January 2023

Cover by Sam Brusven

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

t’s a new year, which means an all new edition of The Bell. I hope you “wrapped” up to stay warm during winter break (p. 17).

All puns aside, this issue marks a record 28 pages–with topics ranging from music artist Alec Benjamin (p. 26) to the KC Pet Project (p. 5).

One of the U.S.’ most famed New Year’s traditions is creating resolutions, but are they all positive? Find out in this month’s InDepth article “New Year, Same Me” (p. 23).

Even in the winter, you can’t keep Liberty from football. While chemistry teacher Jill Endaya discusses her moonlighting experience as a drummer for the Kansas City Chiefs in this month’s teacher spotlight (p. 14), students predict which teams will go to Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12 (p. 20).

Speaking of sports, the Fashion Merchandising and Marketing class

Editor-in-Chief, Copy & Design Editor |

Kaiya Lynch

Managing, A&E & Online Editor |

Lucy Boyle

News & Sports Editor |

Brodey Hutton

Spotlight Editor & Photo Jay Equipment Manager | Victorya Wilkinson

Opinion & Features Editor |

Jenna Shores

Photo Jay Managing Editor |

Ethan McMenemy

Photo Editor |

Sam Brusven

Reporters

Brodie Jobe

Chloe Franklin

Mary Biesemeyer

Brookelyn Jadwin

Bianka Mancia Castillo

Connor Rizek

Hadley Cotton

Photo Jay

Richard Burns

Lizzy Garr

Madison Remley

Designed by Kaiya Lynch

LEADER’S LEGACY: PRINCIPAL ANNOUNCES HER PLANS TO RETIRE AT THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR.

BY BRODIE JOBE

BY BIANKA MANCIA CASTILLO

REVIEW: NEWS AND SPORTS SECTION EDITOR BRODEY HUTTON’S REVIEW OF THE RECORD-BREAKING FILM.

COTTON

BRODEY HUTTON

BROOKELYN JADWIN

Photo by Ethan McMenemy

Photo by Kaiya Lynch

BY CONNOR RIZEK

SPOTLIGHT 14

TEACHER

JILL ENDAYA

BEING A HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER AND PROFESSIONAL MUSICIAN.

THAT’S A WRAP STUDENTS’ TOP SONGS ON SPOTIFY FOR 2022.

BY JENNA SHORES

BY MARY BIESEMEYER

INDEPTH

22

NEW YEAR, SAME ME

WHILE PEOPLE LOVE THE IDEA OF SETTING NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS, THEY PAN OUT TO BE MORE TOXIC AND DIFFICULT THAN ORIGINALLY IMAGINED.

BY CHLOE FRANKLIN

(MY)COMMENTARY

TRYING TO STOP LISTENING TO ALEC BENJAMIN’S MUSIC IS LIKE “TRYING TO LIGHT A MATCH IN THE RAIN.”

OPINION 29

OPINION COLUMNS

MATURE AUDIENCE & ZEALOUS OR REBELLIOUS

BY KAIYA LYNCH

BY

LUCY

BOYLE & VICTORYA WILKINSON

Photo by Madison Remley

Designed by Kaiya Lynch

FINDING A LOVING HOME A Pet Project and a passion for saving pets.

Reported by Brodie Jobe | Designed by Brodey Hutton | Photos by Sam Brusven

C Pet Project (KCPP) is a non-profit organization responsible for housing thousands of animals yearly with a mission to house as many animals as they can and find them all a loving home.

KCPP has been in the Zona Rosa area now for 10 years. Since then, they have recorded more than 10,000 pet adoptions according to kc pet project.org. The organization itself offers multiple services and a variety of ways to reach out or adopt too.

“Having a shelter like KCPP is so important for the animals in the KC area. This organization is a no-kill, open admissions shelter that can help any animal that comes through the door,” junior Adrienne Wager said.

KCPP is big on their message on the importance of adoption. Unlike KCPP, other animal adoption centers euthanize animals each year.

“Each year, approximately

920,000 animals are euthanized (390,000 dogs and 530,000 cats),” according to aspca.org.

This organization specifically does so much for the community and partners with many local shelters. The KCPP also partners with Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi. Nnadi has covered fees for adoptions every time the Chiefs win a game with his foundation, Nnadi Dogs.

“This partnership is following the incredible promotion that started during the 2019-20 where Nnadi sponsored a dog’s adoption fee after every Chiefs victory, and when they won the Super Bowl, he sponsored the fees of every dog in the shelter, helping more than 100 pets find forever families,” according to kc pet project.org.

Nnadi’s kind work has inspired many people to do the same, which has increased the number of adoptions significantly.

KCPP has a reputation for making the process of adoption easy and effortles. When pairing families with pets, they make a point to consider every circumstance in order to ensure a good fit for both the pet and the owner. “It’s very important to adopt because it gives all the animals who end up in the shelter a second chance at having a great life and family,” junior Adrienne Wager said.

KC Pet Project is very unique as they are the only no-kill adoption center in Kansas City. The shelter itself is around 50 years old, but the special no-kill adoption center was formed in 2012. Being the largest adoption center in the metro area, KCPP is the face of animal adoption and rescue in Kansas City. “KC Pet has 13 different adoption locations around the city, and in December of 2020, they took over animal control services for Kansas City. It also has many unique volunteer opportunities for people interested in helping out homeless animals,” junior Adrienne Wager said.

ROOTED IN LIBERTY

Reported by Bianka Mancia Castilo | Designed by Brodey Hutton

Photos by Ethan McMenemy and Richard Burns

TOn Dec 1, senior Hayden Bracked and LHS alumn Trevor White donated a table made out of ash wood, which came from a tree that previously stood outside Franklin Elementary School before the district existed. Bracken and White both made the table using the wood from an Ash tree which was supplied for them in their woodworking class. The hand-made table was later donated to Liberty Oaks Elementary a few weeks ago. It was decided to keep the table in the district as Bracken had many family members who work at Liberty Oaks.

Both Bracken and White appeared at Liberty Oaks the day the table was donated to talk about the process, struggles and accomplishments. The table was originally made for a project that Bracken and White both enrolled in Woodworking last year. Students are allowed to make whatever project they can plan and there are no limits to a project’s size.

“Hayden did not really have an idea of what he wanted to make, so I proposed to him that he make something out of the large Ash logs that had been donated to us,” woodworking teacher Josh Jacobs said. The preparations and building of the project started in early March of last year

Best Projects

2 Intro to Woodworkings students favorite projects and why.

Saveril Parker-Junior

“My favoritet project is probably when we made cabinets, since i did one as a christmas present for my mom, i got to paint it for her too, she loved it. ”

Christian Barnet-Senior

“My favorite project would definelty have to be the police flag ive made for one of my friends who was going to the policework, i got to use a lot of new tools i didnt use before, it was very exciting,”

Nichola Steinkamp- Senior “My favorite project would have to be the play house we did as an extracuriculer, we framed things and got to add all the special things that come with making a house,”

and lasted a total of three months and a half

“We used about every tool we had in the shop. I planned with the period of time I had and the time left in school,” Bracken said. “The project was good but pretty stressful at times.”

Bracken and White faced many struggles but one of Bracken’s biggest struggles was getting the ash wood and pieces to stay flat. According to Woodworkly, Ash wood is an incredibly strong and durable wood, which makes it very resistant to scratches and dents but makes it tough to become completely flat.

“I was blown away by how professional it looked, and so were all the judges at the competitions we took it to. Some even offered to buy it,” said Jacobs.

After the making of the table Bracken decided to submit the project into a few competitions such as the KC Manufacturing and Design Expo, T. E. A. M regional contest and finally, to State. Bracken and White both won Best in Show at the T.E.A.M regional contest and first place at the KC Manufacturing and Design Expo.

“Watching Hayden and his partner

Trevor win first place at the KC Made competition was definitely the coolest part of the whole project and very inspiring,” said Jacobs. Advanced Woodworking can be taken after students have already taken Intro to Woodworking with most materials provided in class for students to use for their projects.

In March 2022, senior Hayden Bracken and LHS alumnus Trevor White created a table made from the remains of a tree which had long stood outside of Franklin Elementary School. “I thought the table was a great way to utilize the lumber. I requested him to make something big, rather than cut the wood up into a bunch of smaller pieces, and it turned out great,” teacher Josh Jacobs said.

Two students use their creativity and woodworking skills to create an unforgettable memory.

WHAT’S NEW AT LIBERTY HIGH?

Reported and Designed by Kaiya Lynch

TAKES ON DISTRICTS

CLUB PREPARES FOR THEIR UPCOMING DISTRICT COMPETITIONS.

uture Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is set to compete for the second consecutive year at UMKC districts on Feb. 6 in a total of 10 events, one being a duo. Last year, the organization ranked 1st in the distirct for Entrepreneurship (senior Kaiya Lynch and alum AJ Broom) and 3rd for Introduction to Event Planning (sophomore Kate Taylor). They hope to continue their winning streak and make it to State this year. The chapter has prepared case studies in topics such as Publication Design and Graphic Design as well as taken the required tests in categories like Financial Math.

“My favorite part of FBLA is being in a club I know will help me with my future and help me figure out what career path I want to be in,” FBLA vice-president Bailey Hodges said. While new members are unable to compete in FBLA competitions this school year, they can join by emailing natalie.craig@lps53.org and paying the $25 membership fee. The chapter meets once a week on Wednesday mornings in room 912.

VISIT FBLA’S INSTAGRAM PAGE SCAN ME

RECYCLING CLUB

SCIENCE TEACHER PAMELA KOCH PARTNERS WITH KEY CLUB TO PROMOTE THE RECYCLING INITIATIVE.

I

n November 2022, the first official Recycling Team meeting was held in room 205. The project is through Key Club and meets every week during Connect 30. The organization was formed with the goal of eliminating environmental waste by encouraging teachers and students at the school to recycle.

“A former Honor’s Biology student took the recycling project on just because he wanted to make a change and I helped him as a faculty adviser to start the recycling projects here at LHS. Incorporating the project into Key Club seemed to be a great opportunity and I am currently transitioning the ideas and set up that we orginally had with the Key Club members,” teacher Pamela Koch said.

Students wishing to participate can sign-up through FlexTime Manager after they have paid the $25 fee to join Key Club. So far, members have conducted research for new recycling bin lids, organized the amount of teams necessary and designed posters and stickers to promote the initiative.

AND TEACHERS

ACCORDING TO STUDENTS

ZERO WASTE

SENIOR COOPER POITRAS JUNIOR ANNALISE VOGELAAR

“I use reusable bags and turn off lights, but recycling is difficult at school. At lunch, everything is thrown in the trash. There isn’t a way to throw away recyclable items separate from the trash.”

“I don’t recycle because usually you’re always moving on to the next thing and don’t have time to hunt down a recycling bin. They’re inconveniently placed.”

SOPHOMORE LYLAH TAYLOR

FRESHMAN ELIOT MARTIN

“I use reusable bags while grocery shopping, drink out of my personal water bottle, and more. Sometimes there are not any recycling bins near and people take the shorter route, though.

“Recycling and low waste is really important to my mom. She reuses plastic containers, buys clothes second hand, and mends clothes. I’ve adopted her habits as well. I wish teachers encouraged recycling more.

TEACHER PAMELA KOCH

“I try to be very conscious of not wasting materials. We are not in a habit as a whole school to recycle. However, as we make recycling bins more available and promoted, I am sure it will become habitual for our school community.

NOT JUST SEWING

Fashion Merchandising and Marketing Class works to stock the Spirit Store.

he rustling of fabric as new products are hung on their racks. The sound of computer keyboards clacking as new t-shirt designs are designed. This is what a 45-minute period of the day is like for student designers in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing.

The course is an elective which allows students to explore the ins and outs of the fashion industry. It’s primarily student led and has numerous projects throughout the year, ranging from store displays and items for the Spirit Stop–LHS’ school store.

“While in the class, I learned to collaborate, troubleshoot, manage and be a team player. These are all great qualities to have later on in life, not even just in the business management or design profession, but any profession.” junior Ava Hood said, “I think learning these life skills will be very beneficial for my future no matter what career path I choose.”

According to Fashion Merchandising and Marketing teacher Marla Badalucco, the goal of the class is to learn about different aspects within the fashion industry while also setting a platform for students to learn about business operations. Involvement in the class shows students the ins and outs of a business operation. Knowledge about which can help them thrive in different work environments.

“I got involved with fashion during my sophomore year when I designed shirts in my sports marketing class” junior Lexus Williams said. “I had an interest in designing and marketing, leading me to pursuing classes to progress my knowledge in the

design and fashion industry.”

Projects done by the class take weeks to accomplish. All items on sale at the Spirit Store started as an idea. An idea that was molded by the mind of peers before being made into a design. A design which was intended with audience in mind, while advertising on social media platforms to spread their new content and designs. Before being put on Instagram, the team must also think of the profit.

“I feel like the fashion environment is both chaotic and comforting,” Hood said. “Chaotic because there is always something new trending, and it’s so exciting but comforting as well because it’s such a safe space for people to express themselves.”

As a student-led class, connections and collaborations become a vital component; designers are encouraged to share ideas and find their creative outlook. These connections not only create a safe space for the students, but show how relationships impact a business.

“You are encouraged to share your own style and opinion, and it feels like a more personal class,” Hood said. “I would say that the class gets very close throughout the semester because you work together often and put your own twists on projects.”

Fashion is more than just designing. The students in this class must learn and adapt in real time to accommodate their clients’ needs. Their clients run from the student body, teachers and parents. They sell at

various locations such as conferences, football games and within the school. Along with creating design, the class must advertise and promote their work to the public via social media. The class posts and promote their work on Instagram and within the school.

If interested in joining the Fashion Merchandising and Marketing team, select it for a future course next year. Or, if interested in purchasing one of their products, look at their Instagram page at LHS’s Spirit Shop. “Fashion is such a personal thing. I believe it is a creative outlet for a lot of people to express themselves and no one’s style is exactly the same, which is so cool,” Hood said.

Reported by Hadley Cotton | Designed by Jenna Shores & Kaiya Lynch |

Photos by Lizzy Garr

Being in the fashion and apparell design industry

The Average Person Only Wears 20% of Their Clothes

Average age of workers is 40

Average wage is 61,000 and growing

2.12 million in the workforce

100

Billion Items of Clothing Are Produced Each Year.

At LHS’ Spirit Stop, the student designers work on the Courtwarming royalty sashes and merchandise. The class focuses on showing students how employment dynamics can be in the future, giving them an opportunity to make shirts and other clothing items for the school. “I think it’s really cool to see students starting out with a little confidence in themselves and then grow throughout the process and learn the skills and get a sense of pride in themselves when they see someone else wearing what they’ve made,” Fashion Merchandising and Marketing teacher Marla Badalucco said.

SOPHOMORE MATTHEW ESSER

How a student balances band, soccer, and StuCo during the school year.

Reported by Brodey Hutton | Designed by Victorya Wilkinson | Photo by Lizzy Garr

SOCCER-BAND-STUCO-SOCCER-BAND-STUCO-SOCCER-BAND

Sophomore Mathew Esser practices the drums during band class. Esser plays bass drum along with other bands like the wind symphony, steel drum band, and the brass ensemble. Esser is involved in other activities as well including soccer and student council (StuCo) as the Sophomore Class Vice President. He’s been involved in soccer and StuCo for two years and has been in band--playing the bass drum--since 6th grade. “My favorite thing about my extracurricular activities is that I can be involved in fun communities,” Esser said.

because he creates a positive relationship with his peers,” Band Director Brittany True said.

because he creates positive relationships with his peers,” Band Director Brittany True said.

hether it’s the feeling of cleats hitting the grass as players rush up and down the field or the loud voices of an introspective discussion about possible new changes or the thumps of drums being struck as the band gives a state sendoff, this is an average school year for sophomore Matthew Esser.

W

Esser plays for the C-Team soccer team, plays with bandmates as a member of the drumline in band and acts as the Vice President of the sophomore class in Student Council.

“Overlapping activities are my biggest problem so communicating and letting the directors know what I have going on helps me get a good idea of what needs to happen and when it should happen,” Esser said.

Esser started playing soccer six years ago in elementary school, began band in sixth grade and joined Student Council beginning with his freshman year, joining these programs to be involved in something.

“They’ve taught me leadership, communication and how to work well with people,” Esser said. “But also making other students’ experience in high school or in these programs better also makes me want to continue doing them.”

With so many activities going on at once, Esser makes plans to ensure he can participate in each one of his extracurriculars, putting a large emphasis on communication between himself and the directors or coaches of his extracurriculars.

“I have to plan out my days and what I’ll be doing during them,” Esser said. “I mainly manage my afternoons to divide my school work and my activities.”

Esser said he believes one of his biggest accomplishments within band are when he and his bandmates won the Lee’s Summit North Invitational. He also feels proud of lettering in band and the general growth he has experienced as a person.

and is willing to do them whenever he gets a chance,” Director Brittany True said. “Matthew is successful at band because he creates positive relationships with his peers. He makes sure that he is prepared for and rehearsals, but he also brings a positive attitude to every event.”

Outside of school, Esser enjoys hanging out with his friends, going to work and practicing drums, alongside planning or doing things for his extracurriculars.

“I like the community that everyone has with each other and it’s fun being able to plan stuff that will have an impact on students in the school,” Esser said. “It’s also really nice to see those things actually happen and come to life.”

Esser enjoys his time in band because of the community he has found and likes the fact it allows him to get involved in other bands outside of the school’s.

“I want to improve to the point where I can make All-District and be the best I can be but I also want to be good enough to keep doing band but have it not feel like a chore,” Esser said.

Currently in Student Council, Esser has been working on the sophomore class rings, ironing out all of the final details. He also played a big role in planning this year’s Courtwarming dance.

“Planning Courtwarming was really fun because we found ways to improve the dance from previous years,” Esser said. “We got a better DJ and decorations, and by coming up with ideas and working as a team, I think we were able to make a really great experience for everyone.”

Whether it’s putting his all onto the field, vying to make the high school experience better for students or continuing to bang out tunes on the drums, Esser gives full effort in whatever he strives to do.

SOCCER-BAND-STUCO-SOCCER-BAND-

“Matthew is successful in band

“Matthew is successful in band

SPOTLIGHT

SENIOR OLIVIA LINZY

How a student fell in love with her class.

Reported

Jadwin

Senior Olivia Linzy is a very influential student, achieving highly in all of her activities. Her most recent achievement being her leadership of the Liberty Classical Invitational. “I like getting to know people and working in group settings towards a common goal. Speech and debate and my internship foster that because we are all working towards the same thing,” Linzy said.

12 THE BELL | JANUARY 2023

by Brookelyn

| Designed by Victorya Wilkinson |

Photo by Richard Burns

eart racing- adrenaline pumping- knowing that the win was secure. Multiple hours of studying just for one moment, the look of defeat on their face, was worth all the work put into words that will be exchanged back and forth. The feeling of defeat was known all too well from the past but not in this moment

Senior Olivia Linzy experienced all of these feelings as a member and president of the competitive speech and debate team.

Linzy originally started debate purely by accident, not expecting to take it as far as her Senior year. She took the class in her middle school and continued it into freshman year as a varsity debate class. Linzy described her experience as similar to being thrown into the lion’s den.

“I was put into two theater classes and learned I had no acting skills whatsoever. I then got thrown into a speech and debate class and instantly fell in love with it,” Linzy said.

For debate she double state qualified last year and national qualified, walking away 63rd in the nation.

“I’ve always been interested in politics but watched from the sidelines. I think Speech and debate really gave me the confidence to jump in and help with these political candidates that I see on T.V,” Linzy said.

Linzy got into politics when she was given an internship (Clay County Democratic Central Committee), where she was able to be a part of political campaigns and experience opportunities she hadn’t before. Her involvement in the election season was one of her biggest events. She was able to be in political ads and meet some of her idols that are featured in the news.

Senior Kaylen King, Linzy’s closest friend, has gotten to know her in only a year and a half by spending time in and out of class together.

“Liv is extremely determined and hard-working. She is such a resilient person, who I believe can do anything she puts her mind to,” King said. They met in sixth hour variety debate- when King happened to ask for a ride home. As they eventually got to know each other and became the best of friends.

“Liv has been a positive impact on so many facets of my life. She has been there when I needed her, and she amazes so many people, including me, her brilliance,” King said.

Linzy plans on carrying politics and speech and debate throughout college where she will attend KU. She hopes to join the KU Senate and work with local offices. Then plans to attend law school in the future.

“For those wanting to get into speech and debate, I recommend people just jump in. Sometimes it can be very overwhelming or intimidating, but I think that it’s such a good family-like environment that everyone just wants to see each other succeed. You’ll be able to do great things with this massive support system behind you,” Linzy said.

“It’s not always for everyone, but you won’t regret trying it, you might even end up liking it.” Linzy said. her brilliance,” King said.

Linzy plans on carrying politics and speech and debate throughout college where she will attend KU. She hopes to join the KU Senate and work with local offices. Then plans to attend law school in the future.

“For those wanting to get into speech and debate, I recommend people just jump in. Sometimes it can be very overwhelming or intimidating, but I think that it’s such a good family-like environment that everyone just wants to see each other succeed. You’ll be able to do great things with this massive support system behind you,” Linzy said.

“It’s not always for everyone, but you won’t regret trying it, you might even end up liking it.” Linzy said.

ONLY in room 827

“

The amount of positivity that goes around this class is overhwhelming, A lot of people would be surprised how social and fun it is being within the debate class,” sophomore William Peackock said.

2022 state readers theater champions

TEACHER JILL ENDAYA

Being a high school teacher and professional musician.

Reported by Jenna Shores | Designed by Victorya Wilkinson | Photos by Richard Burns and courtesy of Jill Endaya

ver 70,000 fans screaming about the Chiefs football game in Arrowhead Stadium on Janurary 7th against the Las Vegas Raiders. Looking up at the sea of red stretching across the stadium is a crazy experience according to chemistry teacher Jill Endaya. Hearing the twang of the snare drum start the pregame music. Chemistry teacher and snare drum player Jill Endaya plays for the Chief’s drumline each home game after teaching and planning for a full week of school.

This is chemistry teacher Jill Endaya’s twelfth season with the chiefs. She went to college to major in Pharmacy, but upon finishing an internship, she decided against it. However, a student teacher asked her if she was interested in teaching, and she began teaching drumline.

“I was 18, so I had never taught anyone before and I actually really, really enjoyed it,” Endaya said. “I kept teaching drumline throughout my undergrad so I just thought, why don’t I just meld these two things;

Chemistry teacher Jill Endaya moonlights as a member of the Chiefs drumline. Endaya has been playing in the Chiefs drumline for 12 years. “I would say playing for the fans, which is usually around 70,000 people, it’s crazy. Sometimes I forget about it and I’m on the 50-yard line looking at all these people and I’m like wow, what a cool job,” Endaya said.

What’s your favorite thing about

Ms. Endaya?

“Her upbeat energy and personality that she brings everyday,” sophmore Tommy Ngo said.

“She always does her best to make activities fun,” junior Macy Hazell said.

“She makes sure that everyone knows what we’re doing in class before we move on,” Sophmore Addi Asby said.

I love chemistry and I love teaching; I’ll just do it together full-time.”

According to careermids.com, recent estimates suggest more than 7.2 million Americans work two or more jobs. These moonlighters work an average of 46.8 hours per week, compared to the average American employee who works 38.6 hours per week. On a regular week Endaya works an average of 50 hours but when she has to play multiple games and come to school she works an average of 58 hours a week.

“It’s honestly not too crazy,” Endaya said. “We don’t practice for the Chiefs during the school year. We just really show up on game day. What is terrible is when we have a Sunday night game or a Monday night game and then have to go to school, but it’s really just being tired; it’s not bad.”

According to dummagizine.com it takes around three years for the average person to master playing the snare drum and play in a professional band. Some of the characteristics that one might need to play the drums professionally are persistence, patience, passion, adaptability and many more.

“You just need experience, there’s not really any schooling necessary,” Endaya said. “Everyone comes from a different background: some people marched drumcore, some people didn’t. I just played in high school and wanted to continue, so that’s how I did it.”

Endaya has been teaching for six years now and all of those years, she has been teaching chemistry and for two years has been a AVID teacher.

“She’s interesting to talk to,” Ethan Loney, Endayas teacher assistant, said. “She’s also very good at chemistry, so she’s very helpful when I have questions, even in third year chemistry.”

According to ldonline.org, “Teachers have a very significant, lifelong impact on all of their students. This impact involves not only the teaching of particular academic skills, but as importantly, the fostering of student self-esteem. Reinforcing self-esteem in the classroom is associated with increased motivation and learning.”

“She’s very nice,” Loney said. “She talks to me like a person not like a student which is different than most teachers.”

Surverying students who have Ms. Endaya with the question: “What is your favorite thing about her?”

“She’s very personal with her students and is very nice. She just seems like she cares,” sophmore Ryan Houck said.

OPINION.

Designed by Kaiya Lynch

YEAR NEW GOALS NEW

STUDENTS SHARE THEIR HOPES AND GOALS FOR 2023.

“A GOAL FOR for the year is that I want to be on my phone less and be more mindful. I’ve been doing more meditation and reading.”

“SOME OF MY goals for 2023 revolve more so around things I strive to do that will push me. Such as run 1,000 miles (which I am at 855 this year) and also to get a 1:50 half marathon time which would be a big improvement from my first half marathon which was 2.15, also then academically I want to get a 3.7 or higher, I want to by the end of this year have an accumulative GPA of 3.5, etc. So yeah, those are like the two areas that I most like to grow and become more successful in.”

ELLIOT VOLGELAAR SOPHOMORE

“A GOAL FOR 2023 I have is to commit to a college that I actually like. I want this because if I pick one I like and not one that my parents like then I might actually enjoy college.”

GAVIN LINSMAN JUNIOR

his year, presents weren’t the only thing wrapped: Spotify was as well, when the company produced its infamous 2022 Wrapped, developed in 2016.

2022 has been a whirlwind of new albums; there were dozens, including: Midnights by Taylor Swift, Harry’s House by Harry Styles, and many more. The top songs of this year were: Anti-Hero by Taylor Swift, Bad Habit by Steve Lacy and As It Was by Harry Styles.

According to Savethemusic.org, “Music has the ability to deeply affect our mental states and raise our mood. When we need it, music gives us energy and motivation.”

Music has been proven to reduce anxiety, improve sleep and improve mood. Different genres of music have different effects on the brain. Where some genres appear to be more soothing than others.

According to boysetsfire.net, “studies have shown that listening to classical music can help to reduce stress and anxiety and can improve our mood and increase our energy levels.”

Wrapped shows people how their music taste has changed throughout the year, it is mean tot be a fun wrap-up of the year. This year, people experimented with genres, going outside of their comfort zone and listening to genres other than pop. According to billboard.com, “Mid-Year

2022: Hip-Hop’s Still the Top Genre But Latin & World Music Are Making Gains.”

With international artists like Bad Bunny and BTS on the rise. This year alone, up to 27% of people worldwide listened to K-Pop. However, the majority of listeners this year were entranced by Taylor Swift and her new album “Midnights” with more than six million albums sold.

“My top song was ‘Right Where You Left Me,’ by Taylor Swift,” freshman Sarah Barnes said. Taylor Swift fans, or ‘Swifties,’ as they call themselves, had a boom in popularity with more than 81 million fans, according to Spotify. With her newest album, Midnights coming out, Swift gained hundreds of millions of new fans.

“My top 5 songs this year were all Taylor Swift,” Barnes said. Swift wasn’t the only artist who gained popularity, more alternative artists are becoming popular, such as The Strokes.

“My top artist this year was The Strokes,” sophomore Tucker Harvey said.

The Strokes are a popular American rock band best known for their song, “The Adults Are Talking,” Harvey is amongst their ten million monthly listeners.

Since Spotify Wrapped came out last December, many questioned its accuracy. Based on mhsthetrend.com, Wrapped isn’t always correct because they start recording data at the beginning of the year, Jan. 1, and stop around Oct. 31.

Spotify wrapped from this past year is still available on open.spotify.com. You can also follow spotify on their social media @Spotify on Twitter and Instagram.

As 2022 comes to an end, many people take the time to reflect on their year. For a lot of students, an important part can be music. This year Spotify came out with people’s overall top music choices. Many people’s tastes have changed throughout the year upon seeing their results. “On Spotify, I’m always finding new stuff which impacted my overall outcome,” sophomore Tucker Harvey said.

Tucker Harvey, sophmore “My favorite Album is K.I.D.S by Mac Miller,” Harvey said.

Sarah Barnes, freshman “My favorite album is Speak Now by Taylor Swift,” Barnes said

Kendall Cissell, junior “My favorite album is The Cars by The Cars,” Cissell said.

All data was collected by a poll sent out that fourty three students filled out on December eighteenth.

THROWING THOUGHTS ABOUT THE NFL

Students share their opinions and predictions about the rest of the NFL season.

The Super Bowl is coming up on Sun, Feb 12, which means the end of the 2022-2023 NFL season. The Super Bowl is the most anticipated game of the season, which makes it the most profitable game, and brings in aprroximately 485 million dollars for the NFL. With the Super Bowl comes a lot of betting and predictions about it.

“I think that the Bills and 49ers will make it to the Super Bowl, and I think the 49ers will win because of their defense,” sophomore Caden Tholmore said.

The 49ers are ranked the top team in the NFC west, and the number 2 seed in the NFC. They have a winning record and are guaranteed a spot in the playoffs, and have six Pro Bowl players, who are, defensive end Nick Bosa, safety Talanoa Hufanga, fullback Kyle Juszczyk, tight end George Kittle, linebacker Fred Warner, and and offensive tackle Trent Williams. They are fifth in average yards per game with average of 36.5 yards per game and sixth for average points per game with an average of 26.5 points per game. Their defense is second for least amount of yards allowed per game with an average of 300 yards allowed per game, while first for average amount of points not allowed per game for an average of 16.3 points allowed per game.

“I think the Chiefs are going to win the AFC West,” sophomore Aidan Ryan said.

The Chiefs are the number-one team in the AFC, with seven pro bowlers, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, offensive guard Orlando Brown, center Creed Humphry on offense, with defensive tackle Chris Jones, and special teams punter Tommy Townsend. The Chiefs have the highest amount of yards out of the whole league with a total of 7,032, and highest average points per game with an average of with 29.2, and average yards per game with with 413.6 average yards per game. The Chiefs’ defense is number 16 for least amount of average points allowed per game with an average of 21.7, and number 11 for average

yards allowed per game with an average of 328.2.

“I think that the Dallas Cowboys will win the NFC championship,” senior Ethan Lonely said. The Dallas Cowboys are second in the NFC East behind the Eagles, they have seven players who will be going to the Pro Bowl: running back Tony Pollard, and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb on offense, and for defense, linebacker Micah Parsons, defensive back Trevon Diggs and defensive end Demarcus Lawrence. For special teams they only have one player, kick returner KaVontae Turpin. The Cowboys are fourth for average points per game with 27, and twelth for average yards per game with 354.9. Their Defense is number 12 for least amount of yards allowed per game with 330.2.

“I think the Eagles will win the Super Bowl, because they’ve had an easy schedule but its made them realize how to be a real good team,” junior Nahi Anaya said.

The Philadelphia Eagles are first in the NFC East, have the best record in the league, and the most Pro Bowlers on one team. The Pro Bowlers on the Eagles are wide receiver A.J. Brown, offensive guard Landon Dickerson, quarterback Jalen Hurts, offensive tackle Lane Johnson, center Jason Kelce, linebacker Haason Reddick, running back Miles Sanders, and cornerback Darius Slay. The Eagles are third in the league for average yards per game with 389.1, and third for average points per game with 28.1. The Eagles’ defense is second for the least amount of yards allowed per game 301.5, while also being eight for least amount of points allowed per game with 20.2.

The NFL is the most watched sports league in the United States and is starting to expand into other

countries, with games expanding into european countries, and latin american countries. The NFL playoffs are coming up, with the Super Bowl following which is the most watched game in the United States with 99.18 million watching Super Bowl LVII in 2022.

“The Super Bowl brings in approximately 485 million dollars for the NFL”

Reported by Connor Rizek | Designed by Brodey Hutton | Photos by Madison Remley

As February approaches, the stakes are high for football fans. On February 12, 2023, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, The two best NFL teams will battle it out for football’s biggest prize, the Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl 56. As the date approaches many students are predicting which team will take home the trophy. “I think the Bills will win because they have never won, or the Bengals because of last year’s Super Bowl,” sophomore Aidan Ryan said.

DID YOU KNOW THESE FUN FACTS

1

American Football eveolved from soccer and rugby.

2

First football game was play in 1862 between Princeton and Rutgers.

The Pitsburg Steelers have the most SuperBowl wins out of the whole NFL

The Miami Dolphins are the only team to have a perfect record in all of NFL history

3

4

5 President Roosevelt added the forward passes so there would be less injuries

GAMES.

MATCHA CITRUS

You’re an original. You stand out in a crowd with your creative personality and constantly think outside of the box.

ENGLISH

Some would call you sour, but inside your bitter exterior is a sweetheart. You’re reliable and strong, a great friend to all.

TEA WHICH ARE YOU?

You’re sweet, calm and a classic: the perfect combination.

EARL GREY

Earl grey is one of the most popular flavors in the world. Your personality makes you stand out and others gravitate towards you.

Designed by Kaiya Lynch

NEW YEAR, SAME ME

While people love the idea of setting New Year’s resolutions, they pan out to be more toxic and difficult than originally imagined.

Reported

by Chloe Franklin | Designed by Lucy Boyle | Cover by Sam Brusven

eople all over the world are excited at the beginning of the year with the possibility to make changes to better themselves and their lives. By making resolutions, people feel as though it will make their life easier but in reality makes it much more toxic and difficult.

P is and if that kind of change is actually reasonable and realistic right now,”

Making Resolutions

“People start the year motivated but don’t take into account that life happens and they’re not going to be as motivated the whole year,” freshman Eliot Martin said. “I think they set really unrealistic goals for themselves and then beat themselves up or have a lot of shame when they don’t reach those.”

According to the Resilience Lab, setting firm New Year’s resolutions builds to the pressure people already put on themselves, and it ends up weighing them down even more. The pressure can eventually lead to feelings of anxiety, false hope syndrome and severe damage to self-esteem. Setting specific resolutions has proven to be harder to maintain and more damaging for people to upkeep than general and less time-consuming resolutions. According to TheHealthy.com, specific and toxic resolutions such as totally re-inventing themselves and losing weight are impossible to stick with.

Making Harmful Resolutions

“They can really hurt them mentally because whenever they make one little mistake, because they weren’t absolutely perfect, then it’ll hurt their mental state and they just feel bad because it affects the people around them,” junior Ashton Garcia said.

According to a study from Dr. Leaf’s clinical trials, it takes roughly 63 days to change a mental habit, and most people give up by day four. Many find their resolutions need to be changed quickly into their new year journey because they were too ambitious with their goals, and it is not achievable. This leaves said people with a feeling of being a failure, and they see it as a loss rather than a learning experience.

“If people are more realistic and measurable with their New Year’s resolutions, or just setting goals throughout the whole year they can actually achieve, it’d be better and a lot less stressful for everyone involved,” Martin said.

By setting goals throughout the year and putting less pressure on themselves, it can lead to people not feeling overwhelmed.

According to ResilienceLab.com, “Make a practice of approaching yourself with self-love and compassion instead.”

By doing so, people acknowledge they are human and not perfect. Instead of sticking to all resolutions every single day, show compassion and realize that is a very unrealistic view of the new year.

Making Positive Resolutions

“Positive resolutions would be just more general things that are easier to do because it doesn’t require as much effort, and it’s not like you’re trying to change a whole thing about yourself,” Garcia said.

Making small, general goals such as working out more or eating healthier is much better and more attainable to reach than specific goals like working out every day and eating healthy every meal.

According to CNN, “If you decide that making some type of change is a good idea, then Dr. Lazarus suggests evaluating how big the change

Many positive reasons people originally give for setting resolutions such as becoming a better person and growing individually are lost in the midst of pernicious effects caused by said goals.

If people are to set resolutions, there are many tips on how to make it as easy and harmless as possible. According to Self.com, “Reassessing your goal throughout the weeks and months it takes to get there is essential. Once you start making changes, you may find your original goal was a little unrealistic. Instead of sticking with it once you find it’s probably not possible, feel free to tweak the goal as you see fit,”. Giving freedom to change and modify goals is a key step to keeping resolutions if they choose to make them. If people realize that working out every day is an unrealistic goal, then it is okay to change that to just working out more often instead.

According to Finder.com, an estimated 23.1 million Americans don’t believe their goal is in reach. By making the goal within reach, more will follow through on goals.

If those going into the new year decide to make a resolution, remember to make reasonable and measurable goals to avoid fallout. If others decide making one will put them into a detrimental state, then enjoy the freedom of the new year without any goals.

Lifehack.org just has one piece of advice to share going into 2023, “There’s no limit to how many positive changes you can make in life, but you have to start somewhere!”

“

There’s no limit to how many positive changes you can make in life, but you have to start somewhere”, according to LifeHacks.

Rocky Vannatten’s new year’s resolution is to make more money.

Sophomore Ava Wander shares her new year’s resolution to read a book every month.

or

(My)Commentary

Trying to stop listening to Benjamin’s music is like “trying to light a match in the rain.”

Reported by Kaiya Lynch | Designed by Jenna Shores | Photo courtesy of Kaiya Lynch

W hen COVID-19 caused a world-wide shutdown, birthday candles and spring break were replaced with face masks and almost-complete isolation. I spent more time on social media, watching celebrities try to

uplift spirits and friends struggle mentally and physically. Information (real and fake) began to spread rapidly across platforms. I battled to grasp understanding in a world of unknowns. Little did I know I would soon discover Alec Benjamin,

the artist whose music would accompany me throughout high school.

According to the University of Central Florida, listening to music reduces stress, pain and symptoms of depression. Benjamin’s music has accomplished all of this for me. Through the isolation of virtual learning my freshman year, the loss of relationships, my decision to graduate early and much more; Benjamin had a song for it all–even when, “I’m always stuck in my head” (“Mind is a Prison”).

“When the pandemic hit, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to continue to make music,” Benjamin mentioned in an interview for Cleveland Scene. “I didn’t feel like people were having a nuanced conversation about a lot of the stuff that was happening in the world.”

Benjamin’s newest album, (Un)Commentary, addresses both the philosophical and political aspects of the last three years. Of the 14 songs, “Shadow of Mine” and “Hammers” hold the most meaning for me. While the latter focuses on the effect people can have on each other with small actions, “Shadow of Mine” discusses how some parts of you won’t leave, no matter how hard you try to run away from them.

If there’s one point Benjamin’s music has made clear to me, it’s that even when we feel alone, there are others going through similar situations. Music unites people across in ways some would never think possible under our “Paper Crowns.”

Mature Audience

Using TV-MA and R-rated media should be as a modern way of learning.

Reported by Lucy Boyle | Photo by Lizzy Garr

ated R or TV-MA ratings indicates that the media is intended for a mature audience, usually ages eighteen plus. This has become a heated debate on whether or not this media should be watched in classrooms. If we keep the real world away from students, we are limiting them from there fullest potential to learn and grow.

Recently, I watched a documentary on Netflix called The 13th, a movie on the 13th Amendment and the history of racial inequality in the United State’s specifically in the prison system. This was rated TV-MA because it included violence, language and gory images, displaying real world problems.

Sometimes showing certain media to a classroom is fundamental for their learning. It also prepares and exposes them to be more independent, given that many will be graduating, making their own choices like voting. Coddling and sheltering them from the real life is only tampering their learning and growth.

“Teachers say movies can humanize abstract concepts for students in ways that books can’t. Many of the best historical films are R-rated, teachers say, but they strive to provide guidance to help students understand them,” San Francisco Gate said.

This media encourages them to think out side of the classroom rather than just doing a worksheet or reading from a textbook.

“Not only are students growing their knowledge of a topic, their learning it in an interesting way,” said sophomore Ari Johnson.

On the other hand, A PG-13, TV-MA or R-rated movie is rated to imply it’s recommended for a certain age: usually a mature adult. Not all students will be mature enough to fully understand it. When schools show students this media, students can be heavily influenced without the supervision of their parents. Some schools have put bans on books due to the same controversy.

According to Healthy Child, “The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends co-viewing media which gives parents a chance to talk about what you’re hearing and seeing.”

While this media can be seen as a negative influence, it can be a useful tool for students to better understand or sympathize with a topic.

A possible solution to this problem could be sending out forms to parents before watching and getting permission. This way, parents can determine whether or not they feel their child should watch it.

Zealous or Rebellious

Are we the most defiant generation?

Generation Z (Gen Z) is said to be the most defiant generation, but really it’s not our fault.

When 2020 was just beginning it felt as though it was already over. We were locked away with no social interaction. Some were home bound even before COVID-19 due to overprotective parenting. Now Gen Z has become more favored to living out the lives we have been given.

After conducting an interview with two students who were asked their opinions on if this generation was defiant, both had very similar answers stating defiance is not a bad thing. It means to be more creative and open to new ideas. Gen Z lives by a ‘YOLO’ mentality. This mindset could heavily be impacted by having lived through a pandemic keeping everyone inside.

Regardless of this opinion, many people disagree. According to a New York Times opinion article, entitled WIll Gen Z Save the World? writer David Brooks, from Gen X, said, “[Millenials and Gen Z are] seething with moral passion…they can be totally insufferable about it… Wokeness is a religious revival with its own conception of sin (privilege) and its own version of the Salem Witch Trials (online shaming).”

Brooks is more focused on why he doesn’t like the way Gen Z acts instead of asking why or even what could have caused this “moral passion.”

Even before the pandemic, according to forbes.com, crime rates increased over time causing many parents to keep their children inside fearing what may happen if they went outside. This plays heavily into the YOLO mentality, being told you can’t do something only makes you want to do it more.

According to an interview by forbes.com with Dr. Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, also from Gen X, said “the country is facing rising rates of anxiety, depression and fragility among today’s teens and college students, many of whom have been surrounded by protective adults their entire lives.”

Haidt sees that there is more to the story, how many factors come into play with the defiance instead of looking past them.

Could the over protection and pandemic create Gen Z’s defiance? Regardless, it is clear Gen Z isn’t at complete fault for this continued non-compliance, and it is time for other generations to give it a rest. Let us outside so we can be kids while we still can.

Reported by Victorya Wilkinson | Photo by Lizzy Garr