Bon Voyage, Seniors!
Samiha Ghonaim page editor
Many seniors make the difficult decision of going out of state for college. Even though this is a drastic change in their lives which opens a door to new experiences and opportunities, it’s also almost cutting their connections to family and friends from home. Senior Kara Gilbert is attending Creighton University, located in Omaha, Nebraska, this upcoming fall. Gilbert reflected on what really convinced her to apply and commit to a school outside of Oregon: “I always wanted to go out of state for school. I’ve always thought that this transition is the perfect time to take a risk and explore a new place and new people. I know I’ll miss my family, but it’s also important to me that I develop my own character and views apart from them.”
Long distance friendships are already difficult from city to city, but living in different states really necessitates relying on social media to connect to your friends. Around this time of year when college decisions are being made, it really starts to settle in that many things after high school will never be the same again.
It’s a very drastic change from going to the same school as your closest friends for years to suddenly stopping and moving away from them. Moving out of state for college can also be very isolating if you don’t
know anyone going into freshman year. Senior Neel Nair is attending Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Nair expressed the worries of moving from friends and family: “I’m a little worried about being alone, but I feel like at college, every freshman is going through the same thing, which makes it easier for everyone to fit in.”
Freshmen in college have contrasting experiences like feeling homesick or the feeling of being free from a smaller town like Eugene. All of these aspects come into consideration when searching for colleges. Can you see yourself going far away from home where the only way back is an airplane and thriving in an environment like that?
Seniors have different standards when looking for schools to apply to or when weighing their decisions. Some have to rely heavily on whether or not they are financially able to go to a certain school or whether they can be carefree about it. Senior Quentin Hawkins is attending Howard University in Washington, D.C. Hawkin’s main focus when looking for colleges wasn’t the price of attending: “I looked for a nice community setting and happy looking people. I wanted to be able to feel like I could see myself living in the area and doing my everyday routine at that place.”
104 Days of Senior Vacation
Brielle Brown page editor
Many seniors spend their last memories of high school by going on a trip to celebrate the year. They use this last sentimental trip to cherish their high school experience before they step into adulthood. Graduating students plan eventful trips all across the globe, some staying local and others traveling to other states, countries, or even contents. Many individuals plan their senior trips to visit their family or friends. Senior Julian Eclarinal plans to travel to the Philippines to visit his family, as well as Oahu, Hawaii, and Thailand: “Both my parents are originally from the Philippines and a majority of our family still lives there. We haven’t been able to visit in a little over a decade so we decided this coming summer would be the right time.” Eclarinal is looking forward to enjoying the time with his family and is also excited to enjoy “the warm weather
in the different places.” He is thrilled for his three-week upcoming trip around Hawaii and two countries in Asia! Many seniors travel to see close friends or relatives for the summer. Senior Jacob Bratland is looking forward to visiting with his family before he goes to Oregon State University for college. Bratland said, “I’m going to Texas to see my cousins for two weeks after I graduate, just for fun, and to see all the major cities in Texas.” While he’s in Texas he hopes to see Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, and Austin: “I’ve been to Dallas and I really loved to see the buildings and history behind the city. I’m looking forward to doing the same thing, but with the other large cities in Texas.” While many seniors’ trips are shorter, Bratland is planning on staying in Texas for a total of ten days to experience everything Texas has to offer and to reunite with his family.
Senior Lillian Humphrey is looking forward to experiencing her last significant high school-related moments in Newport, Oregon. Humphrey said, “I feel
Cherishing High School Memories
Brady Rust co-editor-in-chief
getting ready for Prom [L to R]
As seniors prepare to graduate, it’s important to reflect on our time at Sheldon and record our most memorable moments. Senior Emma Shirtcliff said, “One of my favorite memories is going to prom; maybe it’s because it’s a classic high school experience, but both times I attended I had an amazing time with my friends, getting dinner and dancing for hours.” When discussing the American high school experience, prom is one of the biggest events, thus one of the most memorable.
Sports are also a big deal for a lot of students, as they dedicate a lot of personal time to them throughout high school. Senior Tilly McNamara said, “I was a part of two spring sports, golf and lacrosse, all four years at Sheldon and while managing my schedule was stressful, I wouldn’t have had it any other way! People often asked me why I didn’t just choose one, but honestly both sports hold such a special place in my heart and I’m so grateful to my coaches for being understanding of my tight schedule. Playing both sports with such wonderful girls made my high school experience one hundred times better and has given me
graphic by Samiha Ghonaim
like since high school is ending we’re all gonna go kind of separate ways, but I feel like now that we have our trip planned it’s gonna be a really good last memory of high school and all of us together.” While in Newport she plans to stay in an Airbnb with her friends for the weekend. Humphrey, along with several other seniors felt that high school flew by. “Looking back at it, the years went by so quickly. I started my freshman year when COVID was still at its peak, when we were still in online-learning,” said Humphrey.
Everyone experiences high school in a different way, some in negative ways and some enjoying the time they spent while in school. Humphrey said, “I know I’m gonna miss this place. I’m gonna miss the teachers that helped support me and my friends, of course, but I’m really excited to be starting a new chapter in my life!” Overall, every senior trip is cherished with memories from high school and a new chapter in life!
memories I’ll cherish forever!” Students who participate in school sports make connections that will last a lifetime, and have rewarding experiences that decorate their high school journey with non-academic highlights.
High school is a key time for making friends and establishing bonds. These bonds form in a wide variety of ways, some more random, or unexpected, than others.
Senior Aaliyah Franklin said, “[Senior] Luke [Potter] drew something really funny in our values and beliefs class sophomore year, and while the class was dead silent, we were trying our best to not burst out laughing. It’s kinda dumb and even though we had already known each other, I feel like that is what started our amazing friendship.”
Friends are one of the few high school memories that can physically follow us past graduation, so as seniors enter the next chapter of their lives, we should do our best to cherish the time we have spent with them!
Student’s
Audrey Yeh (Sr.), Emma Shirtcliff (Sr.), Meron Adams (Sr.), Rubi Ochoa (Sr.)
Confronting the Big Decisions
Finley Olsen page editor
Why are you expected to have the next portion of your life all figured out right after high school?
With the many changes that life after high school has to offer, the switch from high school to college has to be one of the biggest.
There are so many options for life after high school that it feels incredibly intimidating to choose a path. Senior Abigail Lee thinks that everyone has a career that fits their interests. Lee said, “I am confident when I say I think there is a right choice for everyone’s career path and a major that can fit everyone’s wants in a career. But the skepticism, I think, has to do with the understanding that many students have, that what you decide is what will determine the rest of your life.” As she calls upon the belief that your life is determined by what you chose to do in college, she is shooting that idea down because she thinks you’re able to change your mind. It’s important to remember that if you’re feeling lost with what you are going to do, it will all work out.
Some students feel pressured to choose something as their time to decide what they want
to do seems to come to a close, but not senior Bethany Cochran. Cochran said, “As time has progressed I have definitely gotten a lot more comfortable with the fact that I don’t know how everything will play out. It’s helpful to know that others are in the same shoes as I am and we are all experiencing a major life change together.” It can be helpful to be optimistic about these changes because it can make them feel less scary. There are many factors that influence decisions after high school and salary can be a big one. Cochran shared that “salary plays a major role in my career path and future plans. Especially in the world today, financial stability is so important in almost every aspect of life so it’s pretty hard to ignore when considering what to major in.” A higher-paying degree can be much more attractive to people when deciding what they want to do.
On a similar note, choosing a job based on the contents rather than the earned salary is also a common deciding factor. Senior Sheah Yi said, “I’ve learned that pursuing something I only partially like for a job isn’t for me, even if it makes really good money.” There are many seniors who choose to go to school to be funneled into a high-paying job but alternatively, some students chase after what they will enjoy, even if that means a sense of uncertainty will remain.
Yi expressed that she was “really lost applying for colleges and trying to work my way out of getting an art degree, but in the end, looking at different options for college made me realize an education and degree in what I specifically wanted to do was the best option for me.”
Weighing out the different options is super important in deciding where or what you would like to do because it can open up new possibilities that you might not have thought of before.
Picking somewhere to go at a young age is incredibly intimidating, so it’s important to remember that this next period of our lives will be fluid and we need to be open to change, as nothing is permanent.
I Gotta Go My Own Way: Paths Other Than College
Ella Schmeling co-editor-in-chief
Contrary to popular belief, a college degree is not essential for one’s success. While an educational pathway is encouraged by the vast majority of high school staff and parents, it is not the only way for a student to find success after graduation. Senior Charlie Malpass is following his childhood dream of joining the army, a pathway that offers structured training and discipline to graduating high school students and provides endless career opportunities. Malpass said, “The army has so many benefits, and you can do whatever job you want while in it. Our generation has over glorified college, and for some people it’s not worth it. Plus, if I change my mind and eventually want a degree, it is completely free.” Malpass said that some of the many benefits of joining the army include “training for any career path and getting paid more than the average college student without having to worry about life expenses such as rent or healthcare.”
Trade schools provide students an additional educational pathway by providing direct course training at lower tuition costs and fewer hours. Senior Natalee Paul is attending beauty school in Aveda, Washington, to become an aesthetician. While some people would assume attending a trade school rather than a university reflects a poor academic record, Paul has defied the stereotype. “I have a very high GPA. I was a good student in all of my classes… I just don’t want to spend that much money on a degree
that I might not ever use. By the time we are all in our 30s, people could still be paying off student loans and I won’t have to because I didn’t pay that much money for college, and I will still have a good career,” said Paul.
Luckily, in this generation, people are starting to realize that college isn’t for everybody. While it has become less of a stigma to veer away from the traditional college education, Paul said, “It should be more [accepted] for students who are like me, who have been kind of put on a pedestal throughout their education just to go to a trade school.” Paul suggests that Sheldon should provide more support to students pursuing a different pathway, such as offering classes that gear towards certain trade and service pathways like construction, culinary, and beauty classes, as an opportunity for the school to become more inclusive. Senior Griffin Miller has charted a unique path after graduation, and plans to travel all the way to the Florida Sea Base Adventure Camp to become a Deep Dive Instructor. Just as students living at a university must adjust to life on their own, Miller will be moving to Florida in June—a huge step for Miller who has lived in Oregon his whole life. Miller’s entire family is scuba certified, and all go on diving trips together as often as they can. Miller’s first dive was through Boy Scouts at twelve years old. Through the Scouting program, Miller currently works as a “helper” to assist others in getting their diver certification, to which Miller now aspires to become a dive teacher. “When I’m down there [diving], it’s just like a place where you can hang out, and just focus on the little things,” said Miller. After teaching in Florida, Miller hopes to move back to Eugene and teach with Eugene Skin Divers.
College is not the “end all be all” to one’s future, yet pathways that don’t require a higher education are strongly overlooked and underdiscussed, leaving many students feeling excluded in the discussion of life after high school.
It’s crucial that all students receive the same opportunities and information to learn about their desired career that the students attending college are provided. Seniors Charlie Malpass, Natalee Paul, and Griffin Miller are just a few of the students who demonstrate that valued careers don’t always stem from a traditional university, and that following your dreams despite what may be expected can lead you to great success.
Graphic by Finley Olsen
Graphic by Finley Olsen
Sheldon Introduces Girls Flag Football
Landon Core & Ulises Ruiz Lopez staff writers
Sheldon High School is making history with the introduction of its first ever girls flag football team. This team is not only providing an exciting new athletic opportunity for students but is also paving the way for the future generation of female athletes. The season came with a ton of adversity which the team had to go through. Even though the team didn’t get the results they wanted, this is just the beginning of something special looking to the future.
Junior Vielka Zuñiga, a pivotal member of the team, shared her insights and excitement about being a part of this flag football team: “I’ve been waiting for this moment for a while; to finally have a girls flag football team at Sheldon is incredible. It’s not just about playing a sport, but it’s
also about breaking barriers and showing that girls can excel in traditionally male-dominated sports, too.” Zuñiga also mentioned the overall progress the team has made even if the season wasn’t in their favor. Zuñiga said, “While ending the season without a win was disappointing, it doesn’t overshadow the progress we’ve made as a team.”
Freshman Kinslee Roberts had similar things to say about the new girls flag football program: “I’ve always loved football, but I never had the opportunity to play on an official team until now.” Roberts also said, “Being part of the girls flag football team is something not everyone can experience at other schools.” Roberts also had something to say about the team’s overall performance, “Every game was an opportunity for us to learn and improve.” Roberts said, “We faced challenges head on, supported each other through thick and thin, and emerged stronger as a team… I think that’s what separates us from other teams.”
While the season may have ended in disappointment, the girls flag football team has left an unwavering belief that success is measured not just by victories but by the journey taken in pursuit of achieving them. Their resilience in the face of adversity serves as an inspiration to all athletes.
Girls flag football is a new Sheldon sport only previously seen at the annual Powderpuff game like the one shown here featuring Janie Parker (Sr.) dodging juniors.
Coach Brancato changes coaching role
Micah White & Thomas Follet staff writers
The Sheldon boys basketball program is an integral part of the rich sports culture at Sheldon. They have had many coaches, and will continue to have many more, but the most recent coaching change has an interesting twist. The new head coach, Brian Brancato, used to be the head coach of the Sheldon girls basketball team, and now he’s the head coach of the boys.
Junior Nathan Sheley, a player on the boys basketball team, said: “Zero period has been fun so far; we haven’t done a whole lot, but we added in our offense today.” Sheley also said, “I feel like [Brancato] challenges guys in terms of letting them know that their spot isn’t guaranteed, and he gives an opportunity to the younger guys to get a chance at some
of the older guys› spots.” Sheley felt that a culture change is coming and is optimistic about the upcoming season.
Coach Brancato said that his core values for this team and the upcoming season are going to be: “Effort, intensity, [and] competitive spirit.” When asked about the upcoming season and what he expects from the team, Brancato said: “I’m excited. We’re jumping in, getting ready for summer. The guys [basketball players] have been coachable and they’re working hard and I think everybody’s excited to see what’s going to turn out this summer and [to] work towards a good winter.”
Sophomore Lola Falconer of the girls basketball team, in reverence to Brancato taking the job coaching the boys, said: “It was really sudden, and I don’t think any of us really expected it, but I’m happy for him.” Many students were surprised to hear Brancato’s decision to coach boys basketball. When asked if other players felt the same, Falconer said, “Yeah, definitely.”
Coach Brancato taking the boys head coaching job could be the break that the boys team has been looking for. After not having a winning season in three years, a new head coach could be what’s needed. Although Brancato changed coaching positions, the girls basketball team has a bright future ahead of them, with a former Ducks basketball player, Tash O›Brien, leading them into the next season.
Sheldon softball: back-to-back State Champs
photo by Tyler Graham
photos by Brielle Brown
photos by Tyler Graham
photos by Greg Cantwell
Senior Assassin Game Gains Popularity
Cameron Fujikawa & Bella Reniff staff writers
Senior Assassin is a new game sweeping across Sheldon and the nation. In the game, players get assigned targets to eliminate with a water pistol while following the rules of the game.
Senior Reagan Miller said, “My favorite part was the adrenaline rush we got from chasing people.” Explaining the excitement of the chase is what makes Senior Assassins so much fun for everyone involved. Miller’s target was senior Emerson Kearney. Miller said, “My strategy was to follow her car after she left practice.” Unfortunately, despite trying for three weeks, Miller was unable to eliminate her target before the game ended. One of the main challenges was “the Snapchat rule.” Players could only track her targets’ locations during certain hours on Snapchat. “When she wasn’t on Snapchat, I didn’t know where she was,” Miller said. Despite these setbacks, Miller found the experience to be enjoyable and engaging. Miller decided to participate in Senior Assassin because she thought it would be a fun way to spend her last year in high school: “I thought it would be fun to be involved in something big like that in my last year being here.” The game is not just about competition, but also about making memories and having
fun with classmates.
Forming alliances with friends was a key part of Miller’s strategy. “I did form alliances with some of my friends, and it helped us work together to get each other’s targets out quicker,” she shared. Miller had several memorable moments, including a time when she and a friend followed a group of guys to a Marist Lacrosse game. Although they failed to eliminate their targets, the experience was exciting and memorable.
For Miller, being eliminated from the game brought mixed feelings. “It was sad, but honestly, it was pretty stressful, so I was ready to be done with it,” Miller said. While the game was fun, it could also be quite stressful. Despite not winning, Miller wouldn’t change anything about their experience.
Senior Sienna Henderson also participated in Senior Assassin. Henderson said, “A memorable moment I have from senior assassin is when I was hiding out at a lacrosse game trying to get my opponent out and then having to chase them around to the parking lot.” Henderson said she did in fact form alliances with all of her friends, but it was really hard to trust everyone playing. She thought that everyone was out to shoot her. Henderson decided to participate in this activity because she thought it would be fun and help her get closer with her classmates before she graduates and
leaves. Henderson did have some challenges along the way and she said an annoying rule was you weren’t allowed to shoot your opponent right after they were done playing a game or finishing at practice. Another thing Henderson thought was challenging was they didn’t have any protection like floaties or goggles, which in some versions of the game played around the nation, give wearers immunity from being eliminated. Henderson said Senior Assassin was a great activity and she’s really glad she ended up participating in it because it brought her closer to her class.
Senior Molly Dahlager said she loved Senior Assassin and it made her senior year so much more enjoyable. Dahlager said she did not end up getting her target out before the game turned to a free for all (anyone can kill anyone). Dahlager said, “It was hard to get people out because we couldn’t do it at school or work so finding time to get my target was pretty difficult.” A good tactic Dahlager used was just staying at home and not going out a lot and if she did she was careful and did not use Snapchat. Dahlager mentioned that there was a lot of arguing as to whether or not somebody got shot and if it counted, but she is happy she participated in it and it was a fun experience overall.
Past, Present, and Future Senior Traditions
Abby Kubu &
Addy Zauner
staff writers
Senior traditions hold a special place in the hearts of Sheldon seniors, commemorating years of hard work and dedication. From senior pranks and skip days, to senior sunrise and sunset, these traditions create lasting memories and bonds that will last well beyond graduation day. Senior Aylssa Lewie said, “Football games, powderpuff, [Senior] Assassin, and senior sunrise and sunset” are some of her favorite traditions that she hopes will live on.
Some traditions have been lost, but many people think they should come back. One is graduating classes giving gifts to the school. These thoughtful donations not only beautified our campus, but also symbolized the enduring spirit of each graduating class. Each contribution has been
commemorated with a plaque, proudly displaying the class’s name and showing their legacy. Other traditions that Lewie hopes live on include painting parking spots and celebrating college decision day.
Senior Anica Smith also wants senior parking spots to come back. Smith said, “I don’t necessarily care about where I park on campus, but I think it’d be fun to decorate [seniors’ parking spaces]. Seeing people’s creativity and different ideas come to life is always super cool to see.” Smith’s favorite tradition has been senior skip day: “I didn’t have to go to school and finally got to do something actually fun with all my friends. I think skip day is when everything becomes real and the realization finally hits that we really do only have a week left of school.” Traditions like senior skip day, senior sunset, and prom, are all markings of the end of an era.
Of course, teachers have different opinions on some of these traditions. Jackie Owens, college and career counselor, said, “If [a senior tradition] causes extra work, I understand that it is a tradition, but it would be great if it didn’t require extra work from staff to clean up.” Owens also believes pranks should not damage school property, should be school appropriate, and should not disrupt the entire school day. She also recommends that seniors “check the attendance policies and how it could affect you after high school; be clear and aware of the consequences.”
In short, traditions are a wonderful way to commemorate your time at Sheldon High School, but should be done with respect and awareness of other students and of the staff.
Seniors making breakfast in the back parking lot after camping on the football field for senior skip day.
celebrating
[L to R] Sheah Yi (Sr.), Finley Olsen (Sr.), Samiha Ghonaim (Sr.), Brody Rust (Sr.), Julian Eclarinal (Sr.), Kara Gilbert (Sr.), Kat Gilbert (Sr.), Claire Butler (Sr.), Brady Rust (Sr.), Abigail Lee (Sr.)
photo by Kat Gilbert
Students
senior sunrise.
photo provided by Samiha Ghonaim
Where College-Bound Seniors Are Going to College
Oregon
University of Oregon
Chloe Aaron-Montes
Kailey Ball
Cooper Benson
Claire Butler
Brooke Capon
Landon Core
Molly Dahlager
Liv Dudley
Julian Eclarinal
Isabelle Garrett
Maizie Goodpasture
Kenia Gonzalez
Sienna Henderson
Lucy McNutt
Faith Merwin
Ulises Ruiz
Anica Smith
Piper Such
Megan Yellowtail
Oregon State University
Meron Adams
Jack Anderson
Kiana Bjorem
Jacob Bratland
Emma Brown
Alexa Burger
Bethany Cochran
Cooper Coleman
Zane Feldman
Angelina Falcon
Deon Ghonaim
Lauren Gibson
Abigail Lee
Brianna Loboy
Ivan Mario-Lopez
Israel Moaliitele
Finley Olsen
Emmylou Renfrow
Brody Rust
Madison Sullivan
Nevaeh Wilson
Lane Community College
Bella Brown
Tristan Ciernia
Eliana Colonia
Kailynn Crittenden
Aaliyah Franklin
Abraham Garcia
Danny Ghonaim
Clara Gramzow
Gavin Henrikson
Lillian Humphrey
Jesiah Kimbrell
Grayson Mower
Pacific University
Elliott Morgan
Oregon Institute of Technology
Samiha Ghonaim
Brady Rust
Diego Villada-Youel
Gloria Wenz
University of Portland
Alexis Leao
Portland State University
Riley Sharps
Southern Oregon University
Avery Coffin
Kaitlyn Cramer
Peyton Kinney
Anwen McDonald
Lane Community College
Bella Brown
Tristan Ciernia
Eliana Colonia
Kailynn Crittenden
Aaliyah Franklin
Abraham Garcia
Danny Ghonaim
Clara Gramzow
Gavin Henrikson
Lillian Humphrey
Jesiah Kimbrell
Grayson Mower
Southwest Oregon Community College
Leo Manstrom
Idaho
Boise State University
Taylin Bolduc-Green
Tilly McNamara
Brigham Young University
Teia Thompson
Megan Wicks
California
Point Loma Nazarene
University
Katryn Gilbert
University of California Santa Cruz
Marley Feldman
University of California
Berkeley
Shiloh Capiak
California State University
Monterey Bay
Gwen Apker
Arizona
University of Arizona
Olivia Gilhuber
Mackenzie Houlihan
Alyssa Lewey
Mason Prasad
Grand Canyon University
Kaley Trujillo
Washington
University of Washington
Gus Bosne
Savannah Crawford
Washington State University
Jill Potter
Colorado
Colorado School of Mines
Abbie Kidd
Florida
Nova Southeastern University
Ethan Angeles
Nebraska
Creighton University
Karalyn Gilbert
New York
Fashion Institute of Technology
Sheah Yi
Montana
University of Montana
Emerson Kearney
North
Carolina
Duke University
Neel Nair
Columbia
Howard University
Quentin Hawkins District of
Gender Nonconformity and Sheldon Restrooms
Jessica Fitch page editor
At Sheldon, while the staff try their best to make queer students feel safe, there is one place where their efforts are largely for naught: the restrooms. With bathroom bills being passed around the country to target transgender people, something as simple and biologically unavoidable as using the restroom often makes genderqueer students feel uncomfortable, or even afraid. In the experience of junior Mina Mills, “I pretty much always use the men’s [restroom]. It never feels safe, especially when I’m dressed femininely, but I’m scared of using the women’s [restroom] and being accused of being a predator.” The widespread stigma and misinformation regarding transgender people, especially trans girls and women, means they will often be accused of being predators, or perverts, or freaks, along with being called a smorgasbord of slurs.
These aren’t just things that could happen; they do, regularly. Mills said, “I’ve been bullied and harassed semi-often, as [recently] as last week. It’s usually when I’m dressed femininely, or because of my dyed hair.” In the rest of the school there’s some protection against discrimination, but in the
restrooms nothing is provable; there’s no cameras, no witnesses, no way to protect oneself from harassment or assault.
This is where the gender neutral bathroom comes in. It was created to mitigate the above issues, and while it does provide a safe place to use the restroom in peace, it’s certainly not a perfect solution. Sophomore CJ Jones said, “I use it maybe once every two months because it’s really out of the way, and…it’s the only one, so everyone’s always trying to use it.” On top of that, the gender neutral bathroom is often used for things other than going to the bathroom, preventing access to students who need it.
Students will oftentimes go to considerable measures to avoid using the restrooms in general. Jones said, “I wouldn’t drink water for the entire day, so I didn’t have to use the restrooms…I don’t think [the gender neutral restroom is] adequate, especially for people who are just starting their transition and feel awkward about it.”
Similarly, freshman Cypress Dickens said, “I would much rather use the gender neutral bathroom, but… unfortunately they’re never really open because people are in there vaping, or having sex…I can’t always wait for the gender neutral bathroom to open.”
Not only that, but Dickens also noted that “it also doubles as a disability bathroom, so you can’t expect
Asexuality in Relationships and
Chloe Battin page editor
Every June, people around the world celebrate what it means to be queer. Whether that means attending a Pride parade or showing off one’s support for the queer community, Pride Month allows queer folks and allies to come together to celebrate loving themselves and whomever else they want. But what about those who don’t feel romantic or sexual attraction? Coined by the queer community, the term “asexual” means one does not feel any sexual attraction. Similarly, the term “aromantic” means one does not feel any romantic attraction… or so it is commonly thought. In actuality, both asexual and aromantic people can feel both sexual and romantic attraction. Like many sexualities, both asexuality and aromanticism are spectrums, with some feeling no sexual/romantic attraction at all, and others only feeling attraction under certain conditions. Demiromatism, for example, describes a person experiencing romantic attraction, but only if they have a strong emotional bond first. Due to societal pressures to have a relationship in high school, junior Margot Chesbrot said that is brainwashing
them “into thinking it is a must-have kind of thing.” For demiromantics, attraction can be confusing. It may be easy for demiromantics to have strong platonic feelings towards close friends, but when it comes to romantic attraction, the feeling may not be that simple. “[When]... you feel a strong bond with a friend, then you [can] confuse it for being attracted to a friend,” Chesbrot said.
For other people, romantic and physical attraction doesn’t occur at all. In junior Claire Robert’s case, she was never interested in pursuing a relationship with someone: “There were people in my middle school who… had crushes, and I didn’t. I…thought it was normal to not have a crush in middle school,” said Roberts.
Social pressures for falling in love don’t stop at romantic attraction. Many people on the asexual spectrum feel social pressure to have a physical relationship while in high school. Sophomore Zephyr Raha believes TV shows like Euphoria oversexualize teens and contribute to the pressure of needing to have a physical relationship in high school. “I feel like…the media treats teenagers as these… [people] who are super high… [for] sexual pleasure…I’ve seen plenty of my peers oversexualize themselves,” said Raha.
all the queer and disabled people at Sheldon to share a single bathroom.” While it can be a helpful resource, there’s certainly room to improve. From harassment and bullying in the gendered bathrooms to the misuse of the limited resource that was supposed to fix the issue, there’s a long way to go in terms of gender-inclusive restrooms at Sheldon.
Representation
The social pressure to engage in romantic and physical relationships, whether encouraged by social norms or media influence, can be harmful to those who do not experience romantic and sexual attraction in conventional ways. This pressure to conform can create feelings of alienation in aro/ace individuals. Media representations need to acknowledge the complexities of sexual and romantic attraction to ensure a better future of inclusiveness.
photo by Jessica Fitch
Members of Sheldon’s GSA at 4J Pridefest.
illustration by Jessica Fitch
Khaya Ainis-Michael page editor
For many students, the beginning of summer break is highly anticipated, but for some, it’s dreaded. This is because some students rely on schools to provide necessities like food and safety.
According to Oregon Public Broadcasting’s 2024 statistics, around 11% of Oregon households suffer from food insecurity. Luckily, 4J offers food services for students even when school isn’t in session. Tim Hill, a food service manager at 4J, shared that, “We feed all students for free in the district, and then in the summer we’re also open for public feeding which is open to anyone… If you’re in school, you are eligible for a meal.” You can contact 4J’s food services at nutrition@4j.lane.edu or call 541-790-7656.
Homelessness is another issue that affects youth. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development, more than 1,400 young adults and children in Oregon experienced homelessness in 2023. A youthled movement called 15th Night attempts to combat this. Trista Neuman, 4J 15th Night Program Coordinator, stated, “Our goal is to help [students] stay engaged with school. And to see that not only are our students crossing the stage at graduation, but then attending college or trade schools, is inspiring every single time.” 15th Night helps connect youth to service providers such as housing navigators or mental health specialists. They also work closely with agencies like HOOTS as well as food pantries and clothing boutiques in schools, and much more. You can call their crisis line at any time (541-2464046) or access their resources at https://rb.gy/b8zoz. Their services are free and available to any student for any reason.
Another organization that works to improve the lives of young people is Youth Era. Their aim is to empower young adults and serve as an opportunity to interact with
STIs on the Rise Summer Support: Resources for Students
Shiloh Capiak page editor
Over the past decade, there has been a documented increase in sexually transmitted infections across the nation. Lane County has been no exception, experiencing a 64.3% increase between 2011 and 2021. People under the age of twenty-five account for 60% of all cases in Lane County despite making up only 30% of the overall population.
Lane County School Health Promotion Coordinator Marissa Lovell stated, “Some contributing factors to the increase we’ve seen over the past decade are general decreases in federal, state, and local funding. That fluctuates with what politicians prioritize. Across the country, sexual health education is variable. In Oregon specifically, we have some really amazing laws that help, but it varies by classroom. If they are not receiving accurate and relevant information in class, people
and get help from their peers. They train young adults and teens to be able to assist youth in crisis. This gives both parties unique opportunities to help and be helped by people who can relate to them. Matthew Sussman, a Youth Peer Support Specialist, said his favorite part of the work is “getting to use my lived-experiences and struggles to help show youth and young adults that change is possible and things can get better.” They are located at 44 W 7th Ave. in Eugene but have many other Oregon locations. They’re open from 3-6 Monday-Friday. You can call them at 971-334-9295 or email them at hello@youthera.org.
Although summertime can take away vital resources that students depend on, it’s important to remember that there’s always a way for people in need to get help. If you or someone you know suffers from anything ranging from food insecurity to homelessness, reach out to a service you trust. There’s always someone willing to help.
may seek information from sources that aren’t totally credible.”
Senior Kiana Bjorem said, “I haven’t really gotten much sexual education in the classroom. The last time we went over STIs, I was in freshman year.”
Lovell also cites the pandemic as another reason for rising rates of sexually transmitted infection, explaining, “Over the pandemic, we saw a decrease in young people seeking primary healthcare. Everyone was stuck at home and only going to emergency services rather than regular checkups. Because young people weren’t able to go to those regular appointments, they weren’t really able to access that information. We saw a spike because healthcare access declined.”
If a young person suspects that they may have contracted a sexually transmitted infection, Lovell advises, “The number one step is to get tested. Find out what exactly is going on. All STIs can be treated.”
Sheldon Health teacher Ann Hettick added, “If a student is nervous about testing, Planned Parenthood is probably the best resource. They take anyone of any age, have a sliding scale payment method, and are extremely helpful. If that is too much of a plunge, talk to a trusted adult who can offer advice and guidance.”
Hettick has high hopes that in the coming years at Sheldon, students will find it easier to reach out and request help. “Next year, the 9th graders will be in a Humanities block,” Hettick explained; “Their English, Social Studies, and Health teachers will work together. Health teachers will be responsible for social and emotional learning. Hopefully, students will develop a relationship with their Health teachers. For a long time, Health teachers have been put on the backburner, and this is a huge step.”
Owen Phillips (Sr.) competes in long jump.
Photo by Tyler Graham Boys Track and Field: State Champions!
Summer School Has Never Been Better
Brody Rust page editor
The cultural phenomenon of “Pretty Little Liars” changed the narrative of teen dramas after its original release in 2010. The show handled serious problems like eating disorders, drug addiction, pedophilic relationships, and much more in its 7 season run. Student teacher Archer Boyd commended the show’s ability to have “made lesbian relationships specifically visible and relatable in a way that it hadn’t been in previous tv shows and movies.” It pushed boundaries that would likely not go over entirely well today, but in its time of release it only further pushed its success. Earning awards like People’s Choice and Young Hollywood, its success should’ve fostered fame for the spin offs to follow, so what went wrong?
After the cultural era of “Pretty Little Liars,” two spinoffs aired under the titles of “Ravenswood” and “Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists.” Unfortunately, both shows were canceled after just one season. What did these shows do so wrong to fail to grab the attention of the massive fan base of the original show? The primary error of “Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists” is the almost immediate divorce of the fan favorite couple of the original series. Senior Claire Butler noted that the “original storylines are really important and the original girls had more thought into them,” while these spinoffs messed with the closure and ends of the original liars stories. These spinoffs failed to introduce any kind of controversial topics in the media the way “Pretty Little Liars” often did. It was received by many as a weakened
Summer Styles
Emily Escobar Mogollon & Lileah Briggs staff writers
With summer rapidly approaching, Sheldon students are getting ready for the season with new looks to show off. This year Adidas are back in style as well as tube tops, jorts and much more.
Sophomore Haylie Arnold enjoys bright colors during summer and her Birkenstocks. She likes to wear lots of summer jewelry including rings, necklaces, and bracelets as well as sundresses and jean shorts. With everyone eager to buy new clothes for this summer it is sometimes hard to find trendy clothes. Arnold said some of her favorite places to shop are “H&M, Addicted, Brandy, Hollister, and Princess Polly.”
Short hair is very popular this summer as well as updos and beads braided into the hair. “I personally love doing braids and messy buns,” said Arnold.
It seems to be a consensus that bright colors are going to be everywhere this summer. As sophomore Mya Valencia would say, her “favorite color palette for summer are oranges, blues and pinks.” Her go-to jewelry is gold necklaces or bracelets, or any jewelry that resembles a sea animal to remind her of the beach. “I like to thrift so I can save money and still find something good to wear,” said Valencia. One of her favorite places to thrift is Goodwill and she likes to buy shorts and tank
continuation of the previous plot, and failed to garner enough attention for even a second season.
As “Pretty Little Liars” initial air date approaches almost a decade and a half ago, and the failure of its later successors, an evolved and modernized version of the original cast’s dynamic became called for. Taking the opportunity, Max’s “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin” answered. Pretty Little Liars:Original Sin has taken the heavy subject matter of the original story and implemented it onto a new cast of “liars” with little tie to the original events in Rosewood of the first story. Junior Bee Looper said, “I haven’t seen the original show, so I like that it has distanced itself from the older story, it allows a new audience to come in without watching previous installments.” While the beloved cast of the 2010 drama is left out of the story, it allowed for the fandom to become attached to a familiar but brand new narrative. Much like the original story, social media and pop culture are heavily incorporated into the scripts of the show, allowing the audience to grow a deeper connection to the show as it seems the story is taking place in real time.
“Pretty Little Liars: Summer School” rose nearly to the top 100 most popular shows worldwide during its second season air date, and has proven itself as a modern, gory, and comedic teen drama. Pretty Little Liars has once again proved that modern teen dramas can be written for teens without resonating with a layer of now outdated and cringey slang.
tops or anything with flower print on it.
Sophomore Jessica Ruiz-Lopez believes that pastel colors are the way to go this summer: “For some reason they remind me of summer.” Lopez believes that you could “never go wrong with wearing shorts and a tshirt,” but if you wanted to truly express your style you could wear a flowy dress. She recommends shopping at places like Pacsun, Tillys, Cotton On, Marshalls, and Urban Outfitters to get new fashionable clothes for summer.
Now that you know what is trending, where to buy it and have hopefully found inspiration, it’s time to get a whole new wardrobe. Thrifting or not, online shopping or in person, it’s time to put the long sleeves, pants and jackets in a box and start shopping.
Photo illustration by Brody Rust
Photo illustration by Brody Rust
“Pretty Little Liars” and “Pretty Little Liars: Summer School” casts
Preparing for Irish Essentials
Ben Guldager staff writer
Starting in the 2024-2025 school year, there is going to be a new school store at Sheldon called “Irish Essentials.” One can find the store near the front of the school, in room A3, which is down the hallway near the front office. Social studies teacher Mary Youngblood, the manager of the store, said, “Irish Essentials will be selling a variety of different things, such as, water bottles, hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, pencils, erasers, stickers, and mugs.” All of these are designed and created by students. Sheldon students can purchase these items during fourth period, eighth period, and after school.
Youngblood also said the goal for Irish Essentials is to ”make it so that kids are able to design and create Sheldon gear, [and] that students will be excited to buy the products because it’s made by students like them.” All of the profits that are made
from the store will all be put back towards the store so that students/employees can purchase more materials. These materials are used for designing, making, and creating new products to sell at Irish Essentials.
One of the students in this class, sophomore Gracie Moore, said, “If you want to join the store, you can sign up for the entrepreneurship class. The new students that will be joining the entrepreneurship class in the following years should also become the staff of the store.” The employees of the store are given class credits toward fine arts, or applied arts credits for their employment at the store. The best way to support the store this upcoming school year is to purchase the store’s products, so students can design and create more Sheldon products and school apparel.
Spring is in the Air
at Springfest
Commentary: Freshman Reflection
Clarity Turnage staff writer
This school year has had its ups and downs. With drama, fights, losing friends, it’s all been hard on us. It’s been filled with drama left and right. People acting childish. People have been so childish that some people even made an Instagram about other students at Sheldon. Some people clearly haven’t matured since they have chosen to make posts about other people whom they know nothing about. Whoever made those Instagram accounts is causing people to get mad and causing more drama that doesn’t need to be caused.
Many of the students who have been posted about on that account got upset. Freshman Jocelynn Burns said, “I think those accounts that hate and post on random people are childish. And that was the same thing that happened in middle school. You would think since we’re in high school they would act mature.”
These types of accounts on the internet on which people post about other people isn’t a good thing. For one, its cyberbullying, and two, it can get out of hand and make other students feel insecure and not feel like they are enough. We are supposed to be there for each other, even if we don’t really know or like a person.
Sheldon hosted its Springfest during the week of May 20-24 including booth from many of Sheldon’s clubs and affinity groups. Some clubs featured during Springfest included Asian Pacific Island Student Union, Latinx Student Union, Feminist Student Union, Gender Sexuality Alliance, Astronomy Club, Interact Club, and Sounces of Strength. Among many musical performances from Sheldon students and staff, Sheldon’s Springfest also hosted the Hālau Hula
dancers.
L to R: Brady Rust (Sr.), Shiloh Capiak (Sr.), and Samiha Ghoniam (Sr.) at the Talisman’s bubble wrap popping booth during Springfest.
photo by Greg Cantwell
photo by Greg Cantwell
Dancers of Hālau Hula O Nā Pua O Hawai’i Nei perform at Springfest.
O Nā Pua O Hawai’i Nei hula
photo by Greg Cantwell
Members of Gender Sexuality Alliance giving out temporary tattoos at Springfest.
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Frontpage editor.........................Brady Rust
Saying Goodbye pg.2 editor.........Samiha Ghonaim
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Staff Writers:
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Lileah Briggs
Landon Core
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Next Year pg.11 editor...........................Chloe Battin
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Shiloh Capiak, Brady Rust, & Ella Schmeling
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Ainis-Michael
Shiloh Capiak
- 2024 Sheldon Girls Softball celebrates
Left to right and front to back: Soraya
Dorsey (Soph.), Kinley Papas (Sr.), Olivia Gilhuber (Sr.), Kaylee Waller (Jr.), Savannah McKibben (Fr.), Jazmine Gallegos (Jr.), Avery Coffin (Sr.), Brooke Peterson (Sr.)
photo by Tyler Graham backpage photo by Greg Cantwell
Brady Rust
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