Talisman vol. 61 iss. 1 November 8, 2023

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TALISMAN a student-edited newspaper

Recognition in Women’s Sports page 8

Coffee Cart Controversy page 4 Sheldon High School 2455 Willakenzie Rd. Eugene, OR 97401

Unified P.E. page 11 vol. 61 - iss. 1 - November 8, 2023

2 November 8, 2023

Trending

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Fall Fashion Trends of 2023 Emily Aguilar Urias staff writer Chilly weather, leaves changing colors. Autumn is a beautiful time of the year with lots of different kinds of fashion and activities. Fall fashion is all about that cozy vibe and effortless style. From soft warm sweaters to trendy textures, there are so many ways to embrace the season’s fashion trends. Junior Betsaida Ambrocio said she loves the cozy vibes as if her overall style this fall is comfortable: “For my style probably just jeans and a t-shirt and calling it a day; you know, keeping it simple.”

Colors that really seem to be trending this fall are a dark orange, red, and neutrals like browns, blacks, whites, creams and lavender. Freshman Maddison Kamai Leni said that some patterns and colors that might be in this fall are “plaid and burnt orange, dark red and cream or [maybe] dark green and navy blue.” Meanwhile, Ambrocio said that her favorite patterns and colors this fall are dark orange, red, and browns. As for patterns, little blobs like imperfect polka dots or a cow print vibe.

Sophomore Mauricio Alverez said that some patterns that are trending are satin, polyester and fleece. According to him, “Some emerging ones are from the 80s; a lot of them are starting to come and be more popular and leather jackets are also starting to become popular.”

Alvarez’s advice on transitioning summer clothes into fall is to layer warm weather pieces as it gets colder. Pair your favorite summer dresses with cozy cardigans or throw a lightweight sweater

over your summer tops.

Alvarez said, “Definitely some key pieces people can incorporate into their fall wardrobe are like, some warm sweaters, crewnecks, zip ups, leather jackets or a bomber jacket. Also Uggs, some good sneakers like Converse or white Air Forces and like some type of tote bag.” According to Mauricio Alverez, some timeless fall fashion staples include black dresses, jeans, and coats. It’s all about the basics. Make sure you have a pair of good sneakers, some well-fitted jeans, and quality shirts that can be easily layered for those chilly autumn days.

As for hairstyles and makeup trends sophomore Annette Choi said, “Some hairstyles for fall maybe like braids or messy buns and for makeup some more warm tones and more natural makeup.”

Thrifting is a budget-friendly way to refresh and update your wardrobe with cozy and stylish pieces for fall. Thrifting allows you to explore different styles and experiment with your look without spending too much.

Not only is thrifting cheaper, but it’s also environmentally friendly. By giving preloved clothing a new home, you reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. A lot of people find the thrill of the hunt is the best part of thrifting. A Lot of people find searching through racks and shelves for that perfect item fun and thrilling.

You might stumble upon a cozy oversized sweater, a timeless leather jacket, or a pair of trendy boots, all at a fraction of the price you’d find in traditional retail stores.

photo by Shiloh Capiak

Fall fashion on display at the Homecoming Assembly.

The Debate about “TikTok Music” Khaya Ainis-Michaels page editor

TikTok is a platform with over 1.7 billion users all over the world. It’s an app with a ton of influence and can be used by pretty much anyone with access to technology.

This leads to a ton of exposure for new and upcoming artists. If an artist’s music goes viral it can be seen by anyone, anywhere, at any time. This can lead to an artist getting very popular extremely fast. There has been an ongoing debate on whether or not people should get upset when an artist they like gains popularity. Sophomore Blue Ruvolo thinks that, “People like being original a lot. Like, they want something to be uniquely theirs, and when

everyone else starts liking what’s theirs, they get a little upset.”

Some people share Ruvolo’s views, while others disagree. Some people feel that an artist getting popular on TikTok is a good thing. One of which is sophomore Diego Valdiva. He said, “It gives artists opportunities and helps people discover good music.” In 2020, Steve Lacy, American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and record producer, had just over four million monthly listeners on Spotify and now in 2023, he has just over 28 million. Although he was fairly popular before, those four million listeners were built up over five years (he released his first song in 2015). In just three years, his listeners grew by 24 million.

This was due to many of his songs, namely Dark Red, Bad Habit, and Infrunami, blowing up on TikTok around the summer of 2022. Bad Habit reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and Lacy was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time Magazine.

Unfortunately, this newfound popularity can also be a negative thing. During that same summer, Lacy went on

tour and many videos were posted of fans singing at his concerts. However, the only songs they were singing were his most popular. Some videos even show people only singing the chorus of Bad Habit, and nothing else. Lacy was outraged by this and began acting out at his concerts.

Going so far as to break a fan’s phone on stage. A massive debate sparked from these videos. Some fans defended him, while others think he should have handled the whole situation better. Junior Noah Zeller said, “If you’re going to an artist’s concert because you heard something you thought you liked on TikTok, that’s not being an actual fan of someone.” Zeller thinks that you can go to a concert if you listen to an artist and have an emotional attachment, but you shouldn’t just go because you’re hoping they play one song.

TikTok can be a resource that aids an artist’s success but it can also just as easily ruin their career. It can expose people to new music while making others upset their favorite band is blowing up. Overall, the question of if TikTok is good for artists or bad is completely subjective.

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Fall Activities

November 8, 2023

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Sheldon Family Traditions for Thanksgiving Lileah Briggs staff writer Freshman Bianca Brownlee said, “Thanksgiving is a day to spend with your friends and family to show how thankful you are without the distractions of life” (Bianca Brownlee).

What started as a celebration by the Pilgrims after their first harvest where they feasted for three days has gradually turned into a day for people to spend with their loved ones to look around and appreciate what they have. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, the students of Sheldon are getting excited for all the festivities and family traditions.

Substitute teacher Matt Byer’s family meets at his sister’s house and “watches NFL football, then we eat then go for a walk in the neighborhood.” His brother-in-law loves to shop so that night they will all look for Black Friday sales for the next day, and his favorite place to shop for sales is Bi-Mart because it is usually the least crowded.

Byers is thankful for “all the blessings I have such as my family, food and freedom.”

Thanksgiving is usually spent with family and friends and includes some type of food, although some families have made their own traditions.

Freshman Lucy McCord and her cousins spend every Thanksgiving at her grandmas and sleep in the living room. She believes Thanksgiving should be spent with “family and friends and to take a moment to acknowledge all that you have.” This Thanksgiving she is thankful for her “dad, my brothers, my parents jobs and my new niece.” Every year she is in charge of making caesar salad for her family.

Brownlee said, “Each year my family makes pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese and bread loaves.”

Brownlee spends her Thanksgiving at her grandparent’s house with her cousins, aunts and uncles. Her favorite part of Thanksgiving is “going around the table with everyone saying what they are thankful for.” She is thankful “for every part of my life and how it has shaped me as a person more and more each day.”

People celebrate Thanksgiving in many different

ways but we all can agree to take a moment to appreciate all that life has to offer and to have a wonderful Thanksgiving with the people we love most.

Graphic by Finley Olsen and Brody Rust

Leaves Are Falling in Eugene Bella Reniff staff writer Fall can be so pretty in Eugene, with all the leaves changing colors and falling from the sky. Junior Ava Pineda said that her favorite thing about the fall season is being able to wear hoodies and soft comfy clothes. One of my favorite things about fall is the yummy fall drinks. Pineda said, “My favorite clothes to wear during the fall season are sweats with a sweatshirt and my favorite Uggs. That’s what I feel most comfortable in.” Pineda does not like the weather here during this season, she said, “It is terrible, rainy and I hate the rain and it is gross.”

Sophomore Gerrit Cupp said that his favorite thing about fall is the coldness. He loves the cold and being able to wear all his fall clothes. Cupp says that his favorite fall drink is pumpkin cider and he loves it warmed up. Mr. Cupp says “My favorite fall activity is going up to hunt with my family and basketball of course.” Cupp says that he does not really enjoy going to the pumpkin patch; he is just not really interested in those kinds of activities. Mr. Cupp does participate in Halloween, he said though, but he is not going to dress up but he still wants to go out and get candy of course. Cupp said the weather here is definitely questionable and that he actually enjoys the rainy weather and described it as “mushy.” A drawback that has been mentioned

by Mr. Cupp is school work in general which I totally agree with. Cupp says during the

fall his favorite place to enjoy nature is his street because the leaves get so pretty and glamorous.

Senior Briana Hamel said her favorite season is the fall.

This fall she looks forward to watching the leaves change pretty colors and getting to wear comfy clothes which seems to be a lot of people’s response. An activity Hamel loves is going to the pumpkin patch and riding to get a pumpkin. Her favorite thing about the pumpkin patch is looking at all the cute decorations and taking cute pictures with friends. One of Hamel’s favorite things about fall is the food and dessert: “My favorite fall dessert would have to be pumpkin pie.

It is so simple and good! My favorite food is all of the Thanksgiving food that my family makes.” Hamel said even though her favorite season is fall, the weather is the worst part about it in her opinion, and she describes it as disgusting and depressing, except for the sunsets, which she is happy watching.

Graphic by Chloe Battin

4 November 8, 2023

Around School

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To Affinity and Beyond Marley McNutt staff writer “An affinity group is a safe place for people to get to know one another, learn and grow together,” said Sheldon’s Equity Coordinator Alma Reyes Guillen. An affinity group is a place to learn about other cultures, traditions and practices. Affinity groups such as the Black Student Union (BSU) work with Sheldon’s student body to better campus, stop harassment, and be a support group for students. At Sheldon affinity groups and clubs are very important.

Sophomore Layla Clevenger is BSU president. Clevenger keeps things in line and keeps the group in check. She, along with her vice president, make sure things run smoothly and everyone feels accepted.

Latin Student Union (LSU) member Bailey Corales said that she loves being involved in an affinity group. She loves the support Sheldon provides and feels very safe

as a student at Sheldon. Although both BSU and LSU have not yet worked directly with the rest of the student body, they both intend to do so very soon. Sheldon’s is expecting to see lots of activities and more coming from both groups. Most members of LSU enjoy going to the club’s meetings, saying it is their favorite part of the school week, and that they feel very connected with each other. They have better positive looks on life while being in this group, and they are motivated and open to so much learning.

Asian Student Union (ASU) is another affinity group that supports and helps students. One member said they loved being a part of such an amazing atmosphere and that they love their group members. They meet every other week, differing from most groups. They provide lunch and activities.

They look forward to working more with the student body. Although this affinity group may not be heard of as often around Sheldon, it is still just as important as other affinity groups, and they are always looking for more members.

Coffee Cart Controversy Thomas Follatt staff writer There are a lot of cool things at Sheldon that other schools may not have. IHS, a full size marching band, a winning football team, but one stands out in light of the new schedule change. The coffee cart has been a staple piece of Sheldon’s social areas.

Last year during the fifteen minute break, you could often see a line backing up to the cafeteria door with students all eagerly waiting for a Po special or cup of noodles.

However, with the new schedule, this is no longer the case. Now, the coffee cart is only open for one period per day, and even more peculiar, it is during the afternoon.

Many believe it’s ironic that a place that sells coffee would only be open in the afternoon. Junior Ben Scaife, a coffee cart employee, shares this belief. In reference to this belief and conflict with free breakfast provided by the school, Scaife said, “I do think that[it’s ironic], and a lot of the higherups’ reasoning is that it interferes with the cafeteria being open for breakfast. They’re saying that it’s too competitive with selling drinks in the morning and giving out free food.” Scaife said, in reference to the free breakfast served by the cafeteria.

Scaife mentioned competition with the cafeteria as a primary reason for why the schedule has changed, but what do they mean by competition? Is the coffee cart stealing “customers” from the cafeteria?

When asked about why the coffee cart schedule could not go back to the old schedule, Les Phillipo, the teacher responsible for the coffee cart, said, “There were some changes to competition rules that don’t allow us to compete at the same time that the cafeteria is open. When they give out lunches and stuff during break and breakfast, we can’t be open during any of those times… That is what they wanted to do, so we had to adjust and go into the afternoon instead… As of right now [we] can’t do anything about it. It’s been kindof a pain, but we’ll keep working and persevering and trying to come up with some other options for us for management for classes, because we just can’t provide a lot of opportunities for students with only one class.”

Phillipo mentioned competition rules as the main reason for the schedule change. When asked about said competition rules, SHS principal Mr. Ingman said, “In our district’s policies, and this is true of districts across Oregon, I worked in three different districts, it’s the same, that food services has the right to pull out a noncompete, that when they’re selling food, other people can’t sell food.

photo courtesy of Julian Eclarinal

L to R: Abigail Lee (Sr), Julian Eclarinal (Sr), Sheah Yi(Sr)

New Gates Lack Accessibility Jade Platz staff writer The new Sheldon security measures have sparked up talk within the school.

Sheldon students have many opinions on the schools new security measure as many do believe that it’s nowhere near disabled friendly, as Junior Steven Wheeler claimed, “The new school gates are already heavy enough for normal students going through and they would be too heavy for kids in crutches or wheelchairs.”

Junior Jackson Toomb has stated, “The new gates are far too overboard and don’t even have a wheelchair button installed for the disabled. How are they supposed to get through those heavy gates themselves?” This will affect the attendance times for kids with disabilities who struggle to get through the gates and have to make their way wherever their classes are and will make them be

late.” Wheelchair buttons are a huge necessity everywhere and all around the school you can locate them except the gates which seem heavier than normal doors.

The replacements or solutions to the drastic and non inclusive gates, as some students have suggested is to get rid of them and hire guards or hall monitors. Junior Feyara Lyvahetsky said, “It was more simple having school monitors guarding the school grounds but the gates are in the way and an obstacle for students making them late for class.”

If students are late for their classes due to these gates and walls, then that is a big problem for their learning and attendance rates. They want to get to school before the bell sounds without being stopped by the gates and having to walk through the office with obstacle after obstacle.

The coffee cart is busy before and after 3rd and 7th periods.

photo by Samiha Ghonaim

Classes

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November 8, 2023

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Adjusting to the Altered Schedule Mei Long staff writer Every student at Sheldon High School has to attend a different variety of classes during the school day.

Many students have said that the new schedule affected their views on the classes with the longer time length.

Hour and thirty minute classes feel too long while thirty minute ones feel too short. Freshman Drake Walker confirmed this and said, “Yes, classes feel very long. I would enjoy them more if they were shorter.” The longer classes make students feel like they’re sitting in one place for too long, but short classes feel too hectic. A plus is that the workload in classes may feel like a lot for IHS students and honors students, but the new schedule gives them a much longer time to study and complete assignments.

Drake said, “It’s quite a bit [of work], especially in honors classes, but it’s not too bad. I’m not sure about the schedule because I never had the old schedule.”

Classes can be important to students today academically.

Much of the knowledge students learn can be used in the real world and help get jobs after high school. One of the classes that helps is math. Junior Aggie Sitler said, “Math

[will help] because some people say that English won’t get you very far.

People can get more educated with math and get more careers.” Classes such as economics, statistics, computer science, applied mathematics, engineering and mathematical science help improve job prospects.

IHS, honors and AP students take higher level courses that look good on college applications. After high school, getting into a good college will help students find jobs that will pay well. IHS can be more difficult at times with the homework load, but according to Aggie, any student who’s interested should be able to manage their time wisely if they want to apply. Aggie confirmed this and said, “The classes are fine; they aren’t too difficult and I’m sure students can manage them.”

The teachers are a big part of how students will feel about classes. Making sure that they can teach students in a way for them to learn and create a safe and healthy environment inside the classrooms. To help learning even further, some teachers have after-school or before-school office hours that allow students to ask questions about

assignments, without having the stress of asking them during class. Freshman Laura Rosenburg said, “They’re definitely helpful, office hours, because it’s useful if [teachers] don’t respond through email. [In] some classes it’s hard to ask for help because teachers will talk more and not have a lot of break periods. Sometimes it’s just the teachers telling you what to do. It’s helpful after school.”

Students attending Sheldon now and in the future will want to consider classes that they might be interested in taking. Rosenburg suggests, “Drawing one, Algebra, and Global Studies. The teachers are really good.” This proves that it’s not only what students learn that makes a good class, but it’s the teachers as well. Multiple students have said that their favorite teachers are the ones who can teach well and are a nice person overall.

The students at Sheldon High School have been committed to the new schedule and how it affects them for a

Acting it Up: New Acting Class Brody Rust page editor After years of rumors and whispers of its potentiality, a drama class has come to Sheldon. Last year the search for a teacher began, and Mr. Ingman found Mr. Cabrera.

Leading previous years of the annual AP Literature class productions, he was an ideal candidate to take upon this role. Cabrera said, “I wasn’t sure it was something I would ever get to do, so when it was offered I just jumped on it.”

Cabrera created a course that welcomed new participants, while also catering to those with previous experience.

They start with improv games, begin growing together as a class, and then transition into practice performances until they are ready for the real thing. Cabrera is excited for the opportunity, how the term will proceed, and what classes might follow.

Sheldon’s Theatre actors have blended into Cabrera’s drama class. Those who have previously gathered

experience from the spring shows of Sheldon’s Theatre have more opportunity to build experience and try new forms of acting. Junior Bee Looper said, “I joined our theater program last year and compared to drama, the drama course really dives deeper into what the terminology means and how to put that into action.” Drama holds a place for new actors to get a start, and experienced actors to continue their growth. Theatre produces musicals, while Drama provides a production for those who would rather just act than sing.

Looper appreciates how the course explains the do’s and don’ts of acting instead of learning and following specific scripts.

Senior Jack Anderson appreciates Cabrera’s “hands on style,” and believes it compliments the course well. Cabrera’s class is open to all students, caters very well to all sorts of experiences, and is comfortable within the world of theater.

Drama class will continue into the second semester, with a performance at the end of each semester. Be sure to watch their upcoming production in January to support the class and applaud their hard work!

F is Back, Back Again Ben Guldager staff writer At the start of the 2023 school year at Sheldon High School, the school district took away the Pass/No Pass rule that was instated back in 2020. This rule was created due to problems with education in quarantine, as Covid caused a lot of disruption to the learning environment of students. This change was very important to the students during those couple of years. Senior Sam Hall stated, “Some people failed just for no reason, they had bad wifi,

they had other stuff going on, due to stuff like covid, people lost their jobs.” The school district realized this problem and integrated the Pass/No Pass rule. This rule stated that instead of failing a class, you could opt for a no pass.

During the time period of the Pass/No Pass rule, some students were reportedly caring less about their school work and instead were slacking off. For example, a “C” would be equivalent to an “A” when applied to your cumulative GPA due to it only showing up as a “Pass” instead of a letter grade.

Hall said students were, “Crappy group members because they don’t care, because they don’t need to get a high grade,

Illustration by, Brody Rust (Sr)

they just need to pass.” This resulted in putting more work, and stress on the students that were left doing a whole group project by themselves.

Although some students liked this method, Senior Dantae Gelsomino said, “it helped ease the stress of what I believed my transcript would look like.”

This school year at Sheldon High School, the students attending were informed that the “Fail System” was going to be put back into the school district. So far this school year, Junior Owen Elliott believes some students have switched mentalities from “oh I can slack off” to “oh I have to get this done.”

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Mental Health

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Sheldon Students Coping with Seasonal Depression Ella Schmeling copy editor

According to physciatric.org, nearly 5% of the American population experience symptoms of seasonal depression or SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) annually. However, those who are more prone to the disorder live in colder and grayer climates such as Oregon, in which the statistics of those affected by SAD skyrockets to nearly 20% of Oregonians as cited in portlandphyscothereapy.com. SAD is a symptom of major depressive disorder most prevalent during the winter and fall months.

A senior at Sheldon who wished to remain anonymous, had first noticed the signs of SAD towards the end of middle school, observing a recurring pattern of intense sadness at the same time each year. After extensive research and consulting with a doctor, they were diagnosed with SAD. After the diagnosis they were relieved knowing it was a common condition that other people had and felt better about sharing similar experiences along with others struggling with SAD, no longer worried about something that was “wrong” with them. The senior said, “During the winter months, I definitely feel just more alone and overwhelmed. I also tend to isolate myself when I get like that which makes me even more sad and distanced. During summer I’m always outside, hanging out with friends, and

actually feel motivated. During the school year I’m burnt out and stuck.”

Senior Eliana Colonia shared what benefits her mental health during the winter and fall seasons, “I think social interactions really help boost my mood once the colder months start. With the changing weather I get a lot more tired both physically and mentally, but spending time with people I care about certainly helps keep my spirits up.” Despite the overwhelming tasks of school and the exhausting “winter lull,” Colonia focuses on everything she can look forward to during the winter months such as the holidays, her birthday, and cheerleading which helps her better enjoy the season.

“Depression is something that can negatively affect every aspect of your life. I’ve found that when I’m feeling down, doing fulfilling things really helps me feel myself again. A big difference is made when we’re able to connect with ourselves and the people around us,” added Colonia, sharing advice to those struggling with seasonal depression.

While senior Liv Dudley doesn’t have seasonal depression herself, many of her friends and families have experienced the difficulties of the disorder. Dudley said, “It’s hard to see the people I know and love struggle so much. As a friend it sucks to feel helpless and watch as they go through really hard times,” said Dudely. To help support those in her life who are struggling, Dudley does anything she can to help lift their spirits such as checking in on them, and spending time with them to help them enjoy the special things this time of year has to offer.

photo by Maddison Scanlon

Sources of Strength helps with mental health.

L to R: Anica Smith (Sr.), Bee Looper (Jr.), Michael Urias (Sr.) in front of a Sources of Strength project.

The Impacts of Mental Health in School Abby Kubu staff writer The relationship between mental health and academic performance is a complex and multifaceted one. A Sheldon student who wished to remain anonymous shared their experiences with several mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, bulimia, and early signs of bipolar disorder. They described a non-linear journey towards recovery, emphasizing that the battle with these disorders is ongoing, and there are still times when negative thoughts resurface.

In their journey to recovery, the interviewee described seeking professional help. They emphasize the importance of finding the right therapist and medication that worked for them. They mentioned the significance of personalized mental health care, as what works for one individual may not work for another.

The interviewee noted that school had a significant impact on their mental health. Depression, characterized by a lack of motivation, often hindered their ability to keep up with schoolwork. There were days when they couldn’t even get out of bed. This lack of motivation had a direct impact on their academic performance. At times, they stopped trying altogether; in their words, ‘Why would I work towards a future I convinced myself wouldn’t exist?’

Despite academic challenges, the interviewee firmly believed in prioritizing mental health over education. This

choice, they explained, was essential for their overall wellbeing and long-term success. This perspective challenges the societal pressure to excel academically at any cost.

When asked about the connection between mental health and academic performance, IHS health teacher Erika Peterson, shared insights from their professional experience: ‘Absolutely. Yes. I think when students are taking that time to take care of themselves and their mental health, I feel like it does tend to correlate to just being able to pay attention in class, understand what’s being asked of them, and feel successful at it.’

Peterson also mentioned the complexity of the relationship between academic performance and mental health, stating, ‘It’s both. There are students who perform well academically who are dealing with mental health issues, students who perform well without mental health issues, students who don’t perform well academically who are doing fine mental health-wise, and students who don’t perform well academically maybe because of their mental health. It’s a big mixed bag.’

After beginning their journey to recovery, the interviewee experienced improvements in their motivation and academic performance. With the right support and treatment, they were better able to focus on their studies, feel motivated, and look forward to a brighter future.

The interviewee discussed missing school due to mental health issues, such as physical reactions to stress like headaches and stomach aches. They also mentioned experiencing periods of dissociation and severe anxiety during class, which hindered their ability to concentrate.

Certain topics in school, like discussions about eating

disorders in health class, were often upsetting. It is important for educators to recognize that sensitive topics may affect students differently and provide support when needed.

When asked if they had any advice for struggling students, the interviewee said: ‘Just reach out. Whether that’s talking to a friend, seeing the school counselor, talking to your doctor, telling your parents, anything.

You’re never alone, and there’s always someone that cares about you, even if you think otherwise. Nobody expects you to be perfect, and you can’t get better if you don’t reach out. Sharing your burdens doesn’t make you a burden.’

To improve how schools address mental health challenges in students, the interviewee recommended making counselors easily accessible and emphasizing their role as a source of support. Additionally, they suggested posting schedules for lessons related to mental health topics, to provide students the option to participate in discussions that may be triggering.

The interview provided deep insights into the correlation between mental health and school performance and the steps that can be taken to alleviate these challenges.

Prioritizing mental health, seeking help, and creating a supportive school environment are all critical factors in promoting the well-being and academic success of students dealing with mental health issues. Understanding the complex interplay between mental health and school performance is essential for fostering a supportive and inclusive educational system.

Women in Media

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November 8, 2023

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Criticism Against Female Artists Samiha Ghonaim page editor As pop music started to become popular worldwide, female music artists started to rise to fame, specifically in America. With fame, many of these artists faced criticism by the media and general public, often on a seemingly greater scale than their male counterparts. A lot of people believe that women face heavy misogyny in the world already, and being a female artist in the spotlight can amplify the sexism they face. Criticism is formed by many factors, some of which include experiences, gender, and age.

Senior Alexa Burger feels that female artists release songs she can relate to: “They’re able to get pretty darn close to the exact situation I’m going through with their songs; I think it’s because females can experience such similar situations whether that’s positive or negative.”

Music often serves as a form of validation for one’s feelings and experiences. When young women relate to female artists’ music, it can help them feel understood and less alone in their struggles, emotions, and life experiences. However, most young women are unable to look up to another woman without seeing the hate she receives. Successful female artists can serve as role models for young women and girls, demonstrating that they can achieve their dreams and thrive in any field, even when

Chick Flicks Finley Olsen page editor Women led films have become more prevalent in recent years, whether they are directed by a woman or a woman is starring in them. Women Authors teacher Kate Tierney supports this influx of women in the media. Tierney claimed, “Stories about women told by women creates the opportunity for different shapes, sizes and identities for a more complex story apart from the happy ending of getting married.” As women in the media are given more opportunity, many differing opinions on the topic have surfaced.

Senior Alexa Burger at Taylor Swifts Eras Tour in Las Vegas. faced with adversity.

Senior Diego Villada-Youel had a contrasting opinion to Burger’s, as he leaned towards agreeing with negative comments about artists. Villada-Youel said, “Yeah, like Taylor Swift. All of her music sounds the same and it’s just complaining about her ex relationships.

Her fan base is also annoying. Mostly just hearing her songs on social media and thinking they’re annoying and repetitive.” While it’s important to acknowledge that people may have different opinions about artists such as Taylor Swift and their music, it’s equally important to approach these discussions with a constructive and respectful tone, considering that different artists have drastically different styles and fan bases.

Young girls have grown into their own opinions and they look up to women for different reasons. Junior Ellen Poulsen said, “I would say that my opinions surrounding female artists have changed. I always idolized female artists as a kid, because I wanted to be just like them. Now I still look up to these people, yet I hold them to different standards. I think as a kid sometimes I would feel ashamed

of liking girly pop music because I thought it made me fit into the characteristics of every other girl, which society can tell us is a bad thing. Growing up you realize that it doesn’t matter, you should embrace the joy of listening to female artists and celebrate the value they bring to the music industry.” These opinions can eventually grow into an overall negative or positive outlook on female artists.

The negative opinion usually stems from plainly disliking certain artists, but in some cases results from internalized misogyny. A positive opinion often reflects appreciation or shared experiences with being a woman.

After the successes of “Barbie,” many women have begun to think about the other successes that women have achieved in the film industry. Senior Sheah Yi shared her opinions surrounding “Barbie” as well as other films and the effect that they had on women. Yi said, “‘Barbie’ is my favorite because it does a good job of showing the perspective of our society that isn’t known to us because when we think of society, historically and presently it leans more towards patriarchy.” The backlash that came from this movie was circled around the fact that the movie is based upon a matriarchy and many missed the point that neither a matriarchy nor a patriarchy would work.

A present theme in women led films tends to be motherhood. “Barbie” showcases this maternal love that is understood by only a certain population. Yi said, “Love between women is different compared to love between a man and women regardless of the fact of it being platonic or not.”

Women have a specific understanding of each other that is

not understood by men, which was featured in the Barbie movie.

Senior Kara Gilbert believes that Greta Gerwig’s films in particular are exceptionally captivating when it comes to relationships between women. Gilbert said, “‘Little Women’ most accurately illustrates my relationship with other women since I grew up in a family of four sisters.”

Relationships between sisters in many movies have previously been depicted in a very toxic way, so it’s encouraging to see many films move past that.

Gilbert highlights a certain aspect of the film that is special to her, which Gerwig is able to effectively capture in many families’ lives. Gilbert said, “I am most fond of the scenes where they are putting on a play together because we used to dress up and do that as children.”

Focusing on women’s experiences in films is crucial to women and girls developing a deeper understanding of different relationships among themselves.

The History of the Final Girl Brady Rust editor-in-chief Scream queens, final girls, and survivors. Female characters in horror films have been classified by many labels and stereotypes. These labels and stereotypes have seen significant changes over the years, shifting the idea of a “final girl” from a damsel in distress, to a woman capable of defending herself. Typically, the final girl is the sole survivor of her group and has a final confrontation with the villain, in which she either kills the villain, is saved by someone else, or escapes.

Final girls of older horror often found themselves saved by a police officer or heroic stranger, while modern horror has enforced the idea that women can save themselves

from danger. Senior Julian Eclarinal shares this opinion and reflects on the idea, saying, “In older years the final girl was portrayed as helpless, usually needing to be saved, but in recent years have come out strong and powerful at the end of their films.” A popular character that fit the older final girl mold would be Vera Miles as Lila Crane in “Psycho” (1960), whereas Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega as sisters Sam and Tara Carpenter in “Scream V” and “Scream VI” fit the current idea of a final girl.

There has been a recurring trend in recent years where horror films lead their audiences to believe that the female protagonist will come out of the film a final girl, only to die, leaving the plot unfinished. This is similarly seen in the 2023 film “Talk to Me,” and will likely continue to crush the hopefulness of audiences rooting for final girls in coming

Photo by Alexa Burger (Sr.)

years.

As this horror trope has spiked significantly in popularity, it can be seen in a majority of horror movies released in the last few years. Despite its consistent recurrence, many find the theme a modern classic and don’t see it as “overplayed.” Senior Claire Butler said, “It’s iconic; the ‘final girl trope’ is not overplayed, because it’s a changing role. While final girls in older films were easier to spot and somewhat tip-toeing the line of ‘overplayed’ because of their repetitive characteristics, more current movies such as ‘Bodies, Bodies, Bodies,’ ‘X,’ and ‘Scream VI’ ignore the stereotypes and make you question who really is going to survive the night.” The ever-changing definition of a final girl keeps fans interested and invested in female characters.

8 November 8, 2023

Sports

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Lack of Recognition in Women’s Sports Brielle Brown page editor Achieving and pushing in the direction of what’s ahead of you, motivating athletes to maintain the goals they have set in front of them. While individuals or teams hear the loud audience affecting them positively, they strive for further greatness, with the feeling of appreciation. This feeling many athletes experience goes beyond even college.

For women athletes this understandment of striving greatness is still present. Yet even starting in high school with women athletes, the attendance of the audience is absent. Junior Carmen Gonzalez-Valle brings recognition to the issue and said, “I feel like they are underrated. They are not viewed as much, promoting them would be helpful, [and] just appreciating them more. Like how the Sheldons women’s volleyball team won the state championship and little attention was brought to it at all; football still had much more attention and recognition.” Gonzalez-Valle experiences under attendance of women’s sports first

hand, giving advice on how to cope with the issue personally, Gonzalez-Valle said, “Often when you’re in a new environment it can be easy to fall down that path. That’s why I think it’s important to find a group. When it’s the runners, everyone supports them, but when it’s a runner I felt underappreciated; that’s where finding a group and reaching out helps.” Her insightful firsthand experience aids her to support other female athletes struggling with similar issues.

Striving for the greatness in a team often conflicts with the frequency at which a sport gets broadcasted. Junior Averie Achim, the Sheldon High School lacrosse team captain, gives insight when raising attendance for womans sports: “I think encouraging attendance is a big thing.

I think a lot of times the men’s sports have more advertising and get announced more, so just making sure we are being equal between the sports.” She encourages equality between appreciation from sports, reconizing the lack of appreciation, not commitment. Achim said, “I think the athletes across the board at Sheldon are pretty committed, I think there’s a lot of under appreciation for the amount of commitment there is.” Achim additionally advices women and men

Team Spirit in Varsity Soccer Ezra Johnson staff writer Sophomore Osvaldo Canchola, a boys varsity soccer player, said, “This year’s season was a lot better than last years.

There was a lot better teamwork and team chemistry.” Canchola said him and his team have had quite the season this year.

Canchola mentioned the difficulty between teams saying, “The hardest team to play against was definitely South Medford, because they had older people on their team and they had better overall technical ability and skill.” Canchola feels as though he and his team still did great but had some rough times during this year’s season.

Canchola talked about how there were times when he and his team were at a low point but ended up keeping their spirits high, and said, “Last year while playing against Roseburg, we were down 0-1 in the first half and we had a lot of injured players and I wasn’t playing, but in the 2nd half we ended up coming back and won 2-1.” Canchola was glad he and his team won against them.

Canchola said, “South Eugene is our biggest rival because they’re the only other 6A team in our league.” Canchola lastly mentioned how if you believe hard enough, work hard enough and focus hard enough, anything is possible.

From a different perspective, sophomore Alexander Fightmaster, a boys junior varsity player, said that this year “started off great, and we were doing well, but recently got over confident and now we’re on a loss streak, but it’s fine because we

just have to stay positive and keep playing well.”

Fightmaster also said that he and his team have had a great time playing together, but they have to train hard to play hard.

Fightmaster mentioned that the team “played well together. We had good team chemistry, but we could improve on our practice mentality and how hard we work.” Fightmaster believes that if you keep a good mentality, work hard, give it your all, in the end you’ll succeed.

Fightmaster said, “The hardest team we went up against was definitely South Eugene. They had really good skills and really good footwork.” Fightmaster believes that if you want to do the best in something, keep a good and positive attitude and never stop trying.

From the words of sophomore Ollie Spinks, a boys junior varsity soccer player, this season was a grand slam in comparison to previous seasons. Spinks said, “My team and I did a lot better than previous seasons because we were a much more mature team, and a lot more competitive against teams this year.”

Spinks said this year has had a lot better teams but the hardest games were against South Eugene and South Medford. Spinks said, “It was quite the challenge because of the pressure to perform well against them both but also because they are both good teams and have a lot of good players.” Spinks believes they could’ve changed some stuff during the season to improve the team dynamics but overall they did a good job working together.

Spinks mentioned how he and his team were excited to play against certain teams, “Roseburg was an exciting game to go to because we thought they were a pretty easy team but they ended up being better than what we thought and we underestimated them. We still ended up winning but it was a bit more of a challenge.” Spinks noted to always try your hardest while playing and give it your all.

Photo by Shiloh Capiak

Girls Varsity Softball with 2023 state championship award. to attend each others sport. Achim says, “I think one thing that should not be required but heavily encouraged is if you play a sport going to the other gender’s games.”

Respecting and promting going to the other gender’s sports can raise attendance and appreciation for womens and under-attended sports. Just attending a sport rasises the appreciation of it, Senior Tilly McNamara recognizes that there needs to be an increase in people attending sports. McNamara said, “No lacross guys come to our lacrosse games when we go to theirs. I think it’s just like we are the same sport, we are a community, and literally fundraise together. I think it should be a respect thing for both ways.” McNamara has future hopes of support from both

genders for a sport. McNamara shared surprising statistics about girls lacross. McNamara said, “Girls lacross does not have school funding.

Girls lacross in the state of Oregon is not considered a [school-sponsored] sport because of OSSA restrictions, so we are completely funded by ourselves. Golf is funded but not as much as it should be. We still have to mostly fundraise for ourselves.”

Many womens sports experience under appreciation and under attendance. In 2023 The University of Nebraka’s volleyball game was the most attended in history, with 92,000 supporters. If all women’s games had this similarity the commitment talked about by these Sheldon women athletes would match the attendance.

Sheldon Football Unifies Landon Core staff writer Sheldon football has been a big part of Sheldon High School for as long as anyone can remember. This season the team struggled starting the year off with two losses, but since then they are on a six game win streak and are looking to get home field advantage in the first two rounds of the playoffs.

Senior Colby Parsoa is the starting quarterback for the Irish. In terms of what it is like to play quarterback, Parosa said, “Although the starting QB role seemed scary at first, over time through the offseason and even the beginning of last year, as my skill at the position increased my confidence did too.”Parsoa also said, “The most important thing about football at Sheldon is that everyone is brought into each other. When everyone is brought into each other we can play as a unit and be the strongest we can be.”

Senior Will Haverland has been a three year starter for the Irish as their defensive end. In terms of preparation, Haverland said, “No matter where you play on the team, you have to be dialed into your assignment. Whether you are a starter or

backup. Even our scout team helps us every week running the opposing team’s plays to get us ready for the game.” Haverland said, “Colby has done a great job leading us all season.

After our first two games he has only had a positive impact on the team and that’s a big part of why we have been so successful since then.”

Senior Marley Bonin is one of the best defensive players the Irish have. He has the most defensive touchdowns this season and has made a huge impact on the team this year.

Bonin said, “The number one team we want in the playoffs is obviously West Linn. They beat us in week two but I think we are a different team and we’re ready to go.”

Sheldon lost vs West Salem. They had a tough offencive game and the defense just gave up too many points.

Sheldon will face off vs Lakeridge on November third and sit at the twelve seed while Lakeridge is the five seed.

Sheldon football has made a big comeback since the first two weeks and has made a statement that they are a lot better than everyone thought they were, but everyone is wondering can they take it home and win the state championship?

Academics

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November 8, 2023

Is Standardized Testing Necessary?

Shiloh Capiak photo editor

In 1926, the Scholastic Assessment Test, better known as the SAT, was born. It was created to give marginalized students a fair chance in college admissions. By 1957, more than half a million U.S. students took the SAT. The exam became a staple in the educational realm, ushering in a new measurement of scholastic aptitude - standardized testing. Over time, the standardized testing model has faced criticism for excluding the minority students it was created to help.

The College Board is a nonprofit organization that administers the SAT and other standardized tests. The organization’s self-proclaimed mission is “to connect students to college success and opportunity.” Despite this, its own data shows that Black and Brown students consistently score lower on the SAT than their White counterparts. Further, a study conducted by the University of Minnesota in 2012 showed that wealthier students, on average, score higher on the SAT and other standardized tests than poorer ones.

Josh Davies, director of the 4j NATIVES (Native Americans Towards Improved Values in Education and

9

Society) program, doesn’t “like standardized tests at all” not due to a greater accessibility to test prep materials, for that very reason. Davies spoke to his experience in high as is oft-assumed. Despite the lofty claims of test-prep school as a Native student. Davies took the SAT three times, companies, gains from test prep materials are moderate and his score dropped each time he took it. He said, “We at best. Instead, the higher scores can be attributed didn’t have any support [for testing] and it was something to lifelong inequalities in the educational system for we were just tossed into. Being new here, as a part of 4j, students from different income levels. Developmental I haven’t seen how it works yet, but I assume it’s a very scientists have long documented the way that poverty similar system.” and racism can affect children’s learning, even going Davies views the test as an “inadequate portrayal of the so far as to harm their brain development. Studies potential minority students have. Finding the path to give have shown that children as young as two years old [minority students] adequate support is not something the already begin differing from their wealthier peers in SAT has tried.” standardized tests.

“The test was designed by a White person for a White In addition to existing criticisms, many universities society to eliminate the people who could not make it,” have waived their test requirements. Senior Olivia Davies concluded.

Gilhuber lists this as yet another reason to skip taking Despite this, students still flock every year to take the SAT. the exam. Gilhuber, who has not taken the SAT and does Sheldon senior Neel Nair, who has taken the SAT twice and not plan to, said, “Considering most schools don’t even the ACT once, doesn’t believe that money is a factor in SAT require the SAT anymore, I don’t see a reason to take it performance. Nair said, “Aside from accessibility to taking for college admissions. I think it just adds another layer the test, since it is a seventy dollar payment, I don’t think of stress on students.” money is an advantage. Plus, most people are able to afford Davies, too, doesn’t see a point in taking the SAT, taking the SAT at least once.” Nair spent $20 on preparatory especially for minority students, “unless the system materials before taking the exam as well as the $60 fee changes. We need support earlier, starting before high required to register for the SAT. school, and get these students some test prep before That said, the higher scores of higher-income students is they’re just thrown in.”

Beloved Teacher’s Journey to Citizenship Micah White staff writer Spanish teacher Ricardo Zapata Bello, better known as Mr. Z, has lived in the United States for a number of years now. He has lived in multiple states, including Texas, Washington and Oregon, and has taught for a long time. Mr. Z was not born in the United States, and the process of becoming a citizen in the US isn’t easy and can take a long time. But Mr. Z accomplished becoming an American citizen, even while being an IHS and Sheldon High School teacher. He had to manage classes of multiple different grades and prepare students for the IB exams, while simultaneously working towards his citizenship.

Junior Kerek Kato has never personally had Mr. Z, but was an IHS student his sophomore year and spoke of the kind interactions he regularly had with Mr. Z: “Whenever I was leaving one of my IHS classes last year, I could trust that Mr. Z would be there greeting students, and it became a regular occurrence that Mr. Z would say hi and ask me how I was doing.”

Kato is not the only student whose life has been positively affected by Mr. Z’s presence at our school. Junior Kai McCormak has been a TA for Mr. Z this year and has enjoyed it thoroughly: “I knew I would like to TA for Mr. Z because he was always really nice to me in the hallways, and I had never heard a bad thing about him.” McCormak went on to say, “He just always seemed really cool and I thought it would be a good use of my time to be around such a cool guy.”

Mr. Z was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, and moved to Seattle, “the Emerald City” as he called it. Mr Z. lived there for five months before being accepted to a college in Iowa. Mr Z has been teaching for most of his time in the US, as his first teaching job was while he was in college, “My first teaching job was in grad school. I was a teaching assistant. I had a full scholarship to get a Masters degree in Spanish literature, and as part of my duties as a graduate student, I had to teach an undergrad beginner level Spanish 101.”

Mr. Z spent a long time in the US before becoming a legal citizen. “It took me seven years to get a green card, and then after you get the green card you have to wait five years before you can apply for citizenship. And, you have to apply before your green card expires, so I applied two years before.”

Mr. Z was the first and only person in his immediate family to become a citizen in the United States. “There are other members of my extended family who are citizens of the United States, but I haven’t seen them in a long time, so I don’t know where they are.”

Mr. Z has been in the United States for over thirty years now. He has taught a lot of the students at Sheldon at one point or another, and even if you haven’t had him, you’ve probably seen him in the halls, greeting passing students.

photo by Chloe Battin (Jr.)

Mr. Zapata Bello in his classroom displaying his US/Venezuelan flag graphic.

10 November 8, 2023

Club Revival

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Feminist Student Union Returns to Sheldon Chloe Battin page editor In the last 50 years, the feminist movement has erupted with millions of women around the world adopting the ever-changing feminist ideology. While the term ‘feminism’ has only been around for roughly 200 years, the fundamental ideas that feminism promotes have a much longer history. The first significant instance of women fighting for their rights was during the French Revolution. When the “Declaration of the Rights of Man and to the Citizen” (the French Bill of Rights) was introduced, women were excluded from the ability to vote. This caused many French women to shift their focus to gaining suffrage. This inspired American women to start the Women’s Suffrage movement in the mid-1800s, during which feminism became mainstream. This was the first wave of the feminist movement in America.

In recent years, the feminist ideology has caught wind with young people, especially teenagers. Some Sheldon students have adopted feminism themselves and used it to create a safe space for female students. Sheldon’s Feminist Student Union (FSU) vice-president Anwen MacDonald considers herself a feminist, MacDonald said, “A lot of people [think] feminists are women who hate men… [But I think] a feminist is a woman who believes in [gender] equality.”

FSU president Reya Burke articulated her experience as a woman in the Sheldon community saying that, “[I’ve] always [had] little issues…like being underestimated. A lot of the time it’s male students explaining things to me even though I know the answer already or how to do it… It’s just them thinking that I don’t know how to do [something] because I’m a female.”

In 2022, Burke organized a school-wide walkout to protest the repeal of Roe v. Wade, which stopped federal protections for women seeking abortions. Burke said she received some inevitable backlash from some Sheldon students about the protest, some of which was from women. Burke shared her feelings on the continuous push-back for women’s reproductive rights, saying, “It’s so stupid and unnecessary… [The government] feels the need to control women… [and] it’s so frustrating…There

FSU members celebrate the start of their menstrual product drive are so many people who don’t even know what they’re talking about and are just voting based on blind faith .

[This is why] we need to educate people in high school about these issues.”

Members of FSU agree that Sheldon’s treatment of female students is rather mediocre. Vice-president McDonald said, “There are quite a lot of students who can be sexist…I’ve had moments that [were] pretty derogatory [or] misogynistic.” She said, however, that Sheldon is not as bad as other places. FSU strives to bring awareness to Sheldon students regarding issues of sexism and misogyny in their community. Member of FSU Charlie Monte proposed, “There should be someone…that female-identifying people can go to if they have problems

Photo by Chloe Battin

[who’s] specifically for female-identifying people. [For example,] if there’s some sort of sexism happening in the class, [female students would] have someone specific to go to who will help them with [their problem]... [This person could] help talk to teachers and make sure they’re well educated [in female students’ situations.]”

It seems there is much support for female students at Sheldon, however, as with any contemporary issue, there will always be something society can improve upon. FSU is dedicated to educating students and staff in the Sheldon community about the importance of supporting Sheldon’s female population. Equality for Sheldon’s female students can be achieved by supporting one another and uplifting each other through the FSU community.

Philosophy Club Ponders the Deeper Questions Owen Fitch page editor It is common for people to avoid pondering the deeper questions of life. After all, whether or not anything is actually real doesn’t really affect one’s life, does it? It would carry on just the same either way. However, engaging in philosophy can be a beneficial exercise for some, or as Sheldon literature and philosophy teacher Jeremy Washburn puts it, “The answers students lean towards or land on speak less to the reality of any given situation, but greatly to the nature of their own selves.” In simpler terms, it’s not necessarily about finding the truth about a certain subject, but about thinking deeply, asking questions, and

considering everyone’s point of view.

The growth that results from this is already being demonstrated by members after only a few meetings. Washburn said, “Students wanted to debate AI, and I really struggled coming up with a good topic, so we spent a club [meeting] brainstorming topics. Students came up with over 20 topics, and some of them were super interesting, like ‘will an AI ever be able to lead better than a human?’” The club brings students together and gives them a valuable opportunity to have healthy debates and explore intellectual topics.

However, not everyone sees the benefit of philosophical exercises. In the words of junior Richard Hane, “I definitely want to see more people engaging in philosophy and in the club. I think it can create a much better environment, and with the amount of people in the school, there are so many different ideas and views that people can have and

believe in.” But why don’t more students participate?

For junior Owen Elliot, it’s that it “just sounds like more work…It’s not that I can’t defend [my views], it’s just that I don’t want to put the energy into defending them.”

There is a common misconception that philosophy is just thinking about nothing, and talking about it in eloquent ways. Instead, it is actually a broad term encompassing numerous subjects, many of which have bearing on everyday life, such as ethics and politics. Students get the opportunity to explore many branches of philosophy, of which Hane says that “metaphysics and existentialism are my two favorites…While existentialism is somewhat of an umbrella term, it covers things like revolt and freedom that I find really interesting.” Students can dip their toes in many different fields of study, then pursue whichever ones they take a liking to on their own time.

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Perspectives

New Opportunities With Unified P.E.

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Football Game Team Prep Time

Emily Escobar-Mogollon staff writer Unified P.E. teacher Mrs. Glenzel said, “Unified P.E is an amazing class to take when you need P.E credits.” Unified P.E is a special class for everyone. It’s a really good opportunity to have fun while being provided the chance to show your athletic abilities, even if you’re not “athletic.”

It’s rewarding for everyone involved, as participants get to include and feel good about helping people. In the class they play all kinds of sports, like tennis, basketball, and volleyball. According to people in the class, it’s a really fun class; and it’s an easy way to get P.E credits. The teachers are super nice, Mrs. Glenzel and Mr. Hank, along with all of the students taking the class.

A student said, “I feel very included in this class.” They are very easy going and understanding people. Students have described these groups as a fun and close knit community that is very welcoming to newcomers. They have parties each Friday with Just Dance, Four Corners, Heads Up Seven Up and many more. They usually order pepperoni pizza, but they also buy many other kinds. They are always looking for new members and try their best to make everyone feel welcome.

If you are interested in joining the class, you should go see Mrs Glenzel in her office, which is next to the main gym. The earliest you can take this class is next semester.

If not, take it next year. If you want to have fun and improve your skills in a comfortable environment, this is a great class for you.

November 8, 2023

Jyce Jones staff writer

Unified P.E. shooting hoops for the Homecoming assembly.

photos by Shiloh Capiak

Sheldon cheer team performing for the Homecoming assembly.

As always, fall sports are a big thing at Sheldon High School. Before a Friday night football game it’s important to recognize how the sports cheer, football, and marching band prepare for a game day performance. Senior Will Haverland, a player on the Sheldon football team, said, “I usually prepare the night before by packing everything I need in my bag, and then by the end of my night I usually hydrate and get a good night of sleep. Then I wake up, make sure I have everything I need, and head to the locker room and get mentally prepared for the game.”

Sophomore band player Hunter Lesser said, “First thing I do to prepare for a Friday night game is make sure I pack all of the instruments I need for that day and then get a nice meal in my body so I feel good later in the day and then when I arrive I go over all my musical notes before our quick practice, then begin to walk out to the game.”

Junior and cheer team member Kailani alvarez said, “I usually wake up a hour before school starts to get everything ready for that day while also making sure I have everything I need for school and then after school we head to the gym to get warmed up, basically preparing for a halftime performance and getting mentally prepared for the night. After the game, I see friends and family and that’s basically my Friday night game day preparation.”

Student Opinions On the IHS Workload Ulises Ruiz Lopez staff writer As high school students strive for academic success and global understanding, many opt in for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, or IHS. This program is offered worldwide but locally, it’s offered to high schools such as Churchill, South Eugene, and Sheldon. It’s a rigorous and a highly regarded educational curriculum. While the IHS/IB program offers a wealth of benefits, it also presents students with a large workload.

For those who are pursuing the full IB diploma, they must take six subjects, such as humanities, sciences, language, and math. Additionally, they complete Theory of Knowledge (TOK), write an Extended Essay, and engage in Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) projects throughout their junior and senior years of high school.

Senior Marley Feldman, who is an IB candidate and pursuing the full IB diploma, has different techniques on how she manages the massive amounts of work she has to do, such as “gxx`etting help from teachers, counselors, and students when you need them the most. I find it easier when I have resources around me that can help me balance my workload.” Feldman also talks about how managing your time is also really helpful for the long run. Feldman said, “Developing time management skills helps too, I get my work done first, then I have a little bit of free time after

to relax and do the things I love.”

Oregon State University attendee and recent Sheldon IB graduate, Rubi Prada, wanted to share her personal experience and how this program was academically demanding but finishing it was a great feeling, “The IB program was very tough, the amount of work was totally unexpected. But it has taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. Just the feeling of finally completing the program was incredible.” Prado is majoring in biochemistry on a pre-med track.

She mentioned how the IB program has helped her gain confidence for preparing herself for her path to success, “I have found myself being more confident in writing essays, conducting research, and participating in class discussions in general.”

Senior Samuel Kline, who isn’t in IHS or AP classes, feels like IHS and the IB program are beneficial, and he wishes he had opted in the program.

Kline said, “The more I think about it, I wish I had done IHS. It sounds like a ton of work, but hearing from one of my IHS friends, the experiences sound amazing.” Kline is also a football player for Sheldon,

and he thinks that IHS and football would be harder on him academically, “Since we have practice after school, I feel like the workload would stack up over time. I’m fine with where I am at right now.”

The IB workload is demanding, but it can be a lifechanging experience for students. Students who choose this educational journey emerge, not only with a diploma but with a deep understanding of the world and their place in it, a testament to the program’s value.

Run by students, for students.

Sports pg.8 editor.........................Brielle Brown Academics pg.9/photo editor.........Shiloh Capiak Club Revival pg.10 editor...................Owen Fitch Perspectives pg. 11 editor..................Brady Rust Backpage editor...........................Shiloh Capiak Editor-in-chief..................................Brady Rust Staff Adviser.................................Greg Cantwell Abby Kubu Ulises Ruiz-Lopez Mei Long Clarity Turnage Marley McNutt Micah White Jade Platz Bella Reniff

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