The Nova Roma | Volume 4, Issue 5 | May 2021

Nova

Highlands Latin School

|

April 2021

Roma |

Volume 4, Issue 5

Final Reflections By: Lilly Luse Every student at HLS looks forward to the hallmarks of their final year of highschool: the senior trips, their senior prom, final retreats and the anticipation of college. It’s been over a year since COVID has struck, and there have been many challenges to adapt to this year, but this year’s senior class can look forward to enjoying the end of their year with the things they most look forward to, like an in-person prom, the men’s and women’s retreats, a traditional graduation in the Crescent Hill chapel, the return of spring sports, and a weekend trip to make some last memories. The return of spring signifies hope and of renewal, and the same feeling of eager anticipation and redemption is present as we all close out the year surrounded by friends and faculty in person. As things are slowly begenning to

return to normal, this year’s senior class looks ahead at what’s to come, and reflects on the year nearly behind them.

Lilly Pottlitzer, a senior and house leader for the house of George, is most looking forward to spending time with the girls at this year’s ladies retreat, and sharing memories with the other senior girls “One of the biggest things I’m looking forward to is the ladies retreat because every year we do the couch talk where all the seniors sit together, and we reminisce on highschool and all the good memories, and I’m looking forward to bonding with the sophomores because we haven’t really had that time with them.” Lilly is grateful to have these experiences to remember this year by, “I’m so excited and it’s just lots of things that make senior year, senior year, because we have not had things like that

this year and we finally get something to look forward too.”

Elijah Montgomery is also grateful for this time he gets to spend with friends and that he has a chance to make a few more memories, “It really means a lot to me to graduate somewhat normally, especially going through what we did last year in quarantine, and the pandemic, it was a frustrating way to end the year as we weren’t able to see our friends at all, and weren’t able to see our teachers…so it definitely means a lot to me to finish senior year on the bright side of that.”

In addition, Hayden Cope, who has recently joined the senior class in person after spending most of the year online, shares a similar hopeful view, “It’s nice to finish the year normally given that I’m not stuck in an iPad anymore, and I hope to

What’ s Up!? Your HLS Student Spotlight By: Steve and Gus S: Welcome back everyone! I hope everyone had a great spring break! How was your break Gus? G: Absolutely splendid, Steve!

Now folks let me introduce our special guest today: Jonny Steinrock!

S: Hi Jonny! Thanks for joining us today. Tell us a little about yourself.

J: How in depth do you want me to get?

G: How about we just start with what grade and house you are in champ

Continued on Page 4

Softball

By: Lilly Pottlitzer, Carly Wheat, Justin Gilbert, Caleb Kang It is finally springtime, and that means it is baseball and softball season! Both teams have been working incredibly hard to get back on the field after missing out on a season in 2020 due to the pandemic. The Softball team was ready to face new competition after beating the undefeated North Hardin in the 2019 State Tournament. After their year off of the field, the whole team got to work early in the winter, led by their coach, Richard Watkins, to perfect some skills before playing their first games in late

March. Their hard work and dedication paid off in their first game where they beat Eminence High School with a score of 6-5.

Sophomore, Samantha Kang, said, “Winning our first game and first KHSAA game gave us a huge boost of confidence going into the season. Our outfield performed amazing and our communication was on point.

Later in the game, we had huge hits that put us in the lead. We always encouraged one another, and we reminded ourselves that we’ve been waiting two years to

play the game of softball, and we came back with a bang!”

The team was elated after their win and are continuing to have a successful season. The transition to the KHSAA has been hard for every sports team in the school, but the softball team has handled it well and looks very prepared for the road ahead. Their hard work and dedication is paying off, and we can’t wait to see where the next couple of years take them! Senior, Emily Steinbach, said, “as long as middle Continued on Page 5

J: I’m in 11th grade and I’m in the house of David.

S: What’s sports do you like?

J: Mountain biking, soccer, running, basketball, and I did some dirt biking back in the day.

G: Dang Jonny, you are a man of many talents. Do you play any sports at HLS? J: Soccer and maybe cross country next year.

S: What position do you play in soccer?

J: I play the 6.

G: The 2 best things to come out of the 6: Drake and Jonny Steinrock.

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Sports

Drama

Continued from Page 1

By: Abi Bitner and Marissa Mudd In the past few years, drama has become a highlight for the students at HLS. Performing one play and one musical each year, the drama troupe fosters a growing community, and enthusiasm increases as the play for this year approaches. The audience only attends the final product, oblivious to the months of hard work spent to make the play possible. Every little part must be assigned, costumes sewn, sets created, and it is imperative to rehearse songs countless times.

This year’s musical is Beauty and the Beast, starring senior, Sean Vander Woude, as the Beast and junior, Eliza Denley, as Belle.

Director of the drama troupe, Teresa Boling, says that this year’s performance has sparked a new level of interest and enthusiasm because of the toll COVID-19 has taken this past year. Everyone is overjoyed at the thought of getting to dance and sing and experience a hint of normalcy amid a turbulent year.

Mrs. Boling grew up singing and performing. She was apart of a family who enjoyed theatre and travelled to perform. This instilled in her a love and passion for impacting others through performing on stage. Although she received a degree in marketing, Mrs. Boling continued to

pursue drama and theatre. Six years ago, she accepted the job at HLS as head of the drama troupe and has led a group of HLS students aspiring to become the best performers they can be.

Eliza Denley joined the drama troupe 3 years ago. About being in the drama troupe, Eliza said, “I have always loved stories and storytelling, so getting to perform and share a story with friends is so much fun.” When asked what she would say to encourage others to join the drama troupe, her response was, “Before I joined the drama troupe, I was terrified of singing in front of other people and thought that I would have to do that a lot in drama, but really if you don’t want to it’s not required. Even if you don’t want a big role, but would prefer a small role or just

singing and dancing with the ensemble that is totally okay and you can do that. Everyone will be super supportive of what you decide.”

Elia Trocan, a sophomore, is a part of the ensemble. Her favorite aspect of the drama program is getting to know people you wouldn’t normally be friends with and says drama troupe is “a really great way to let out your energy and feel like you’re a part of something.”

Saylor Sizemore who has participated in drama for three years and is playing a wolf and townsperson in the upcoming play, explains his favorite part of drama is “how you can express yourself through acting and facial expressions. Drama is a place to see friends, express different ways to play characters, and is a place to have fun through acting.”

Thank you to Mrs. Boling, Dr. Bailey, and all the students for their continued hard work in drama troupe. We look forward to the upcoming performance of Beauty and the Beast.

schoolers keep playing, and we have a strong upcoming team, I feel like some years down the road we will be quite the formidable opponent.”

The baseball team, coached

by David Michel, continues to amaze HLS. After winning the State Tournament 4 years in a row, the baseball team was also looking forward to facing some new opponents in the KHSAA. They started practicing after Christmas, just itching to get back out on the diamond. Senior, AJ Mangione, said that this year has looked a little bit different because they “increased the amount of practices, and what we do within those practices.”

They have been making the most of their season by having up to four varsity games in a single week. The upside to having so many games and practices is that they all get to grow in their friendship with one another.

Junior, Aaron McGraw, said, “I am not looking forward to this season ending...I have loved it!”

The team knew that the transition between leagues would be difficult, but they have handled the transition very well. The team’s first couple of games did not go the way that they had hoped, but their record took a turn when they played Whitfield Academy and won 16-1. They have even been neck and neck with some

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Student Spotlight Continued from page 1 S: Gus, that made no sense. So I’m just gonna move on. Did you make a bracket this year?

Steinrock roofing. Been doing roofs right for 110 years.

S: Beethoven is very good I must say. What’s the best trip you’ve ever been on?

J:Yes, I did.

G: I’m getting major Phil Swift vibes right now.

J: Probably Gatlinburg.

G: How did that go?

J: Absolutely terrible. I had Ohio State winning it all.

S: Okay I have no idea what’s going on, but you heard it here first folks!

S: Yeah, I think that goes for all of us.

J: Calipari needs to be fired by the way.

G: Who do you have winning now?

S: Jonny what are you even talking about? I never even asked a question. Okay getting back on track, what is your favorite subject in school?

J:Ummm... I’ll go with Syracuse. (That didn’t age well.)

G: I like that pick! Moving on though, what’s your favorite year of school and why?

J: Probably senior year.

S: Jonny aren’t you a junior?

J: I just have high expectations.

S: Okay, then. I hope it lives up to the hype!

G: Okay for my next question, I have an issue. I think my roof needs fixing. Who should I call, Jonny?

J: You should call Albert

J: Probably Classical. It gives you things that you can think about, and you can apply them to your own life.

S: Wow, that was a deep thought, Jonny.

G: I like Classical a lot, too.

Especilly classical music.

S: Not helpful, Gus. G: Johnny, I heard you love music, so who’s your favorite rapper and your favorite classical composer?

J: I would say Tupac and Beethoven, they are both the goats.

G: I went to Gatlinburg for spring break! It was so fun.

S: I love Tennessee! Now Gus, it is time for your favorite part! Go ahead and ask the question we always use to complete the interview.

G: Okay sounds like a plan, Steve. Who is your favorite Disney Princess, Jonny?

J: Does Wonder Woman count?

S: Oh boy.

G: No. She’s not even in a Disney movie.

J: I need a multiple choice.

S: a. Jasmine b. Belle c.

Snow White or d. Cinderella.

J: I’m gonna go with b.

S: Belle is my favorite too! Well that’s all, folks!

Thanks for joining us Jonny.

J: No problem! Thanks for having me.

G: Thanks for joining us, everyone! We have one more trimester left. Let’s all work hard and finish this year strong! I hope everyone has a great rest of their day!

S: Thanks everyone!

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Senioritis

By: Sam Birkholz and Jonathan Lasoi Sam Birkholz: Yo what’s poppin, HLS? Welcome back to this month’s issue of Senioritis.

Jonathan Lasoi: I hate to break it to you Sam, but you aren’t Jack Harlow.

S: Yes, yes I know. Either way, this month we interview four of the final eight seniors for the year. With us today we have Daniel Young, Emily Haner, Hayden Cope, and Thomas Spurlock.

J: I will take the first question, my favorite question. You can listen to one musical artist for the rest of your life, who is it going to be?

D: I’m honestly not sure. I don’t think I can pick.

T: Oh, that is tough, I’m going to have to go with the Beatles, honestly.

H: Going to make Mr. Janke proud here and say Beethoven.

E: The Alan Parsons Project, no question.

J: Daniel, I’m feeling nice today so I will let you slide on that one.

S: *Cue the Little Einsteins theme song* you are going on an all expenses paid trip anywhere. Where are you all going?

D: I would probably go to Ireland.

T: I’m going to say the moon, if that is even an option.

H: Maybe Italy, pretty basic choice, but it would be fun.

E: The Amazon Rainforest to see all the wildlife.

J: Wow Thomas, you literally took a trip in your favorite rocket ship. I like it.

S: Now I need each of you to build the perfect meal. And I love my food, so I’m excited to hear the answers to this one.

D: Probably a rice base meal, lots of guacamole, so basically Chipotle.

T: So, you got a main course Omelette, not sure about the side, but the drink will be a soft drink suicide.

H: Bacon Cheeseburger with a plate and a half of fries.

E: That’s rough, probably Salmon with a side of broccoli.

S: Mmmmm...delicious!

J: Now moving towards the school front, what major are you looking at going into in college?

D: Architecture is my favorite right now.

T: Currently undecided but most likely going to be something along the lines of political science.

H: Biomedical Engineering, I actually had an answer ready this time.

E: Wildlife Biology and hopefully with an emphasis on etymology.

J: And now it makes perfect sense why Emily would go to the Amazon Rainforest.

S: What is your favorite HLS moment ever?

D: It is probably something related to a random moment on set crew.

T: It has to be staying up till three in the morning at the men’s retreat playing Forbidden Sky with Dr. Suer and other guys.

H: Definitely all the panicking and stress before each and every quiz.

E: Not to copy Daniel, but a random set crew moment.

J: I completely understand your pains Hayden, all too well.

S: Time for the final question.

Who in your class is most likely to succeed?

D: Judah Murdoch will be a dictator of a small country one day. I hope I’m in his good graces by that time.

T: Judah, 100 %, going to be a dictator.

H: Matt no question is the most likely to succeed.

E: Either David or Judah, take your pick.

J: If you’ll excuse me, I am going to go help Judah out with Continued on Page 6

Final Reflections Continued from Page 1

continue to remember the good memories behind me, and also to enjoy the freedom ahead.”

Arabella Fowler, who has started her concluding baseball season at HLS, is grateful to end the year somewhat normally, “It means a lot to be ending the year this way, I would hate to end the year in quarantine, it would feel so unfinished. This year has been a little annoying but I’ve had a good year nonetheless, and we’re lucky to have

a school that stayed open.” She says she is most looking forward to baseball season, exasperating her teachers, hanging out with her class, and graduation day.

After a year of navigating uncertainties and adapting to unprecedented events, there is a comfort in traditions, and the seniors are grateful for the experiences they have been waiting for their entire HLS careers.

Editor’s Note Dear readers, It feels like yesterday that Chloe Walrad, the Nova Roma’s first editor, approached me about taking over. To be honest, I was shocked and overwhelmed in the beginning, and I had no idea how wonderful this journey would be. Being editor has trained me to be a stronger leader, mindful and patient, but also firm and encouraging. I was blessed to work with such a talented team of writers, reporters, and photographers. But, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. It can be daunting to pass off something into which you have invested so much time and passion. However, I know my successor will excel in leading the staff in the coming years. She is creative planner, a driven leader, and a careful perfectionist. I am pleased to announce that Sophie Harris will be taking over the Nova Roma next year as Editor-InChief. Thank you all for being part of my journey and continuing on her’s.

Sincerely, Sydney Windhorst

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Nova Roma Staff

of the bigger schools in the Louisville area such as J-Town High School and Kentucky Country Day. Arabella Fowler explained some of the challenges the team has faced this season. She stated, “Going up against tougher teams filled with bearded guys of questionable age.” With new team comes new intimidating opponents, but our HLS team has never shyed away from the enemy. Arabella also stated that players spent this year focused “on being a good teammate, always cheering, always praying, and always honoring.”

In addition, she explained the teams focused on certain skills including “relays, pitching, trick plays, and in general, not making errors.” AJ also noted the team worked on excelling in each position. To his surprise he pitched in multiple games this season.

He had to push himself to learn this new position, and he

encourages his teammates to also be flexible and train themselves to play in any part of the field.

We are so proud of our team for excelling in this new league and look forward to what they will accomplish in future years.

The seniors on both the softball and baseball teams have made a lasting impact on these programs. Softball seniors, Emily Steinbach and Sydney Windhorst, have both played since the program began just a few short years ago. Baseball Seniors; AJ Mangione, Ethan Frizzell, Thomas Spurlock, Judah Murdoch, and Arabella Fowler were all inspirations to their teammates and continue to portray the character of a selfless athletic leader. Senior Nights for both teams will be held on Friday, May 7th at the Spring Meadows Campus.

Sydney Windhorst Sophie Harris Samantha Kang Steve Gus Justin Gilbert Lilly Luse Abi Bitner Lilly Pottlitzer Leili Popejoy Carly Wheat Kara Moran Elliana Bitner Sam Birkholz Jonathan Lasoi Devin Moore George Hall Grant McGill Sophie Krumhansl Marissa Mudd Caleb Kang

Editor-InChief Junior Editor Format Editor Student Spotlight Student Spotlight Sports Writer Features Writer Features Writer Sports Writer Book Review Sports Writer Advice Columnist Photographer Senioritis Writer Senioritis Writer Features Writer Poll Conductor Poll Conductor Head of Art, Poems, and Puzzels Features Writer

Book Review and Recommendation

By: Leili Popejoy During the roaring twenties, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s narrator Nick Carraway relocates to an up-scale neighborhood on Long Island, where he is ensnared in the middle of intrigue. During his summer here, he becomes acquainted with Jay Gatsby, a charming man who has recently acquired a great fortune and throws parties routinely (for which he is well known and admired). However, Gatsby is rather mysterious and questions circulate about his identity and former life.

Later, it is revealed that these extravagant displays of wealth are in an attempt to reunite and win back his old sweetheart Daisy Buchanan, who is now married. As tensions escalate, Nick is assigned the role of mediator between the parties involved. While he is situated in a passive role, readers are left to question if their narrator expresses his views objectively or conceals information because of bias. An easy and captivating read, The Great Gatsby will immerse you in the plot while also confronting you with the question of greatness and the legitimacy of the American dream. Although fictional, it also provides a glimpse into the frivolous and controversial time that was the 1920s.

Announcements: As we enter the third trimester, please talk to Sydney or Sophie Harris if you have any interest in being on the news staff next year.

Be sure to encourage your piers who are tackling AP exams!

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Senioritis

Continued fron Page 3 whatever he needs..

S: That’s all the time we have for today. I want to thank the interviewees for giving us this beautiful issue

and I hope you readers enjoy.

This is Samuel saying goodbye... for me and Jonathan, who is now carrying all of Judah’s books.

Advice Column By: Kara Moran

We’ve talked about school a lot in this column, but most of it has been general advice about mindset and other less practical things. This month, we hear from seniors Lilly Luse and Matt Leprell about their advice to other students as they struggle through the academics of high school.

Senior, Lilly Luse, provided practical advice focused on study habits, sharing her own routine leading up to tests. She recommends putting an effort into making some form of a study guide—a condensation of neat notes. The conciseness of orderly notes makes an overwhelming test seem much less daunting.

Another strategy Lilly mentioned was studying in increments leading up to a big assessment.

Almost all of us have taken our books home a few days early, saying we would study in advance for a final or other cumulative test, but many likely find this difficult. It’s hard to find motivation to do work that could be put off just one more night. However, as Lilly says, this makes the night before a test much less stressful.

Additionally, studying this way helps with long term memory.

Many people have the ability to cram well, memorizing a lot of material right before an assessment. This is just a use of a sharp short term memory. Sometimes studying in this way is necessary to just get a good grade, but whenever possible, strategic planning allows for a more long term memory of material from

a class. Ultimately the goal of a test is not to see how well a student can memorize information, repeat it, then forget it within a week, but rather to be molded by the things we learn, which requires us to learn them thoroughly and put them into practice.

While Lilly’s advice is practical, senior, Matt Leprell, is more focused on a good mindset for academics. He shared his own struggle with staying motivated as high school progressed in years and difficulty. He emphasized the importance of maintaining goals. Generally, everyone has some form of a goal in the back of their mind. However, it’s hard to really strive towards those without focusing on them.

Matt says it’s crucial to remind yourself for what exactly you are working. If you neglect to remember this, it will be impossible to stay motivated—no one wants to work without an attainable end result in view. While much less practical than Lilly’s approach to academic success, it is just as critical. Without a motivated mindset like Matt’s, it becomes easy for practice to lack more and more.

The types of advice these seniors gave are very different from one another, and yet they both provide valuable direction for academic success. These are only two of an academically talented senior class; all students have much to learn from them.

Seagull on the shore Anonymous

Poll

Conducted by: George Hall and Grant McGill We asked the HLS Student Body if putting Pineapple on Pizza is wrong. Here are the results: 63% say Yes 37% say No

Anonymous