Livewire Vol 10 Issue 3 April 2019

Livewire.

Issue 3 | April 2019 | Volume 10

CONTENTS COMMUNITY: SPORTS: STUDENT LIFE: SCHOOL: THEME:

3 Time for Changes on Main Street 4 Wrestling: Effects on and Off the Mat 5 60 Feet 6 Inches Decides Winning or Losing 6 This Generation’s Addictions 7 Obsessiveness in Online Communities 8 Focusing on Funds 9 Finding Bias In Dress Codes 14 Stories of the Underrepresented 15 Story 1: Montrell Page, Mekaiya Cannon, 17 19 21 23 25 27 28 29 30

Alyssa Pilkerton Story 2: Cayla Ramos, Blake Nalley, Max Ashbaugh Story 3: Chandani Patel Story 4: David Boyer Story 5: Haley Mercer, Calvin Howell Story 6: Brynna Crump, Alex Provost, Dan Barrett Story 7: Justin Littlejohn Story 8: Dispersion of Wealth Story 9: Becoming Openminded Story 10: Our School

Issue Theme: Diversity, or Lack Thereof While there might be a lack of diversity at Bullitt East, the stories of these unique students are worthy of being placed in the spotlight.

Our cover idea was chosen to highlight the diversity that our country was founded on, despite the lack of representation at Bullitt East.

Read more at belivewire.com adviser Larry Steinmetz editor-in-chief Ainsley Gordon executive editor Katie Huffman magazine editor Haley Grether website editor Morgan Renneisen on call manager Lilly Whitley creative editor Morgan Harbolt junior creative editor Molly Shannon

Bernie Sanders Started His Campaign Off With A Bang

sports editor Tyler Mozingo photo editor Ethan Neutz business editor Ella Olds social media editor Alizea Harris copy editor Ella Olds copy editor Hunter Brogan copy editor Madeline Myers copy editor T.C. Etherton calendar coordinator Lindsey Spencer

staff writers

Confederate Flags Wrongfully Displayed Around School

Getting Rowdier in the RedZone

Scan this with Snapchat to check out what else we’re covering.

Will Blanford, Dane Bunel, Jaiden Hammack, Jaydrien Jarrett, Isaiah Jenner, Hunter Mahoney, Ellie Poole, Makayla Stone, Rebecca Watts.

Livewire is a 32 page newsmagazine and accompanying website that is updated daily. All content is generated by student journalists at Bullitt East High School in Mount Washington, Kentucky.

The Livewire operates as an open forum following the guidelines laid out by the Student Press Law Center which our staff presented to the Bullitt County Board of Education.

The staff appreciates your patronage and, as a public forum, encourages any feedback or submissions you care to offer. Letters to the editor must be typed and submitted via e-mail, to Mr. Steinmetz’s mailbox, or directly to room 606 within one week of the publication to which you are responding. Letters will not be censored, but must be deemed appropriate according to staff policies to be published. In order to be eligible to appear in the paper, all letters must be signed and verifiable.

Names may be withheld upon request, but must be submitted with the original letter.

The Livewire is printed by aPrintis Printing Company. Its website is hosted by Student Newspapers Online.

Bullitt East High School 11450 Highway 44 East, Mount Washington, Kentucky, 40047.

(502) 869-6400.

Time for Changes on Main Street

by Jaiden Hammack

A

boutique that once clothed ladies for game days now adds a little bit of grace to the Mt. Wahsington community.

The building that was once Game Day Graphics has been changed into the small boutique called Grace on Main.

Lisa Underwood has owned her boutique for about two years.

She looks for certain criteria when hiring employees. She started her boutique to make a change in her life.

Underwood runs Grace On Main on Main Street. She formerly owned a t-shirt print shop called Game Day Graphics for four years before opening her boutique. “I opened Grace on Main because I wanted a change after being in the t-shirt business for so long,” said Underwood. The boutique has now been open for a little over one year.

“Dependability, and someone who is able to relate to my customers, be open and friendly and isn’t afraid to tell the customer the truth when asking for their opinion,” said Underwood. The boutiques are a family run business, with her only employee being her step-daughter, Peyton House. House would say that the botique is more friendly than others.

The age group Grace On Main attracts the most is 30-65. “I’m trying to target the 18-25 age group with slimmer fits and flare jeans,” said Underwood. Something she would like to change about her boutique in the near future is to expand into teen clothing.

There are several more Grace on Main boutiques owned by a separate person, who has different people running each one.

Underwood decided to run the one on Main Street, to replace her old t-shirt print shop.

Originally, a boutique wasn’t part of Underwood’s plan. “I’ve always wanted to be an archaeologist, but short term, yes. I love meeting people, dressing people and waiting on people,” said Underwood. Owning a business is more than it looks like. “I didn’t realize it was so expensive, the startup money is more than I thought it would be.” Despite the cost, there is good things to owning a business. “I love the clothes, I get to pick out the clothes I like and pick some out for myself,” said Underwood.

“Grace on Main is different from other boutiques because I think I offer a specific price and style range and I carry 85 percent clothing,” said Underwood. Most boutiques sell clothing, jewelry and other luxury goods.

Underwood would like the opportunity to own other boutiques in the next five years. “If I could give my past self advice on opening a boutique it would be, retail isn’t for the faint hearted, be patient,” said Underwood.

Underwood looks for certain criteria when hiring an employee.

Photo: Jaiden Hammack

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Underwood, owner of Grace on Main, smiles in front of her new spring and summer line. Spring and summer are coming up, so she is beginning to stock now. “Our best selling items for the spring and summer are off the shoulder and striped,” said Underwood. Photo: Jaiden Hammack

Wrestling: Effects on and Off the Mat

by Hunter Mahoney

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he mindset, the will to be better than everyone else, the dedication, the heart: this is what it takes to become a wrestler.

When you think of wrestling, you may think of fighting. However, there is so much more that goes into it. You have to push yourself to the limits every day. This may be something other people can’t do day in and day out.

Training for this sport goes far outside of school matters. “In wrestling, we have to make sure you’re eating right. You can’t overeat. You have to train yourself to have the mindset of ‘I can’t eat’ when you’re hungry,” said senior James Nash. Nash got into wrestling because of his friends. When he was a freshman, he had two senior friends that got him interested in this sport.

Being a wrestler can come with some struggles. “You can’t go out and party the night before or just hang out with your friends.

You have to have that mindset to say ‘No’. It’s hard, but it gets you ready for the world,” said Nash.

After talking to a couple of people on the team, they all wish that they could change all the responsibility that goes into it. They wish they could just relax and just have fun, but they have so much responsibility.

Outside of wrestling, Nash is just another teenager wanting to

have fun, but he has his priorities straight. “James is a great teammate. He helps you when needed and holds you accountable. He’s the team leader and gets us pumped before a match or tournament,” said sophomore Matthew Hendricks.

“Outside of wrestling James is a really cool guy. He is so chill and fun to be around,” said Hendricks. Even if you have to have the mindset to not be a regular teenager, you can still have fun and be a great person.

In wrestling there is a lot of common injuries, like concussions.

Wrestlers with a concussion should not wrestle any more that day. They can return to wrestling only after they are symptom-free and have seen a doctor. Wrestlers also get injuries like nose bleeds and scrapes. The most common wrestling injuries include knee injuries, shoulder and elbow sprains, head injuries and skin infections.

There is a healthy weight loss when it comes to wrestling. However, there is also unhealthy weight loss. Excessive or improper weight loss can result in various health problems including delayed physical growth, eating disorders, depression, increased risk of infectious disease and heat illness.

Healthy diets are key in this sport. It is important during any period of weight loss. Athletes should eat a variety of foods from all food groups.

Nash has wrestled for East all throughout his high school career. He enjoys wrestling and winning is always the best part for him. “There isn’t a better feeling in a match than when you know you’ve got it in the bag and you are dominating,” said Nash. Photo: Abigail Carlisle

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The baseball team’s 2019 senior class. They are starting their season with a new locker room and system for tournaments. “I hope this season we are able to win the region and have fun playing together,” said senior Zach Hill.. Photo submitted by: Garrett Simpson.

60 Feet 6 Inches Decides Winning or Losing

by Tyler Mozingo

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2.4 divided by 9 is a lot less than 82.4 itself when the seniors work together to accomplish the dream.

where special, but it will take an entire group effort to make that happen,” said Head Coach Jeff Bowles.

82.4 is the mileage from Bullitt East to the State Tournament, and that dream seems a lot closer with a nine person senior class.

The season can shape up into something special for the Chargers if they click as a team. “I’d be selling our guys short if I didn’t believe we could win a state championship, so that is the goal every year. With this team and their chemistry together, they can accomplish anything,” said Bowles.

The spring is going to be a busy schedule for the baseball team as they begin their 2019 campaign at a run for the state title. The team lost very few seniors, so experience is going to be a key contributor, leading to the goal of being the number one team in the state at the end of the season.

A change to the postseason format was made over the course of the offseason for both sports. In years past, if a school wins their region, they move on to the state tournament and compete against the other 15 region winners. For the seasons now and beyond, however, if a school wins their region, they move on to a semi-state. The team will compete against three other regions and have to win their semi-state ‘pod’ in order to move on to the state tournament to compete against the other three semi-state winners. Bullitt East is a part of the sixth region.

The team made a coaching change over the offseason as well.

Larry Williams, former head varsity coach at Seneca and varsity assistant at Spencer County, has taken over as the head freshman and junior varisty coach and an assistant to varsity.

The baseball team lost three seniors from last season’s team that came up short to PRP in the region final. Experience is going to be key for the Chargers this season as the entire junior and senior class have experienced the postseason and know what it takes to get over the hump and get back to Lexington.

“PRP gives us the same hurdle every year in making it to state.

They make the entire region better and teams have to work harder to get over that hurdle. Our senior class can lead us some-

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The Chargers will play a pretty tough schedule this season. They have games against nationally ranked Saint Xavier, state tournament participants South Oldham and Larue County and other successful schools. District games against Jeffersontown, Whitefield and Fern Creek are always must win games for postseason purposes. The sixth region is very strong again this year, so the Chargers are going to have their work cut out for them to make it to state. “We love playing in big games so this schedule is something to look forward to. Those kind of big games make us better in the moment and they also prepare us for the postseason,” said senior Garret Simpson.

The underclassmen are going to play as big a role as the seniors to help carry the load to get back to the state tournament. “We need help from all our guys, not just the seniors. We would need a 15 plus deep senior class to not need anyone else, and we don’t have that luxury. We will find the guys that can help us win ballgames and send this senior class out the right way,” said Bowles.

Success is earned, not given, and the offseason the team had shows they are working to earn that success. There are always bumps in the road for good teams, and how those teams respond makes them great or average. The Chargers have the ability to be a great team, just putting the plan in place is the only thing left to do to send the senior class out victorious.

This Generation’s Addictions

by T.C. Etherton

W

hether you’re posting or juuling, you’re probably dragging yourself or someone else down.

Teen addiction is a real problem and it isn’t stopping.

Juuling was popularized in 2018 with the release of the Juul, a type of e-cigarette. Juuls took the nation by storm with a vast variety of flavors and easy accessibility. After the trend had came and went and after a battle with the Food and Drug Administration some people can’t leave the trend behind.

Juuls contain e-liquid that is made up of nicotine, glycerol propylene glycol, benzoic acid and certain flavorings. These components give Juuls their trademark flavor, but they also lead to addiction. Nicotine, an addictive stimulant also found in cigarettes, has been found to be as addictive as heroin, cocaine and alcohol. So as teens use their juuls more, they’re feeding nicotine into their brain and fueling the addiction.

A FDA ban on Juuls took many retailers and users by surprise. As Juuls became harder to find, the real hold they had on people became evident. People who said they could quit whenever they felt like it and just didn’t want to, are now feeling the repercussions as their brains begin missing the nicotine.

When it comes to addiction, it doesn’t stop at juuls for teens, or

drugs for that matter. Phones are a major problem when it comes to teens, and most can’t go minutes without checking for texts or scrolling through a feed.

After checking in the IPhone’s “Screen Time” app on 20 anonymous students, it was revealed that all 20 students spent at least two and a half hours a day on their phone, while four students spent at least six hours on their devices.

Whether it’s watching videos on YouTube, scrolling through Instagram or getting on Twitter or Snapchat, it’s clear that teens are in love with their devices. “I always have it with me, I feel weird when I don’t have it,” said one student.

Phones aren’t the only kinds of technology teens are addicted to, many have a problem when it comes to video games. Whether it’s on PC, Playstation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch or some other kind of gaming console there are plenty of students who play games religiously. “I have a friend that basically all he does is play Fortnite or Apex [Legends], he never answers my texts or anything.”

It’s hard to argue against the fact that there is a problem of addiction in students. But things can still get better. Teens can find a way to get off of their devices and go find another way to enjoy their day. Find other way to engage with friends instead of trying to get high or do something that you might regret.

A Bullitt East student’s IPhone and Juul sit on a desk. Many teens find these two items to be essential in life, as they can’t leave their houses without them. “It’s hard to watch my friends deal with addiction, I really feel for them,”said junior Adam Moore. Photo: T.C. Etherton

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by Ellie Poole

Sophomore Kameron Mullins holding up his phone camera while vlogging. Mullins has been vlogging for three months.

“Vlogging is a way for me to expresss myself and make memories while doing so,” said Mullins. Photo: Ellie Poole

Obsessivness in Online Communities

by Ellie Poole

W

ho knew a video taking a video of yourself could turn you into a millionaire.

People everywhere have been trying out the new wave, YouTube, and some have been successful.

Being a Youtuber can open up several new opportunities. Believe it or not, some of your favorite singers, actors or social media stars started off on YouTube. For example, pop singer Justin Bieber’s career began off YouTube. Just by uploading a few videos, he was noticed and now he is one of the most famous artists today.

YouTube is a video sharing platform where creators can watch, like, share, comment and upload their own videos. Over the years, some video creators have exploded in the YouTube community, turning themselves into multi-millionaires just by putting their lives on the internet. YouTube is a way to express yourself and your interests while being yourself, although it may endanger your safety if you don’t make wise posting choices.

There are many different styles of videos you can watch on YouTube. There are vlogs, lifestyle, beauty, music and many more.

Sophomore Makayla McMichael personally loves watching vlogs, which is a video that gives you a glimpse into someone’s everyday life. “I just like to see what other people do, you kinda get to see into famous peoples lives,” said McMichael.

Sophomore Kameron Mullins has been making YouTube videos for about two months. Mullins said, “I like to make people laugh and make videos for memories. I’ve always taken a lot of pictures and videos so why not make a story out of it.”

However, there are some dangers that come with money and fame. Since you’re putting your whole life on the internet, there is the risk that people could find out who you are, where you live and your personal life. Since people can become so obsessed with your life, Mullins says to just be careful and don’t put too much out there.

YouTube is also a way to get out of your comfort zone. “When I pick up the camera I don't have a filter and I’ll do crazy stuff to make people laugh,” said Mullins. YouTube can also be a way to form new relationships. For instance, people may form relationships by collabing with other YouTubers to make a video together. “It [YouTube] can help you be yourself and you can make lifelong friends too,” said Mullins.

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Many people find themselves being too nervous to start making videos. Mullins’ advice to them is to listen to their heart and do what they want. “It took me years to overcome the fear of what people think. It makes it worth it when people come up to me and tell me that my videos made them laugh,” said Mullins.

Focusing on Funds

by Lilly Whitley

I

f you want to join, it’s going to cost y0u.

Bullitt East has a variety of clubs and sports that are funded and represented differently by its members.

These extracurriculars receive money from various fundraisers.

Money is a crucial component of keeping the sports and clubs functioning for students. While some struggle more than others, there is typically always a way to receive funding.

Sports and clubs at school earn their own funds independently. The board does not provide any funding outside of coaches salaries. This means they have to develop their own fundraisers.

When raising money, there are guidelines these extracurriculars must follow. “All money must be receipted and accounted for, coaches must get all fundraisers approved by Mr. Mason and must keep detailed records of all items sold,” said Athletic Director Troy Barr.

There are several ways sports can fundraise. As long as it’s approved, they can fundraise any way they want. “Bingo is the number one way they fundraise; selling cookie dough, donuts, mulch and advertising are just a few of the other avenues sports use to raise money,” said Barr.

One great way the football team fundraises is by selling football cards. The cards are sold for ten dollars each. They contain coupons or free deals to several local restaurants and food chains.

“The football cards usually sell well because of the benefits you get from them. On average, I sell $200 worth of them every year,” said senior Matt Brown.

Most sports take advantage of the opportunity that they have to

fundraise with bingo. “Our athletic boosters provide opportunities for parents to work bingo to raise funds for the sports their child plays in. The boosters also help fund capital projects for sports teams that need help with funding,” said Troy Barr. Clubs can also work bingo to receive money because they have the gaming license.

Fundraising for sports can sometimes be easier than fundraising for clubs. This is because of the revenue sports receive money from ticket sales at games. They get to keep all of it, which plays a big role in funding their sport.

Despite lacking revenue from games, clubs still have many great ways to fundraise. “Most clubs will do a food sale, t-shirt sale or ask for donations. I have a long list of options. Parents can sign up for the kroger community rewards program that is basically free money,” said Bookkeeper Theresa Williams.

Brown is involved in National Honors Society club as well as choir.

“In choir, we sell cookie dough each year. In NHS, we sell shirts every year. Fundraising is always based on a personal effort. I have always found that if you take the time to constantly try to raise the necessary funds, that it comes very easy,” said Brown.

Typically, the size of many clubs is significantly less than the size of most sports. This can make it more difficult for clubs to accumulate money. If clubs or sports are struggling, they can receive some help. “The athletic department can help at times with non-revenue sports,” said Barr.

There is an unlimited amount of ways students can fundraise for their club and sport. Better fundraising means better opportunities for the club or sport.

Photo: Lilly Whitley

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Finding Bias in Dress Codes

by Alizea Harris

W

ithin the dress code, males are still given the upper hand.

The strictness of the dress code has subsided for boys, but girls are still facing rigorous guidelines.

Dress codes over time have changed, and over the years have become more and more relaxed. Some students think that dress codes are biased towards girls, while others think that the school does a good job at implementing a relaxed dress code. While the dress code can seem different, it does its purpose of keeping students properly dressed during school hours.

In the past, the dress code has consisted of students wearing khakis and polos. In comparison, the current dress code is much more relaxed. Now instead of khakis and polos, students are permitted to wear sweatpants, jeans, hoodies and t-shirts. The dress code at school is ever-changing, the last time that changes were made was before the 2016-2017 school year which allowed students to wear flip-flops, leggings, shorts, ripped jeans and sweatpants.

Looking back at the history of dress codes, there has been a notable debate on whether the dress codes are biased towards girls. According to a poll conducted on the Livewire Twitter in January 2019, an average of 67 percent of students believe that dress codes are biased against girls. Sophomores Madison Reading and Mallory Roby are two of the students who voted on the poll and they both voted yes. By voting yes, they agreed with the thought that dress codes are biased towards girls.

“Girls are definitely targeted more than guys. I’ve seen guys wear the cut out shirts on the side, to show their ‘muscles’, and none of the teachers say anything, but when I see a girl wear a crop top with a little bit of their stomach showing or wearing an off the shoulder top they’re immediately pulled to the side and made out to be a sexual villain who wants to distract a boy from their education or male teachers,” said Roby.

Some students feel that there are changes that could be made to the dress code to make it more equal. A big part of the dress code is the way that it is enforced. While both girls and boys have things that they can’t wear, girls tend to be more targeted when being called out on dress codes then boys.

Infographic: Alizea Harris

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“Maybe we should have equal amounts of restrictions and enforce it with everyone,” said Reading.

Although, there are also students who think that our dress code isn’t biassed towards anyone. Sophomore Chris Martin believes that dress codes aren’t biased and that the school does a good job with the dress code. “Well, I think that our dress code at Bullitt East does a good job of allowing students to express themselves in a manner appropriate for school, and prevents distraction,” said Martin.

Another thing that could be changed with the dress code is the number of things girls and boys are being told they can’t wear. While typically boys can’t wear hats and have to keep their hoods down, girls can’t wear shorts that are too short, off the shoulder shirts, spaghetti strap shirts, crop tops, etc.

The purpose of many dress codes is to promote a successful working environment.

Roby believes that if the purpose is to create a successful working environment, then there are some things that need to be worked on. “I definitely think we need to get rid of the no shoulder rule. Shoulders are not promiscuous and if a boy gets distracted by shoulders he should be the one pulled to the side, not the girl. Girls are just trying to be comfortable most of the time and the teen years in a girl’s life is so vital and when an authority figure says her body is only appropriate for male view she is told that she is only valuable when men tell her she is. We aren’t creating strong women when we set limits and boundaries around the girl,” said Roby.

While there are a couple of minor changes that could be made, Martin believes that the dress code shouldn’t be changed.

“A lot of people don’t recognize the fact that they are going to school. You come to Bullitt East for an education, and you should dress appropriately,” said Martin.

Roby thinks the dress code at East isn’t specifically trying to be biased against girls. “I don’t think they sat down with the intention that they were oppressing girls when the first dress code was written for BE. I think it’s just been the way society has shaped our thought process. I don’t think girls have more clothing options because it’s becoming more and more acceptable for guys to wear more feminine clothes and girls to wear more masculine clothing, which is a good thing. The teen years are for exploration and finding yourself, that goes for both boys and girls,” said Roby.

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Advertise with us.

The target of our campaign is to highlight the local businesses that our students, parents and faculty use around town. As a part of our community’s first approach to reporting, we want to be able to include the community as a whole within our publications. Advertising with us will expose your business to 1,500 students, and potentially an additional 3,000 parents. As a self-funded publication, we would appreciate your business with us.

Contact our business editor for more information: ella.olds@stu.bullitt.kyschools.us

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IN THE MINORITY

by Ainsley Gordon

One percent. Imagine living in that small of a minority. Imagine walking in the halls and seeing no one that looks like you. Imagine always feeling the slightest bit different from your peers. Imagine feeling ostracized based on the color of your skin, your religion or your background. Take a moment and put your feet in the shoes of these students. You might just learn something new about the school you come to everyday.

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STORIES OF THE UNDERREPRESENTED During the past decade, the population of Mt. Washington has been seen as the more the merrier.

With the evolution of this town, it seems as though areas of Louisville are spilling over into the county borders, causing an influx in the population.

Over the years, Mt. Washington has grown immensely. With this growth comes new groups and cultures coming into the once small, rural town. This includes new faces and new backgrounds at Bullitt East.

According to the US Census Bureau, Bullitt County had a population of 80,246 in 2017 which is an 8 percent change from 2010 when the population was 74,319. Also, according to World Population Review, it is currently the tenth largest county in Kentucky.

Mt. Washington specifically had a population of 14,554 in 2017. Compared to the population in 2010 which was 13,513, there has been a 7.2 percent change according to the US Census Bureau.

It is the 30 largest city in Kentucky according to the Bureau.

When looking at the demographics of the United States, the statistics are far from similar. According to the Census Bureau, in 2018 95.1 percent of the population were Caucasian, 1.1 percent of the population was African American, Hispanic and Latino totaled to 1.3 percent and Asian took .4 percent of the population. America’s population as a whole comes to 327,167,434 in 2018 according to the US Census Bureau. Of that total, only 60.7 percent were Caucasian only (not Hispanic or Latino), African Americans totaled to 13.4 percent, Hispanic and Latino took 18.1 percent of the total and those of Asian origin composed 5.8 percent.

As you can see, the percent of minorities are severely low in our small town. Due to this, problems that these people deal with are not heard of too often. There is also the possibility that because there is a limited amount of people in similar situations to them, they might feel less inclined to speak out about their adversity. However, this does not belittle the issues that they go through in their everyday lives.

This magazine’s theme is dedicated to these small groups at our school and the problems that they deal with daily. It is important to celebrate the differences that each student holds from one another and to create a more welcoming environment in the school system. The following 11 articles highlight the diversity that fills our halls, even though there is not an abundance.

When reading these stories, keep in mind that these pages are filled with people’s stories. These students go to Bullitt East. They walk the same halls as you. They are in your classes, on your sports teams or even one of your friends. These people were brave enough to sit down with us and tell their stories.

So, keep an open mind when looking over these articles and you might learn about someone you didn’t know went to your school or something that you would never think existed in East.

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Story 1: Montrell Page, Mekaiya Cannon, Alyssa Pilkerton Their experiences being some of the 1 percent of African-Americans at Bullitt East.

by Ella Olds

“I

magine this: you are at school in the lunchroom and you are the only white person in the entire room. How would you feel? You would have nothing in common with anybody else, and that’s how I feel every day,” said junior Montrell Page.

Diversity is defined as the state of being diverse: variety. Many black people in and around our community face problems daily, such as discrimination, having to deal with the use of racial slurs and being subjected to a lack of diversity.

Attending a school that is predominantly white makes it hard for black students to get a real sense of diversity. Their school days are primarily the same as far as classes go, but their experiences are different. Junior MeKaiya Cannon knows that her peers feel more welcome than she does coming into school everyday because they won’t have to endure the same amount of discrimination and disrespect that she does. “My peers feel welcomed when they come to school, or at least more welcomed than I do.

There’s little respect for black students here and I feel that way because of the number of Confederate flags I see on the daily and the number of times I hear the N-word,” said Cannon.

Junior Alyssa Pilkerton has had her own experience being mixed at Bullitt East. “Colorism is a more suitable term for my experience. I have not been subjected to racism at school, I often get a ‘pass’ from students because of my color. There is no doubt in my mind that people of a darker skin tone aren’t granted this privilege. Sure, I am made fun of and I get asked ‘What are you?’ but moments like those do not compare to the racism I’ve faced nor the hatred and racism my darker peers have,” said Pilkerton.

Everyone should feel included in their own school. It is when black students hear the offensive language that they start to have a feeling of being unwanted. Page said, “There have been times where I have heard things that I do not want to hear like people calling me monkey, gorilla, ni**er, or they’ll make stupid comments, not towards me, but saying racist jokes that they think are funny when they’re not. Sometimes they don’t even realize they are doing it, that’s how bad it is,” said Page. Page wears his headphones on a daily basis because he feels like this is a way to ignore student’s remarks. Hailey Stivers, a classmate of Page, said, “He is the only student in our English class who is allowed to wear his headphones while doing work.”

When thinking of issues around our school, students may automatically think it is the administration who should be solving said issues. Although this is the case in most situations, Cannon thinks that more should be done in relation to racial issues. “I think the administration could handle these issues by not turning a blind

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eye when a student reports racism and actually taking these situations seriously. The person who is being racist should face consequences, not a warning and then sent back to class,” said Cannon.

In relation to racial slurs, Pilkerton also believes they are an issue within schools. “I do believe racial slurs are a problem within the education system. However, I also believe that administration doesn’t take action, or takes action for the wrong reasons when confronted with racial issues, which makes people of color question their authority,” said Pilkerton.

Sophomore Angelina Embry has had issues in the school system beginning as early as elementary school. “It was in elementary school when I was told by one of my peers I couldn’t do something because I was black,” said Embry.

In agreement with Embry, Pilkerton said, “Racism starts as early as elementary school which is so toxic and really an issue that should be addressed.” Although, Embry does not think the administration can do much about the issue. “I don’t think there is much the school can do, I think it’s more of a personality and people thing,” said, Embry.

Page agrees with the fact that the administration can’t do anything. “They are not going to do anything about this kind of stuff because they want the school to look good. They don’t want to end up on the news so they can look clean and they don’t want the attention on Bullitt East,” said Page.

Principal Chris Mason states there is a strict policy for harassment, which includes dealing with the N-word. “If it’s directed at someone personally than it’s harassment and our school has a very strict policy, a board policy about harassment. That can range anywhere to an administrative conference up to days of being suspended from school, in school suspension, anything like that depending on how the word was directed or said,” said Mason. Mason mentioned how this predominately happens on social media instead of within school.

More times than not, the racial slur is passed around on social media. The same consequences are given to anyone who directs the comment towards someone or a situation on social media.

“We’re going to put a stop to it the best that we can. It doesn’t get reported unless it is directly said to someone else. When it is directly said to someone, that is when it becomes very very serious. It’s not like we have a tremendous problem with that [racial slurs], but if they don’t give me the name, how can I address it?

Regardless, we’re going to put a stop to it the best that we can,” said Mason.

Page knows the harassment policy, but he feels like the policy has its flaws. “I got called into an assistant principals office one day because of the issue of racial slurs. I get they are trying to help but I feel like all they can do is sympathize,” said Page. Page feels this way because the staff is 99 percent caucasian and because of this they will never understand what it’s like to be discriminated against because of their skin color.

black to me means being self-aware, whether that is of my worth or something else,” said Pilkerton. Cannon said, “To me being black is more than just a race, its a group of people unified by culture and experiences.” Embry knows being black can be good or bad depending who is looking at the fact. “Being black to me means so many good things, beautiful, strong, etc. but it also brings negatives when stereotypes come into play,” said Embry.

When discussing the issue of racial slurs with black students around the school, the N-word is the most common. When used by most students they assume it is no big deal, but in reality it is a racial slur that degrades an entire race. “The N-word is derived from white people branding African Americans with the demeaning term. However, black people have modified the word to a different meaning and that is their right to say that or whatever they want. Therefore, white people or anyone not of black decent should not merely utter the word,” said Pilkerton.

When talking about racism as a whole, it is not only affecting black people. It is affecting people of all colors. Without a diverse environment at school, some may not realize the hurt they are causing. “I feel like some people cannot help it [being racist] because it is so much of their parents. They are the ones who are racist and when they [students] grow up hearing things like that [racial slurs] and come to school they don’t realize what they are saying and how it affects others,” said Page.

Cannon agrees saying, “I don’t think the N-word should be used by anybody except black people, I 100 percent believe that certain words belong to certain groups.”

Page and Embry both also agree that the word is used is a demeaning way and shouldn’t be used by anyone other than the black community. “I don’t think white people should say it. Should black people say it? Probably not, but when we use it we do it in greeting. When whites use it, it’s as if they’re downgrading us because that’s how the word was used in the past with slavery,” said Page.

Embry said, “I think people don’t use it in the manner it was originally created for as much anymore. Do I still think that makes it right to use it? No, but I don’t believe we can make people say it any less. I think the term can be very derogatory in many ways.”

Most wonder what to say when referring to the race as a whole.

The decision would be between black and African American, but in reality it is up to the person you are talking to.

“I don’t care,” said Page. Embry said, “Either, I’m very proud to be black/African American.”

Drawing: Haley Grether

Some, like Cannon, prefer black over African American. “I would rather be called black than African American, not all black people are from Africa,” said Cannon.

Pilkerton said, “Degrading someone because of race and simply disrespecting someone are two totally different issues.

However, the second one is always handled at extremes while the first one typically ‘can’t be proved.’

People should be more open-minded, we aren’t in the 19th century, racism isn’t going away and the only way to make us [people of color] feel better is to address the issue.”

Blacks being subjected to a lack of diversity can leave them feeling hopeless.

“There are moments where I feel uncomfortable in my surroundings and it is hard to discuss with others since Mount Washington is predominantly a white place, no one understands the difficulty people of color face being constantly looked down upon because of something you can’t control and something that isn’t even a bad thing. Ninety percent of students here will never have to wonder why you aren’t accepted,” said Pilkerton.

Pilkerton also believes that racial issues will always be prominent but there could be a simple solution. “There will always be racial issues within society, you can’t just suddenly abolish it but I think the beginning of trying to solve the issue is to teach and have others become aware of how to be open-minded,” said Pilkerton. With this simple solution, everybody, no matter their color, can feel welcome.

Along with deciding how to refer to the race, the label “black” means something different to everyone. “I think being mixed/

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Story 2: Cayla Ramos, Blake Nalley, Max Ashbaugh Experiences of identifying as transgender in secondary school.

by Madeline Myers

L

ove has made considerable progress, but the world is still being dominated by hate.

With the advocation of equality for those in the LGBTQ community, contemporary society has become more accepting towards its members, yet some form of hate is still commonly directed towards them in even predominantly accepting environments; this is enough for the evil to prevail over the good for some.

The students and administration at Bullitt East have made for an accepting environment for the trans community. With the exception of a few encounters of judgment and discrimination experienced by some, East has allowed them the support and comfortability needed for them to endure the transitioning process. On the contrary, students and administrations at other schools in the local area, along with the initial disapproval by some transgenders’ relatives and friends, have contributed to the difficulties faced by many who are a part of the trans community.

The prevalence of unsupportive people towards the trans community, which is often stemmed from their being uneducated on the topic, has additionally inflicted a feeling of unsafety on many transgenders in public.

Senior Cayla Ramos’s story was briefly covered her freshman year, in which the transgender spread it was included in helped educate the Bullitt East community about the internal struggle transgenders are often confronted with in their everyday lives and the misconceptions surrounding their identities. This helped mitigate some of the judgement being directed towards her at a time when she was still adapting to publicly identifying as a trans person. Ramos, now having been openly transgender for nearly five years, has become much more accustomed to the stipulations of being transgender since last being mentioned in the Livewire. She was fortunate enough to have support from her friends and family after she had come out, which was soon after she had realized the underlying reason behind her feminine behaviors.

They have maintained this support throughout her transitioning, enabling her to feel more confident and pursue many of the physical changes involved in the process; such as her beginning Hormone Replacement Therapy about five months ago. There was a time in which being able to change in the girls restroom was at risk of being taken from her. Although, that issue was resolved in her favor; she hasn’t been denied of using the girls restroom since. When she was a freshman in gym class, she was also prohibited from changing in the girls locker room in consideration to students who would feel uncomfortable to a non-fully-transitioned female being in their presence. The teachers at Bullitt East have treated her very respectfully and in accordance with her identity. “The only situation like that [when her rights at school were jeopardized] was when they were gonna take away the bathrooms from me. I thought that was a little degrading but everything ended up working out. It was just a conversation I had to have with the principal basically saying ‘It’s the school’s discretion to let trans people use the right bathroom,’” said Ramos.

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Although Ramos is aware that she is surrounded by some students at school who judge her for embracing what they view as a false identity, their harsh treatment towards her does not affect her nearly as much as it did in the earlier years of her trans experience. The reason being is that people mindlessly form their own opinions based on the limited information they’ve been given and their strong susceptibility to being influenced by those around them, rather than making an informed opinion. She has become less fixated on the offensive comments and judgment that some people have inflicted upon her over the years. Yet judgments like these are incomparable to the support displayed by many students at Bullitt East, especially those she has befriended who are also part of the LGBTQ community. This change in attitude has also allowed her to help educate people who are truly curious about all the impediments faced by transgenders, as opposed to becoming upset at the sound of such questions like in the past.

Having a large amount of subscribers on YouTube that includes both people experiencing similar situations and those merely curious about her physical and mental journey has been a prime basis for her to address the topic with a more optimistic mindset.

“Everybody has their own opinion and I don’t care what they think. They don’t pay my bills so they don’t concern me. If I’m discriminated against I’ll do something about it. If someone just has a smart comment, I brush it off and go on with my day,” said Ramos.

Another senior transgender, Blake Nalley, has identified as male since eighth grade, in which he contemplated the possibilities of coming out for five months before doing so. Coming to Bullitt East from Mount Washington Middle School, what he describes to be a largely unaccepting place, was an immense relief to his mental health, comfortability and the transitioning process. With such a welcoming principal, he was able to secure much of the support he was deprived of at other local areas. The teachers have not posed any sort of problem about him being trans, and some have even asked him what his pronouns are to ensure that he receives the respect that should be guaranteed by everyone.

Although he now has access to some of the resources that make him feel more confident, body, gender and social dysphoria prevails over much of the positive self-esteem he has. But, being surrounded by accepting students at Bullitt East who call him by his male pronouns has combated this problem by eliminating many of these negative thoughts from his mind. “Being around people who see you as you are really helps with some of those negative thoughts because every time I’m referred to with male pronouns, it hypes me up and silences my dysphoria for a little bit,” said Nalley. However, Nalley has dealt with some discrimination by students at Bullitt East. In one instance, he was confronted by a guy in the male restroom who was opposed to Nalley being able to use his preferred bathroom. Nalley offered to go with him to discuss his concerns with the administration, but a consultation with a counselor along the way allowed the student to understand that Nalley’s rights had already been guaranteed at school, including his use of the male bathroom. The student was

therefore forced to accept the circumstances while in disapproval. Overall though, students have proved to be very accepting of his identity and the rights associated with it.

Sophomore Max Ashbaugh, who has identified as trans since sixth grade, moved to Bullitt East this year from the particularly discriminatory and unsupportive Spencer County High School.

Before coming out, him and his family ensured that the school would be protective of his rights and a safe environment, and his experience here thus far has confirmed the promising prospects of Bullitt East. Unlike at his old school, who claimed that his motive for using the male restroom would be to engage in sexual activity with other males, he is now permitted to use the restroom in correspondence with his gender identity. In fact, the school has even attempted to reassure him of his safety by limiting him to only the male restroom in the lobby or in second hall due to there being more teachers, making it safer. The shift to a place sympathetic to his circumstances has restored the self-esteem and certainty in his identity that was stripped of him by the students and administration of Spencer County High School, thus allowing him to embrace his identification and transitioning. “Here I can be who I want to be. I can transition.

It’s [Bullitt East] basically helped me be who I want to be and make friends better than at my old school,” said Ashbaugh.

Despite Ashbaugh strongly believing that Bullitt East is a very suitable place for transgenders, there has been one incident that contradicted the accepting attitudes demonstrated by most Bullitt East students towards Ashbaugh. According to Ashbaugh, while he was on the bus, not causing any disturbances or grief towards another student, a sophomore shouted at him that he was a “transgender heada**” for no justifiable reason.

“Why does this generation think that it’s okay to discriminate against anyone? We’ve grown up from a lot of things but we’re still hating each other,” said Ashbaugh.

Other than the judgment sometimes directed towards Ramos at school, she is not ever concerned for her safety in this environment. However, she feels threatened while being in public, especially due to her having almost been jumped for her supposedly wrong lifestyle, two times. The constant risk of her being called out for her identity in front of people not aware is an especially daunting issue. Thinking that the community could be much more accepting, she understands the problems that may arise from being surrounded by people who are likely distasteful towards what they claim to be a choice. “The community I’m in could definitely be better and more accepting. But that’s just the location we’re in. I plan on moving to a more updated community in the future,” said Ramos.

In addition to the extreme hostility people demonstrated towards Nalley at Mount Washington Middle School, Nalley has experienced public encounters derived from people’s misunderstanding of being trans. In such a scenario, Nalley was at Kroger with his mother, not drawing any attention to himself or harming anyone, when a few people from school deemed it funny to point and laugh at him for his identity. Although Nalley did not confront the people on the scene, the situation later culminated into a debate on Twitter between Nalley’s best friend and one of those guilty of making fun of him.

Nalley’s increased confidence over the years has enabled him to assertively defend his, and the trans community’s, rights against the oppression of others in encounters like these, whether at school or in public. “Today I’m more confident in myself and what I have to say, so whenever I get into arguments now I don’t just give up and say it’s not worth the trouble. That’s probably going the opposite direction I should be, but it’s the truth. I don’t let people walk all over me anymore and I’m proud of that,” said Nalley. With this growth in courageousness has come a healthy lessening of focus on the thoughts of others regarding his being transgender. As a result, he is generally very comfortable being in public and does not care about the potentially negative opinions people have towards him.

Ashbaugh and Ramos have begun to develop this same mindset after experiencing numerous similar situations on account of them being rooted in ignorance and therefore not worth devoting extra attention to. “I’ve grown accustomed to be okay with it and not really focus on that because I’m human and I’m not hurting anyone and I’m just this lovable guy that everyone should be okay with,” said Ashbaugh. Times in which trans people are the national topic of focus, however, are specific cases in which he feels unsafe being in public as it could lead some strongly opinionated Drawing: Haley Grether people to enforce their opinions through violence.

Also adding to the ensuing judgment and discrimination from students in Spencer County who largely misunderstood his situation, Ashbaugh has received many threats in public for using the male restroom, some reaching as high of an extent as death threats.

With the prevalence of hate crimes in today’s society, dangerous acts committed towards those of the LGBTQ community are a possibility in any seemingly accepting place, including that of Bullitt East and the local community, which Ashbaugh deems a safe place for the trans community with the exception of potential scenarios like these.

Although Bullitt East and places throughout the world represent an overall accepting attitude towards the LGBTQ community, there is always a minority of people with opposing opinions who jeopardize the well-being of transgenders and sometimes deplete the confidence required for them to complete their transitions, often deriving their claims from limited knowledge of the topic.

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Story 3: Chandani Patel A journey of dealing with racism and gaining more confidence in being herself.

by Katie Huffman

H

er school experiences fail to match her vibrant traditional attire.

Patel has always been a target for rude comments and stereotypes, even when she lived in India. Living in Bullitt County has made her realize what the real world is like; not everyone is going to be accepting of who you are. She has taken her negative experiences and turned them into something positive because she would not be the person she is today without them.

Patel moved to India with her grandparents when she was only a few months old and learned how to speak Hindi and Gujarati over the course of 10 years. “In India, they have Hindi schools, where kids and teachers speak Hindi and that’s what I used to go to until third grade. Then, my grandparents moved me to an English school, but no one there actually spoke in English or anything…I just knew basic greetings and I could say ‘Hey, what are you doing?’ and other stuff like that, but I couldn’t hold a conversation for longer than a minute,” said Patel.

Every summer she would come back to the U.S. to stay with her parents, but her English was not fully developed. “When I first had to come here, I was scared because I was like, ‘I don’t even know what these people are going to say’, but then I was excited at the same time because I heard that American schools were better than Indian,” said Patel. Patel officially moved back to the U.S. when she was 10-years-old, and she started attending Jefferson County Public Schools.

She can recall her first day of school in Kentucky like it was yesterday. “I walk up there [to the front of class], and with the thickest Indian accent anybody could, I said, ‘Hello, what are you doing? My name is Chandani,’ and the whole class starts laughing at me…But as school went on, sixth-grade year, people got used to it, I guess, the way I used to talk, and they never brought it up.

It was ‘Haha, did you hear that girl talk?’ for like a week and then I was old news,” said Patel.

After two years of attending Jefferson County schools, she started attending Mt. Washington Middle School in Bullitt County. “So moving here, I remember the first day I walked into P.E. and I still had an accent really bad, so everyone laughed at me again and I was like ‘Haha, I was expecting this’, but it didn’t stop. Eventually, I turned into ‘That Indian girl’ and everyone was like ‘You’re that Indian girl’ or ‘She’s that Indian girl’. I just got a label. I was the Indian girl of Mt. Washington Middle,” said Patel.

Patel’s accent is something that she had always been insecure about, and in her transition into high school, she decided that she wanted to do something about it. “Because everyone made fun of my accent, I wasn’t comfortable. So all eighth-grade summer for two months, I taught myself English. Like I would sit there and watch Youtube videos all day, that’s all I did eighth-grade summer. I didn’t even hang out with anyone,” said Patel.

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Her biggest challenge coming to high school was all of the jokes that she would receive from other people. “‘You have gas stations’ or ‘You work at gas stations’; that was my favorite. A bunch of red dot jokes, they were the cherry on top,” said Patel.

While in high school, she has received a numerous amount of “Go back to your country” or “You don’t need to be here” from other people. “They [jokes] don’t even phase me anymore. Someone could say, in a very harsh way, ‘Go back to your country’ and I would probably just nod and walk away because I’m so used to it.

It shouldn’t be like that, but I’m so used to it,” said Patel.

However, during her freshman year, the jokes affected Patel more heavily. “Every night I would go home freshman year and I was crying and he [her father] would be like ‘Are you getting bullied?’ and I would say ‘No, school’s just hard’. That’s all I used to say, and then I finally told him when I started hearing ‘Go back to your country’ because that just tore me down,” said Patel.

The remarks that people have made towards Patel haven’t just stayed within the walls of school. Patel said, “Here’s the thing, I go to India sometimes, but they all know I was born here. So even when I go to India I try to hang out with my friends but their moms will be like ‘No, she’s American. You don’t need to hang out with her,’ and then I would come here and all I would hear is ‘She’s Indian,’ so where do I really belong?”

However, one thing that Patel loves to hear from her peers is curiosity over her religion. Patel practices Hinduism, which is much different than the common Christianity of other students.

“Most people that ask me about my religion are super kind. I’ve never gotten slammed for my religion, it’s mostly about race,” said Patel.

Patel’s Hindu temple, the Swaminarayan Temple in Louisville, was recently vandalized in January 2019, and this act has been classified as a hate crime. The vandalizer spread messages like “Jesus is the only Lord,” and spray painted over sacred paintings. “The most beautiful thing that I have seen is probably two weeks ago, when my temple that I go to got vandalized...all these kids my age that go to Jefferson County walked up to the billboard [that was vandalized] and they all just broke down and started crying.

They were like ‘Why us?’,” said Patel.

Bullitt County has forced Patel to grow a tougher layer of skin, which is something she feels that Indian students that attend Jefferson County schools won’t get the opportunity to develop as teenagers. “When you move away from your people, it’s not easy. When you grow up looking at that [hate], it just doesn’t phase you anymore,” said Patel.

As for her family, Patel expressed that even her father has had his own encounters with racism in his line of work. “He’s had deals being cancelled and things like that just because of his skin color.

Patel posing in her traditional Indian attire. At one point in her life, Patel was not comfortable sharing herself in these garments with other people, but she has found the confidence to do so now. “My personal favorite moment was when I finally stopped feeling insecure and I started posting about my Indian dresses.,” said Patel. Photo: Katie Huffman

I don’t know how I would have handled that if it would have come later in my life like that, but now that I have grown up with it, it doesn’t phase me. It [Bullitt East] taught me how to cope with it,” said Patel.

Aside from the negative things Patel can recall from her high school experience, she has also had her own triumphs with accepting who she is. “My personal favorite moment was when I finally stopped feeling insecure and I started posting about my Indian dresses. The first time I ever posted them was sophomore year I believe, and I was so scared because I just thought people were going to make fun of it. But the next day, I walk into school and so many people came up to me and were like ‘That was so pretty.’ I have dealt with bullying all these years, but there really is good behind it too,” said Patel.

Patel is hopeful that her experiences and interactions with other students will pave a path of greater acceptance and more leniency for Indians within school.

“I used to say that I cannot wait for all of these Bullitt County kids who make fun of me right now to get out in the real world and see how diverse this place really is. Like move to Louisville and see how diverse the world really is. I cannot wait for them to grow up and let the world slap them in the face...it’s not even like Indian people standing behind Indian people, it’s kids supporting kids, and it’s just good people knowing how it’s done. I just can’t wait for some of these kids to go out there and see that,” said Patel.

Plans of attending the University of Louisville and studying optometry are in Patel’s near future, but she will never forget what she has gone through to get here. “It’s awful. What I have been through is awful and I would not wish it upon anyone, not even the people that made fun of me because it’s just brutal and mean and disgusting. But, if I want to turn that into a positive, I just want to say that it helped shape me into who I am today. After this interview, I can say that I am so much more comfortable and accepting to who I am,” said Patel.

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Story 4: David Boyer A key member of the baseball team and school community.

by Morgan Harbolt

A

lot of people have disabilities, but Boyer manages so much more.

That’s who David Boyer is to his teammates, just a normal kid with a love for sports.

Boyer is a part of the baseball and track team. His love for sports and being involved is known all around school. Boyer brings positivity and laughs with everyone he meets.

Boyer is a senior and is diagnosed with severe ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder and mild autism, but those things are the farthest thing from who Boyer is.

Along with the sports that Boyer plays at school, he is also involved in the Special Olympics. The Special Olympics is a nationwide program that offers kids with disabilities to be active and play sports.

Boyer’s mom Susie Shoulders said, “The severe ADHD is what made me put David into sports. Also when he was two the oppositional defiant disorder made him very aggressive towards me and we started to medicate him because he was a danger to himself and others.” Years later, sports have become the center of Boyer’s life. Boyer even has a talent for remembering athletes names, teams and stats. Shoulders said, “He grew up on sports center every morning instead of cartoons, because of that he automatically drifts towards the athletes. He blends right in, he's never met a stranger. Technically I don't think he realizes his disabilities, because to him they’re (Boyer’s teammates) all his best buddies.”

When Boyer was in middle school at Eastside, his mom tried to put him in regular sports. The school let Boyer try out for the basketball team. Even though he could do it physically, Boyer couldn’t handle the practice schedule. When he came to high school, however, former freshman baseball coach, Eric Moore, took Boyer in and let him manage the team. Shoulders said, “It’s just been a blessing social wise because he bridges that gap between the special education department and the regular kids.”

Craig Sharpe an Exceptional Childhood Education teacher and coach of the baseball team said, “David’s a part of the team. He’s there every day, he never misses practice, never misses games.

He does everything we ask of him. He’s very important to our success.”

Boyer is known to be full of energy and positivity. Sharpe said, “David’s always got energy. He’s always walking around, correcting players if they aren’t doing things right. He uses the same coach talk that we use and he is energetic every day.” Many people around Boyer notice his energy and he is always bringing a smile to anyone he comes across.

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“My best friend is Zach Hill because he is the best leader, he takes me to practices and looks out for me,” said Boyer. Senior Zach Hill is on the baseball team with Boyer. They’ve known each other since freshman year when Boyer and Hill were on the freshman team together.

“When David and I first hung out we instantly hit it off and became friends. When we are working out he always pushes me to keep going and he's always encouraging to me and the team,” said Hill. Hill takes Boyer to varsity practices now, so that he can move up with the rest of the team.

Although Boyer doesn’t really play on the baseball team, he is still a major part of the team in other ways. “He just keeps the players straight. If coach needs something brought out he can go get it. He’s kind of there for moral support,” said Sharpe. Boyer is always in the dugout at games, there to help out the team in whatever way he can.

A couple years ago, however, Boyer did get the chance to run in a freshman baseball game. Shoulders was sitting in her car when junior baseball player Adam Moore came and got her to come to watch was happening on the field. Former coach Moore was putting David in to run home from third base. It was an exciting moment for Boyer, the team and the crowd to get to watch the heart of the baseball team contribute by scoring a run. “I wasn’t there at that game, but I heard all about it. It was very exciting for him and the crowd was energized, he still talks about it today,” said Sharpe.

Shoulders said, “The Special Olympics teams that David is affiliated with are all out of Louisville. So I’m around parents of Louisville special ed kids all the time. They pay for the private schools and a lot of those schools for special needs to get their kids the education they feel they need. Whereas I moved out here and was able to get what I feel is a better level of inclusion and a better level of education in a public school system.” Project unify led by Tiffany Darnell has been praised here at Bullitt East. It is a club where students can interact and help out the special needs kids in school and outside of it. “What Mrs. Darnell has done with the project unify program is amazing and has blessed us in many ways,” said Shoulders.

Shoulders said, “I could not be more proud of David. I am super super proud for what David has overcome just because of the side of him that you obviously don’t see because you don’t describe a side that we see a lot of times at home and have to deal with. And that's good because that's a side that we don’t want out in public. So that tells me that he's in the right environment because it’s pulling out the best in him.”

Boyer is proof that it doesn’t matter how different he is from the rest of the team, he is still and will always be one of the guys.

Boyer stands on first base ready to take off for second. He is currently the manager of the baseball team. “I play sports because they’re fun,” said Boyer. Photo: Ella Olds

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Story 5: Haley Mercer, Calvin Howell Managing being a teen parent while being in school.

by Haley Grether

I

t all will be worth it in the end, but it’s going to take a lot of diaper changes, midnight feedings and sleepless nights.

Although having a child can be rewarding, there are many challenges that teen parents face.

Being a parent in itself is a very difficult task that many of us will one day be faced with. Although having children can bring its challenges, being a parent is also rewarding. There are many things to consider when children become a part of the picture.

Many times, when teens become pregnant they aren’t prepared. A lot of the time, it comes as a surprise when they find out. “When I first found out I was shocked. Nothing was going through my mind, it was blank. It was too real and too overwhelming to think. I just sat there, taking it all in. After a few weeks of just being in disbelief and shock, I finally started getting happy and excited,” said former Bullitt East senior and mother Hayley Mercer.

Pregnancy can be a very scary and difficult experience for teenage boys and girls to go through. Having an unplanned pregnancy can cause emotional distress for the parent.

Fear and frustration because of the many new responsibilities and decisions that these teens must now undertake, create mental challenges for the parents. Teen parents are known to experience stress and depression as they struggle to find family support in their situation.

Popular television shows like “16 and Pregnant” and “Teen Mom” show in detail the struggles that are accompanied by teenage pregnancy. Postpartum depression is something that many new mothers experience. “Once Cole was born, I didn’t sleep for a week. I was up all night just watching him, worrying about everything in the world. I was scared something was going to happen to him, and everything was about him. This isn’t a bad thing, but when it’s 1 a.m. and you just realized that you haven’t eaten, slept, showered or used the bathroom at all that day, it’s a problem, but it’s getting better.” said Mercer. It can at times be hard adjusting when there is a new baby in the house.

When people think about teen parent, they usually think of the mother. When one is in their teens, it proves to be difficult to find a job that is well paying enough to fully support oneself, let alone a child.

It is extremely important to find family support in matters like teen pregnancy and taking care of an infant. Senior Calvin Howell is new to parenthood, his son was born in November of 2018. Howell finds it hard to balance school, work and at home life. “It is very hard trying to find time to actually go home and spend time with my son and his mother. I leave at 6:30 in the morning and don’t come home till 9 p.m. By the time that I get home, I am ready for a shower and to go to bed,” said Howell.

Having feelings of shame and embarrassment are commonly associated with unplanned early pregnancies. Many teens who become pregnant in school face difficulties in finding time for school work. Trying to finish school while at the same time, having to take care and spend time with their child, isn’t easy to balance. These feelings paired with struggling to keep up academically can defer teens from their educational paths, persuading them to halt their education in order to continue parenting.

Drawing: Haley Grether

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Although, not every parent sees having children as a reason to quit school. Many use their children as motivation to get better standing. “He pushes me to do better and to actually want to go to school and get through college. He’s changed my whole outlook and ambitions in life. Because I had Cole, I found myself. You know when you get older and you hit another milestone in your life, and your whole outlook changes; that’s what having a baby does,” said Mercer. After having her baby, Mercer decided to do performance based online schooling until she has enough credits to graduate.

There are many rewards that come from being a parent. The gift of creating another life can

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Safe Sex Beyond Health Class

by Makayla Stone

create a lasting bond between parent and child. “One thing that I love most about being a parent is the unconditional love my baby has for me. We have an amazing bond and that’s something I’d never want to trade. I love everything about being a parent. Even the sleepless nights, I hear him cry and it’s a struggle to get up, but once I look at him, he just smiles and it doesn’t even bother me that I’m up anymore. I just soak it all up, It’s an amazing feeling,” said Mercer. The love for a parent from a child is something that will last a lifetime. “Having my baby and finally seeing my baby was amazing, and I breastfeed so that’s just more I can do for my baby. Like not only did I give my baby the gift of life, but I also am his food source. The bond it’s made is the most rewarding part of being a mom,” said Mercer.

Time is everything when it comes to having children. Parents want only the best for their child; it is important to make sure that when you have them, you can give them the best possible chance in life.

It is important to make sure that the time is right, but sometimes you don’t get that choice. When pregnancy isn’t planned it can be a difficult transition, requiring much preparation.

After being asked if she would’ve waited to have children if she could, Mercer says that her choice would’ve been different in the beginning. “When I first found out I was pregnant, my answer would have been yes. Now, no. I wouldn’t change anything in my life for any reason. I am in love with the life I have now,” said Mercer. Many other parents would agree that even if the time wasn’t ideal, they wouldn’t trade their child Drawing: Haley Grether for the world.

The largest responsibility of a parent is to ensure that their child is well prepared to encounter the challenges that present themselves late in life. Parents ensure this by creating a loving home environment so that the child is able to learn about itself and its place in the world around them. Having this strong foundation of emotional and social support will help them to make the right choices in their future.

Mercer feels as though she has changed for the better after becoming a parent. “I love being a mom, but the hardest part was having to grow up. But I wouldn’t give it up for the world. If I had to give someone advice on being a teen parent, it would be; Don’t give up. Even if you believe that you are not ready, things don’t just happen without a reason. Have your baby. It might be hard, but it’s truly worth it,” said Mercer.

S

et your previous assumptions aside and look at the statistics.

Despite what the media would have you believe, most teens don’t actually engage in sex until they’re about 17 or 18.

Safe sex is something that all students learn about, however, there are many things that don’t make it into the curriculum about health benefits and risks. While teen pregnancy has hit an all-time low, rates for various STD’s are on the rise. Although, many teens choose to wait, the ones who don’t need to make sure they are responsible.

In health class, we all learn about STD’s, how to engage in safe sex, etc. However, several facts and statistics are left out. 46 percent of teens have had sex and 34 percent of teens are sexually active according to a survey done by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2009.

Condoms are about 85 percent effective in preventing pregnancy.

Birth control pills are about 91 percent effective, but don’t prevent STD’s. 1 in 4 sexually active teens contract an STD, females are more prone to them.

“I think you have to have more conversations so kids can self evaluate and see where they actually are. I’ve had kids tell me that they think they’re in love, but their idea of love isn’t going to be the same as someone else’s and without anyone having any conversations with them, they won’t talk to their partner about what they should expect and what they want from the relationship,” said Dona Hare, health teacher.

In recent years, teen pregnancy rates have hit their lowest point in decades. Despite this, there was an increase in reported chlamydia for females aged 15-19 by 2.8 percent from 2015 to 2016; in males, it increased by 8 percent. “Birth control is easier to get and more socially acceptable, but we don’t explain the anatomy and how to handle that responsibly. I think there’s a lot of girls on birth control that are having unsafe sex because they don’t realize the real dangers of it,” said Hare.

These statistics about STD’s seem to suggest that fewer teens are using condoms, but surveys suggest that they are the most commonly used form of birth control. Although, birth control can be effective in preventing pregnancy, according to another survey done by the NSFG, contraceptive use, while it has been on the rise, is still inconsistent among teens and is likely the cause of the rising STD rates.

However, there are many things to consider when figuring out if you’re ready for sex, one of the most important being if you actually want it. If you feel like someone is trying to pressure you into it, then you should talk to someone you trust about it. Other things to consider are your own values, what you want from your education, the impacts it could have on your relationships with others and your life, what protection, if any, that you want to use, and plan for the possibility of pregnancy.

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Story 6: Brynna Crump, Alex Provost, Dan Barrett

Protesting towards a brighter future for themselves and future generations.

by Molly Shannon

S

ome would describe protesters as sensitive and whiny, others believe they are powerful and bold.

Students who protest are perceived as crybabies by older generations, younger generations believe that they are inspirations for change.

Students who protest often do it because of their strong political beliefs and to help promote change. Locally, there have been several more protests within the past couple years and the protests that are held annually have grown larger. Although there have been major improvements involving how specific groups are treated and viewed, there are still reasons to protest and work towards change.

The first protest sophomore Alex Provost ever attended was the 2017 Women’s March, but over time she has been to several others in order to further learn about issues going on in our society. She is also a part of Young Democrats of Louisville, in which they host meetings and plan future protests such as March for Our Lives, healthcare rallies, and pride festivals where they try to recruit people to join the movement. Alex believes that since she has been protesting since she was 13 that she has received a more in-depth view of the problems occurring in the world.

“I was motivated to go to my first protest in 2017 [the first women’s march] because I was really passionate about it and I felt like it was really going to help further progress change and open up people’s eyes to issues happening around us... I feel like it is important to stand up for what you believe in and it really does make an impact on the way the government and outsiders view how serious and how passionate we are about the issues happening around us,” said Provost.

March For Our Lives was created after the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. English teacher, Dan Barrett went to March For Our Lives because of the severity of mass shootings happening in America. “I felt like I was doing something to contribute, in a very small way, the highlight of my day was to see a few students from Bullitt East there,” said Barrett.

Sophomore Brynna Crump was a part of the March for Our Lives protest that took place in Louisville March 24, 2018. She decided to go in order to help influence change and bring issues to light that weren’t highly talked about beforehand. While she was at the rally post-march, there were several speakers there sharing their experience with gun violence and their views on gun control. U.S. Representative John Yarmuth attended the protest alongside students who witnessed the shooting at Marshall County High School two months prior to the protest.

“It was really empowering and interesting, especially listening to

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the speeches given by politicians, parents, friends and family of victims. It made me feel like older people really cared about how unsafe we felt, being out in the cold rain just for us,” said Crump.

In the first amendment, it is clearly stated that people have the right to protest. Several people have come to protests to bash and criticize those who are actually working towards change. A protest is supposed to be respectful and non-violent but that can tend to get out of hand.

“There’s always counter protesters and I didn’t take it to heart personally, because in the end people are always entitled to their own opinions. My personal favourite time was when they yelled through a megaphone ‘Michelle Obama doesn’t dress modestly,’” said Alex.

Although minorities and women are still considered to be degraded or discriminated against in society, there been major improvements since the 1900s and prior. During the 2018 midterm elections, women and people of color made substantial gains in which they helped to diversify the House of Representatives and the Senate. This year has featured the highest number [102] of women elected into the House of Representatives.

“I, unfortunately, do not see much change in the inequality of women and minorities. I do think we are on a path to change and as long as we keep fighting for equal rights it can be accomplished. The biggest change I have seen so far is the “Me Too” movement which is letting women know that their bodies are theirs and no one has a right to violate that,” said protester of varying issues, Stefanie Provost.

Protesting against things like gun violence, sexual assault, police brutality, the subordination of women’s rights, LGBTQ rights and healthcare has brought awareness to the severity of the problems, which has led to more attempts to enforce change. In 2014, California was the first jurisdiction in the nation to enact a Gun Violence Restraining Order law and since then other states have followed behind and then, in 2015 gay marriage was nationally legalized during Barack Obama’s second term as president. There are still growing issues in our country such as the government cutting funds to Planned Parenthood causing the only abortion clinic in Kentucky to be shut down. “Abolishing the only abortion clinic in Kentucky takes away women’s rights to what they can and can’t do with their own body,” said Alex.

In the future, Barrett would like to go to more protests such as March For Our Lives and Alex plans on going to the Women’s March every year as well as any other cause she is passionate about along with Stefanie. Crump, on the other hand, hasn’t heard of any specific protests she would like to attend in the future but if one that sparks her interests is announced she will attend.

In 2018, at the women’s march in Nashville, TN. protesters flooded the streets carrying their signs. The signs ranged from heartfelt quotes to the names of political movements as a way to show what they believe in. “One step that we could take in the right direction is that we have to go really hard at the manufacturers and seeing every individual as capable of having their own private stash of armaments. It’s unnecessary for personal protecion and has created a culture of violence,” said English teacher Dan Barrett. Photos: Molly Shannon

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Story 7: Justin Littlejohn A look into his life outside of school.

by Hunter Brogan

14th grader Justin Littlejohn smiling for the camera. His positivity brings joy to many. “We are blessed with the gift of Justin’s unconditional love,” said Merzweiler. Photo: Hunter Brogan

J

ustin Littlejohn has a smile that’s infectious.

Littlejohn has many people in his life who have done so much for him and care for him.

Kids with disabilities face challenges every day that most of us will never know about, but do the people who care for them ever come to mind? Or do you ever think about what their life outside of school is like? As you would imagine, there are significant differences in the life of a disabled person.

The special education program ran by collaborative teacher Tiffany Darnell is full of wonderful students. They can be seen walking the halls during a school day, but you may not realize the struggles of their everyday life.

Grade 14 student Justin Littlejohn has Downs Syndrome. He is known to have a nice and caring personality and is a joy to be around. So you might think, what is his day like? His mom, Christy Merzweiler explains it as very structured. “We have routines that help Justin know what he is doing for the day, when, in what order and how often,” said Merzweiler.

Littlejohn’s OCD is high on the spectrum. This means that he wants to do and hear the same things every day. “We go to Five

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Star every day to get doughnuts and milk, he wants to always get one chocolate and one strawberry milk,” said Merzweiler.

Littlejohn has a very unique way of planning out the next day ahead of him. “We use pictures and that lets him know what activity he is doing next,” said Merzweiler. “Everything Justin does is structured and repetitive,” said Merzweiler. As you can tell his days are very unique and consists of the same things every day.

Littlejohn, like many other people, has a special impact on people. Justin’s grandmother, Diana Merzweiler, director of Down Syndrome of Louisville, started volunteering for the foundation when Littlejohn was first diagnosed with Down syndrome.

“I always felt there was another career path for me that may utilize my business experience to positively impact people instead of corporations, I jumped at the chance to be considered for the director’s position and a few weeks later was named executive director,” said Merzweiler.

Littlejohn is very close to his family and is loved greatly. He has also faced many challenges in his life, even before birth. “Justin experienced medical challenges even before he was born and survived a critical heart issue and many other medical procedures...

We encourage and assist in his progress in obtaining skills toward a more independent life, we are blessed with the gift of Justin’s unconditional love,” said Merzweiler.

Story 8: Dispersion of Wealth Looking at the statistics, the sterotypes prove to be false.

by Lindsey Spencer

I

nequality affects many people and places, including the smalltown community of Mt. Washington.

Our community is often stereotyped as stuck up rich kids, but the reality is, even we struggle with the diversity of wealth.

Many fail to realize that not all of their peers are as well off as they are perceived to be. The wealth diversity of the school and community has changed over the years, and not for the better.

This is an issue that has gone on for years and will soon need a solution.

Wealth diversity describes the unequal distribution of income throughout an area. It is easy to see this gap when comparing the large houses of the Twelve Oaks neighborhood to the tiny mobile homes spread throughout the community. According to the Mt. Washington City Data, in 2016 a small region of Mt. Washington and surrounding areas that included the Twelve Oaks neighborhood, had a median household income of $58,580. The same year, the median household income for a region that included one trailer park was only $40,388. This shows that wealth is not so equally shared in the community, even only a few minutes apart.

Senior Jake Keys has experienced wealth diversity first hand: he lives in a single parent household and referenced some of his friends that have a nice house and car, while other friends do not.

“I would say it [wealth diversity] is fairly wide because there are kids who are well off and there are kids who aren’t as well off.” said Keys.

The school has long been labeled the snobbiest and richest of the three Bullitt County high schools. And while Bullitt East does face their own wealth inequality within the school, this community is an area of higher median income and lower students on free and

reduced lunches compared to North Bullitt and Bullitt Central.

Looking at the statistics, you could say the stereotype is true: 28 percent of students at East qualify for free and reduced lunch, compared to the 44 percent at North, and 55 percent of students at Central.

However, not all students at East feel this is a completely accurate perception of our school. “There is wealth in our school, but there is wealth in every school. Not everyone here is rich, and not every person you would classify as rich here is snobby. We have students in every wealth group,” said senior Hannah Clark.

A school counselor is likely to see the brunt of the effects of this inequality. Counselor Crystal Barr said “I do feel like there has been an increase in wealth in our community since I have lived and worked here…However, there has definitely been an increase of students on free or reduced lunch since I have worked here also.”

Barr says that originally, the school did not qualify for a Family Resource Center (FRC) because there weren’t enough students on free or reduced lunch, but for the last several years the school has qualified and has finally had the funds to get an FRC. “I think the increase in our free/reduced lunch population has definitely had an impact because [before] we weren’t funded to be able to fully help out and meet their needs,” said Barr.

Every school has its fair share of students who are struggling and students who don’t have to worry about money. It doesn’t make any school better or worse than another, despite stereotypes that make it seem otherwise. It is important to remember that everyone has their own trials and that we cannot base our perceptions of a group based on a small percentage of them.

Bullitt Central High School

North Bullitt High School

Bullitt East High School

According to statistics released by the Kentucky Association for School Councils, Bullitt East has the lowest number of students on free or reduced lunch out of the three Bullitt County high schools, with appromiately 30 percent students in 2018, represented by the figure on the left. The figure in the middle represents the 48 percent of students on free or reduced lunch at North Bullitt High School, and the figure on the right represents Bullitt Central and their 55 percent of students in need.

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Story 9: Becoming Openminded Listening to the opinions of others can help you evolve your way of thinking.

by Morgan Reneissen

H

igh school can be a confusing and tough time for students, all the way from freshman classes to graduation.

Trying to stay positive and open-minded in high school can be tough, especially when there can be a lot of added stress coming from school work, relationships, family and more.

Being a teenager is not easy. When students are in high school, and even middle school, social issues, school work and in some cases sports can sometimes feel like too much. Keeping a positive outlook and staying open-minded is the key to surviving these tough years.

Being open to new experiences and opportunities can boost confidence and happiness throughout one’s teenage years, although this is easier said than done. High school throws many new opportunities at students, which can feel overwhelming and scary. From school dances and proms to basketball and football games, all of these things can be more enjoyable for students if they keep an open mind and participate.

One of the biggest struggles when it comes to open-mindedness is getting out of your comfort zone. This is usually experienced by more introverted students, but extroverted students can experience the same fears and cold feet toward new things. Participation in all things that schools put on is the first step to having a more open mind.This can range anywhere from sporting events to clubs and organizations. Staying involved with activities around the school can create a sense of belonging and pride that may not be there if participation is at a low.

With practice, having and maintaining an open mind becomes so much easier and can create a very strong feeling of happiness. It can be scary to try new things and sometimes it is just easier to stick with what feels normal, but getting out there can be a good thing. Even if the experience is not good it is always good to try and meet new people in the process.

Keeping an open mind isn’t just something that applies to school, it can apply to all things in life.

For example, trying out new hobbies or going new places are also ways that can help get people out of their comfort zones. New experiences always teach lessons, whether those be good or bad. At the end of the day, moving forward is always the end goal in life and one of the best ways to get there is to get out and try new things and experiences.

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Drawing: Haley Grether

Story 10: Our School Changing the climate and culture for the better.

Staff Editorial

W

e walk the same halls everyday, but don’t walk down the same path of life. We are offered the same courses, sports and extracurriculars, but we find different passions. We get the same diploma after four years, but all of our experiences are different.

jump on our own beliefs and political opinions, and refuse to accept the fact that someone else’s opinion can be considered valid as well. Our experiences shape our opinions, and learning about the experiences of others can help evolve our way of thinking and lead us to be more open-minded and accepting.

We may all be different, but we are one school. We have the ability to shape and change the outlook that our peers hold of our school. This change does not, and cannot, start with the administration or the teachers here. It starts with us.

By featuring students of different ethnicities, religions, disabilities, identities and backgrounds, we hope to open conversation about how our school makes sure these people feel safe and represented every day when they walk through the front doors.

Everyone has a unique story, and everyone’s story deserves to be heard.

We praise this thought of having a “tradition unrivaled,” but it is unclear as to what this entails for student life. As a school, we are not very diverse and we do not take the time to acknowledge, appreciate and get to know those of us who are different. As a publication, we are working towards changing this tradition of not acknowledging the struggles that some of our peers face walking into our school everyday.

Coming to school and being surrounded by people who don’t look like you or go through the same struggles as you can be difficult. We form our own groups of friends who support us, but venturing out past those groups can be hard. Not everyone is accepting, caring and loving, and not everyone is innately kind.

What people in today’s society sometimes lack is the willingness to hear others out on their opinions. Some of us are too quick to

The treatment of students by the students is not always something that the administration can tackle head-on. It is up to the student body to identify problems they see among their peers and work to make a change. If you see something happening or hear someone using language towards someone that you do not agree with, take a stance and make a change.

At the end of the day, we are all just people. People who want to be accepted, appreciated and applauded for being ourselves. We all have different goals and different places we want to be in 20 years, but at this moment in time the only thing that matters is how we are working to improve the environments we are placed in and the people within it that environment.

Drawing: Haley Grether

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