Talisman vol. 59 iss. 2 December 3, 2021

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TALISMAN a student-edited newspaper

Sources of Strength page 11

Students on Vaccines page 3 Sheldon High School 2455 Willakenzie Rd. Eugene, OR 97401

Advice for Writers

page 6

vol. 59- iss. 2 - December 3, 2021

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December 3, 2021

Controversial Topics

The minimum wage in a post-COVID economy David Peterson & Brandon Thayer staff writers Minimum wage has fluctuated greatly over the years, mainly rising in response to inflation. Some people believe that it is too low and it needs to be raised to a point where people can live off of it and some believe that it needs to stay the same if not lower.

English teacher Andrew Cabrera, who gets paid a salary, thinks that both the federal and state minimum wage are too low, Cabrara said, “It costs a lot to live.

I believe that the minimum wage needs to at least be competitive with rent prices.” Oregon specifically is one of the states that are attempting to tackle the minimum wage problem. In the past three years, Oregon’s minimum wage has increased by 2 dollars, and it is planned to increase from 12.75 to 14.00 dollars an hour by 2025. Cabrera thinks that even though an increased minimum wage might cause small businesses to suffer at first, over time the increase in total people bringing in more money would cause business to grow exponentially.

Owner of The Burger House, a non-

franchised mom and pop burger joint, Jeff Lomsky said,“Inflation is through the roof, and property owners raise the rent. Gas and oil prices went up by almost 2 dollars and it’s not really the fault of the employer.” The state governments control minimum wage based on the demographics, but they do not control the housing market, or the major gas and oil imports into the US. Lomksy also mentioned that you get a mandatory raise as the minimum wage goes up, but in the end you are left with less money because gas prices are outrageous

and housing prices are unreasonably high. According to Lomsky, he enjoys paying people to work for him.

Although this is the most he’s ever paid his employees, his business has also grown and been significantly good. So should the minimum wage be higher? Unfortunately, Lomksy thinks people will always ask for

photo by Sofia El-Shammaa

more. It’ll never be enough for them and the argument will never go away.

Business teacher Les Phillipo shares the opinion of Jeff Lomsky that minimum wage is at a perfect point right now. He said that the intention of minimum wage was not for people to live off of but for you to get your foot in the door specifically with work experience so you can then move on to a job that will pay more.

He also said that with the minimum wage being raised as it is, the middle class is becoming less relevant because the lower class is getting paid in increasing amounts and many companies don’t include cost of living raises.

Phillipo said, “Because of the two groups being pushed together, businesses will tend to hire less people when minimum wage goes up and find other ways to make changes because they don’t want to change the prices of the services they are Talisman poll providing.”

Another issue that Philipo discussed was that of the price of a collegelevel education. “I think the cost of education has gotten out of control. We’ve done a poor job of communicating that there are other opportunities out there in which you can make the same amount if not more.” Philipo said that it is not only the fault of the colleges but also the entire education system for pushing children to pursue college and not something like trade school. Phillipo said, “They can offer great jobs and people should be proud to take those and not necessarily looked down upon.”

Whether you believe that minimum wage should be raised or lowered there is no denying that it will affect the economy greatly. People should be given opportunities to pursue jobs that offer more than minimum wage so that they can live comfortably and not have to worry about being evicted.

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Gun control laws and privacy Nigel Yandall staff writer “Part of gun control laws invades privacy,” said Maurice Bawden, an instructor in education. Having record verifications is essential for a firearm control law and some people think of it as a privacy invasion.

Background checks would require government data sets that keep individual data on weapon proprietors, including name, addresses, emotional well-being history, and criminal records. Some required information for background checks are personal to gun owners and they wouldn’t want to let anyone know.

The American Civil Liberties Union worried that Senator Harry Reid’s 2013 proposed individual background verification enactment would have permitted the public authority to keep data sets of weapon buys endlessly. Micro-stamping needs information from firearm owners and the codes of their personal guns would be stamped on cartridge cases.

Representatives Rand Paul, Mike Lee, and Ted Cruz composed that they would go against any enactment that encroaches on the American individuals’ protected right to carry weapons, or on their capacity to practice this right without being exposed to government reconnaissance.

photo by Nigel Yandall

Students Against Gun Violence President Sofia El-Shammaa gives a presentation on the Kyle Rittenhouse trial at a SAGV meeting.

Student Issues

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December 3, 2021

Students on vaccines Cadee Hoffman and Sylvia Moss staff writers The 4j school district required staff to get vaccinated against COVID, but what about the same requirement for students? A vaccine mandate to attend in-person school would be fascinating to know students’ perspective on.

Junior Brandon Kauten, a student athlete at Sheldon High School, is vaccinated. Kauten, “saw it as an opportunity to get back to normal and feel safe.” Many others have decided to get the COVID vaccine as well.

Kauten said, “All I had to do was sign up and show up!” Kauten said he felt no hesitation getting the vaccine, as he felt that getting the vaccine was incredibly important as a member of society to protect those around him.

Although Kauten said he feels safe in classrooms with the current mask mandate in place, he believes that a vaccine mandate would make him safer, “I think it would make me feel safer” and lower the risks of spreading COVID. If there was a vaccine mandate put into place for students, Kauten believes it would cause conflict “due to the differing opinions on the vaccine.” With this in mind, when asked if he would put a mandate in place he would, but believes that sufficient time to get the vaccine would be crucial in this specific vaccine mandate.

With the vaccine mandate on teachers versus students, Kauten believes it’s easier for certain rules to

be put in place for teachers and staff rather than students, since there are “a lot of hoops the district has to jump through.”

Junior Omar Nashawi is also vaccinated. He had “no uncertainties regarding the COVID vaccine.”

Nashawi said he trusted the scientists that developed the COVID vaccine and wanted to protect himself as soon as possible. Regarding his opinion on the vaccine, Nashawi said his opinion hasn’t changed at all since the idea of the vaccine was introduced.

As far as how he feels his peers would handle a vaccine mandate, Nashawi said, “I think that the majority of the people would be either supportive or indifferent about a vaccine mandate.” He believes a vaccine mandate would be helpful and the idea should be seriously considered to make Sheldon safer for everyone. Like Kauten, Nashawi said getting the vaccine was very accessible; scheduling an appointment was quick and simple.

As for the vaccine mandate for teachers versus students, Nashawi said, “I think it is hypocritical, seeing as students tend to be in closer proximity with each other for a longer period of time.” When asked about the current mask mandate and how it is being enforced, Nashawi thinks there has been some lax enforcement, but also believes there is a point where 4j cannot control everything.

Even though Nashawi believes that a majority of students are already vaccinated, he knows his family would feel better about sending him to school if there was a mandate, as safety during COVID is valued in his household.

Similar to Kauten and Nashawi, junior student athlete Natalie Kaiser is vaccinated and felt no hesitancy towards getting vaccinated: “I know there’s science behind it, which is really important.”

Kaiser then talked about her reasoning for getting vaccinated, “It’s also important when it comes to keeping people safe, not just myself.”

Kaiser went on to say that getting vaccinated is essential to eradicating viruses such as COVID-19. If there were a vaccine mandate in schools Kaiser says she would feel safer being at school, but she ultimately understands both sides, and believes that it’s important to do research before making this decision. Kaiser also believes that if a person feels that they do not want to get vaccinated, online school would be necessary so as to not put other students at greater risk.

With respect to the student vaccine mandate and whether it should be implemented, Kaiser said, “When it comes to requiring a mandate for teachers and students, I think they should be treated equally.” Ultimately, Kaiser believes a student vaccine mandate would make school safer but feeling comfortable with the vaccine itself is vital.

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Students share their experiences with racism at Sheldon Eila Zambrano & Ana Villagomez staff writers Sheldon sophomore Daniel Contreras, is a 15-year-old Hispanic who is attending a mostly white school with only a handful of Hispanic people attending as well.

Contreras said, “It’s weird going to a school that has mostly white kids and not as many colored people.”

Contreras has been called a “beaner” by a white female student while walking in the halls who claimed she was “joking.” This isn’t the first time an individual has come forward about a situation involving the same white student. Being called a slur makes you feel more out of place than it already did, which explains why Contreras does not feel welcomed. Contreras wants people to know that no one is born racist, it’s the people you surround yourself with that make you this way.

Contreras stated, “There are only so many people of my culture here, and on top of that, being called a slur while just walking to class makes things worse.” If there is one thing Contreras would like racist people to know, is to learn the culture first before speaking.

Senior Victoria Aguilar, is a 17-year-old Hispanic, has also experienced similar situations as the previous individual. Aguilar has been in an uncomfortable situation involving an Asian student. Although the Asian student gets a lot of hate as well, it did not stop him from making Aguilar feel racially targeted by not only picking on her but by making ignorant comments involving name-calling. When asked if she felt welcomed Aguilar said, “I would like to think, yes, but being in an environment full of white kids makes me feel a little out of place.” Aguilar says if there was something the school could change to make her feel more welcomed it is to have more culture here and more people of color teacher-wise.

Sophomore Sergio Salgado is a 16-year-old Hispanic who is one of the very few Hispanics who attend this school. Salgado said, “Although I have been called a beaner as well, I chose to ignore it for reasons being that they are the ones with privilege and me not wanting anything to do with that negativity.” Salgado chooses to ignore the ignorant comments rather than report them.

Salgado thinks the world is ugly and that no one should be experiencing racism, no matter the race: “Racist people have nothing better to do than to bring others down for entertainment.” Salgado stated, “I may not express it at times, but I do care a lot about my culture.”

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December 3, 2021

School Changes

Resource officer missed Beatrice Walton Co-Editor-in-Chief This school year, as you may or may not know, the oncampus resource officer that we used to have is no longer here. These past few years there have been many school shootings as well as the Black Lives Matter movement which has brought awareness to the fact that students in Sheldon may not feel a police presence in school is safer to them or condones a welcoming school environment. In June the 4j district had to decide if they would renew their contract with the Eugene police department, and decided not to renew and Sheldon no longer has a resource officer in school. The resource officer was a clear connection between 4j and the police, making mandatory reporting easier for teachers as well as a faster response time when needed in schools.

Officer Savage, Sheldon’s former Resource Officer(SRO) described his job: “While I was assigned to the Sheldon region, my primary job was to be available to help any of my seven schools when they called. Staff did not have to call 911, they called me. As an SRO, my focus was to handle emergency and non-emergency law enforcement issues. I responded and investigated a variety of calls, ranging from something as simple as fender benders in the parking lot to complex sexual assaults and threats of violence to students.”

With school shootings happening across the country, keeping schools safe is at the forefront of many people’s minds. As well as the Black Lives Matter movement which brought attention to police brutality and systemic racism in our country. This has brought up the conversation of the police’s place in schools, Senior Malaya Kiner, President of Sheldon’s Black Student Union said, “I think it’s really good [shifting to more of a mental health focus], that was one of the things I proposed when I wrote a letter against having resource officers at school. It was also one of my biggest points when I spoke at the protest to remove them-- focusing on mental health is the foundation.”

When talking about her personal experience with

police, Kiner said, “I can confidently say that I’ve never had one positive experience with the police. I’ve never personally gotten in trouble with them, but they’ve still impacted my life negatively. When I was a little younger, approaching my teenage years, I was taught how to speak to the police in a way that wouldn’t get me in trouble because even as a child with hair like mine and a dad like mine, its likely to happen no matter my age.

That’s a common conversation that happens in Black families, that says enough. I’ve seen brothers and sisters get dragged in my face, bare back against the street, by the police right in front of me for protesting against their killings of other Black people. The fact that I question what year I’m in sometimes makes me wonder why I’m expected to feel safe with a cop around me in my ‘safe space’-- at school.”

Keeping this in mind and acknowledging the racism people of color face at the hands of police Latinx Student President and senior Giancarlo Falcon has a different perspective and feels the resource officer protects students from incidents that may happen to them at school. Falcon stated, “I want the police back on the Sheldon campus. Removing the campus police harmed the student body more than it helped. Two weeks ago I was the target of harassment and violent threats by other students. And this violence and unruliness is something I and teachers have noticed in the underclassmen. I feel the 24/7 police presence on campus is needed to discourage students from acting out and providing immediate action and consequences against violence and illegal activities. I know I would feel a lot safer if there was a trained police officer on campus to deal with these sorts of situations. But now, if a major incident occurred, students, teachers, or staff would have to spend hours out of their busy schedules at the police station to file a report, rather than have an on-campus police officer they can directly consult with about an incident.”

This line of thinking also applies to teachers who are mandatory reporters, meaning they must report suspected ​​ abuse or neglect, whether this abuse is physical,

Getting back to a new normal Kaeyden Davie staff writer Tyler Johnson didn’t hang out with his friends that much during quarantine, He said that since there was only online school he didn’t see his friends much. Johnson hangs out with his friends pretty much every day now, since school has been back in session. Johnson used to go to Sheldon football games before quarantine started, Johnson is glad to see that he was able to play again now that school has started being in person. Johnson said coming back to school felt weird at first, but it was also really nice to come back to school to see all his friends. Johnsons has never been to a Sheldon volleyball game before but now that quarantine is over he wants to see one. Johnson has been to multiple Sheldon basketball games and he is excited for this year’s season since it’ll be in person school. Johnson prefers in person school because he says he sees his friends more when being in person and he said, ‘’ It’s less boring than online school because you’re talking to other people

instead of being in your room’’ Johnsons least favorite thing about coming back to in person school is getting more homework and having to talk to more teachers.

Johnsons favorite thing about coming back to school is that he gets to hangout with more friends.

Junior Chris Mainard hung out with a lot of friends during quarantine, but he couldn’t go to anyone’s house.

Now that quarantine is over Mainard hangs out with his friends a decent amount but he is working at a job now so that affects his available time. Mainard went to a lot of the Sheldon football games when he was in freshman year.

Yes, Mainard has been to a Sheldon soccer game, he says ‘’i’ve only been to a couple soccer games but they’re fun’’.

Mainard likes coming back to school because he felt like it was harder to learn off of a screen. Mainard has watched a sheldon volleyball game, he likes to go to them because some of his friends go. Mainard has been to a lot of the sheldon basketball games. Mainard plays basketball here at Sheldon. Yes quarantine affected Mainards basketball season by not letting him get to play for half the season.

the Talisman psychological, sexual or financial. When schools had a resource officer it made the officer a direct line to the Eugene police department, but now teachers must call the non-emergency police line where they may be on hold for hours at a time.

In regards to the 4j board meeting that led to the end of the contract between our 4j schools and police, Savage explains that the meeting felt rushed and that he and the rest of the department didn’t even think that SROs being removed was even a possibility. Savage said, “We all know how chaotic 2020 was. COVID shut the schools down in March and the SROs went to different assignments. I worked at the airport, fully anticipating it was temporary and I’d be back at Sheldon, where I’d been for fifteen years. In June, we heard the 4j board was going to be voting on whether or not to renew the contract at the next board meeting. It was a surprise for all of us. The 4j superintendent and our Deputy Chief had just met to start finalizing the new contract. Even when I was listening to the board meeting online, it didn’t seem like it was a possibility. There was a lot going on in the country then.

Police were not popular. Nationally, there was a strong anti-police sentiment. I think that had an influence on the board’s decision. That, and a lack of understanding of what we did in the schools. If you listen to the audio of that meeting, one board member didn’t realize there was an officer in every high school. Another made a comment similar to, I guess we really don’t know what they do.

Yet, they voted to not renew the contract. I don’t blame the staff at my schools, and I especially don’t blame the kids. They really had nothing to do with it. I’ve been asked multiple times when I see students why they don’t see me at Sheldon. A lot of people didn’t even know it happened.

I don’t think all the voices had the opportunity to be heard.

Because of COVID, they weren’t allowing people to attend the board meetings. My opinion was they made a quick decision without taking the time to fully research if there was actually a problem, or think about the repercussions of us not being there.”

This issue has many different layers and there is no one solution. Keeping students safe is a top priority, as well as making students feel safe and like they are welcome and supported by the school.

Mainard prefers in person school because he thinks it’s harder to learn from a screen and also he likes hanging out with his friends at school. Mainard’s least favorite part about coming back to school after quarantine is talking to the teachers more and also having to wear a mask for hours. Mainard’s favorite thing about coming back to in person school was getting to see more of his friends. Mainard is looking forward to hanging out with more friends and also getting to play more basketball.

Junior Kody Paz hung out with his friends a decent amount during quarantine but his mom didn’t let him have people at his house. Paz hangs out with his friends now a lot more since he is in person at school. Yes, Paz went to a Sheldon football game a few months ago. Paz has gone to Sheldon soccer games freshman year because he couldn’t when it was quarantined. Paz liked coming back to school because he gets to see more of his friends. Paz has gone to a few volleyball games in his freshman year but wasn’t able to during covid. Paz liked coming back to school because he said ‘’It’s easier to do work when your actually in school.’’ Paz is looking forward to seeing more of his family since quarantine is over.

Identity

the Talisman

December 3, 2021

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Masculinity doesn’t have to be vs. Femininity Tawny Thomas staff writer Masculinity and femininity are inevitably incorporated into our identities. The world in which we grow up categorizes girls as feminine, and boys as masculine conventionally.

As a result, generations of people trying to fit into these imaginary boxes that have been created for them has been cultivated. Girls play with Barbies. Boys play with toy guns.

Girls learn to slather their faces in makeup as they grow up.

Boys just learn to be boys. Women take care of the children.

Men go to work and support the family. These masculine and feminine roles seem to be determined for us as soon as we exit the womb and have our genitals announced. It’s a boy! It’s a girl! Hence, a predestined future traditionally follows the guidelines of “women must be feminine, and men must be masculine.” At what point are we asked what we as individuals gravitate towards and take genuine interest in?

After a refreshing interview with junior, Luca Offet, I was able to grasp his fluidity on the masculine and feminine roles. His perspective addressed how masculinity and femininity reside in every single one of us; we are all masculine and we are all feminine. One of the most savory points made

by Offet was that, “The more masculine someone is, the more feminine they are able to be, and vice versa.” His idea concludes that the more in tune someone is with themself, the greater the increase of ability to express themselves becomes prominent. To Offet, authentic expression is something that remains extremely important to him. Expressing his genuine self is something he continues to put effort into each day, embracing both masculine and feminine interests and behaviors. Whether it be trying out nail polish or smash-

ing the court in basketball, he allows himself to be free to enjoy whatever it is that he enjoys; regardless of the typical gender associated with the task.

After interviewing Brooke Mclurkin, a University of Oregon Alumna, I noticed her unique perspective on masculinity and femininity. In her words, “I love doing things that are typically considered masculine. I’ve done bodybuilding, team rowing, wrestled on the boys team in high school and other things like that. But I also enjoy wearing a full face of makeup and getting dressed up and going out. It’s all about feeling empowered for me.” Mclurkin’s take on this seems quite simple, really.

But for many, merely embracing parts of themselves that are not generally associated with their assigned gender is much more of a challenge. So many people live their lives according to the boxes we have been put into, not ever truly contemplating where our desires flow. In her perspective, activities are for anyone wanting to take part. Being on the boys wrestling team for her was just something she wanted to do, and so she did it. Wearing makeup makes her feel more magnetic, and therefore she loves getting all made up. The bottom line, to Mclurkin, is doing whatever and going wherever your joy flows. To live and let live.

Keira Collier, a senior at Sheldon High School, is someone who breaks limitations any chance she gets: “Even though I don’t often practice, I noticed that while I was at the gym I am able to squat a little over 500 pounds. It makes me feel excited and proud to be able to do so. I’m strong like my dad.” It’s usually assumed that girls can’t lift. Girls can’t use gym equipment

properly. Girls just can’t, can’t, can’t. Obviously, this assumption is untrue. Anyone can do anything they put their mind to. Collier once again breaks the limitations, not only for squatting over 500 pounds (I’m sure the vast majority would struggle with such heavy weight,) but also has broken limitations for many girls who’ve been told they were incapable of such athleticism just for being girls.

In a world where everything is subjective, it’s important to remember that the roles assigned at birth are all the same- subjective. Boys can paint their nails, girls can wrestle. People can just be what they truly are, without having to consider if it makes them look a certain way.

We don’t need to so deeply attach our identities to specific gender roles; matter in fact, the more we embrace each polarization of our identities, the more authentic we can be with ourselves. Quality lives are authentically lived, and without owning each trait and interest within ourselves, we are doing ourselves an injustice. Throw away your ideas on how men and women should behave; and just be true to yourself and allow everyone else to be themselves without judgement.

Style and Identity Liam Cottle staff writer In the U.S, our modern culture is upheld by flaunting wealth. Wealth represents success, which is the trophy to the American dream. Flaunting wealth is less about what you actually own and more about the aesthetic of owning it. To be in pop culture is to contribute to it. A big part of rap culture is that despite the oppression black music artists face, they still made it. During the 80s ballroom scene, queer and black drag artists and dancers would try to show “realness” to show that if they had the opprtunity to be treated equally and that they would look just like you.

Because of this standard, people who do not have as much access to stylish clothes will turn to fast fashion, to emulate wealth, in order to feel comfortable expressing the style they want to.

Identity factors into your style a lot. Your economic class will define how you learn taste as a child, and shape how you see things as an adult. People from marginalized groups tend to start trends and have more extreme styles. They feel like they can’t be themselves in everyday life so they find an outlet to express themselves through.

Junior Cayden Hatcher said, “My style is really inspired by extreme fashion like some drag artists and experimental designers.” A lot of these styles have become more popular

because of the access that is made available through the internet.

The style or movement you subscribe to is a big part of modern fashion. Because of the internet, people have access to every style imaginable. Now, everyone can be a part of whatever aesthetic they want. Senior, Sariah Thrapp said, “There are so many different aesthetics that are popular now, I think more people will be able to find how to express themselves.” Even though we have made progress, there is still more to go.

While we are at a great point in time for tolerance, including what people wear, there is still work to be done. Junior Lilith Chiddix said, “A lot of things that I would like to wear are clothes that people think are gendered.” More and more people are wearing clothes based on looks or comfort instead of expectations. As we work towards a better world where we can wear what we want, we should remember what style and fashion means to each of us.

Illustration by Tawny Thomas

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Entertainment

December 3, 2021

Advice for writers

is screwed up by something that makes no sense within the context of the story. If you decide to throw something in to shake up the plot for no reason, then, as senior Siena Buchanan, president of the Creative Writing Club said, “I think it’s important to have a lot of clues for a twist that is coming, and I personally prefer it when the average reader Audery Chamberlain might at least guess that the plot twist is coming before it does.”

Young agreed, and said, “There should be things throughout the story that subtly point page editor to the plot twist/ unexpected conclusion. If the twist comes out of nowhere it can be very unsatisfying.” Stories, even set in a fantasy world, need to follow the same rules and logic Have you ever been interested in writing a novel, but didn’t know how to start, or got writer’s block halfway through? Were you unable to write convincing characters, as real life. Plot twists have to be plausible, or else you risk losing your audience, who or just couldn’t get your plot quite right? You aren’t alone-other students at Sheldon will no longer buy into the story or be invested in the plot if anything goes. But what if you don’t even have a plot to twist? are also aspiring authors, and these authors have kindly provided tips and strategies Many new writers, and even those who have been writing for a long time, experience for smoothing over the difficulties that can come up in the writing process. writer’s block. Walker shared some strategies she uses to overcome this problem, and One of the most important components of writing a successful story is having said, “For me it’s all about getting new ideas, so I listen to music for the scene I’m trying relatable characters. Junior Jayden Young said, “People should try to avoid [Mary Sue to emulate: or I skip forward in my book to a chapter I know how to write better, and in characters] as much as possible. All people have flaws and inner struggles, so even if the worst cases I just remove myself from the computer for awhile and watch a TV show. the [story is told from the viewpoint of] a “flawless” character, in most cases it would Seeing another story and analyzing how they do transitions helps me get out of a funk be beneficial to have an external source point out the flaws of a Mary Sue.” with my own work.”

No one can relate to a perfect character. In fact, people should write flawed Not all stories have to be completely original. It is entirely fine to have inspiration from characters. Senior Bergen Walker agreed with Young, and said, “They are boring, real life cultures and people, though when writing about cultures that aren’t your own, uninspired, uninteresting, and lazy writing. Making your main character beautiful, some precautions may need to be made. Buchanan said, “a culture in my story is inspired universally loved, and all powerful for the purpose of having a “good” protagonist by the pacific islander culture and I made sure to do a lot of research to be sure that I was doesn’t help your narrative at all.” Characters should be interesting, and people being accurate and that none of my ideas were offensive to the culture.” Proper research should want them to succeed, and knowing that a character will overcome every is crucial to writing a good story, as inaccuracies may be detrimental to people’s opinions challenge will not give them any reason to support or care what happens to that about your writing, and will be hurtful to the community that you are trying to represent. character, even if a new and unexpected problem appears on their horizon.

It may be difficult to write sometimes, but always know that you can reach out to fellow Another thing that people often struggle with is writing convincing plot twists. No writers in the Sheldon community for help. They would be more than happy to see another one enjoys it when the entire story they are reading, or movie they are watching, writer achieve their dreams, build worlds, and discover their characters.

Crocheting Tips Savannah Ho and Olivia Wagner staff writers

Nothing screams love more than a handmade craft. It ignites excitement and warmth because gifts become the physical embodiment of our love for each other. When it comes to gift giving you want to find the ideal things for that specific person. A

photo by Savannah Ho

Crochet rug by sophomore Mae Wytosky.

handmade piece of your heart might be just the gift you’re looking for.

Small business owner Mae Wytosky became interested in this hobby through his grandmother, who passed Easter of this year.

Wytosky stated, “As of right now, I’m working on a Christmas present for my sister. She had always wanted an Among Us themed blanket, so I thought I would make her one for this Christmas gift!” An important aspect of these gifts is how they can be personalized.

Wytosky can often be seen crocheting in class: “I’m a big time crocheter who, whenever I get the time to, will whip out their supplies and begin a long process of joy and yarn and happiness.” Not only is crocheting a way to show affection and love, but it can also be a way to calm your mind and express yourself.

When asked what motivates Wytosky to crochet, Wytosky stated that “Crocheting makes me very happy, and when I see someone else smiling I tend to think of crocheting! So I’m guessing everything does!”

Wytosky pulls motivation from the joyous aspects of his environment and other people.

Afterwards, Wytosky was asked what he liked to crochet the most. He responded, “I love to crochet mini stuffed animals that other people (my family) like to snuggle up to when they are finished, of course. I also like to make blankets, clothing items, like shirts, jackets, and slippers, and like I said before I love making little stuffed animals!” The wide variety of items Wytosky is able to make shows the versatility and unlimited possibilities of this craft.

Crocheting can be a long process or a very short one.

Wytosky said,“That can range from a couple of days to weeks or even months! For example, I made a blanket last year and finished it within 21 days!”

Wytosky also said “My favorite stitches are the Half Double Crochet and the Double Crochet. With the Half Double Crochet (hdc), I like to yarn over my hook, insert my hook into the stitch below, bring the yarn up, and pull the yarn through all three loops. With the Double Crochet (dc) I like to yarn over, insert my hook

into the stitch below, pull my yarn through two of the loops, then yarn over again and pull through the last two loops.”

Many people find it hard to find the perfect resources to make perfect creations and Wytosky did just that. Ho asks what type of resources helped them along the way in their crocheting journey and Wytosky said, “Some resources I love and found helpful for my beginning journey were the instruction books I got for Christmas and the videos I watched when I began to crochet.”

Ceramics teacher Amy Rose Albrecht, “went to a Waldorf school and got interested in crocheting.”

Albrecht is not currently making anything, “but thinking of making a friend of mine a baby blanket.”

Albrecht crochets “Only in the winter, I like the long nights and shorter days, and for patterns, YoutTube is a very visual hands-on learner.”

The internet is home to a vast number of online resources; with a simple search, one can effortlessly find information and inspiration.

Albrechts favorite stitch is “the granny stitch.”

The granny stitch is a cute little stitch composed of circles attached to each other. It is often used to make granny squares, smaller squares crocheters yarn together in order to create bigger patterns in a crochet piece.

Crafts-master and Sheldon grandmother Peggy Rubel said that the hardest part about projects is how, “It takes me hours to figure out how I want to lay out a project.” She finds the best way “to overcome it is to just do it and make it work somehow.” Crocheting, like every other craft, takes practice and discipline. Soon enough, it will come intuitively.

Crocheting is a fun craft full of artistic expression, memories, and emotions, all bundled up in a soft and twisted piece of yarn. We hold these memories dear to our hearts as we continue on growing and learning.

Favorite books Olivia Gilhuber and Shiloh Capiak staff writers Books have entertained people for thousands of years.

Over time, people have found other forms of entertainment, such as movies, video games, and music, but the humble book has still prevailed. Books allow us to connect with people we’ve never met, who may not even really exist, discover new worlds, and escape the stresses of everyday life, all while making us more intelligent and sympathetic.

Like any other hobby, people start to enjoy reading at different points in their life. For sophomore Avery Walkoviak, it’s been a nearly lifelong hobby: “I really got into reading when I was in 1st or 2nd grade with the Magic Tree House series and the Junie B. Jones books.”

Sheldon biology teacher Mr. Sanderson said, “I have always enjoyed reading unless I was required to do it.

Encyclopedias were treasure chests as a little kid. In high school, I rejected my 11th and 12th grade lit class reading lists. I was really into L. Sprague de Camp and Isaac Asimov at the time. John Knowles and Kate Chopin just didn’t appeal to my teenage mind back then. I probably missed out on some much-needed maturation.”

One of the most wonderful things about reading is the diversity. You can find a book on nearly any topic if you know where to look. Walkoviak said, “My favorite genres are fantasy/dystopian, contemporary, and mystery/thriller.”

On her favorite books, she said, “Currently, my top favorite

Entertainment

book is a tie between The Knife of Never Letting Go and The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness. I adore them because they are extremely action packed and full of so much depth and references to problems throughout history.”

Similarly to Walkoviak, senior Siena Buchanan also prefers fantasy. Buchanan explained, “I like fantasy and science-fiction. I’m not a huge romance fan because I’m lesbian and not a lot of books have lesbian romances.”

Sanderson’s favorite genres are science fiction and fantasy, in addition to normal fiction and nonfiction. While he couldn’t choose just one favorite book, on his favorite fiction book, he said, “I can’t choose between Cloud Atlas

by David Mitchell and The Overstory by Richard Powers.

No, wait! It’s got to be Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver! That book is a perfect ecosystem of a story about the ecosystem of people living in the Appalachian ecosystem.”

Recommendations from avid readers are a great way to find new books you never would have heard of otherwise.

Recommendations can be found everywhere: online, on social media, at bookstores, and from friends and family. Buchanan recommends, “Anything by Brandon Sanderson, Legendborn by Tracy Deonne, and The War that Saved my Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.” A good recommendation can lead to the discovery of a new favorite book, series, author, or genre.

Finding the right book or genre for you is difficult at first.

Understanding what you want to read can be the hardest part to uncover. A person may read mainly a certain genre, but then find a book that is in a completely different genre

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and fall in love with it. Sanderson said, “Books are often a little like clothes. They aren’t really one-size-fits-all. Maybe that’s exactly the point.”

Often, one of the best parts of reading a book is being able to relate to the characters. Characters are the structure that brilliant stories are built on; a story can’t be a story without well developed and intricate characters. Meeting new characters and finding similarities between them and yourself is exciting.

Walkoviak mentioned, “The character that I think I am most similar to is a combination between Luna Lovegood and Ginny Weasley from Harry Potter because I’m very extroverted, outspoken, and awkward like Ginny and I’m also very kind and soft like Luna.” Through books, she was able to find characters that she can relate to and enjoys reading about.

Books have been used for centuries to educate, entertain, inform, and debate. They are the foundation of how our world functions today. Now you can find books, articles, etc. online, but before, books were the only source. Elaborate stories, complex ideas, and differing opinions have been recorded throughout history because of books. Reading has countless benefits, from improving your vocabulary to finding relatable characters and stories. In addition to the benefits of reading alone, you also join a community of people who are expanding their minds by immersing themselves in stories.

If you would like to become more involved in Sheldon’s reading community, Sheldon librarian Kori Kunz is currently running a campaign to start a conversation about students’ and teachers’ reading lives. Students are welcome to stop by the library and get their photo taken with a favorite book.

Music during COVID Callie Lininger co-editor-in-chief

Photo by Posey Chiddix

Photo taken at a Harry Styles Concert.

Like many things, music has changed due to the pandemic we are experiencing. Concerts were not happening, people’s taste changed, and musicians struggled. However, this time also allowed people to come together in the music world. Senior Sabrina Giulietti said, “The Coronavirus had a pretty big effect on musicians, causing them to have less opportunities to perform and causing a decrease of younger musicians in schools because of less promotion of music. Some people didn’t want to participate with music on Zoom, which is totally understandable. However, though the music community suffered, there were also parts that grew and are still growing as we bounce back in the pandemic.”

The pandemic has made it difficult for many musicians and artists, especially when interacting and trying to connect with crowds and fans, but they have been able to overcome these challenges. Senior Posey Chiddix went to a Harry Styles concert and she said, “I think that artists’ interactions with fans can be just as meaningful during COVID as long as they’re safe. Seeing almost everyone wearing their masks properly at the concert I went to just goes to show how that environment can be positively influenced by an artist’s message.”

While we are still in the midst of a pandemic, things are starting to become a little more “normal.” Senior Madelyn Raleigh went to an Isaiah Rashad concert and said, “Honestly it was really weird because it was like COVID didn’t even exist. No one was wearing masks. They checked in the front to see if we were vaccinated or had a negative covid test and that’s about it; there was no social distancing or anything.”

Although it’s important to be safe, artists are glad to be back on stage and fans are excited to hear live music again.

Even though 2020 took away most forms of connection, people were able to grow and learn from this. Many took this opportunity to try new things, learn new skills, and develop as artists.

Guiletti said, “In my own band class, we learned more music theory and learned how to use a music platform called Soundtrap. The doors that COVID-19 closed gave way to new doors opening.

I learned how to play ukulele on Zoom with my band teacher and I think those of us who stuck with it have become even stronger together as well as better musicians.” COVID affected many people in a variety of ways, but it allowed artists and musicians to come together even better than before.

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Holiday

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Holidays in different cultures Zoe Valentine staff writer It’s that time of year again when Hallmark and people begin to crank out holiday cheer. Even though Christmas is a great holiday, there are a bazillion other important and meaningful holidays. From the cold wintery climate of Norway to the sunnier climates, the changing of the seasons is celebrated in many fantastic ways.

In Sweden, Finland, and Norway there is St. Lucia Day, which is a festival of lights. This holiday celebrates the life of St. Lucia, who was killed by Romans in 304 C.E. and is observed on December Thirteenth. Throughout the Scandinavian towns, the people elect their own St. Lucia and this person goes through town followed by girls dressed in white with lightened wreaths on their heads as well as boys in white pajama-like costumes singing traditional songs. It is used to signal the start of winter and create the idea that things can always get better. Then in the homes throughout Scandinavia, school is closed around noon and families have their eldest dress up in white and serve coffee and baked goods while at home.

Moving onto another festival of light, Diwali is a Hindu holiday that is celebrated throughout the world by NonHindus and has become a staple holiday in India. Diwali lasts five days and begins on the third day of the dark half of the lunar month which is called Ashvina, to the second day of the light half of the lunar month Karttika. The celebration Diwali is used to commemorate the victory of light over darkness. From household to household the festivities vary based on religion,, but Diwali usually began with the cleaning of the house to welcome the

Goddess Lakshmi in so that she may bring prosperity and wealth to a household. Another staple is the lighting of diyas that are placed in homes and temples, as well as decorated with rangoli. There is also the tradition of keeping doors and windows open in the hope that Lakshmi will find her way inside and bless the residents with wealth and success. Diwali is a time to refresh and reinvent yourself, as well as to hope for more prosperity and wealth in the future.

Another holiday that is big on making a fresh start is Omisoka, the Japanese New Years. For the celebration of Omisoka people must begin by cleaning from top to bottom to cleanse in order for a person to receive their clean slate.

After one’s home is clean comes a huge feast where friends and family come together and dine on traditional Japanese food. It is said that those who do not finish their plate will be unlucky with money for the new year.

During this day, there is a nationwide talent competition that residents can watch while they wait for the new year. But Omisoka isn’t just about having a party, it is also considered a spiritual event for many Japanese people, and at midnight they visit Shinto shrines. Temples ring a large cast iron bell at midnight to signify the 108 earthly wants that created human suffering.

Even though Christmas may be a joyous time, it is not the only thing worth celebrating in the

winter. Winter is a nice time to get a fresh start and try new things or celebrate new holidays such as the three mentioned above and many more around the world.

Photo by Zoe Valentine

A Yule Log for St. Lucia by Zoe Valentine .

Favorite holiday movies Jazmine Reed staff writer During the holidays we all have our favorite movies to help set the mood or make us less excited for the spirit of the season. These opinions of favorite and least favorite movies can be fun to think about and take inspiration from.

Our first movie opinion is from sophomore Elizabeth Ricker. Her favorite holiday movie genre is horror. Her favorite movie from this category is Friday the 13th.

Although she says it’s one of her favorite horror movies, this is not special to her in any way. It’s also not her only favorite Ricker stated, “I would recommend Coraline because it’s my favorite movie.” Her overall top three movies would be Coraline, Friday the 13th, and The Conjuring. These movies, and horror movies in general may not have to do with the upcoming holidays of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Years, ect. but, it’s a great insight for next year’s Halloween holiday season.

Sophomore Channing Hess has another outlook on movies. Their favorite holiday movie genre is comedy.

They love to watch the classic movie Home Alone. Hess said, “I’m not sure why it’s so special but I watch it every year.” They find this movie to be the perfect mix between real life and fiction, showing great performance from all the actors and writers in being able to combine a slightly unreal idea and make it look more realistic with the twist

of comedy added. Hess’s top three holiday movies that they would recommend are Home Alone, Christmas Vacation, and The Holiday. These can provide some great inspiration to celebrate the upcoming holidays this year.

Sophomore Dazzle McDaniel’s favorite genre of holiday movie is horror because it adds thrill and suspense to the movie. Although this is her favorite genre, her favorite movie is Elf . It was introduced to her at the age of ten around Christmas time. Mcdaniel said, “This movie is so special to me because it’s very nostalgic and reminds me of my childhood during the holidays.” She also wanted to give a recommendation for the movie Elf because it’s not only very wholesome and nostalgic but it also has a great sense of humor for all ages to watch and enjoy, which sets a happy and joyful mood during the cold winter.

Our final opinion and only one against a movie is from sophomore Abbi Long. Her Least favorite holiday movie is Die Hard.

In her opinion, Die Hard is considered a “classic”

Christmas movie, however, it doesn’t truly capture the holiday season making it very contradicting and not the best for celebrating. Long said, “They seem to believe that by murdering a bunch of people you can save everyone and your marriage,” making this, in her opinion, not in the category of the holidays. People generally disagree with this opinion because most people she has run into like violent, action movies and “gotcha comments,” but it lacks a lot of character depth and growth.

Coffee

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Coffee cart is popular Tennen Balikian staff writer The coffee cart at Sheldon High School is a big hit amongst the students! The coffee cart is the little station in the cafeteria that is open during 1st and 3rd period.

Freshman Tate Templeman has this to say about the coffee cart. “Yeah I mean it’s a pretty cool place and the hot chocolate is exquisite, and when I say they heat those noodles up at the perfect temperature...oh boy!”

Students are even beginning to create their own drinks to make it easier to order when visiting the coffee cart. Samuel Kline’s , a sophomore at Sheldon High School, favorite drink is known as “The 3K Special”.“ It is a drink that my good friend David Manstrom (Junior) came up with one day, it is a sweet drink with chocolate, toffee, milk and blended with ice with a chocolate drizzled on

top”, Kline says.

“I enjoy going to the coffee cart whenever i think i’ll have enough time to go before class.

There is a great selection of options for people that like different types of drinks. It is fairly cheap too, prices range from around a dollar to three dollars for most of their drinks”, Says sophomore Kamani Winger.

A lot of people really enjoy the coffee cart at Sheldon High School for different reasons whether it’s the vast amount of great drinks they offer or it’s the cheap and affordable prices, or maybe it’s the noodles. Who knows but no matter what your favorite part of the coffee cart is we can all agree that it’s a great addition to Sheldon High School.

The impacts of caffeine Molly Dahlager page editor

Photo by Callie Lininger

Abby Schnoor and Jake Nash working in the coffee cart.

How often do you consume caffeine? According to Very Well Health, “Approximately 80% of the world’s population consumes caffeinated products every day, including roughly 73% of children.” Ingesting an excess amount of caffeine can cause long term damage in teens and adolescents, but many rely on it to get through their day. Sophomore Brady Rust said, “Balancing school and extracurricular activities leaves less time for sleep; caffeine can help you function on less sleep.” Many students struggle to balance their school schedules with sports and extracurricular activities, so it is easy to use caffeine to make sure everything gets done.

Caffeine doesn’t always have a negative effect; it can improve memory and decrease fatigue. Sophomore Briana Hamel said, “Caffeine helps me feel more energized, awake and I feel like I am able to get more things done throughout the day.” Although caffeine can be addictive, it is important to a lot of teens to make sure they get everything done. Caffeine is a stimulant, and increases your adrenaline levels. For some, this causes higher stress levels, but for others it improves focus.

Safety in adolescents is the main concern regarding caffeine consumption, but can you be safe and ingest caffeine? Caffeine is not needed to have a healthy diet, but it can be implemented in a way that isn’t harmful. Kidshealth.org said, “Caffeine is safe if you don’t get too much. Experts recommend no more than 100mg of caffeine a day.” However, many popular caffeinated drinks have much more than 100mg of caffeine; for example, Bang energy, Alani nu, Celcius, Yerba Mate, 2+ espresso shots, etc. Caffeine is effective at keeping you awake and attentive, but it may not be worth the risk for kids and teens.

Flavor is a big reason why many kids decide to add caffeine into their diet. Things like red bulls, and certain Starbucks drinks became popular because of flavor, not necessarily caffeine content. Sophomore Kiana Ayoma said, “I do not like the taste of most coffees or tea. I only really enjoy it if it’s mixed with something very sweet.” A lot of brands that are responsible for creating energy drinks make them taste sweet, and market them towards kids. This makes teens much more likely to buy and drink energy drinks; it adds another motivation to caffeine consumption.

Caffeine has been getting increasingly more popular with teens, and it may be the result of marketing towards kids. However, there are safe ways to add caffeine into your diet, and can improve focus, so it can be worth it for many. There are positive and negative effects to caffeine, but a lot of research on caffeine goes unnoticed. Caffeine is a danger, but at the end of the day it is a personal choice, with or without the risks.

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Environment

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The best cars for student drivers Noah Steeves staff writer Of Sheldon High School’s 1400+ students, the majority of those are new drivers. New drivers are not very safe and having a school full of them can be scary. Parents are to teach their freshman how to drive with their instructional permit, and parents to let their sophomore go on their own with their new licence. New drivers will face many dangerous situations on the road that they must learn to handle safely. To make driving that much easier, a student needs a good car. In this article, upperclassmen recommend and explain which cars will make new drivers’ experiences on the road easier.

Sophomore Kiana Bjorem, with an instructional permit is looking to get her licence soon. Currently she drives a Toyota Tacoma and was intimidated by it so she doesn›t recommend it; “It’s not a very good car for a new driver.

It’s big and bulky so it feels like you take up more room than you actually do.” Bjorem was asked if she recommended a truck or car and she continued, “Trucks can feel big so it depends on the driver and how much confidence they have in a bigger vehicle.”

Surely parents are looking for a safe and reliable car, Junior Owen Oliver said, “Students should try and find a good middle ground, where the car isn›t too nice, but also not a piece of junk either.” The most standard and highly recommended first car for teens is a Honda Civic. They’re cheap, safe and last forever; well past 300k miles. Bjorem also recommended, “Don’t get anything expensive or sporty. You’re a new driver and don’t know what you’re doing.” Students should focus on getting a safe car that doesn’t have too much power. Parents shouldn›t allow their children to drive their expensive sports cars until they have enough experience behind the wheel.

To help the freshmen getting their learners permits as well as sophomores getting their licenses, students share from personal experience of what not to do when you get behind the wheel. Junior Gibson Liebhardt shared, “Don’t drift your car.” Oliver shared, “The bad mistake I made was not checking my mirrors, and almost hitting someone in my blind spot.” There are many right and wrong things to do when driving, but always try to make the responsible decision.

Driving is not always the best financially. Students should keep in mind that cars are expensive things. Driving results in having to pay for a car as well as insurance and maintenance. Cars require maintenance quite often, needing oil changes, new tires and a whole list of things.

Insurance is also a must for driving in Oregon. The law requires all drivers must be insured which is expensive.

To save money on insurance, students should get a cheap and non sporty car. Liebhardt continued to say, “A job is necessary.”

Oliver is a car enthusiast and from his view he thinks performance and cosmetic mods are necessary: “Wheels, tires and suspension are a must on any car that you want to look good.” Having your car look good as well as drive

well can create a much greater appreciation for your car.

You will have more fun driving places. There’s so many things people can do with their cars and it teaches them how to work with mechanical issues such as a flat tire or oil change.

All around, having a car is a great choice for students.

It will help students get places faster and safer. Of the three students interviewed, all recommended getting a car. As for car choices, something cheap and reliable is ideal. Kids don’t want to be stuck on the side of the road with a mechanical issue. New drivers also need to make responsible decisions and remember they’re new behind the wheel and are probably the most dangerous drivers on the road due to a lack of experience.

A typical after school day in the busy Sheldon parking lot.

photo by Greg Cantwell

Sheldon on being enviromentally friendly Kendall Smith page editor One way that Sheldon tries to be more environmentally friendly is by getting students involved with the Environmental Club. Shae Harper, senior and club president, when asked why she joined the club stated, “I thought it was something good to support and I had friends in that club who told me about the idea of pushing for environmental education by the club originally.” The club has meetings every Tuesday during lunch where they discuss topics like creating a school garden, information

about other climate-related organizations, and make art out of recycled scraps to bring awareness of consumption and trash.

Lots of teachers and students take actions to decrease their impact on the environment outside of school. One of those ways is by biking to and from school for their daily commute which is something that language arts teacher Andrew Cabrera takes part in: “I recycle. I compost. I limit my driving. I keep my consumption relatively minimal and foster that value in my kids, too.” Not only is commuting to and from school by bike better for your overall health but it›s better for the air that we breathe.

A lot of people would argue that it›s impossible to make a school environmentally friendly, which in a lot of senses

is true but, there are still actions that can be taken to work towards it. For example, the use of lots of different recycling bins like paper, plastic, glass, and metal ones are a great thing to implement throughout schools to reduce the amount of waste produced. When science teacher Rich Bowden was asked about ways he thinks that the Sheldon community can become more environmentally friendly he stated, “Taking away some parking spaces and putting in trees to reduce heat islands. I also think that solar panels would be good because Sheldon has flat roofs that would be great for them and they could produce light for the classroom. The last way would be to carpool and/or ride a bike to school.”

School Programs

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Is too much money going into sports?

Brian Braatz staff writer As most students who attend Sheldon High School know, the school is very sports driven and always has been. The question is, why is Sheldon so sports oriented?

Well this has to do with the funding that Sheldon receives.

If someone’s team is very good at their sport, more people will want to see them play. This is where the activities that fund Sheldon’s sports department come into play.

Sheldon’s sports teams seem to be very successful at what they do. This leads me to my next point, there are plenty of good athletes at Sheldon, but there are also plenty of good artists, stylists, and musicians that go here. The principal of Shasta Middle School, Brady Cottle said, “Sports are important to Sheldon, but other programs should receive an equal amount of attention.” If we had activities that helped fund the many other interests that students have, Sheldon would be more welcoming to people with varying interests. It allows freedom for more diversity which is always very important, perhaps more important than just sports.

To get a better understanding of the students’ opinions, it is important to hear from students who are athletes and non-athletes. Athletes at Sheldon and others who are non-athletes. Considering who Sheldon is so focused on sports, it makes sense to hear the perspective of an athlete who has had experience with the sports programs here.

Volleyball player Elle Bruegman, on the topic of Sheldon being sports oriented, said, “I personally don’t mind it

too much, but I am biased because I play sports. I can see where it can be unfair if you don’t play sports.” This shows she understands there is this focus towards sports but she doesn’t have the perspective of kids who want something other than sports. Her experience with sports brings her immense joy so she has this comfort when it comes to pursuing her interests in high school, so of course others will feel different from her about sports at Sheldon. She also stated, “Volleyball has to do with most of our own fundraising. We did about three fundraisers this year and got a good amount of money for it,” meaning she feels that her activity receives enough community support to remain active.

Now to focus on the other half of the students at Sheldon, kids who don’t participate in athletics and have other interests. When discussing sports it seems to feel like the kids who don’t participate are not regarded by the majority of Sheldon. This could mean that those specific kids might feel left out and feel underappreciated. Newto-Sheldon junior Maggie Fruean, when asked if she has ever been to a game where Sheldon has played, said “No because I didn’t really see the excitement of it, especially since I don’t really have the school spirit.” This shows that some kids who don’t participate in sports at Sheldon usually don’t pay attention to what’s happening in the sports world. The students who don’t play have their own world which is full of their interests and passions, it’s just Sheldon doesn’t have variety when it comes to supporting students’ outside interests other than sports. Adding to that, Fruean is interested in the arts, meaning that if there was an art program she would most likely join. Though, even if

there was a program for art, there is no saying whether or not it would receive enough funding to stay afloat. In the end, Sheldon will always be passionate about sports and supporting their athletes. Though it shouldn’t stop there, other interests should be provided the amount of funding and support that the sports department receives as well.

photo by Audrey Chamberlain

Sources of Strength comes to Sheldon Sofia El-Shammaa page editor

On the fourth of November, 176 students crowded into the Sheldon auditorium to hear about a new program called Sources of Strength (shortened to just ‘Sources’), being implemented by Clair Smith, Sheldon’s newest councilor, and English teacher Kate Tierney. Students were chosen as advocates, nominated by teachers, to roll out ‘campaigns’ to support Sheldon’s culture and build up resiliency among the student body. Sources will be both a class and an advisory. The class is to be taught by Tierney, and the advisories lead by teachers Les Phillipo, Lisa Albrich, David Whalley, and Jesse Lawton, which will replace participants’ current advisories. Students in the class will be ‘leaders,’ as Smith calls them, with support from students in the advisory.

The types of students ranged wildly, just as Smith and Tierney wanted. Smith said, “I don’t like to call it [a type of] leadership, because I don’t just want ‘leadership’ kids.

It’s a very wide range. But I do want leaders of the band kids, the manga readers, the smoker kids… The purpose is to spread hope, help, and strength across the entire campus, right? Not just one group; all of them.”

Smith helped set this up eight years ago in South Albany High School. She, along with fellow staff member Jill Baker, were the first ones to institute the program in Oregon. Baker, who now works at the Oregon Health Authority as a youth suicide prevention policy coordinatior, was

put in charge of developing suicide prevention efforts, and said she wanted to find something that “Fed hope instead of feeding fear,” and Sources fit the bill with its focus on building resiliency.

The OHA partners with Matchstick Consulting, an Oregon-based consulting company that provides training and assistance to organizations and schools, to help build Sources programs throughout the state. Kahae Rikeman is a statewide trainer for Sources, and she said that the good thing about Sources “is that it doesn’t feel like a training from the 90s or the 80s… [since it’s student-lead], and teenagers know what it’s like to be a teenager right now, [so] your voices shine through during these campaigns.”

All participants will be trained in the Sources curriculum, which follows a ‘wheel’ made up of eight slices---mental health, physical health, spirituality, generosity, healthy activities, mentors, family support, and positive friends. Each of these was a top answer to the question ‘What helps you cope?’ in a nationwide survey. According to the Sources website, participants are meant to “spread Hope, Help, and Strength into every corner of [the] community.”

Sources is an ‘upstream program.’ Imagine a river that ends in a waterfall. Kids near the waterfall are in crisis and need immediate intervention. But Sources is meant to stop kids from getting that far down the river or even falling into the river in the first place by ‘building community and resilience.’

The idea of Sources being ‘fun’ is echoed by most adults participating in the program. During the introduction assembly, Smith went onto the stage and insisted that it was going to be, “fun, guys, really fun.” Baker described it as “fun… hopeful, and it allows you to make a real

difference.” Kahae Rikeman, a state-wide trainer for the program, said that during training, “We have a lot of fun together; it’s not very heavy.”

While the emphasis on fun is meant to bring a unique, uplifting feeling, some students think it does the opposite, and that Sources is tone-deaf. Junior Veronica Dutton, who was invited to the training said, “I just kind of feel like just hearing other people talk about [Sources], they think it’s kind of stupid, and if I was on the outside, I’d probably agree… No high schooler’s going to care [about community building].”

Despite this, Dutton still plans to take the class: “Suicide is a really important thing to me, a really personal thing.

And anything I can do to help, I wanna do. I just think that they could advertise it better.” Hopefully, Dutton will be right. Sources is a state-approved program, and has been working for decades throughout the country, and has piles of evidence to back it up---according to a 2007-2009 University of Rochester study, it “is the first suicide prevention program involving peer leaders to enhance protective factors associated with reducing suicide at the school population level,” which means that its methods, while they may be unorthodox, work.

The thing about Sources is that it’s student-led, so whatever the program does, the campaign will, according to Rikeman, “feel like it’s from Sheldon, and really feel like it’s a part of the community in a way that’s authentic.”

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800273-8255 or text the Crisis Text Line 741741.

Run by students, for students.

Molly Dahlager

Audery Chamberlain Beatrice Walton

Frontpage Editor ................................ Callie Lininger Controversial Topics pg. 2 Editor ......... Sofia El-Shammaa Student Issues g. 3 Editor .................... Sofia El-Shammaa School Changes pg. 4 Editor ................ Molly Dahlager Identity pg. 5 Editor ........................... Molly Dahlager Entertainment.6-7 Editor .................... Beatrice Walton & Callie Lininger Holiday pg.8 Editor ............................ Kendall Smith Coffee pg.9 Editor .............................. Kendall Smith Environment pg.10 Editor ................... Audery Chamberlain School programs pg.11 Editor ............. Audery Chamberlain Backpage Editor ................................ Beatrice Walton Co editors-in-Chief .............................. Beatrice Walton & Callie Lininger Staff Adviser ....................................... Greg Cantwell Callie Lininger

Staff Writers Tennen Balikian Brian Braatz Shiloh Capiak Liam Cottle Kaeyden Davie Victoria Fisher Olivia Gilhuber Ivy Harmon Savannah Ho Cadee Hoffman Ari Miller Sylvia Moss David Peterson Jazmine Reed Noah Steeves Brandon Thayer Tawny Thomas Zoe Valentine Ana Villagomaz-Lopez Olivia Wagner Jada Walton Nigel Yandell Eila Zambrano

Kendall Smith

find The Talisman on ISSUU.com Sofia El-Shammaa

cover - Counselor Clair Smith leads the Sources of Strength training. photo by Sofia El-Shammaa backpage - photo Kendall Smith Sofia El-Shammaa

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