardly ever win an award deserved or should have won. I feel like there first introduced because most people or even a nomination. This racial injustice is not definitely should be more POC in the music viewed the genre as thugs and anything new to the POC community. When industry. I don’t think it will really affect my criminals rapping,” Jalen Barrow (12) artists speak out against the truth of racism, it career because if I create quality said. is often met with hate. It is hard for non-POC music, my people will come,” Artists such as Beyonce to understand what hardships POC have to go Armani Sanchez (12) said. and Frank Ocean were “A LOT OF through, especially in the music industry.

“There is a huge gap in nominated at awards shows ARTISTS “Especially with Black Americans. Whenever we representation of POC in for their color representation. speak about racism or criticize white America the music industry. They get Other artists such as ARE UNDER in our music, we’re met with hate because our nominated many times to show Kendrick Lamar have been APPRECIATED.” truth makes a certain section of white America that they are being “included” nominated for major awards uncomfortable. You can find really deep but rarely win (especially but lost, causing public ARMANI SANCHEZ (12) messages in songs about the hardships of being when they should). I am really outrage.

Award show Black, but because they speak on violence and their own experiences, they’re taken as a violent stereotype instead of Black Americans with a message,” Hawthorne said.

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WHICH SZA SONG SHOULD YOU LISTEN TO? Take this quiz to find out!

WORDS Taylor Anderson, Sasha Gerike, Lilah Nelson, Abbey O’Neill and Brenna Polovina DESIGN Jackson Novak

DO YOU LISTEN TO MORE FUN OR DEEP MUSIC? DEEP

FUN WOULD YOU RATHER GO TO A CONCERT OR HANG OUT WITH FRIENDS?

CONCERT

WHERE DO YOU FIND MOST OF THE MUSIC YOU LISTEN TO?

THE RADIO

HANG OUT

SOCIAL MEDIA

DO YOU BELIEVE IN LOVE?

YES

NO

DO YOU WATCH A LOT OF MOVIES? YES

ARE YOU MORE OF AN OPTIMIST OR A PESSIMIST? NO

“All the Stars” (with SZA) by Kendrick Lamar

“Love Galore”(feat.

Travis Scott)

The Black Panther soundtrack contained songs from almost entirely Black artists in order to tell a story of triumph for the film. This song in particular found a lot of commercial success and was played on radio stations.

“All the Stars” explores many themes throughout its lyrics, but is ultimately about reaching for your dreams and finding happiness.

Once again about a dysfunctional relationship, SZA created this song with rapper Travis Scott for her Ctrl album.

The collaboration helped her to show both significant others’ points of view regarding the relationship and was the second song created with the two artists.

“Love Galore” focuses on SZA’s goal that she is going to focus on herself and not return to a past relationship.

OPTIMIST

PESSIMIST

“Hit Different”

“Broken Clocks”

“Good Days”

“Drew Barrymore”

This song featuring The Neptunes, Pharrell Williams and Ty Dolla $ign was SZA’s second single released in 2020. The very laid-back and lowkey sound of this song led to its success among fans of the singer because it didn’t stray too much from her usual style. “Hit Different” is about loving someone else to the point where you can’t see yourself seeing anyone else.

“Broken Clocks” explores SZA’s hectic schedule now that she is finally able to create the art she wants through music.

Now, she feels as though she has to sacrifice relationships in order to be successful and create music that she is proud of. If you can relate to feeling busy all the time and not being able to balance different parts of your life, this song might be for you.

SZA posted a snippet of this song on Instagram before it was released, leading the sound to blow up on Tik Tok before it officially came out.

“Good Days” was released on Christmas Day 2020, and fans fell in love with its optimistic outlook on life.

SZA sings about moving past fears and negativity and looking forward to a brighter future.

This song is about not feeling good enough, specifically in a relationship with a significant other. SZA is known for her extremely honest and deep lyrics. In this song, SZA compares herself to other women due to insecurities she had because of the relationship she was in. “Drew Barrymore” is one of the slower and more emotional songs on the album, but that did not stop it from becoming a fan-favorite.

42. CULTURE

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IS IT WORTH A SHOT?

Students and staff respond to an Instagram story to share their opinions on the COVID-19 vaccine

Mrs. Amie Day, English @amieday

Taylor Kosiek (11)

As an educator and an essential worker who has been teaching in person since August, I cannot wait to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

I’m not really sure if I would get the vaccine. I would be scared of getting side effects and not knowing what it will do in the future scares me.

@taylor_kosiek

Jacob Reed (12)

Peyton Zientara (10)

No, because the only time I’ve ever gotten the flu was after I got the flu shot. Bad luck!

I wouldn’t take the vaccine unless I had to in order to legally leave my house or attend school.

Amaya Ross (10)

Madison Phillips (10)

Yes. Nothing will change until we put forth the effort to stop this.

I would get the vaccine to ensure the safety of myself and those around me. I believe that science is always right when it comes to these types of things.

@peyton_zientara

@jpr0328

@amayaxross

@madisonxphilips

Joseph Cardinale (12)

Noey Biter (12)

@joseph_cardinale218

@noeygrace

I would get it, because it is proven to be safe and I want my freedom.

I will not get the COVID vaccine. I think they did this vaccine too fast and I don’t trust it. There is no way to tell the lasting effects.

Ryan Draus (11)

Austin Boudi (10)

@ryandraus

@bouders914

I would take the COVID vaccine, because it’s proven to prevent it and I feel it is safe. If I took it as well, it will hopefully stop the virus from existing.

STAYCONNECTED

I would get it. Right now, it is our only fighting chance against death itself.

INSTAGRAM @LAKECENTRALNEWS

TWITTER @LCHSNEWS

FACEBOOK @LAKECENTRALNEWS

SNAPCHAT @LCNEWS 43.

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O

S

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO MR. JEREME RAINWATER AND THE LAKE CENTRAL PRINT SHOP FOR TRANSFORMING OUR WORK INTO SOMETHING EVERY STUDENT CAN HOLD

,

DID YOU BUY YOUR YEARBOOK YET?

VISIT WWW.YEARBOOKORDERCENTER.COM TO REMEMBER THIS UNPRECEDENTED TIME.

MAKING A SPLASH Sajjad Jaffer (12) prepares to push off the wall before starting his backstroke. The Duneland Athletic Conference meet took place on Jan. 31 at Lake Central. Photo by: Isabella Brazzale

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