FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 - THE CRYSTAL

Lakeview High School Battle Creek, Mich

THE

CRYSTAL

February/March 2021 Volume 83, Issue 3

Pg. 3: Back to School Safety Protocol Pg. 4/5: Capitol Raid/Inauguration

A&E Pg. 6: Winter Fashion Trends Pg. 7: Lunch Ideas

FEATURE Pg. 8/9: Conspiracy Theories Pg. 10: New Year’s Resolutions “Pal”entines Pg. 11: Relationship Quiz Pg. 12: Safety in Relationships Pg. 13: The Gender Spectrum Pg. 14/15: Pandemic Pet Adoptions

SPORTS Pg. 16: March Madness Preview Pg. 17: Hitting the Slopes Pg. 18: Winter Sports Return Guidelines

OPINION/BACK PAGE Pg. 19: Crystal Point: Hybrid Learning Senior Year during a Pandemic Pg. 20: Coffee Debate

COVER PHOTO Although February is often considered the month of love, relationships can be celebrated all year. See if you’re compatible with your parterner on page 11, and if your relationship is safe on page 12.

Editorial Policy: The Crystal is a self-funded student publication distributed free of charge to all Lakeview High School students and staff with a total press run of 500. The publication is an open forum for expression and a two-way communication for both the school and community. The editor-inchief and staff are solely responsible for the content. Opinions expressed in the newspaper are not necessarily those of the staff or the administration of the Lakeview High School.

The past few months have been filled with college applications, college acceptances (sometimes), FAFSA, scholarships and an overwhelming number of daily emails from schools I never intended to attend. With the end of the year fast approaching I am reminded every day that I need to know what I want to do with the rest of my life. I think I am asked at least three times a week what I am planning to do once I graduate.

Somehow, every time I respond to that question, the answer changes. The honest answer, of course, would be “I’m not really sure.” However, no one wants to hear that. They want to hear all of my great plans, what I’m majoring in, what classes I’ll be taking, what dorm I’m living in, the number of steps it takes me to get to my first class on campus, what my first meal is going to be once I get settled in at school.

In reality, I don’t know what I am going to be doing next week, how I am expected to know what I am going to be doing six months, one year, four years from now. So, with all that in mind, I came to a realization. It doesn’t really matter. Yes, you should probably have an idea of what you want to do post graduation, but do I really need to know what job I want? What company I’ll be working for? What city I’ll be living in ten years from now? NO. These years are designed to allow for risks and mistakes. A two steps forward, one step back structured system. I am trying to decide for myself what “comes next,” but, actually, I don’t know, and you may not know either, and we don’t need to know.

Go to that university, then change. Take a gap year, or don’t. Utilize KCC, or don’t. Not everything in your life needs to be figured out at this very moment, and that shouldn’t be expected. So I leave you with this, do what you want. There is time to change and decide on another course. There are so many opportunities and possibilities in the world, it would be foolish to decide this early on a one way street without any off ramps. Allow yourself to change and grow. You don’t need to know who you want to be six months, in five years, or in ten.

ADVISER Jodi Darland

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Maya Castleberry

FEATURE EDITORS Isabel Hoaglin, Kate Nosis

NEWS EDITOR Annabelle Minneman

A&E EDITOR Regan Damore

OPINION EDITOR Grace McGlynn

SPORTS EDITOR Alexa Morey BUSINESS MANAGER Gabrielle Oursler REPORTERS Gloria Aye Adyson Fritze Kaylee Messenger Gabrielle Oursler Sydney Ross Henry Saint Jacob Sarg Lopez Briana Scheidler Elise Segal Kezia Wright ADMINISTRATORS Blake Prewitt - Superintendent Susan Cheadle-Holt - Principal Cody Japinga - Assistant Principal Tara Rice - Assistant Principal

Lakeview High School 269-565-3700 15060 Helmer Road South Battle Creek, MI 49015 lakeviewspartans.org

The mission of The Crystal is as follows: to inform and entertain audiences of Lakeview High School and surrounding communities by providing diverse, relevant stories. The Crystal strives to remain objective, accurate and truthful while increasing school and community awareness of timely issues.

Businesses are encouraged to advertise in The Crystal when their ads adhere to the specified guidelines available in the publications room.

Members of The Crystal staff can be contacted by calling the publications room phone at 269565-3731 or emailing at thecrystal@lakeviewspartans.org

CRYSTAL

THE

NEWS

The Crystal is printed by: The Argus-Press Company 201 E. Exchange St. Owosso, MI 48867 Maya Castleberry, Editor-in-Chief

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

The Crystal is a member of the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association and has been awarded the Spartan Award in 2004-2005, 2005-2006, 2013-2014 and 2019-2020.

Back to School Safety Protocol Returning back to in-person school is finally happening, but there are a lot of new rules and regulations that have been implemented to keep everyone safe and Covid-free

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eturning back to in person school has been something stuck on everyone’s mind since back in last March when we were all told we were only getting three extra weeks off of school. Those three weeks eventually turned into almost a whole entire year of new experiences. A lot of things were thrown at staff and students in such little amount of time but everyone had to adapt to the new normal in order to keep learning as best as possible throughout the crazy Corona Virus pandemic.

Our state and school district was finally given the opportunity to return back to in-person learning on Jan. 19 and 20, 2021. But there has been some major changes to what our normal school days used to look like. There has also been a list of new rules implemented for students to follow to keep everyone as safe as possible.

Students and staff are back to school in hybrid mode, which basically means that half of the students (last names A-K) are able to attend schools on Mondays and Wednesdays, while the other half of students, (last names L-Z) attend school Tuesdays and Thursdays. Everyone still follows the regular zoom schedule that had been set for Fridays at home.

On the two days a week that students are able to go into the building, they must take their temperature right upon arrival when they walk in. This takes place either at the bus entrance or main entrance. Students should be staying home if they are experiencing any Covid-like

symptoms. Students with a high temperature must immediately go into a room where they are given time to acclimate to the building, then their temperature is taken once more. If still high, parents are called and asked to pick their child up for them to go home. Students with normal temperatures are allowed into the building and are then able to go on with their normal routines for the school day. Along with separating desks in classrooms to try to social distance, at the end of each class period each student is asked to spray their desk and surrounding area with disinfectant and wipe it down for the next student in the upcoming class period. This eliminates germs and will hopefully lessen the possibility of one student infecting another, then they have ti quarantine.

Another safety protocol this year is just extra cleaning in general. A super clean environment and keeping students healthy is the number one priority. The custodial staff is in full swing this year, cleaning all high-touch points and also cleaning all the bathrooms every four hours throughout the day. There has even been added custodial staff to get all hands on deck. Custodians even use Clorox360 machines every weekend to do even more deep cleaning.

Taking these new precautions is all very abnormal to everyone involved but it’s the only way that hybrid learning will work rather than having everything go back all Online like first trimester.

“Taking a few minutes towards the end of

each class period to clean off our desks doesn’t really bother me, if anything, it’s just kind of inconvenient. But I’m super glad were doing it,” freshman Xy’Aisjah Powell said.

Getting everyone involved with keeping the school clean is very important. Another rule that everyone must follow is wearing a mask throughout the whole day while they are in the building. The mask must cover both your nose and mouth, and only taken off when eating lunch in the cafeteria. Getting used to wearing a mask for an extended period of time is something that will take some getting used to but it is absolutely necessary to keep everyones safety in mind.

“I don’t have a problem with wearing a mask all day at school. I usually don’t feel comfortable around the people who keep their masks below their noses because it’s still a part of your respiratory system, so I try to stay away from those people and make sure that I’m covered at all times. Plus this way I know I am keeping others safe,” sophomore Maitlin Miller said.

Converting to hybrid from all Online last trimester and half of the second trimester was definitely a nice change for students for a lot of different reasons. Actually having human interaction again is nice for everyone too. As long as the rule are followed and the number of cases stay low, hybrid learning can work and we can expect to be in person for the remainder of the year.

Kezia Wright, Reporter

Masks should be worn covering the nose AND mouth

Photos by Gloria Aye

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ELECTION 2020 Everything you need to know

2020 ELECTION

THE BEGINNING OF JANUARY Following the announcement that Joe Biden had won the 2020 election, there were very significant events.

One of which was Donald Trump asking former Vice President Pence to “reject” Biden’s win. Quickly after Biden’s win was announced, the beginnings of the Capitol raid were coming to fruition.

CAPITOL RAID In January 2021, Congress met to confirm Biden’s win of the 2020 election. However, this quickly took a turn when hundreds of Trump supporters showed up to the Capitol, which ultimately ended in a destructive raid that resulted in four deaths. Hours after the riots ensued, Trump finally issued a statement asking the rioters to go home.

“I know your pain, I know you’re hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us. It was a landslide election and everyone knows it.

Especially the other side. But you have to go home now. We have to have peace,” Donald Trump said.

However, later on Trump and his team would defend these actions.

In addition to the riots, there were multiple pipe bombs detonated safely throughout the D.C area.

TRUMP’S SOCIAL MEDIA BAN

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Many social media companies have banned Trump from sites because he used social media to start the riot.

The social media ban consists of Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, Amazon Web Services (Parlor), Youtube, Shopify, Snapchat, Reddit, Twitch, LiquidWeb and Pinterest. These bans have now sparked international debates about the power of social media and if it is taking away freedom of speech.

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The month of November kicked off with the 2020 election, which was quickly followed by lots of controversy. On November 3, 2020 the presidential election was held. Immediately after, former President Donald Trump filed multiple lawsuits claiming there had been voting fraud. According to NBC, Trump actually filed “at least 57 lawsuits.”

PLANNING THE ATTACK ON THE CAPITOL Online discussions began about an attack on the Capitol building, which would occur on January 6, 2021.

While the majority of the population was shocked by these actions, many people that were in positions of power had made statements saying the Capitol raid was not a surprise.

“Everyone who was a law enforcement officer or a reporter knew exactly what these hate groups were planning,” Attorney General Karl A. Racine said in an article published by MSNBC.

CONSEQUENCES FOR THOSE INVOLVED IN THE RIOT Over a 100 protesters have been arrested with more still being arrested as the investigation continues. Many people on social media have also been searching for people who participated and identified. This has led to over a 100 people being fired for their participation in the events at the Capitol.

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NEW INAUGRATION SAFETY RULES People were encouraged to stay home in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and attendees wore masks and were socially distanced. There was a virtual parade unlike previous inaugurations to limit crowds. The streets were also closed around the National Mall to further limit crowds and to prevent another riot.

TRUMP’S LAST DAY JANUARY 19TH On Trump’s last in office as President he issued 73 pardons incluing his former advisor Steve Bannon. Trump then left the office early the next day and did not attend the Inauguration.

BIDEN COVID-19 RESPONSE PLAN ACTIONS

Biden hopes for 100 million vaccines given in 100 days, and has encouraged the making of more doses. He has also put together a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief plan that includes vaccine distribution, stimulus checks at $1400, and an unemployment insurance of $400 until September. His plan also includes funds for schools to reopen, rental and landlord support and state and local government aid.

CLIMATE CHANGE

TRUMP’S SECOND IMPEACHMENT

On January 13, the House voted to impeach Trump on the grounds of inciting a Capitol raid that resulted in the death of 5 people, one was an officer at the capitol. The house voted 232 to 197 with all democrats and a few republicans voting for impeachment. Trump is now the only President in history who has been impeached twice, making history.

INAUGURATION

On January 20, 2021 President Joseph Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States of America. Kamala Harris was sworn in Vice President making history as the first female and woman of color Vice President. Biden also makes history with his diverse picks to staff some of the highest government positions.

Biden’s Inauguration Speech was a plea for unity as a nation. Biden also called for uniting in the fight against COVID-19 so that life can return to “normal”.

LGBTQ+

Biden lifts ban on trangender people in the military put in place by Trump on January 25.

Biden starts new climate change policies on January 27 based on science and will be using the federal government to impose new rules to fight climate change. He also plans to re enter the Paris Climate Accord.

HEALTHCARE TRUMP’S SECOND IMPEACHMENTSENATE VOTE

Biden is restoring the Affordable Care Act to what it was before Trump’s Presidency and is going to get rid of anti-abortion laws put in place starting on January 28.

On February 13th the senate voted on Trump’s impeachment with a vote of 57-43. While a majority voted to remove Trump they did not meet the required 67 votes to remove him, so Trump was acquitted.

Maya Castleberry, Editor-in-Chief; Elise Segal, Reporter

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2021 Fashion Trends Fashion is ever changing, sometimes it can be difficult to keep up with what is in style, and it can be even harder to know what to buy to stay fashionable on a daily basis. That’s why I have created a simple guide on how to build your closet with the latest 2021 fashion trends.

COLOR First let’s talk about color schemes- neutral is important when it comes to fashion right now. Some popular colors include browns, sage green, lavender, classic black and white, and other muted shades.

These neutral shades create less of a bold impact and focus more on the cuts of the clothing rather than color. Colors can be stacked on top of each other for a more intricate look, or left monochromatic for a different yet just as powerful impact.

INFLUENCES Next, it is important to talk about what is influencing fashion in 2021. The biggest influences right now are the trends

celebrities are setting on their social media pages. Due to the pandemic and the excessive time spent at home loungewear and streetwear have become more common.

THROW BACK Vintage fashion makes an appearance in the latest trends as well, though it is a lot less prominent than it has been in the past. The public has moved away from some of the bolder vintage fashion choices like Scrunchies, Chacos, Birkenstocks, flannels and bright colors, and has moved more towards oversized denim, low rise bottoms, halter tops, and Doc Martens- keeping the focus on cuts rather than colors.

Gabby Oursler, Reporter

Outerwear

Tops

Pants

Layering is very in right now, it helps elevate basic outfits. Basic colors continue to be a trend in 2021 outerwear, but pairing a tight shirt with an oversized jacket can create a different silhouette that changes the look completely.

When buying tops to get you started it is important to focus on basics rather than statement pieces, people may not notice if you wear the same pair of black pants twice, but they’ll definitely notice if you wear the same green sparkly top again. So much focus is put on the shirt you choose, but outfits can be changed and elevated by layering and adding accessories, so starting with basics is best.

Pants are some of the most flexible pieces to add into your wardrobe right now, and as statement shirts are moving out of style, statement pants are moving in. That being said, it is still important to get the basics into your closet first. People are becoming more and more confident in wearing bold cuts of jeans. The era of high waisted ripped skinny jeans is over, and baggy/straight leg jeans have made a re-appearance. Streetwear styles have brought cargo pants into style, and made sweatpants dressy.

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Here are some of the most in style tops to get into your wardrobe: • Black and white turtlenecks • Brown, tan, black and white long sleeves • Cropped basic colored t-shirts • Brown, tan, grey, black, or white mock neck tanks

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Here are some of the must have outerwear pieces for 2021: • Black leather blazer • Brown/black teddy jacket • Checkered jacket • Puffer jackets

My favorite television shows and social media creators have influenced me a ton. Being able to see how bold they can be helps me think I can make whatever fashion I want work.

Chigo Manu, junior

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Here are some of the best bottoms to add into your growing closet: • Black straight leg jeans • Blue paper bag single rip jeans • Black leather pants • Black/tan cargo pants

Accessories Accessories are where bold choices are made, adding a pop of color to a basic outfit can add the right amount of uniqueness.

Sunglasses, hair accessories, hats, purses, and jewelry can all make a huge difference in complexity of an outfit. These are important things to focus on when building your wardrobe, these cheaper items can make the same pant and shirt combination look completely different.

Here are some of the best and funkiest accessories to add to your collection.

• Chunky sunglasses • Claw hair clips • Chunky gold hoops

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• Layered necklaces • Rings • Bucket hats

the crystal

The Lunchtime List Tired of eating the same old school lunches week after week? You’re in luck! Here are three simple lunch recipes guaranteed to keep you full as you make your way through the school day.

Kaylee Messenger, Reporter Ingredients - 8 oz cavatappi, elbow, or rotini noodles - 1/3 cup mayonnaise - 1/4 cup peas - 1/2 a small red onion, diced - 1 TBSP mustard - 1/4 cup diced carrot - Salt, pepper, garlic powder (Makes 2-4 servings)

Italian Sub Ingredients - 2 large regular or whole grain tortillas - 2 TBSP mayonnaise - 4 oz sliced turkey - 4 oz sliced provolone - 4 oz sliced cheddar - Handful of iceberg lettuce (Makes 2 servings)

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Directions 1. Cook pasta per instructions on box.

While cooking, boil diced carrot and peas in separate pot until soft.

2. Drain pasta and put in serving bowl.

Add onion, carrot, and peas.

3. Add mayonnaise and mustard, stir to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to preferred taste.

4. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let chill for an hour before eating.

Directions 1. Spread mayonnaise on bread loaf.

2. Layer salami, pepperoni, and ham on the loaf. Add provolone.

3. Cut loaf in half or thirds, depending on how large you’d like your sandwich.

Tips - For a filling meal, pair your sandwich with sliced fruit, chips, string cheese, nuts, or a variety of other sides.

Directions 1. Spread mayonnaise on both tortillas.

2. Layer turkey, provolone, cheddar, and lettuce in the middle of each tortilla.

Ensure that you do not overfill; it may cause tears while rolling.

3. Roll the tortillas up into cylinders. Cut each cylinder into 6 small segments, ultimately giving you 12 pinwheels. Discard unusable edges.

Creamy Pasta Salad Ingredients - 1 large Italian bread loaf - 4 oz sliced salami - 4 oz sliced pepperoni - 4 0z sliced ham - 1/3 cup mayonnaise - 6 oz sliced provolone (Makes 2-3 servings)

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Everything is a

Conspiracy Conspiracy theories are always interesting because you can make a conspiracy theory out of anything, but there might be a lot of evidence to debunk it. Most conspiracy theories center around governments and what they are trying to do and some involve the different parties. While many conspiracy theories could actually be true, most of them can be debunked with evidence if you go looking for it. So, while it is up to you to decide whether or not you believe in a conspiracy theory, make sure you know all the facts hunter that hunted deer.

UFOs One of the most common conspiracy theories is that aliens exist and the government is hiding them (particularly at Area 51). However, most UFO sightings occur around air force and military bases… so it is more probable that the government is testing new flight technology but won’t admit it so Russia doesn’t go stealing their tech.

For the aliens, it is very improbable that the government would be able to keep that secret and even if they did their probably not keeping them at Area 51 considering it’s reputation. However, it is very likely that aliens do exist considering how big the universe is but they are most likely at least thousands of light years away. In addition, they could be more like bugs and animals or aquatic creatures because the probability of there being human like aliens out there is very low.

Bigfoot & the Yeti Many people believe the Bigfoot lives in wood in Washington State. There have been thousands of sightings, and some have some pretty good backing meaning that Bigfoot could exist and possibly multiple Bigfoots. Another creature people believe exists is the Yeti on Mount Everest, there have been sightings and recovered photos from missing groups of climbers. The Yeti could very well exist because there are a lot of uncovered areas on Mount Everest where they or they could live. Since humans have not discovered all species both of these could exist but the Yeti is more likely to exist than Bigfoot because humans have searched all of Washington.

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COVID-19

here are several theories surrounding the current pandemic. Many people believe that it was created on purpose by zoom, hand sanitizer companies, and toilet paper companies. However, it is unlikely because they would not have the resources to make the virus. Another theory is that it was made in a lab to be a bioweapon and accidentally escaped. This theory could be real as there is a biotech lab that has the resources to create COVID-19 in Wuhan, China.

However, many scientists are claiming that it came from natural origins. Also, some people believe that 5G can give you COVID-19. While light waves can transport information, they cannot transport viruses. In addition to the theories about the virus, there are many theories

about the vaccine. Many people believe that there are ingredients in the vaccine so the government can track you. However, this is highly unlikely because the vaccines are made by independent pharmaceutical companies and not the government.

Another theory is that the vaccine will alter your DNA. The vaccine contains RNA, which is very different from DNA. For the vaccine to change your DNA, it would have to have DNA in it, but it does not have any DNA, so it can’t alter yours. People also believe that getting the vaccine will give you COVID-19 like some other vaccines. This is not true because the COVID-19 vaccine is based on RNA and does not contain any dead or alive COVID-19 cells. Therefore you shouldn’t worry about getting the vaccine.

Mind Control There is a very high tech research lab in Alaska that has a lot of antennas that they use to collect data on radio waves and atmospheric changes.

However, some people believe that they use them for mind control which could be the case but if they could use mind control, they wouldn’t be using it on US citizens.

New Technology Some people believe that cell phones can give you brain cancer but that is impossible. Since cell phones only use microwaves on the light spectrum they are not strong enough to go through bone so they cannot go through your skull into your brain. Another theory is the government is using technology to spy you, which is probably true because of the NSA which would have to spy on you to do their job. However, it is most likely that they are just scanning your technology for possible threats, they don’t care about you texting your friends and just move on.

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There is a theory that all Pixar movies are connected and most Disney movies are connected.

• The witch in Brave is Boo because she wanted to find Sully again and tried using the doors but accidentally ended up traveling back in time to the time of Brave.

• Bing Bong is not dead! Just Rylie’s memory of him because he is actually a monster from Monster Inc that Rylie just assumed was imaginary so is likely Bing Bong is still alive in the Monster Inc world.

• Rapunzel is Anna and Elsa’s cousin because Rapunzel is seen in Frozen attending Elsa’s Coronation. Also, when Anna and Elsa’s parents left, the mother was actually pregnant and they survived the shipwreck and ended up on an island where they had their son: Tarzan.

• Ariel and Hercules are cousins first removed because Triton is the son of Poseidon and Poseidon is Hercules uncle.

• Jane is Belle’s Great Great Great Granddaughter

because they both love yellow dresses and have very similar characteristics. Also, Jane has a tea set that looks very close to Mrs. Potts and Chip.

• The Evil Queen in the end actually moved away and became Mother Gothel because when Mother Gothel turns old she looks a lot like the old hag the Evil Queen used to trick Snow White.

• Aladdin takes place in the future because the Genie had been trapped in the lamp for 10,000 years and makes the remark that Aladdin’s fashion is so 3rd century implying that it takes place in at least the year 10,300.

• Toy Story 3 is actually a representation of the Holocaust. They are abandoned, the Jews were, Sunnyside Daycare represents a concentration and they almost died in an incinerator until they were saved by the aliens that represent the Allies.

President Kennedy's Assassination The investigation into the assassination concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. However, it is more likely that he was working for someone else because a lot of groups of people had motivation to kill the President.

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• Edna actually designed Syndrome’s suit and included a cape to help him fail.

• Moana actually died in the storm that first night that let her go to the magical realm for her mission. When she completes her mision Te Fiti then resurrects her without Moana ever realizing she died.

• Ariel’s Mom was killed by Captain Hook because in Peter Pan you can see a mermaid that bears very similar resemblance to Ariel.

• Winnie the Pooh characters represent mental disorders.

Winnie the Pooh - eating disorder, Tiger - ADHD, Piglet anxiety disorder, Roo - autism, Rabbit - OCD, Kanga - Social Anxiety, Owl - Dyslexia, Eeyore with depression and Christopher Robin Schizophrenia.

• Gaston shot Bambi’s Mom because he was a hunter that hunted deer.

Elise Segal, Reporter

Mystery Lights People have witnessed mysterious lights floating around Brown Mountain in North Carolina. In 2016 a group of scientists appeared to have got the lights on camera which bring the question as to what causes them?

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DON’T FEAR

Palentine’s Day Shoutouts

A new year, a fresh start, 2021.

With everything we went through in 2020, I think everybody felt a little relieved to have a reset, even if it was only symbolic.

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, not everything is about giving your partner a box of chocolates or a teddy bear. We at the Crystal think it’s important to show appreciation not only for your girlfriend or boyfriend, but for your pals!

Thank you Kezia for always being here since kindergarten. I couldn’t have made it through life without you. Also you are amazing, never less, don’t forget. Love, Alexa

Shoutout to Alexa for being my bestie since kindergarten!!! She’s so cute and single so ;) Love, Kezia

I know that I can rely on my “Work Wives” to get me through the work day. I appreciate our laughter, the support we give each other and the honesty we share through all the ups and downs of this tough, yet rewarding, job. I love you all!

Love, Dar

I don’t say it often enough, but to Cassie and Julian... you guys are the best!

We’ve been friends since 5th grade, and I couldn’t picture finding such a great bond with anyone else. Thanks for being some of my favorite nerds on the planet, and keep being the great people that you are!

Love, Kaylee

I tend to have a lot of rough times whether it concerns school, or just my life and emotions in general. But the people I rely on to help me through those times are my best friends. They help me realize those problems aren’t permanent and provide a brief distraction from those things. I don’t know where I’d be without them.

Your pal, Jacob

Knowing that no matter what happens I can always talk to you about things is a pretty great thing! Thank you for always having my back and being there through all the rougher moments I’ve had. You have a sense of humor that could easily make anyone turn their head, you are nevertheless the perfect friend in every way possible!

Thank you Kennedy :) Love, Kate

Kaylee Messenger, Reporter

And just like every year, people around the world came up with resolutions. Some last a week, and some achieve their goals of changing their lifestyle habits (at least temporarily). If you want to keep your resolutions, It’s usually helpful to try and think of one thing you can do every day to work towards your goal, a little bit of change every day goes a long way.

Lakeview High School Senior Conner Warden said, “Yeah, I made a resolution this year, I said I’m going to start working out more, and I have since I’m in weight training and I also lift at home.” About 38% of New Year’s resolutions made every year are fitness related. “I make a resolution every year,” Connor said, “I usually work out more at the beginning of the year and then slow down after track season.”

I asked a few students here at Lakeview to see if they were into making New Year’s resolutions. Lakeview High School Senior Conner Warden said, “Yeah, I made a resolution this year, I said I’m going to start working out more, and I have since I’m in weight training and I also lift at home.”

About 38% of New Year’s resolutions made every year are fitness related.

“I make a resolution every year,” Connor said, “I usually work out more at the beginning of the year and then slow down after track season.”

The practice of making (and breaking) New Year’s Resolutions has been around for over 4,000 years, the first documented New Years resolution was written in 1671 by a Scottish woman who stated that she would “not offend anyone anymore,” so it seems like making unrealistic resolutions isn’t really a historically recent development, it always feels good at the start of the year to have the perfect future in mind, but when things don’t pan out like we expected, it’s easy to get off track.

New Year’s resolutions are always a good opportunity to set goals, and if you do fall off the wagon and start to lose sight of your goals, you don’t have to wait until next year to try again, any day is a good day for change!

Henry Saint, Reporter

Show me the Love...with Money Americans have a tendency to show love by giving gifts, making February a lucrative month for many businesses.

Americans spent $21.8 billion on Valentine’s Day in 2021.

US consumers spent $5.8 billion on jewelry on February 14th.

The average amount spent on Valentine’s Day in 2021 was $164.76 per person.

More than half of the spending or $11.7 billion went to gifts for spouses and partners.

The average amount men spend on Valentine’s is $231.

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Women spend an average of $101 on Valentine’s Day.

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the crystal

COVID-19

isn’t the only thing in the air

When it comes to relationships, sometimes we think we know our partners better than we do. Just like two LHS couples, taking a short quiz can help determine Briana Scheidler, Reporter your compatability.

Couple #1

Quiz Your Significant Other

Zach Kucharczyk, freshman & Sofia Thawnghmung, freshman

Who liked who first?

What is each other’s birthday?

What is each other’s favorite color?

What is each other’s favorite candy?

What does the other person want to do (career)?

Dating Since: December 16, 2019 Scores: Zach 9/10 & Sofia 10/10

Couple #2

Your Compatability SCORE

Katie Wilson, senior & Ethan Goodale, sophomore Dating Since: November 9, 2019 Scores: Katie 10/10 & Ethan 8/10

In 2021, Americans aged 35-44 spent the highest average for Valentine’s Day While 59% of both Americans aged 2534 and 34-44 planned to celebrate V Day in 2021, the latter spent more money for the occasion. Below, let’s see the average Valentine’s Day spending by age in the US:

18-24 – $184 25-34 – $240 35-44 – $264 45-54 – $157 55-64 – $101 65+ – $69

What is their favorite flavor of ice cream?

What sports does each other do?

Mom or Dad’s favorite?

Favorite musical artist?

Dog’s or cat’s names?

9-10 WEDDING BELLS! You are meant to be together FOREVER! 7-8 LOVE BIRDS. You know each other really well, so hold on.

5-6 FLUKE? You could work on getting to know each other more.

0-4 ABORT MISSION! Are you even dating each other? Time to move on.

151 million

greeting cards are bought and sent

224 million

roses are grown and sold

3 most popular candies M&Ms, Conversation Hearts, heart shaped chocolate boxes

Americans spent

$27 BILLION on Valentine’s Day gifts in

2020

https://balancingeverything.com/valentines-day-sales-statistics/

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Safety in Relationships Coupled up? Then you are definitely safe if you have a significant other, right?

Wrong! That is not always the case; there are such things as abusive and toxic relationships and it is important to make sure yours is safe and healthy.

Being in a healthy relationship means everything works and there are a few bumps in the road, but nothing too major. But being in a toxic relationship is different and it is significantly a lot harder to see the “red flags.” Toxic relationships are relationships where there is a lack of support, toxic communication, jealousy, controlling behaviors, resentment, dishonesty, patterns of disrespect, negative financial behaviors, constant

stress, ignoring needs, lost relationships, lack of selfcare, hoping for change and walking on eggshells.

What you could be thinking right now, as a teenager in a relationship is that these traits always occur yet you claim you are happy with them and love them; but the real question is, do you love them, or are you blind to the red flags? Or maybe your relationship used to be healthy but now it is toxic, and in many cases this does occur as you grow together and change and realize that you just don’t work well together anymore.

The next step of this all is to question if your relationship can be saved or not; and this takes effort, the acceptance

of responsibility, the will to put in the effort, and to start understanding instead of blaming. Now this isn’t always an easy step, it takes time and effort and change. If you can’t commit to those three things, then go ahead and call your relationship done for.

Toxic and abusive relationships are similar but also two very different things.

If you feel worthless, or have chronic stress and anxiety, or a separation from your friends and family, or fear and intimidation, threats of selfharm,or physical violence, you are in an abusive relationship and need to seek help right away.

Alexa Morey, Sports Editor

Are you in a safe and healthy relationship?

Do you and your partner fight a lot?

NO

Yes Is their any physical violence involved?

Yes Seek Help Immediately

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Are you both comfortable sharing your feelings?

Yes

NO NO

Do you trust your partner?

NO Your relationship is unhealthy

Do you both share a role in the relationship, or is it one-sided?

Share a Role

Ye

s

NO

One-sided

Have you communicated about how one-sided the relationship feels?

Yes

Your relationship is healthy, continue practicing these safe ways

NEED TO KNOW: Sexual Assault Sexual violence occurs when someone forces or manipulates someone else into unwanted sexual activity The consent age in Michigan is 16 Just because someone says yes, doesn’t mean it is a yes Sexual assault happens to all genders If you aren’t the one being assaulted, you can still prevent it from happening to others

YOU ARE NOT ALONE You can get help locally from Bronson Sexual Assault Services in Battle Creek.

They offer free medical exams for those sexually assaulted and they also provide counseling and support. Call their helpline at 1-888-383-2192.

The National Sexual Assault Hotline is another safe, confidential service. When you call 800.656.HOPE (4673), you’ll be routed to a local RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network) affiliate organization based on the first six digits of your phone number. Cell phone callers have the option to enter the ZIP code of their current location. to more accurately locate the nearest sexual assault service provider.

The SASS Crisis/Support Line is available 24 hours to provide services to survivors of past and present sexual violence; and to change societal conditions that allow oppression, especially sexual violence, to exist. 1-844-404-7700 You can also get help by calling the National Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1-800799-SAFE (7233). There is also an online chat option at www.thehotline.org

the crystal

Gloria Aye, Reporter

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Pandemic Paws

With the extra time spent at home, families grow their numbers, four feet at a time Regan Damore, A&E Editor

Copper

Q A

Noel

Dacota Bennett, sophomore

What made you decide on getting a pet during covid/quarantine?

We decided to get a puppy since our cruise got canceled.

How has Copper been adjusting to the change of your schedule?

He enjoyed having us home all the time so it was an adjustment for him when we went back to school.

How do you like having your new pet, has it been a big change?

I love having him. He makes life so much more fun. He makes bad days seem like good ones.

Abram Thang, sophomore

Q

A

What made you decide on getting a pet during covid/quarantine?

I decided to get a pet because we’ve always wanted one and this was the right time.

How did you decide on this specific pet? my sister has loved huskies forever.

How has Noel been adjusting to the change of your schedule?

Though he misses us a lot when we go to school, he’s now gotten used to staying at home with my parents.

Maverick

Sophia Chase, freshman

What made you decide on getting a pet during covid/quarantine?

We had gotten the puppy because we needed a partner for our other dog.

Where is Mavrick from?

We had gotten the dog up north.

How do you like having Mavrick, has it been a big change?

I like having the puppy but it is a lot more work.

Reese Deadrick-Whalen, sophomore

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We decided on fostering animals during quarantine because we wanted to set dogs up for success in finding it’s forever home as well as make sure that they’re being healthy and treated well at this upsetting time. We have fostered up to 15 dogs in this pandemic which is incredible because nowadays shelters have been overcrowding and fostering animals opens up space for another animal to be saved.

“

“

Q A

Companion Cats

www.companioncats.com/ Mailing address: PO Box 2568 Battle Creek, MI 49016 Physical address: 29 Hoag St Battle Creek, MI 49014 Phone: 269-209-7278 Open Saturdays 11 a.m to 3 p.m. onsite adoptions Donate link Email: companioncats@yahoo.com www.companioncats.com/donation/

the crystal

Animal Rescues in Battle Creek

Are you thinking about adding a furry member to your family? Visit one of your local animal shelters.

Reflections Outcast Animal Rescue

https://www.facebook.com/ reflectionsoutcastanimalrescue/ 534 Woodside Dr, Battle Creek, MI 49037 Phone: 269-580-2172 reflectionsoutcastanimalrescue. com A nonprofit, no-kill, adoption and pet sanctuary.

Fill out an application on their Facebook site then wait to be contacted for a phone interview Donate link www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/ webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_ button_id=f6p62n2kd5qde

time

A

https://hsscm.org/ 2500 Watkins Road Battle Creek, MI 49015 Phone: 269-963-1796 Fax: 269.963.3365 reception@hsscm.org By appointment only Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Email or fax over your application to get a scheduled appointment Donate Link interland3.donorperfect. net/weblink/weblink. aspx?name=E353783&id=1

Calhoun County Animal Center

http://www. calhouncountyanimalcenter.org/ 165 Union Street S, Battle Creek, MI 49014 Phone: 269-963-6582 ccas1101@sbcglobal.net Open Monday - Friday 11:30 a.m to 6 p.m.

Go to section in PetFinder fill out an adoption application and wait to be approved Donate link calhouncountyanimalcenter.org/ donations.html

Help out local animal rescues by donating

money

How the pandemic has affected

Q

Humane Society of South Central Michigan

food

supplies

Reflections Outcast

How many animals are currently available at the shelter?

We have 15 adoptable dogs and 10 adoptable cats here at the rescue and 5 dogs in foster care that are adaptable.

Have you seen a drastic change in adoptions over the quarantine period?

Adoptions were up last year in the spring and summer as well as people relinquishing their animals rose steadily all year.

Have you seen an increase in surrendered pets?

We receive an average of 10 calls a day from people that can no longer care for their animals.

Since we are a rescue and we are not mandated to take animals, we turn the majority of callers away.

Our cash donations have fallen considerably and since we are a non-profit we depend on cash donations to give medical care, provide food, and keep our adoption rates down. We have had to increase our rates because vet costs such as Spay/neuter have climbed. We have been in rescue since 2012 and this by far, in 2020 and presently, has been our most difficult period.

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MADNESS IN

Yes, you heard it right! After the crazy year 2020 has been, the missing piece in all sports-lovers’ hearts, March Madness will be happening this year. The NCAA confirmed this in early January, but a few things will look different come March.

Instead of games being played all over the country, they have narrowed down the playing sites to Indiana, more specifically Indianapolis. Games will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium, Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, Mackey Arena, Indiana Farmers Coliseum, and historic Hinkle Fieldhouse.

Considering the pandemic, NCAA made a game plan to keep the players and staff safe, by creating a “bubble.”

This means all teams must be COVID tested before they arrive on site, and

Important Dates 3/14 3/18 3/19 & 3/20

3/29 & 3/30 4/03 4/05

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when they get there, plus frequently throughout the span of the tournament.

All teams will be housed by multiple hotels downtown Indianapolis with transportation to and from venues. By creating this ‘bubble’ in Indianapolis, it leaves fans questioning whether they will be able to attend games, and the NCAA has yet to confirm. Although the probability of 70,000+ fans will be unlikely, most are hoping for 25% capacity at each of the venues.

Isabel Hoaglin, Feature Editor

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Photo Courtesy of Kody Crowley

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D A Lift?

Outdoor winter activities lift people’s spirits

Many Lakeview High School students and staff have been hitting the slopes this winter at local ski resort Bittersweet. As a result of Covid, many of them have been going more often or for the first time.

According to The Denver Post, more people are skiing this year due to the pandemic and being unable to participate in most indoor activities.

Senior Kody Crowley has been snowboarding for five years. He enjoys it a lot and hopes one day to try skiing to see what it’s like. ¨I love freestyle and going to the terrain park at Bittersweet. There’s not much downhill that you can do in Michigan with the smaller hills and resorts.¨ Crowley said.

Crowley has been to a few places other than Michigan, including Colorado. ¨I have been to Copper Mountain in Colorado

twice now,” Crowley said. “I enjoyed it there and the challenges of snowboarding in the mountains versus Bittersweet. I really want to go to the Alps at some point too.”

¨I’m glad I started snowboarding again this year, it’s been really fun,” Bauserman said.

“Although I’m not big on terrain park/freestyle, I still enjoy downhill snowboarding at Bittersweet and hope to go to Colorado at some point in the future.”

Bauserman likes going out on the weekends and days she has off school with her friends. Some staff members have been out this season as well. Volleyball coach and teacher Heather Sawyer has been skiing Kody Crowley, senior since she was four years old, she has been to many places throughout her lifetime. ¨I have skied all over the world. Canada, Junior Hannah Bauserman started Ontario; Alberta and British Columbia; Europe snowboarding when she was younger but Austria & France; England, of course in the USA, stopped going for a few years. This year was the those being Colorado, Utah, and Michigan,” first time she hit the slopes in awhile. Bauserman Sawyer said. “I also have skied on two glaciers, has tried both skiing and snowboarding but one in Austria and one in British Columbia.” prefers snowboarding.

Grace McGlynn, Opinion Editor

“

I enjoyed the challenges of snowboarding in the mountains.

Left to Right: Bittersweet Ski Resort, in Otsego, is a popular local destination for skiers and snowboarders. Despite being a smaller venue, Bittersweet is less than an hour drive and has 20 runs ranging in difficulty.

Coming from a line of athletes, Heather Sawyer skiied with her family in 2019 at Lake Louise, which has 160 runs.

After years of not snowboarding, junior Hannah Bauserman and her friend, Briana Porter, spent the day at Bittersweet practicing their skills.

Photo Courtesy of Hannah Bauserman

february/march 2021

Photo Courtesy of Heather Sawyer

Photo Courtesy of Hannah Bauserman

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Winter Athletes Gear Up for Unique Season and Guidelines November

9

2020 November

19

2020 January

13

2021

January

27

2021 February

4

2021

Winter sports started; however, no games or contact allowed during practices A statement was released announcing that all winter sports were being shut down until January 16 Non-contact winter sports such as bowling, gymnastics and swimming were able to resume. MHSAA stated contact winter sports could begin non-contact practices Governor Whitmer annouced another delay of winter sports until February 21

February

Start date for first games as well as contact practices announced as Feb 8

8

2021

T

his year’s winter sports were dragged through the dirt before a difinitive start date was decided. From back to back delays and new regulatations, winter athletes couldn’t catch a break.

Through all the changes winter sports have undergone, there has always been rules and limitations for them to just be able to practice while remaining safe.

“All indoor winter sports athletes are required to wear face coverings, except gymnasts performing a routine and swimming/diving athletes in the pool.” (www.abc12. com/2021/01/13/michigan-highschool-basketball-on-hold-but-otherwinter-sports-start-next-week/).

The young varsity boys baskteball team was struggling to maintain leadership during this time.

Basketball was unable to have contact practices and was delayed several times, which made it hard to be positive but Sanders pushed his team to keep motivated for the season.

“Being a senior this year isn’t anything too crazy, it’s all about getting everyone’s respect and making sure everyone stays motivated and positive during this frusterating time,” said Clyder Sanders, one of only three seniors

on the team.

Both the girls and boys teams played their first game, Feb. 8 against Portage Northern.

Wrestlers were also putting in the work and pushing each other to be their best even through these hard times.

“Covid guidelines and rules make it difficult for us to do what we need to do as a team,” sophomore Louden Stradling said. “But it is a great opportunity to find out who is willing to put in the work when times get tough.”

The boys swim and dive team had their first competition at Battle Creek Central on Jan. 28. Swimming was 1of the 3 winter sports, including gymnastics and bowling, that were able to start competitions. The swim and dive team was able to resume normal practices while adding social distancing rules to them earlier than the contact sports were.

“We split the team in two between the varsity returners and the non-returners,” senior Joel Metzger explained said. “We social distance by splitting lanes, one kid going down one side of the lane while the other goes down the other side.”

Sydney Ross, Reporter

LET THEM PLAY takes MDHHS to Court over Winter Sports Shutdown

T

he closure of winter sports had athletes, parents and community members ready to take action. On Tuesday Feb. 2, 2021, the Let Them Play group, which was originally started to protest the delay of the fall football season, filed a lawsuit against the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services with the hopes that they would reinstate the winter high school athletic seasons sooner than Feb. 21, 2021.

Attorney Peter B. Ruddell of Honigman LLP in Lansing is representing all the listed plaintiffs in the lawsuit. His claim, on behalf of these plaintiffs, is that involvement is sports, despited the pandemic conditions, is what is best for studentathletes.

“They need to be on the court for their mental health, their emotional health, their physical health and their long-term education and career pathways. The skills they will gain as

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a student-athlete are lifelong skills of teamwork, grit and perseverance,” Ruddell told MLive.

The toll of not being able to return to sports as normal on student-athletes has been the major concern of parents and athletic organizations. Those concerns, for months, did not supercede the concerns of the MDHSS and the potential impact on the already overrun hospitals, thus keeping winter sports on hold.

“According to recent data from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, those actions likely prevented over 100,000 new cases and 1,960 or more deaths,” MDHHS public information officer Lynn Sutfin said. “As the numbers in Michigan continue to decline, and as the governor has already indicated, the administration is reviewing current mitigation measures, including those around contact sports. As to the

particular lawsuit, the administration does not generally comment on litigation and does not make decisions based on lawsuits, but on data and the ongoing advice of public health experts.”

During the early battles, the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) took a neutral stance and did not join the lawsuit against the MDHHS. ““Instead, we’re talking directly with decision makers, and working with our partners in education. We have and will continue to work with MDHHS, as we have all along, and we’re hopeful for a solution as soon as possible,” MHSAA’s communications director Geoff Kimmerly told MLive. “But we do support kids playing as soon as possible. We understand others have different strategies, and that we have a shared goal.

We appreciate that goal, but we are pursuing it differently.”

www.mhsaa.com/News/Announcements/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9148/Sports-Re-Opening-Update-Center www.mlive.com/highschoolsports/2021/02/5-things-to-know-about-the-let-them-play-lawsuit-aimed-to-start-winter-contact-sports-competition.html

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the crystal

Crystal Point One Staff, One Opinion: Hybrid Learning Although coming back to school is a step forward from online classes, some people have different opinions about our new hybrid system. Is two days a week enough for students? Do they prefer being exclusively online?

Online classes have been hard for almost everyone this year with low grades, late assignments and lots of stress. For example, The Crystal Staff has been working extra hard to provide these issues exclusively online, without access to each other and the Publications Lab. So, we get the struggle many of you have had this year, and, between the choice of completely virtual or hybrid, we prefer hybrid. It gives us a reason to get out of the house and actually socialize, because we absolutely lack the initiative to go out and make plans with people, so we wait for others to invite us places.

Most of us are also the type of students who ask a lot of questions, just to make sure that we are understanding the subject correctly. A lot of our teachers tend not to get back to us in time with the help we need when online, so being in person some days helps a lot with that.

This is not to say that hybrid learning doesn’t have its downfalls. While it is nice to have more contact with teachers and students, it is also not as

fun because all our friends don’t have school on the same days.

It can also be really difficult to transition from one day’s schedule to the next. And don’t even get us started on Friday schedules, half day or full day. Miss Haley has provided helpful tips to stay on routine for virutal days, but most people take advantage of the time at home to sleep in and do other non-school related activities. This really impacts motivation levels.

It can seem, if one isn’t motivated on their days at home, that we have twice the work we normally have because we go to school, then come home and have another day’s worth of work because we don’t actually do it in class. Those assignments in Schoology for six classes really add up quickly.

And we can’t go without mentioning masks. As uncomfortable and hot as they are, we all know they are a necessary evil, like social distancing and sanitizing classrooms, to prevent more people from getting COVID, even though, inevitably, some people are going to get it. But it all seems like a small price to pay to have been able to return to some level of normalcy in a time where everything is anything but normal.

Final Year, Final Thoughts

The Class of 2021’s final year is here, and it is has been nothing like they expected Since March 13, 2020, enjoying the little things in life has been very problematic for everyone. High school students have had a lot taken from them at the hands of COVID-19.

School was shut down last year right before Spring Break, robbing many people of the school trips or activities they were looking forward to.

These trips, like my trip to Disney World in Florida with the band, provide teenagers, especially seniors, with that mid-winter break we all need to push through the last weeks of the school year.

Luckily, I’m a sophomore, which means that I still have the rest of my high school years to wait for COVID-19 to run its course. Unfortunately for the Class of 2021, they don’t have the time to wait it out. COVID-19 already affected their 2020 spring sports seasons and the spring musical, as well as their first day of senior year, Homecoming, Winter Carnival, and, potentially, Prom and graduation.

We can all agree that this year’s senior class have all missed out on a normal senior year, but

I’m a little in between. I’m happy that it’s my last year and I’m excited to move on to bigger things like college. But I’m also kind of sad because I feel like us seniors have lost out on a lot.

Like all the dances, and school events, sports, etc. And not being at school for half the year. And everything is so unsure. Like at any moment, we could go back online.”

- Alyvia Southern

that doesn’t mean that COVID has completely ruined it for them. Many had their eyes opened to new interests, talents and passions. Some adapted quickly to the virtual and hybrid schedules, excelling their final year as they were able to work more independently.

Regardless of the impact, this school year will truly be one that no senior will forget as they finish a full year of high school during a world-wide pandemic.

Jacob Sarg Lopez, Reporter

“It is miserable. Everything I ever wanted in school was taken away this year. I wanted to flunk out of school and work full time simply because work was more manageable.

My school year has so miserable to the point to where it could never be fixed. This school year was terrible.”

- Corbin Lovett

“Well my thoughts on this year as a senior would probably be ‘finally!’ I am really happy to begin like, sort of a new chapter in my life. High school was a lot for me, but once I get in college I definitely feel like I will be able to focus more and do my own things to help better myself and my career.”

- Brisa Hernandez

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Coffee Conundrum Biggby v. Starbucks From the iconic orange straws, the amazing menu items that they sell and the cute cups you can buy, Biggby has a lot of reasons why people would enjoy them. Let’s see why these handful of Lakeview students seem to prefer Biggby over Starbucks.

Everybody may have a different reason why they prefer what they prefer, but for some it’s the experience that they receive at a certain franchise and for senior Leo Ramos that was exactly the case.

“I used to be a big Dunkin’ Donuts fan until my 16th birthday. I went through the drive through and got an iced tea thrown into my car by the drive through lady because I didn’t say please when I asked for a straw,” Ramos said.

Something like this would definitely make it so you don’t want to go back, customer service is everything nowadays.

You also don’t have to go to these places just to get coffee, “My favorite drink there is the chocolate chip cookie creme freeze. I honestly hate coffee so I don’t get any of that,” Ramos said.

This shows the wide variety of menu items which makes it understandable why some people even if they don’t like coffee, would prefer Biggby over another franchise.

While some people may like because of an experience they had somewhere else, another may have just grown up around it. For junior Bri Berning that was exactly how it was, “Since I was little my family has

owned a Biggby so I just grew up around it,” Berning said.

Growing up around something would definitely influence your choice when it came down to having to pick one or the other. Berning unlike Ramos actually likes coffee, “My favorite drink is the iced mint mocha or just an iced black coffee,” Berning said.

Berning liking coffee and growing up around Biggby makes it very obvious why she’d prefer this over any other franchise.

Another reason why it’s easier to have a preferred coffee place is all in what kind of drinks you’re into.

“I prefer Biggby because it’s way closer to my house and I think they have a better and wider variety of frozen/ iced drinks which are my favorite,” sophomore Ada Compton said.

Going to a place where you know you are going to like the drink that you are getting, and knowing that there is a wide variety in the drinks that you like is going to make it easier to pick a preferred business. Now even though Compton prefers it now, she wasn’t always a Biggby girl.

“When I was younger it was always Starbucks because obviously Starbucks was the ‘aesthetic.’ You know middle school me was trying to fit in,” Compton said.

Although she once had a different taste in the coffee business, she now knows her favorite and sticks with it. Just like Berning, Compton likes coffee.

“My favorite drink is the frozen teddy bear,” Compton said.

Having a specific type of coffee you enjoy, is going to make it easier to prefer a place if you know they have a lot of it.

This makes sense why Compton would prefer Biggby over another franchise.

Students at Lakeview prefer Starbucks for its quality taste and strong menu. Starbucks offers a wide range of coffee and non-coffee drinks, food and bakery items, as well as coffee mugs, including the popular color changing cups.

Junior, Hadley Hawks, favorite drink is the Blended Strawberry Refresher or the Iced Chai Latte.

“I worked at Barnes and Nobles and would get a refresher from the Starbucks cafe everyday I went into work”, Hawks said.

Hawks is among 88% of other

Lakeview students who prefer iced drinks over hot drinks.

“I like cold drinks better because the hot drinks always burn my tongue” Hawks said.

Although Hawks has tried similar drinks at Biggby, like the Red Bull Creme Freeze, she feels there is nothing like Starbucks’s flavor.

“The taste of the Red Bull was more overwhelming than the strawberry,” Hawks said.

Starbuck’s offers more than just refreshers. The iced caramel latte is a favorite of Sophomore, Madison Wilson.

“I prefer Starbucks because they have more options and stronger flavors,” Wilson said.

Wilson loves Starbucks so much, she would do anything for a coffee.

“I waited 30+ minutes in the drive through just for a coffee,” Wilson said.

While some students don’t like coffee, they still love stabucks’s non-coffee drink selection. Freshmen, Jack Reinstein enjoys the Double Chocolaty Chip Creme Frappuccino Blended Beverage.

“I like this because it doesn’t taste like coffee,” Reinstein said. “I prefer Starbucks because I can get something that doesn’t have coffee and is more like a milkshake.”

Whether you are going to Stabucks or Biggby, I think we can all agree, coffee is better with friends.

“I usually go with my firends as well, which makes it even more fun,” Reinstein said.

Kate Nosis, Feature Editor; Annabelle Minneman, Reporter

66% prefer Biggby over Starbucks

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Lakeview students POUR their hearts out because they love coffee a LATTE

88% prefer cold drinks over hot

the crystal