Volume 12, Issue 1 | February 2021

15 17 26 What is a Manly Man? Britt Tackles adversity Changing for Ourselves

A look at today’s society believes A feature on a student who makes the A look at a students change of mindset makes a man a “real man”. best out of an unfortunate situation for to reach their goals. the sport he loves. Contents Volume 12, Issue 1 | January 2021

2020 RECAPS FEATURES

3 What the Hell Happened 17 Britt Tackles Adversity

5 2020 in Art 20 Student By Day Rapper By Night

6 Is Cancel Culture Toxic? THE ISSUE AT HAND:

8 Trends We Followed Creating our own good. 9 Screen Times Going Up Over Quarantine

Finding New Interests Over Quarantine 11 Suing Brashear for Cancelling Church 22 Services 23 On the Paw-sitive Side of the Pandemic 13 Youth Activism on the Rise During Quarantine 24 Greater Than Us OPINION 25 Seeing the Go0d 14 Politic Predictions for 2021

Changing for Ourselves 15 What is a Manly Man? 26

Read more at 27 Grateful for Quarantine belivewire.com

What The Hell Happened by sophia blanton and raegan jackson

Australian Fires

COVID-19 The Australian fires lasted from late 2019 to early 2020. It is being referred to as the “Black Summer” fires. It burned up to According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), “The first 83 million acres of land which is equivalent to an area twice laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19 in the United States the size of Florida. More than 30 people have died from the was confirmed on January 20, 2020, and reported to CDC on fires. January 22, 2020.” Since then the numbers have just grown at rapid rates. Most everyone has been trying to get a handle in their own state by putting in restrictions such as social dis- tancing of 6 feet or greater, wear a mask when out in public, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, etc. To read more about COVID-19 and how it has affected us all in different ways check out the Livewire website at belivewire.com. Derby in September The 146th running of the Kentucky Derby was moved to Black Lives Matter September 5th due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Fans were not allowed to attend the Derby this year and ticket holders were Black Lives Matter has been around since July 13, 2013 but the refunded. protests have reached a peak as of June 6, 2020. According to the New York Times, “On June 6, for example, at least 50,000 people turned out in Philadelphia, 20,000 in Chicago’s Union Park and up to 10,000 on the Golden Gate Bridge, according to estimates by Edwin Chow, an associate professor at Texas State University, and researchers at the Crowd Counting Con- sortium.” Since then BLM has continued to march and make their voices heard. For example in the Breonna Taylor case, Trump Impeachment which you can read more about on beliveiwre.com. The impeachment process started in September. The reason for this trial of impeachment was abuse of power and obstruction of congress. The outcome was that Trump was not impeached. Trump Tests Positive for Covid

Doctors have said that President Donald Trump started run- ning a fever October 1 into the next day and it was announced that the president and his wife had tested positive for corona- virus. After an experimental drug and some oxygen the next day, Trump went to Walter Reed National Military Medi- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle quit the royal cal Center for further treatment. He later left Walter Reed family Monday, October 5 and they announced he would finish his treatments from home. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were no longer referred to as “royal highness” as of Jan. 8 2020. However, Harry is still a prince and 6th in line for the royal crown. He will still be known as the Duke of Sussex and Meghan will still be known as Duchess of Sussex. They will also not receive public funds for their work.

3 | RECAPS Rest in Peace

“Jackie Robinson and Thurgood Marshall showed Black Americans what was possible. T’Challa showed the world what was imaginable. Chadwick Boseman brought all of them to life, and he fought for people who didn’t have his voice or his platform. When he learned” by Dave Hogg Australian Fires is licensed under CC BY 2.0 (American Actor) Chadwick Boseman: November 29, 1976 - August 28, 2020. The Australian fires lasted from late 2019 to early 2020. It is being referred to as the “Black Summer” fires. It burned up to 83 million acres of land which is equivalent to an area twice the size of Florida. More than 30 people have died from the fires.

“Associate Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Visits WFU” by WFULawSchool is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 (Former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States) Derby in September Ruth Bader Ginsburg: March 15, 1933 - September 18, 2020 The 146th running of the Kentucky Derby was moved to September 5th due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Fans were not allowed to attend the Derby this year and ticket holders were refunded.

“Alex Trebek” by Peabody Awards is licensed under CC BY 2.0 (Game Show Host) Alex Trebek: July 22, 2020 - November 8, 2020

Trump Impeachment

The impeachment process started in September. The reason for this trial of impeachment was abuse of power and obstruction of congress. The outcome was that Trump was not impeached.

“Naya Rivera” by Gage Skidmore is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 (American actress) Naya Rivera: January Prince Harry and Meghan Markle quit the royal 12, 1987 - July 8, 2020 family

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were no longer referred to as “royal highness” as of Jan. 8 2020. However, Harry is still a prince and 6th in line for the royal crown. He will still be known as the Duke of Sussex and Meghan will still be known as Duchess of Sussex. They will also not receive public funds for their work.

“LA Lakers-Kobe Bryant-10/30/06” by varonp99 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 (American Basketball Player) Kobe Bryant: August 23, 1978 - January 26, 2020 (K. Bryant’s Daughter) Gianna Bryant: May 1, 2006 - January 26, 2020

4 | RECAPS 2020 in Art Bullitt East has many talented artists, so we wanted to showcase them and their art. We asked them to sum up 2020 in any art form or media of their choice.

My painting “Surprise” is about how 2020 blew up in our faces. I was inspired by the way old time capsules looked. They look like cannons in a way. Which led me to think of confetti cannons that people shoot off at parties or on New Years.

The colors chosen gave it an apocalyptic vibe. I Chose red for the background to implement the danger and anger that we felt. Along with the loneliness and sadness represented by the blue shirt. I wanted the green to represent sickness due to Covid spreading through the air.

There are many things that have come at us randomly this year. I wrote things on different color streamers that shoot out of the time capsule. Each to represent a different problem we faced. I painted many objects that represented the year’s activities from famous apps, masks,the toilet paper rage etc...

This year really came as a surprise to everyone but like always we adapt and overcome. Eventually the smoke clears and we move on with only the memories and objects we carry of what a crazy year this was.

Jenna Tipton, Junior

“Well I was showing how our Earth needed help, like with global warm- ing and all the pollution in the air. I also added how we are dealing with the pandemic. I used pencils, colored pencils, markers and crayons to create my artwork.

Sarah Monroe, Freshman

5 | RECAPS Is Cancel Culture Toxic? by shelby hatter

Being canceled as an influencer or a celebrity is a common occurrence in the media these days and often ruins someone’s career for a period of time. It seems like every other day someone else is canceled or apologizing for previous actions that got them canceled in the first place. Although not many people talk about it there could be some hidden toxicity in Cancel Culture.

Especially in today’s world it is so easy for people to see a story about someone and automatically cancel them without knowing if it actually happened. That along with other issues leave room for a lot of debate. Many argue that calling someone out for past transgressions will hold that person accountable for their wrong doings. Things like saying the N-word (among other slurs), Sexual harassment claims and supporting political figures can get someone canceled on a dime. Sometimes a simple apology video or message will clear up the issue, but it always.

A good example of this is the sexual harassment claims against James Charles in 2019. James Charles (a popular make guru This shows three media stars that have all been cancelled at one time or another. James on youtube) was accused by his long time friend and mentor Charles (left) was cancelled for allegations of trying to change people’s sexuality for his Tati Westbrook of trying to “turn straight men gay” and own wants. Trisha Paytas (middle) has been cancelled on multiple occasions including speaking very inappropriately towards male waiters around her when she pretended to be trans gender and what many consider racist actions. Similar to Paytas, Jeffree Star has been canceled for racist actions. family. Due to her video with the claims James lost almost 2.6 million subscribers, got canceled and many people even started destroying their palates and videoing it. James made a video proving his innocence and it seemed to be over, however just as everyone forgot about it Tati made another video admitting it was fake and orchestrated by Jeffree Star and Shane Dawson.

That along with many other stories of celebrities getting canceled capture the media’s attention. But many people see Cancel Culture as toxic due to its ability to ruin someone’s life over simple claims or mistakes. It is also argued that it doesn’t allow change and growth of the people being called out for mistakes.

Although both sides may have valid points it still continues to happen again and again. So who decides if the media and our society will change and stop culture. Since it is virtually impossible to get everyone to agree on anything these days it might not be possible, but I guess it’s up to all of us.

Shown are two screenshots one of an article addressing the opinion that cancel culture feels good but is not a form of activism. The other shows multiple resources addressing why Jeffree Star is canceled.

6 | RECAPS 7 Trends We Followed by colton harbolt and katey goins

History repeats itself. The indie style can be closely associated with 1990s fashion. What Old trends from different decades are making a resurgence in this looks like is big pants, mom jeans, crop tops, turtlenecks, popularity. boots, flannels and band tees. One of the most casual outfits for this style can be described as black loose fitting jeans with a crew 2020 was a year for individual growth that has completely flipped neck and turtleneck or collared shirt underneath. what trends are popular. With nothing but time on our hands people wanted to make sure they weren’t in the house all day and “I listened to music a lot more during quarantine and found new moving. The year has allowed for people to re-brand themselves music ” said sophomore Trista Grant. While we were locked into being who they want to be without the influence of people in inside their houses without much to do, many people turned to their daily lives. music to help them through quarantine. Music has become more and more significant in people’s lives during 2020, whether it’s During this time, skateboarding was one of the activities that helping people through hard times, or giving students motivation started to spark interest among people. So much so that local for school. Music gave people an escape from everything going on skate shops began to run out of equipment due to the increase in in the world and gave people something to do while stuck inside popularity. An employee at Home, a local skate shop in Louisville, their homes. People discovered new artists and music, sharing explained that everybody wanted to come in and get a board it on social media. One app in particular, TikTok, became very because they didn’t have anything else to do and they wanted to popular over quarantine which various songs became popular on be outside. It’s an activity that promotes exercise, being outdoors and were introduced to people around the world. The top songs and pushing yourself to try during quarantine consisted something different so it’s of “Blinding Lights” by The no surprise that it picked up Weeknd, “Dance Monkey” when it did. by Tones and I, and “The Box” by Roddy RIch. The Skating was something top Artists are Bad Bunny, that was popular from the Drake, and J Balvin. 1960’s through the 1990’s, however, at some points, “After being stuck inside there was a stigma around for so long I got bored and it. Some people thought started going outside more,” that those who were skating said sophomore Maddy were “punks” or “misfits.” Tobbe. Staying inside all Yet recently we have seen it day for so long gets more become “socially acceptable” and more boring, so many Skating, sophomore Riley Sanders does an and something people enjoy people began to do more Standing together, senior Brynna Crump and ollie. An ollie is a trick that allows the skater being around. outside, while social distancing sophomore Riley Sanders. They are pictured to jump off and over obstacles. “It’s cool to of course. “I started running wearing the “casual style” for 2020. “I think watch skating grow more and more. Everyday It’s also been more common more during quarantine,” the style is very focused on comfort because you see someone new at the skatepark,” said of quarantine and a lot of the styles are what Sanders. Photo: Katey Goins to see women getting into said Tobbe. Some activities I would call funky,” said Crump. Photo: Katey the field which brings a people did were spending time Goins completely different sense with their family like hunting of power to the community. Skating was something that had or camping, while others wanted to use this time to work on previously been dominated by men, so women are bringing a new, themselves and go on runs. People started sharing what they were fresh energy to the table. It changes the skate community to be doing outside to cure the boredom or social media, which led to more open-minded and find a new way to be inspired. more and more people doing more activities outside.

2020 was a year that truly allowed for people to take the time by In recent years, Americans spending time outside had decreased themselves that they were given to be introspective. Being in our more and more, but during quarantine, people began to start own little bubbles for so long left us to find inspiration within spending more time outside again, similar to before technology ourselves and what we wanted to be around us as opposed to the was invented like the iPhone, which distracted people from environments of schools and workplaces, forcing people to figure outdoor activities and kept them inside more and more as years out what look they wanted to create for themselves. passed.

People turned to social media and the influencers that they let When COVID-19 first hit, sending the country into a nationwide fill their timeline, completely changing what “basic” means in lockdown, people had nothing but time on their hands. It also terms of fashion. Now what seems to be the main trend is “indie” left some people feeling completely out of control with what was fashion which can be defined as “any style of fashion that is going on, forcing people into getting creative and trying new unique and created with an independent mind is indie fashion. things. However, clothes that are vintage or retro in style receive the title of indie most often” by “The Ladies Fashion Resource.”

8 | RECAPS Screen Times Going Up Over Quarantine by demani butler and natalie mcgarry

Your eyes need a break! Ben Bowen said.

Social media has changed the normal life of an American teenagers Think of ways to limit your social media use and how it might be over the period of quarantine by distracting them from school, possible? Teenagers need to think about how excessive their social taking time away from family, and even developing non-cominative media use is on a daily basis and when they should stay off of it. relationships. . “To balance social media and real life out I work out, do school In a servey of 100 teenages, 97 voiced that their social media usage work, and sometimes even play different games,” said sophomore has drastically changed and affected them in a negative way during Luke Lamare. quarantine. Although the majority of teenagers say they use social media more “Social media is unhealthy in times like these because instead of in these times, there is still three percent that say itś positively or lifting each other up, it’s dragging people down and it’s causing neutrally changed. people to spend an excessive amount of time with social media,” sophomore Sadie Janisko said. “People get wrapped up in social media and forget to live their own lives and do things that actually make them happy. I knew how We all know how toxic social media and its platforms can be on toxic social media would be once I heard about this pandemic and I adolescents and even adults. Think about what you are willing to already prepared myself,” said sophomore Meisha Keown. do. A small portion of parents do not allow their teenagers to have “After everyone is safe and healthy again, I’ll be able to spend more social media. This benefits them in ways such as now. “I notice that time with my friends and do more fun things that i’m not able to do people with social media are experiencing more drama, insecurities in quarantine,” Janisko said. and persona issues during this pandemic. I have been able to spend more time with my family at home and communicate more without Teenages have a lot of pressure on them right now. They can’t go to social media compared to teenagers that do,” sophomore Mariah school, see friends, see family and online school has stressed them Gardener said. out. Social media is just another heavy weight added. A lot of teenagers feel it is hard to be in contact with other friends “For me, my social media use has changed in a positive way. I am so they use social media to keep in touch. Screen times for students not on it as much as I normally would. I will say though that social have increased by %75 since friends can see each other. Most would media does distract me from doing my school work,” sophomore say this is a con.

what are you doing ? Screen time above 6 hours stuff on my phone Yes No wbu ? 87% 13% same

Students spend most of their days on their phone.

From a poll done over some students, when asked if their screen time was above 6 hours, 87% said yes while 13% said no.

Graphics: Katey Goins

9 | RECAPS “Instead of doing my work, I get on snapchat or tik tok and that’s a Social media can be very helpful to people who want to find an easy con,” sophomore Aidan Bond said. and fun way to make a few hours seem like a couple of minutes but social media can put new ideas in your head that sometimes aren’t COVID-19 cases aren’t the only numbers going up during helpful. “I end up spending hours just scrolling on Instagram and quarantine. Youtube,” McGarry said. Other apps like TikTok and Twitter, along with Instagram and Youtube make it easy to gain false information Over quarantine, more and more people have found themselves on a majority of topics or learn about harmful ideas. “A negative spending more time on social media, causing their screen time to go thing that social media has done for me mentally is put an image up. in my head of what I feel like I should look like,” senior Mandy Brainer said about the negative effects of social media. With new regulations on what people can do in their free time, it’s easier to use your technology more. Even though it might be easier It’s very easy to get lost in the apps you’re looking at on your phone to use social media now, sometimes it isn’t’ the best for your mental and end up using that app for nine hours. “It’s easy to lose track of health. Although their screen time is going up, people are noticing the hours you spend on your phone since now you have a bunch the problem that causes and are trying to cut back on their phone of free time,” Brainer said. It’s also easy to notice this too. After use. being in quarantine for a few months and doing the same routine again and again, you can notice the habits you start to have and see Being put into isolation with limitations on where you can go and some that you might want to change. “After isolation, I knew that who you can see can be tough, especially on your mind. Human I needed to cut back on my hours and I tried to do that,” Brainer interactions can be very helpful distractions for people throughout said. It might be fun to stay up all night on TikTok for a while, but the day. Without these interactions, people started to use more of after some time it’s an unhealthy trait that we’ve all gotten used to their new amount of free time on technology, especially on social because of everything happening in the world. media apps. “When I couldn’t see my friends anymore or go anywhere I resorted to being on my phone a lot more,” freshman Elena McGarry said. Although social media has always been popular and used by people almost everyday, with limited places to go with rising cases, people often found themselves passing the time with different social media apps. “I’ve been on my phone way more. I just have more free time now where I can get on my phone more,” McGarry said.

Other 18%

Phone 82%

Students have been spending more and more time on their phones, causing their screen times to go up When students were asked what they do in the day, 82% said use their phone to relax while 18% said average between 8-10 hours for most people. they do something else.

10|RECAPS Suing Beshear for Canceling Church Services by brodie curtsinger

Fighting to stay open, coronavirus or not. ruling was based on the probability we would win in the next level.” Roberts definitely believes that they have a chance against Maryville Baptist Church fought to stay open, against Governor Beshear. Andy Beshear’s orders for no in-person church services. Roberts, and the Maryville Baptist Church, actually has support, Maryville Baptist Church is currently still trying to sue Beshear. from many people in Kentucky, behind the idea of them suing Preacher of Maryville Baptist Church, Jack Roberts, was also Beshear. “Hundreds of people in the state of Kentucky, because a big part in that, and has many reasons why. Like Roberts, it received national attention, I have heard from people from Preacher of First Baptist Church, Jason Clark does see how it New York, to South Texas, dealing with governors who think affected their religious rights, from the first amendment. they have the right to make laws,” said Roberts, “We are not compelling anyone to attend, and actually asking anyone who Roberts and the Maryville Baptist Church actually filed the is sick, or afraid, to lawsuit on Easter, Apr. 12, against Beshear. The reason why is watch online, or do because he believed that it violated his constitutional rights, for our drive in service. them to not allow in-person services, for church. Also, as much as possible, we encourage There was estimated to be at least 50 people at the service that social distancing, was held Apr. 12, on Easter. The reason why it was even pointed unless it’s family, it’s out, though, was because bystanders noticed a service that was only for those who in session, on Easter, which violated quarantine. There were also desire to worship Kentucky State Troopers there, writing license plates down. in the sanctuary.” Roberts believes that Roberts got help from the Liberty Counsel, in the legal battle. the people that think The attorney helping them fight their legal battle is Attorney that them holding in- Mat Staver. Staver represents the church and Roberts. Staver is person church services, also the founder of Liberty Counsel, which is an organization are putting people’s that brings in zero profit. lives at risk, should realize that himself, Roberts has had the profession of being a preacher at Maryville and Maryville Baptist Baptist Church for over 50 years. Meaning, he started preaching Church, are not trying there before, or when, he was 26 years old. to entice anyone to actually come. Roberts has been doing online services, because it is now available. “We do online every service, and have since it’s been Roberts has gotten to available,” said Roberts, “The Bible uses the word: assembly, the point of the appeal unity, and other terms, to imply the church should meet court ordering a stay together in worship.” He believes that it is very important for in Beshear closing the you to do in-person services. churches, in his case with suing Beshear. Roberts believed that this violated his constitutional rights, “We had the appeals when Beshear did not allow in-person services. “First court, order a stay in amendment, fourth amendment; U.S. Constitution. As well his ability to continue as the Kentucky Constitution,” said Roberts, “We were able his order to close the to point out: he was wrong, in his making laws, that were churches. There are unconstitutional, and though we never closed our church, other parts that are other’s did, and were able to open back up. He also used the still in litigation. I CDC to bully many people. The CDC used the state police, and cannot comment now,” ticketed all our congregation Easter Sunday, illegally. We did not said Roberts. pay attention to it, plus other things.” Roberts believes that there are many great reasons why he is trying to sue Beshear. Roberts, and the Maryville Baptist Roberts believes that it is worth it, to go to church, during these Church actually sent a times, because it is commanded. “As a Christian it is Christ’s few treats to the State command Hebrews 10:25. It provides fellowship with other like- Trooper Post, wanting minded people; also promotes Bible morality,” said Roberts, time to let them know First Baptist Church, from a worm’s-eye view. In May of 2020 Maryville Baptist Church attempted to sue Governor Beshear, because “The appeals court said they ruled in our favor, by saying their that there were no of Beshear canceling their church services, due to COVID-19. Photo: Mia Maguire

11 | RECAPS hard feelings going on. The State Troopers, or the police overall unbiblical. However, an argument can likewise be made that l, were the people taking their license plate numbers. Governor Beshear did not say that churches couldn’t worship, only that they couldn’t gather for the time being, an order Clark believes that it’s bad that they’re not getting to gather, that extended to many businesses as well,” said Clark. Clark but during the times of the coronavirus, he is okay with doing definitely believes that Roberts, and the Maryville Baptist it online. “The Bible teaches that the Church is a people who Church, have a chance in successfully suing Beshear. ’gather together‘ (Acts 14:27; 1 Corinthians 11:18) and then ‘go’ out to proclaim the Gospel (Matthew 28:19-20). Though I Clark believes somewhat that it was unconstitutional for Beshear understand the necessity of not gathering for a time in order to not allow in-person church services, because as Christians, to slow the spread of a virus, it is a part of our very identity as they’re supposed to gather. “Most churches were willing to God’s people, the Church, to gather. Though I am thankful for submit to the government’s request not to meet, out of love for the technology to have others, to prevent the spread of disease and limit the number an online worship of deaths. However, I am concerned that some of our Christian service, it is not the liberties may have been infringed upon. For example, some same as gathering of the guidelines issued for churches to return to in-person together,” said Clark, worship, were not being applied to other businesses. Another “We are planning to example is when the police took down the license plate numbers return to in-person of those who attended Maryville Baptist Church, while people worship on Sunday, were free to visit Lowes and other retailers,” said Clark, “I am May 24th. We are thankful for our Constitution and its protection of religious taking precautions freedom, even Maryville Baptist’s freedom to sue when they feel to make sure our such rights are endangered.” members remain as safe as possible.” Clark never has had the idea of going as far as suing Beshear, Though, First Baptist because of being forced to do online services. “No. Recently, Church is now back to Governor Beshear has stated that we can return to in-person in-person services. worship,” said Clark.

Clark agrees with Senior Cameron Waddle goes to First Baptist Church, and he what Roberts, and believes that doing online church is pretty good, for the fact that the Maryville Baptist they are still spreading gospel, during these times. “I think it’s a Church, are trying great way to spread the gospel, while staying safe, during these to do, more than times,” said Waddle, “Yes, I believe they’re going to still have he disagrees. “The limitations though.” Waddle hopes that his church will return Bible teaches that as back to in-person services, once quarantine is over, which it did. Christians we should submit to governing Now, Waddle does not agree with what Roberts, and the authorities unless Maryville Baptist Church, are trying to do, but he does those authorities are understand what is probably going through Roberts’ head. “I commanding us to don’t necessarily agree with it, although I get the point he’s disobey God (Acts trying to make. I just believe it’s best to stay online, and stay 5:28-29; Romans 13). separate, while the virus is still around,” said Waddle. Waddle In addition, the First did not think that Roberts, and the Maryville Baptist Church, Amendment says, had a chance against Beshear, because “it is ultimately his “Congress shall make decision.” no law respecting an establishment of Waddle does not believe that it was unconstitutional for Beshear religion or prohibiting to not allow in-person church services. “It’s hard to say, I don’t the free exercise think so really though. It’s the best thing for our country, and thereof.” An argument all of the people, to stay separated, and stop the spread of the can be made that virus,” said Waddle, “Honestly, not really. (He doesn’t see any Governor Beshear’s benefits). I don’t think it will help them with what all they’re order to churches wanting to do, in re-opening the churches.” Waddle can think of to cease gathering zero benefits, of Maryville Baptist Church suing Beshear. First Baptist Church, from a worm’s-eye view. In May of 2020 Maryville Baptist Church attempted to sue Governor Beshear, because was therefore of Beshear canceling their church services, due to COVID-19. Photo: Mia Maguire unconstitutional and

12 | RECAPS Youth Activism on the Rise During Quarantine by brooklyn sauer

It’s never too late to make a change. These youth activists are also constantly working to stay up Students at Bullitt East High School are becoming activists and to date and educated on what is going on in the world. “I just showing support for the topics they care about most. try to stay informed in general, through news alerts and what have you… I also try to listen to those directly affected by the Activism is a rapidly growing ideology that is becoming issues, especially when it comes to things like criminal justice important to many teens as their political ideals form. Teens and racism in general,” said senior Hannah Woodson. It is are also educating themselves and their friends/family about also important to these activists that they get their news from the topics they are most passionate about. Students are showing good sources. “I think it’s important to listen to and spotlight involvement in POC activists and different political politicians,” said and human rights Woodson. issues for a variety of reasons. Even though they are still teenagers, Activism is defined these activists as the doctrine are still working or practice of hard to show their vigorous action or support for the involvement as a causes they are means of achieving involved in. “I political or other went to my first goals, sometimes Women’s March by demonstrations, in Cincinnati and protests, etc. These a couple of Bernie political goals can Sanders rallies in be things such as Louisville the same the Black Lives year. Probably a Matter movement’s year later I helped campaign Teen activists frequently protest for the causes that they believe in most, such as the Black Lives Matter movement. BLM organize the advocating for started to gain more popularity due to the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. “It’s such a good way to get more March for Our involved in your community and it brings everyone together,” said Provost, who has attended multiple different protests for the protection Black Lives Matter and beyond. Photo: Allie Provost Lives in Louisville of black people with a bunch of or the women’s kids my age,” said rights movement’s Provost. There advocacy to be respected in the world. are many different ways to be an activist beyond just going to protests. “I try being the operative word,” said Woodson. Many While this is the textbook definition of activism, teens today of those that do not have the means to go to protests show their have a slightly different idea of what activism is and what it support by educating friends and family through social media. means to be an activist. “I would define activism as a way to make your voice heard and to stand up for something you truly Activists often have very personal reasons as to why they believe in. It brings people young and old together to fight for advocate for these causes. “I’m a lesbian. That being the case, the cause,” said senior Allie Provost. I didn’t really get the option of not being politically involved. When your entire existence is turned into a political platform Many teens today have been faced head-on with the glaring it’s kind of hard to avoid it,” said Woodson. societal issues facing our country, which has given them the drive to speak out. “It is important to go and get your voice out there Activism can also just be motivated by simply wanting to see and make your opinions heard, sign petitions, donate whatever the world become a better and more accepting place. “I feel very you can to make the difference because this fight is one worth passionate about the Black Lives Matter movement in particular fighting for,” said Provost because I believe we need a genuine change in the systematic oppression that people of color have to deal with every day and have dealt with for hundreds of years in this country,” said Provost.

13 |RECAPS Political Predictions for 2021 by ella olds

New year brings new leadership. On the other side of the spectrum, Hendricks believes a national shutdown will further damage the economy and local business. “I Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have been announced as our new think if Biden somehow gets into office then it would be terrible President and Vice President of the United States. because thousands of businesses and entrepreneurs lost their businesses because of the first shut down. These are just the lucky Biden’s inauguration took place on Jan. 20 on the West Front of ones, what about all the other businesses and entrepreneurs who the United States Capitol Building in Washington D.C., where lost everything because they weren’t making enough money. It just he took the oath of office as president and Harris took the oath isn’t fair to these entrepreneurs who created their own business to of office as vice president. Biden now resides in the White House lose it all in a matter of two to six months,” Hendricks said. and will for the next four years, as the 46 president of the United States. Some of the biggest problems along with COVID-19 are civil rights issues, including immagration, police brutality and the obvious Before Biden was elected president and swore in there were inequality between humans. Williams has full faith in Biden rumors of fraud that are still being investigated today. Republican reforming our political justice system to solve these issues, “I have and senior Matthew Hendricks has a lot of faith that Biden will reform a strong belief that Biden should our police and end police brutality. I’m not hold the president title just glad he is not in support of defunding yet. “There are still 4-5 states that our police and is focused on fixing it. I have not declared Biden the winner think Biden’s immigration policy will because they have found massive be a good thing for this country, Biden fraud and now they are taking it will make sure no child is separated to the Supreme Court. So I think from their parents and that while that it is likely that Biden will lose they make their way here and wait when they terminate all of the for citizenship, they will be treated counterfeit ballets,” Hendricks said. fairly. As for racial and gender issues, I trust that Biden will handle them Although these accusations are well, and I believe he is well educated having people question this election on these issues, making sure no one is and its results, Biden still has discriminated based on race, gender, experience in the political system. or sexual orientation, and will listen to Biden was previously President the people about the change they want Obama’s Vice President for both of The Biden 2020 campaign sign shown in the picture was found in The to see (Black Lives Matter, Me Too Obama’s four year terms, through Highlands in Louisville, Kentucky. The sign was placed to show citizens Movement, etc),” Williams said. the years 2008-2016. Because of support for the Biden Harris administration coming into office in Jan. 2021. The Highlands are known for being more left sided and these signs, plus this experience, sophomore Jada Black Lives Matter signs, gay pride flags, and others can be found to show Republican and senior Hannah Crable Williams believes he will be more support and love for each of their neighbors. Photo: Ella Olds hopes they are successful even if she successful in his own presidential doesn’t agree with everything the term. “Biden’s experience being Biden-Harris administration claims former Vice President will help him succeed and he will have they are reforming. “I do not agree with everything they do but I previous guidance from former President Obama,” Williams said. hope the things they are planning to do in light of bettering our country are successful. I honestly have no clue how he will handle The obvious question is how the Biden-Harris administration will civil issues. I know Harris has said the wall is a bad idea so I think deal with the Coronavirus pandemic. There are mixed views within that will be put to a stop. Biden has said that the violence has to how well they will handle this issue. Eleanor Bennett, a junior who stop but I’ve personally never heard him say anything about how labels herself as independent, believes Biden’s views will lead to a he intends to stop it,” Crable said. successful end. “I think Biden will handle the COVID-19 pandemic well because he is pro-mask and pro-lockdown. He seems to value One fear for the democratic future is that Biden winning will people’s lives more than money which I admire,” Bennett said. just bring more tension to the already divided nation. “When Biden gets elected into office, I fear that people primarily on the Along the same views, Williams believes Biden has solid views Republican side won’t handle it well and riots might break out on that will help the pandemic come to an end. “I think the Biden both sides and our country might become more divided than ever,” administration will handle the Coronavirus well. Biden has a plan Williams said. to eliminate cost barriers for testing and vaccines for COVID-19 so everyone will be able to get the vaccine and get tested without “I’ll be a president for all Americans. Not just the ones who vote worrying about the cost. There will be paid leave for all those who for me,” Biden said. Even with our nation divided, as a community are affected by the coronavirus and cannot work, so families will all we can hope is that our next President will be successful and be able to support themselves and their children during this time. best equipped to make people on both sides happy with their When Biden becomes President next year, I think Harris and him quality of life. will push for mask mandates and normalize wearing masks in public until we get this virus under control, which will help lower our cases,” Williams said.

14 |OPINION What is a Manly Man? by kyleigh reeves

With the recent photos of Harry Styles in a dress for the cover With the social construct of what a man should and should not of “Vogue”, there has been an uproar of what a “manly man” look and act like, some have forgotten that, in earlier history, should really be. things were different.

Recently, Candace Owens posted a tweet that ended with One of these being that men were the first to wear makeup. As the quote, “bring back manly men,” causing a lot of global early as 4000 BCE, men in ancient Egyptian culture used black controversy and debate. Many people stuck up for Styles and the pigment to create dramatic eyeliner, which signified wealth and men in general who wear feminine clothes. However, there were status. Crop tops were popularized by men due to bodybuilders also people who agreed with Candace’s statement. in the early 1970s wanting to show off their muscles, but having to find ways around gym dress codes. In addition to this, in the Male artists including Harry Styles, Jaden Smith, and Yungblud 1700s, men of power, including presidents, would wear wigs and have pushed past the expectations of what “real men” should heels. Small things like these are forgotten because society has dress like. changed to press on what is considered “normal” for men, which includes being strong, providing for a wife and kids and overall Recently, a sneak peek of the “Vogue” photoshoot, featuring fitting the masculine stereotype. former One Direction member, now solo artist, Harry Styles, was released in November 2020. Styles was photographed Owens also wrote, “Since I’m trending I’d like to clarify what in many different outfits, but the one that caught the most I meant when I said ‘bring back manly men.’ I meant: Bring attention happened to be a Gucci designer light blue dress, back manly men. Terms like ‘toxic masculinity,’ were created by paired with a black tuxedo jacket. While there was tons of toxic females. Real women don’t do fake feminism. Sorry I’m positive feedback, there was also a lot of backlash due to Styles not sorry.” This not only brought attention to the fact that she wearing “feminine clothing.” claims toxic masculinity is fake, but also claims that feminism isn’t real. In his “Vogue” interview, Styles commented, “I think if you get something that you feel amazing in, it’s like a superhero outfit... Toxic masculinity isn’t saying that being masculine is toxic. It’s when you take away, ‘there’s clothes for men and there’s clothes the toxic idea that, if you don’t fit that stereotype, you’re not for women,’ once you remove any barriers, obviously you open masculine, which is damaging and can cause someone to become up the arena in which you can play.” emotionally repressed. If you try to fit into the stereotype of what others tell you to be, you are limiting yourself to American author, Candace Owens, tweeted “bring back manly expression, whether that be through a dress or not. men” causing a lot of global controversy, ultimately gaining the attention of many. Whenever you hear the words “bring back Through the support of Styles’ fashion, there’s been debate manly men,” you assume people mean the old traditions and of what it truly means to be a “manly man” in 2020. “Being a roles of men versus women. With this, Owens was flooded with ‘manly man’ in 2020 is being yourself. It is wearing, acting, and comments about her wearing suits, and people mocking her by doing what you want and being brave and confident enough to saying, “bring back womanly women.” do it in today’s world,” Sophomore, Riley Sanders, said. Many agree with Sanders’ statement, believing clothes have no gender As the issue of criticism and arguing progressed, Styles himself and can be used as an expression, no matter what gender identity posted an instagram photo from his “Variety” photoshoot, you go by. wearing a light blue suit with a white ruffled shirt, eating a banana, with the mocking caption, “bring back manly men.” People of all ages have begun wearing clothing that “doesn’t fit 15 |OPINION their gender” as a way to prove a point that everyone should be comfortable and confident in how they choose to dress. “I think that it is a step in a good direction in today’s culture, that might not accept everyone for what, or who they are. People in the world should be praising this everyday to let men know that they can wear what they would like everyday and not be held to a ‘normal’ in society,” Sanders said.

Agreeing with Sanders, Junior, Blake Harlamert, believes, “Anybody should wear whatever they want, if that’s how they feel comfortable or to wear it for fun. A man putting on a dress isn’t going to hurt you or threaten someone who disagrees.”

With the argument of whether or not clothes have a specific gender, there were two sides of either “yes” or “no.” Standing on the stairs outside in the cold, Maire (left), Tyler (center), Mia (center), and Emma (right) are “Traditionally, clothes were tailored towards specific genders, huddled together. The photograph is taken neck-down to show more of the outfits each of them wore. now we don’t really see that nor is that followed. Clothes can be Friends and family stopped by to watch the four together. Photo Credit: Kyleigh Reeves worn by whoever and that’s perfectly normal now. After all the Scottish men wore kilts and were going back, they must’ve been problem in the U.S. However, I know that there are men who onto something,” Harlamert said. practice toxic masculinity, and I would encourage them to stop,” Sophomore, Jake Swift, said. In the words of Candace Owens, “feminine women don’t need to sit back and continue to allow uglier women to preach to them Agreeing with Candace Owens’ argument, Swift believes that about why ‘normal’ is wrong,” which was taken as an attack men should not be feminine. “I believe that the opposing side’s against many. “Normal in this case is traditional and while opinion does not make sense. There is no reason to try and traditional isn’t bad it shouldn’t be the default setting. Owens force men to become more like women. We were built different managed to not only bash men in her statement but women as by God, and we’re constructed with different qualities. I do well,” Junior, Kai Marksbury, said. not believe that men should be persuaded to have to be more feminine,” Swift said. When asked about whether their religious or political views played a part of their opinion, Marksbury replied with, “Yes and Going to church 3 times a week, Swift mentions that he has no. I believe it’s simply a matter of being a decent human being studied the Bible very much. With Swift’s religious views, he and open-minded.” discussed that, “there are many verses in the bible that command us to be men and to act like men.” While responses to what a “manly man” is in 2020 may “Personally, I am unaffected by Harry Styles wearing a dress, vary throughout different people, Marksbury believes that however, I think by the media constantly pushing him to be an individuality is an important part in expressing yourself. inspiration, this could cause more and more boys to lose a sense “There’s plenty of manly men. they’re just wearing skirts now,” of ‘manliness’,” Senior, Xavier Glauber, said. Marksbury said. With a large following, Harry Styles is known as an inspiration Although some may support the idea of men in feminine to many and is seen on media everywhere. “Young men should clothes, there are others who don’t fully agree with this act. know how to be strong, brave, and someone that can make However, there are some things they can partially agree on: toxic people feel safe. If your way of doing that is wearing a dress fine, masculinity. but the media should, in no way, push that on everyone else,” Glauber said. “I feel as if toxic masculinity is when a man is either bragging to a woman about being a man, and having the main qualities Asking whether or not we should bring back manly men, both that most men have, or when one uses his gender to overcome Glauber and Swift said yes. “I think we should bring back manly or put down women. I however do not believe that it is a HUGE men. There are not enough in today’s world, and we are falling apart because of it,” Swift said. “I think in these bad times strong willed people are what we need, not some guy playing dress up,” Glauber follows up with.

Tyler Redmond, Mia Maguire, Marie Maguire, and Emma Egan ran around Bullitt East High School in dresses and jumpsuits. “It was a different experience for sure, but also a funny experience definitely,” Tyler Redmond said.

While the opinions of what a “manly man” should be in 2020 may vary, all are valid. Treat people with kindness.

Redmond heads to the football field. While searching for places to take photos, Redmond, a football player at Bullitt East, just so happened to be practicing on the field. When asked if he wanted to wear a dress and take some photos, Redmond said yes.

16 | Britt Tackles Adversity by keelin davis

Britt helps motivate the lineman while they are on the sidelines. He remembers being in their position and wants to make them the best they can be. “Inside me, I just wish that I could be out there on the football field playing with them but I pushed it to the side and just kept thinking about what this has allowed me to do and if I keep sticking to it, it can bring me far,” he said. Photo: Brodie Curtsinger

Never give up and you can accomplish your dreams.

Junior Cole Britt did not let a life-changing injury stop him from doing what he loves.

At the end of freshman year, Britt found out about an injury that would change his football career forever. He now helps coach the football team and contributes greatly to the staff. Britt hopes to pursue a career of coaching football and wants to take his knowledge to greater heights.

Growing up, football was always something that was important in the Britt household. His father played football all through high school and as a child, Britt played for eight years up until his freshman year. “It has been something that I have loved and cared about and played since I was about five. It was something that I took almost as a job. It was all I ever thought about and all I ever cared for and I just kept working at it,” Britt said. Football has had a drastic impact on his life and he believes that he would be a very different person without it. Britt reviews film with three offensive lineman. He secured a spot on the sideline on Friday nights after paying attention to the coaches in practice. He said, “I started paying a whole lot Playing for nearly half of his life, football practice, weekend games of attention to our offensive line coach. I started picking up on the coaching points that he gave and I started jumping in and helping share my knowledge that I have learned from him and weight lifting was part of Britt’s daily schedule. He played a full as well as sharing my knowledge from playing for eight years.” freshman year of football alongside his friends and going into his Photo: Brodie Curtsinger sophomore season, Britt was as motivated as ever. With a new staff hired and new players joining the team, he was excited to start the season and work as hard as he could.

17 | FEATURES Britt walks through a play with a player on the sidelines. He helps walk through film, shoot drone shots and more. Junior Ethan Taipalus said, “The impact that he has is tremendous. He does all of the little stuff, like if we have any equipment issues, he is there to fix it. Photo: Brodie Curtsinger

During the offseason going into sophomore year, the team began weightlifting for the upcoming season. During a session, Britt began to have ongoing back pain which started to set him back as a player. Recent hire at the time, Coach Ethan Atchley, sent Britt to a doctor where he received news that would change his life. “They told me that I broke one of my vertebrates and it slipped seven millimeters which is a whole lot. They told me that I would never play again because I could possibly get paralyzed by a hit,” Britt said. He was “Without that injury and without the sup- devastated by this news and did not know what to do next. port from my friends and family, I don’t The immediate reaction to the news for Britt was shock. The thing think I would have been able to make that his life revolved around the most had been taken from him with no warning. “From playing for about eight years previously, football it through and continue to stick around was the only thing I really cared about and the only thing that I really worked hard for. It was heartbreaking. I had no idea what to and be where I am now,” said Cole Britt. think. I almost blacked out when he told me and it was devastating that I would never get a full high school football experience,” Britt said, “it is one of the only times that I really didn’t know what to think or do. I had no idea what my life would become.” Britt had support from friends and family that helped him get through this tough time and ease the pain.

With such a strong support system, Britt was able to have people around him that kept him going and stable. “They just told me to keep my head up and to think that even though it doesn’t seem that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, everything happens for a reason. Without that injury and without the support from my friends and family, I don’t think I would have been able to make it through and continue to stick around and be where I’m at now,” 18| FEATURES Britt said. Through his support system, he was able to keep strong still be playing today. “Inside me, I just wish that I could be out mental health and was able to keep pushing. there on the football field playing with them but I pushed it to the side and just kept thinking about what this has allowed me to do The day after finding out the devastating news, Britt returned to and if I keep sticking to it, it can bring me far,” he said. Although practice to let everyone know the news. When he got there, he was he still plays a valuable role on the team, the staff still wishes they met by Atchley with a drone. “The day I came back, he handed me could see him on the field. Atchley said, “we as coaches still wish we a drone. He said ‘here, figure it out and learn how to fly it.’ So I could put him on the field with the team on Friday nights because did that,” Britt said. With this drone, he began recording film from he’d be a key contributor for us on the football field with his practices and analyzing them to help in practice. Although he could playing ability before a career ending injury came along.” Britt tries not play on the team any longer, he found a role where he could stay to take on the mindset of thinking in the present and future rather involved and really contribute. Atchley said, “Cole is the definition than sulking in the past. of a “do-er” that continues to find more ways to help us as coaches and a football team get better all the time and become more efficient In the future, he looks to continue a path in coaching. Once he in a growing program that now is at the 6A level for the first time in began to coach for the team he began to realize that, “maybe it school history.” With his work ethic and knowledge, Britt was able could bring me to a college position or push me to be a better to help improve the team in many ways. version of my current self,” Britt said. He feels like the knowledge and skills that he has gained from playing his whole life and now, Britt uses this opportunity to soak in as much information as being mentored by his coaches can take him far in his life and possible from the coaches around him. He said, “I started paying a help him accomplish his greatest goals. Britt said, “I wasn’t the whole lot of attention to our offensive line coach. I started picking best football player but I was able to learn a lot through my youth up on the coaching points that he gave and I started jumping in and league career and now I am so passionate about it that it is really helping share my knowledge that I have learned from him as well as indescribable.” This is now just a starting point in the bigger image sharing my knowledge from playing for eight years.” Britt does all Britt holds for himself. that he can to get more educated about the game to help him share his knowledge with other players and improve the team. Constantly around the influences of his coaches, Britt was inspired by their success. He said, “Our head coach was one of the youngest Due to his immense contributions and overall knowledge of the coaches to win Kentucky High School coach of the year so I want game, the coaches decided to keep Britt around to stay. “He said to strive to be a high school coach that is alongside other fantastic my help was valuable and he wanted me to continue to stay and coaches who can win state championships.” help coach and that got me into getting a headset on Friday nights on the sidelines which is a With this year especially and tremendous experience,” the COVID-19 pandemic, Britt Britt said, “I get to hear “It’s a sport that has an indescirable impact has been impacted positively what all of the coaches by the world around him. Even are saying and all of their on my life. It’s not a job, it’s just what I am though he has such a great love coaching points on a Friday for football, he has been able to night.” Opportunities like passionate about and I can’t really put it into distance himself more than usual his are something that you words how much it means to me,” said Cole to work on self improvement. rarely see in high school He said, “It actually affected football. Britt. me positively and I think it allowed me time to reflect on By providing this life because I am a non-stop, ‘go- opportunity to Britt, Atchley feels like this was a tremendous step go-go’ type of person with football and it forced me to take a break for the team as a whole. “There is a gigantic list of things that as and it forced me to put life on pause to focus on myself.” Like many, coaches nobody tells you about that fall under the category of “other Britt was able to take more time to work out and make physical and duties as assigned, or not assigned, but need to be done because no mental improvements. “I focused on things that I couldn’t while one else will do them” and Cole has been willing to take some of football was going on. It has been one of the best things that has those on without ever being asked! He’s as dependable as any single happened to me because I was able to lose 45 pounds and it really assistant coach I’ve ever actually had or been around! It’s cliche to did more good for me than it did bad,” said Britt. Overall, Britt has say, he’s built different, but the truth is that Cole is different and been able to make the best out of any situation he has been put in has been one of the single greatest kids I have ever been around,” and does the best he can to set himself up for success. Atchley said. Britt also plays a big role with the players and is always there to help. Junior Ethan Taipalus said, “The impact that he has is tremendous. He does all of the little stuff, like if we have any equipment issues, he is there to fix it.” With a smaller coaching staff, the little things go a long way.

The constant support and experiences that Britt was provided made him very grateful for the situation that he was put in. “It is really a tremendous thing that he allowed me to have. It is now my second year doing this and it is the best experience of my entire life,” Britt said. The whole sport of football has had the largest impact on his life than anything else and Britt does not know what he would do without it. He said, “it’s a sport that has an indescribable impact on my life. It’s not a job, it’s just what I am passionate about and I can’t really put it into words what it means to me.” He keeps this positive mindset and does not take for granted all the good that the sport and being on this team has brought him.

At times, Britt wishes he could go back and change it all so he could

19 | FEATURES Student by Day, Rapper by Night by tawney noyes

Reinventing Lil Clout.

Senior Christopher Martin, also known as Lil Clout, plans to reinvent the sound in his music after three years.

In 2017, Martin began to explore the world of Soundcloud rappers and took inspiration from them to start his own music career. Despite not having much support from his friends and family, he continued to work on his goal. Now, heading into 2021, Martin plans to redesign and reinvent the sound of his music.

When the wave of Soundcloud rappers hit in 2016, Martin had discovered a new sound he had never heard before. “I used to not even listen to rap really. Just seeing kids my age change Senior Christopher Martin staring into the sunset on Mount Washington. One of Martin’s biggest successes was when he dropped his album ‘Tales From the Mount,’ in 2019. “It their life around from songs they made in their bedrooms really got ten thousand streams and a lot of people sent me videos of themselves listening to it,” inspired me,” Martin said. He had been writing songs before but Martin said. Photo Credit: Tawney Noyes nothing like what he had found. Despite the lack of support from his friends and family, Martin Once Martin found his new style of music, he got to work continued to work on his music career. “I got to play a concert making music. He came up with the name “Lil Clout” with with four other artists and like twenty people in the crowd. It one of his friends and took inspiration from artists like was small,” Martin said. Martin believes that the concert was XXXTentacion, Lil Peep, and Lil Uzi Vert. “When I first started very eye-opening for him since he got to see other artists who out, I was almost ripping off Lil Pump in a way. He came out were serious about their music in Kentucky. He also got the with Gucci Gang and I made Clout Clique,” Martin said. Clout chance to be backstage at a Jack Harlow concert because one of Clique is a single he has on his Soundcloud. the opening acts liked his music.

In his first year at Bullitt East, Martin became more popular Most recently, in 2019, he came out with the album ‘Tales From than he was before. He left middle school and went into high the Mount’ which got a lot of traction around the school. school as a rapper. This generated a lot of buzz for Martin to Martin believes most of the school knew about the album. A get even more popular around lot of people sent him videos of themselves listening to it and it the school and encourage him to ended up with about ten thousand plays. make more music. As 2020 rolled in, Martin found it difficult to get his music As his popularity grew, his out to the world. “A lot of the buzz I was getting was because friends weren’t nearly as I would try to be anywhere other people were to spread my impressed as his fans. music,” Martin said. He would go to big sporting events and Although he has good, fairs to hand out and sell things to raise awareness of who he is close friends, only a and the music he makes. COVID-19 ultimately shut that down few of them actually for the year. support his music, and his parents The break from events has given Martin time to think about don’t know that his musical identity and how he wants to sound. “I’m trying much about to reinvent my sound right now. I don’t think it’s a good it. “Being a representation of what I want my art to be right now,” Martin rapper isn’t said. His Instagram page has been wiped clean of any posts exactly what my and he has even considered changing his rapper name from Lil parents had in Clout. mind for me, so I haven’t really told Besides any new name or sound, the focus for Martin will most them much about likely always be music. “Music is like a person who is always it,” Martin said. there for you. You can make anything you want and it’s all fun,” Martin said. He has been into music since he was young and he will continue to make music for a long time.

20 | THEME Creating our own good.

by emi richardson

This year has been a really tough year for all of us, but there is a lot of good that has come out of it. This section talks about good things that happened in 2020. Including: people finding new hobbies, adopting animals, environmental change, better relationships with family, and a person who reinvented themselves.

“New Hobbies” by Brodie Curtsinger talks about branching out and finding new and different things to do.

“Adopting New Animals” by Jenna Tipton explains how the number of animal adoptions has increased.

In “Environmental Change” by Dane Bunel, he talks about how the environment has changed for the better.

“Relationship with Family” by Macie Brown talks about how the more time we’ve had at home this year has impacted how close people have gotten with their family.

In “Re-Invented” by Rebecca Watts, it talks about how having more time at home and away from things has helped to change someone for the better.

21 |THEME Finding New Interests Over Quarantine by brodie curtsinger

More time means more hobbies.

Due to quarantine, we were given more free time, and many students picked up hobbies to fill their free time.

There is more than one reason behind why hobbies struck the world over recent months. Hobbies can range from working hard to a calm, relaxing activity. A unique interest could be a gift to everyone involved.

According to “Merriam Webster Dictionary,” the definition of a hobby is: “a pursuit outside one’s regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation.” Over the time of quarantine, many people’s jobs were taken away, because of the United States being put under lockdown giving them more free time and time at home.

When put under lockdown, people wanted to find anything they could to keep themselves preoccupied, which would lead into the worldwide craze to start new hobbies. There are quite a few activities that were brought to popularity, over the time of quarantine, such as: drawing, reading, cooking, and more.

Freshman Sarah Monroe has been drawing, painting, and coloring, for around eight years now. “I got started with art, because I knew my uncle was an artist, and I wanted to try. It turned out that I was really good at it,” Monroe said, “I want to be an artist in the future, because I basically have a passion for art, and I love drawing and painting.”.

When COVID-19 started, Monroe picked it back up. “I chose art, because when the COVID stuff started happening, I didn’t draw as much as I used to. So, I started drawing again,” Monroe said, “I would say this is my number one hobby, because now, almost every day, I would draw, paint, or color.” Monroe typically creates backgrounds, and animals.

Junior Diego Gonzalez Soto enjoys reading books, and has enjoyed this activity, ever since he was a kid. “When I was a young kid, I got very into comic books. I got to read a lot of these as I grew up, and besides watching TV, playing video games, and doing any common hobby, I got involved in reading more books, and all thanks to comic books,” Soto said, “writing books has not been my total hobby; only reading them at the moment. Probably in the future I would do so.”

When COVID-19 started, Soto wanted to venture past that. “I realized that books were my thing when I gave a look to those books that I had, and didn’t really use. Now, I usually go to the library when I get the chance,” Soto said, “I usually read graphic novel books. As I said earlier, I grew up reading lots of comic books, and it is still part of the books I read nowadays. I really enjoy getting to see what these books have for the readers, how you get to see how the characters interact, and how its art highlights each book.”

Junior Jacob Collings is a chef and has been cooking for his family for around three months now. “The thing that got me started on cooking, was taking a ‘Foods and Nutrition’ class in high school. Ever since then, I have been the cook at home,” Collings said, “I do like cooking, but that’s not what I would want to do for the rest of my life.” However, this picked up more when COVID-19 started. Collings typically creates all kinds of things, such as tacos, pizzas, pancakes, burgers, etc.

Collings makes dinner for his family, close to every night, and will sometimes make dessert, breakfast, and lunch. “I cook for me, my family, and my friends. I pretty much cook for whoever is at my house, whenever I’m cooking,” Collings said.

Another factor that played into Collings getting more into cooking was when his family got a trailer, giving them a kitchen.

Collings takes Culinary 1, taught by Dave Bustetter.

22 |THEME On the Paw-sitive Side of the Pandemic by jenna tipton

What better way to lighten the mood than by getting your own Dog adoptions and sales soar President Madeline Berstein of the pet. Society Prevention of cruelty to Los Angeles nonprofit shelter, states that “ adoptions were double their usual rate in late A loveable creature is the best way to brighten any household. June, with 10 or 13 adoptions a day,” Almost all animal shelter Even though there has been a lock down on pet shelters there inventory have been low due such a demand for pets. This is a has been a bigger demand for pets then the shelters actually have rare sight to see that so many pets are being adopted. in stock. Some people have said that they have had a better time dealing Pet Adoption rates rise during covid-19,Hannah Jackson states with the stress of the pandemic because they got a pet. That is that “Among U.S. adults, 5% adopted a dog in the three-month what happened to Madaline Mann, Bullitt East spanish teacher period generally corresponding to initial COVID-19 impact era who had adopted a mutt puppy right before the pandemic. — a windfall in a Marvolo, or “Marv”, market where dogs was rescued on Jan 24. account for two- Mann describes having thirds of product Marv as a blessing. “Just and service sales. having this extra thing In addition, given in the house that my the unique current sister and I can take care context of business of kind of alleviated a shutdowns and stay- lot of our stress. ” said at-home orders, 4% Mann. He encouraged us adopted a cat, and a to get out of the house disproportionately and enjoy the outside. high 4% adopted other types of pets When getting a new — especially pet puppy and never leaving reptiles and small the house, many puppies mammals.” This can get separation is quite a surge in anxiety. “We always statistics compared knew we were going to other years. In to get a second dog 1970, 67 million anyway,” said Mann. So animals were to help her puppy with adopted but this his anxiety and to keep year more than 135 him entertained, she got million pets have a much older dog named been adopted. A painting of Ms. Mann’s two new dogs she has rescued this year. As a keepsake to remember the first few days of Gwenog, ‘Oggie’,who getting her dogs. She commissioned Jenna Tipton for it. Artwork: Jenna Tipton was rescued Sept. 21.They Many people have been have been best friends ever seeking a furry friend to help them through this tough time. since and their house is more lively. According to Super Market News, Dog adoptions and sales soar during the pandemic, “Americans kept trying to fill voids with Getting a pet has been proven time and time again that it is a canine companions, either because they were stuck working helpful way to take off the stress and loneliness of life especially from home with children who needed something to do, or had during a lockdown. It makes your home much livelier and no work and lots of free time, or felt lonely with no way to entertaining. There are so many pets that go without a home socialize.” Many shelters and foster homes have received a lot of every year and end up being euthanized later in life. It should be applications for adopting a pet. recommended that everyone who can, should adopt a pet.

23 |THEME Greater Than Us by dane bunel

We’ve made it through another year, but at what cost? comes to our lives. In the end our life will still continue, but is the decline of life around us inevitable? Many believe the only Think about all the things that we see in our everyday life and man worthy enough of giving an answer is long-time wildlife what we know as human beings. We are made to feel, and when enthusiast David Attenborough. He himself will tell you all the time is spent out in the shiny green grass as the sun shines on things I have already said. you with big bright trees lurking in every corner, you really start to feel one with the world. Now imagine a world where all of It’s a difficult topic to absorb but Attenborough puts simplicity that is taken away. in it with one beautiful quote. “I just wish the world was twice as big and half of it was still unexplored. Are we happy to The real question has to do with the future. Is the decline of suppose that our grandchildren will see things like elephants and wildlife fixable or simply inevitable? The only way to figure this trees as something only seen in books? If humans were erased out is to go back and look at what’s laid out on the surface and tomorrow, the world would honestly be better off.” what’s fact. Even with that being said, there are still drops of life on this Certified climate planet not yet touched change organizations by humanity, our last and wildlife enthusiasts hopes. Other than such as the WWF, that we still have our UNICEF, and the purpose too, even World Economic with an overcrowded Forum have been population. Although keepings records and the future seems charts over the last 100 inevitable right now, years, and all giving the fire can still be put a clear indication of out with enough help. what the root of our If we’re going to be problems really are. part of the issue and The answer is simply there’s no way to slow ourselves. it down, the next best thing to do is to speak Any wildlife chart up. Change comes with optional for view one easy task, treat on the Internet will others the way you tell you all the same want to be treated, and thing. Whether it be not just other human accumulating trash beings, other living in the ocean, steady entities. Lets make 2020 glacier declines, This is a piece by local Louisville artist, Asia Quammie, who dedicates this drawing to all the men and women the year of reflection burning forests or who need a clearer vision of what real problems really look like. Photo: Dane Bunel where we sit back, reflect, overfishing our seas, and act. catastrophic decline has no sign of slowing down. In the midst of our ongoing struggles with life during Covid-19, we’ve failed to If you want to get involved and stop the below 50% wildlife realize all this time that there is something far greater that has destruction scale, speak up and get in contact with a number of hit the peak of its own pandemic long before our own, and that nonprofits and organizations partnered with the WWF who’s thing is nature itself. contribution is fully achieved when a call from you comes The question still remains though, can it slow down for us to through. Let’s make 2020 the year where we take back our catch up? People that revolve their life around things like oil, planet. fishing, construction, etc. are more likely to contribute to the decline of wildlife, but that isn’t slowing anyone down when it

24 |THEME Seeing the Positive Through a Frightening Year by macie brown Restaurants are empty, people are distanced in masks, stores are closed, and people are staying in and spending more time with their families.

2020 started out as a year to look forward to, but eventually took a turn for the worst. A deadly pandemic gripped not only the United States, but the world. Businesses started to shut down one by one and governors ordered mask mandates as the death toll increased each day. Even though 2020 has been a year filled with a lot of loss, there have been many positives.

People have been staying inside with their families and have gotten to know each other more and spend time together. 60% of families say that they have come out of quarantine closer and more connected to each other. People who had busy lives before the pandemic now have some extra time to focus on things they enjoy since everything has slowed down, and people learned to appreciate the privileges they had before the pandemic.

Jenna Estravillo, a sophomore at Whitefield Academy, said that quarantine had some positive effects on her. She said that she had a lot more time to pick up new hobbies, but she also had time to get better at what she has always loved to do. “I was able to work on golf and spend time with God,” Estravillo said. She said that doing these things helped her to have more of a positive mindset through the rough time and helped her carry on the new habits that she picked up after quarantine ended. In such an unpredictable period of time where nobody knew what was going to come next, it was important to keep a positive

The Brown family sits down at their kitchen table to play a board game. After staying in the house all day, they were looking for something fun to do to pass the time. “It is difficult to keep ourselves entertained while staying in the house so much, but playing games is something fun to do that we all enjoy,” commented Natalie Brown. Photo Credit: Macie Brown mindset. Many people became overwhelmingly sad and stressed about things they couldn’t control and waited for a vaccine to help fight the virus. All they could do to help was stay in their house and wear their mask when they went outside. But keeping in mind the positive outcomes of a time like this and seeing the good through the bad that is happening helps things to be a little better and less stressful.

Richard Ballard, father of Kassidy Ballard who is a student at Bullitt East, said that a positive from his time in quarantine was getting closer to his daughter. “I was still able to go to work thankfully, but for awhile I had to work from home and since my daughter stayed home too, we got to spend more time together,” Ballard said. “We also both got closer to my mom and dad because we were going to check on them a lot more often which was nice. We are usually so busy that we barely get to see them,” Ballard added. Ballard said that before quarantine, they were very busy because of his work schedule and his daughter‘s cheer, but after his daughter decided not to do cheer and they couldn’t go as many places because of the pandemic, it cleared up a lot of time for them.

Estravillo also said that spending more time with family was a big positive during quarantine. “I was able to spend more time with my family and get really close with my sister. I was also able to help more around the house as much as I could,” Estravillo said. Estravillo said that she got to know her family so much better just by spending more time with them and realized how valuable it was having their company during these difficult times.

25 |THEME Changing for Ourselves by becca watts

Change begins with you. celebrities in order to seem ‘perfect’ so we strive to look the same. Changing yourself to fit the societal norm for beauty will The time spent in quarantine allowed sophomore Maddie Tobbe get you nowhere because if you’re not changing for yourself to think about what she wanted for herself. you’re changing for nothing. True beauty cannot be defined as a number on a scale. Everyone is beautiful, they just haven’t Over the summer in quarantine, Tobbe decided it was time learned to defog the glass to see their beauty better. Changing to reinvent herself. By working out, Tobbe was able to find for the right reason is something the girls live by. “I’m extremely something that made her happy in stressful situations. With her body positive. I believe everybody is beautiful no matter what. friends by her side while she sought after her goal, Tobbe lost 30 The number on the scale doesn’t mean anything. We are in a pounds and gained muscle. world where unless we cross everything off the list, we ‘aren’t beautiful’. Everyone is beautiful, and everyone has different taste. Tobbe has always been a person who has been caring and You can’t make everyone like you so everything that you do to considerate. “Maddy is the most caring, passionate, strong and change, do it for yourself. We all have to learn to love ourselves. opinionated person I’ve ever known, and I wouldn’t want to I was beautiful before I lost weight and after,” Tobbe said. change any of those things about her. We’ve been friends since seventh grade and she has taught me so much about myself and If you are wanting to make a change for yourself, the girls about exploring and seeing the world and people differently. encourage you to do so but keep in mind that it won’t always She has had hard times but we pushed through them together,” be easy. “Do it. It’s hard and uncomfortable at times but you sophomore Sydney Hughes said. feel so much more alive but please make sure you do it healthy and make sure you do it for the right reasons. You are gorgeous Tobbe doesn’t let negative things like sadness or fear hold her no matter what anyone thinks or says and you are enough,” down, instead she uses it to help push her forward. When she Schoenbachler said. falls down you should be ready to see her get back up and run. “I decided that I am ready for a change and needed to stop feeling sorry for myself. I realized that if you wanna see a change, it’s up to you,” Tobbe said.

During quarantine, Tobbe came to the realization that she had been feeling low on energy and sad so she decided that something needed to be done and that something had to change. Working out was never something she really liked to do so when she first started her journey through change, she thought it was going to be miserable but quickly learned that it made her happy and took away her stress.

During her journey, she watched videos, worked out with her friends and learned that it’s all in what you eat. Tobbe had a great support system in her friends as she changed for herself. They would workout together and motivate each other. Sophomores Kaitlyn Schoenbachler and Hughes would workout with Tobbe and motivate her on days she didn’t feel like going to the gym. Schoenbachler and Tobbe shared exchanged healthy food alternatives.

Along with workout and healthy food habits, Tobbe and the girls boxed, “we do all kinds of workouts. We do arms, legs, core and tons of cardio. The main workout that really has helped us is boxing. Boxing has helped us get our anger and stress out of our minds and helps us to cope with things and it’s so much fun to do. We are always the only ones in the room and it’s so much fun,” Hughes said.

When times got tough, the girls were always there to support one another and motivate each other to continue working out. “We would just make it fun, dance it out, let all of our emotions out, tell each other we got this and remind each other of what we want,” Schoenbachler said.

Oftentimes in the media, beauty is defined by how small one Maddie Tobbe poses in front of mirror displaying the after affects of her workouts after is or what your figure looks like. Magazines slim our favorite losing 30 pounds and gaining muscle. Photo: Maddie Tobbe

26 | THEME “Everyone is beautiful and everyone has different taste. You can’t make ev- eryone like you so everything you do to change, do it for yourself. We all have to learn to love ourselves. I was beautiful I lost weight and after,” said Tobbe.

Maddie Tobbe poses for her mother. Photo taken before Tobbe started her journey. Photo: Christy Tobbe.

“I decided that I am ready for a change and needed to stop feeling sorry for myself. I realized that if you wanna see a change, it’s up to you,” said Tobbe.

Tobbe poses in the mirror with Sydney Hughes whom she had worked out with on many occasions. Photo: Maddie Tobbe

27 |THEME Grateful for Quarantine by karley dugas

So far in 2020, Covid-19 has been a huge part of our lives. It has affected America more than we could have imagined. My only question for you would be, was quarantine really all that bad? For some, quarantine made them realize the things that they took for granted, like how they get to see their friends, eat out, go on vacation, or even being able to go to work and school. It made people see the good things in life and showed them what they should be grateful for.

“We got to have time for ourselves and we also got to put ourselves first and not be so busy all the time,” said Abbie Mann (freshmen).

Mann feels that quarantine made her realize how grateful she is for her friends and how she took them for granted.

“It made me realize that I took restaurants and stores and places to go for granted and lastly it made me realize that I took cheer for granted,” said Mann.

Mann has been cheering for most of her life, making her busy a lot, and quarantine made her realize just how important cheer really is to her. It made her love cheer even more than she already did and it helped her grow her passion for it.

Quarantine also had a big effect on people that don’t have as many things filling their schedule.

“Quarantine made me realize that my friends and family are what keeps me sane through some difficult times, especially when you can’t be with them,” said Chloe Reidinger (sophomore).

Reidinger was thankful for the time that she got to spend with her family and friends. But, there were still some things she missed.

“I’ve mostly missed being able to experience life as a teenager in high school. Staying home can get repetitive and boring, so I’ve missed being able to go out places to spend time with my loved ones,” said Reidinger.

Many people express that they took their friends, family, and even school for granted and didn’t realize how much love they had for these things. There were multiple positives and negatives for people living in quarantine, but which is more important? Quarantines made people realize that they need to be grateful for what they have because you don’t know the importance of something until it’s gone. Life is better than it seems, you just have to look in the right places.

Playing her next move, Emma Martin tries to beat her sister in Scrabble. While locked up in their home, they were trying to find something fun to do to pass the time. “This really helped us get closer and have some fun while we can’t go out anywhere,” said Martin. Photo: Karley Dugas

28 __ 2020: A Time To Evaluate Staff Editorial

Coming into each new year we always say we will change our di- ets, workout schedules, and more of what we should be doing on a daily basis. But 2021, is going to be different. This magazine was a bit of an ode to 2020. Each of us have definitely been through it in different ways this past year. 2020 was a huge roller coaster for the whole world. Each and every child has had to grow up quite a bit to take on school and understand the weight of the global pandemic. Many teenagers sacrificed spending time with their friends, and battled their mental health while learning to teach themselves at home. Adults have suffered losses of jobs and stress while trying to navigate this new virtual world.

2021 is new. During 2020 we have broken a lot of old traditions, and we have changed most of the ways that we do things. We have reinvented what connecting with people means, and made the best out of hard situations. 2021 is a fresh start. Hopefully we will soon be emerging from this awful disease. And once that happens, we will have the chance to change our lives and each other. We will be able to pick through our old traditions, and start new ones. We will change the way we look at the world and appreciate the time we have with our loved ones. We have the chance to com- pletely reinvent ourselves and change our old ways. This is a new chance for all of us to come out of our year long hibernation and stress, and be renewed.

So let’s take this time to sit back and evaluate the choices we have made and the way we choose to spend our lives. It’s time to ask what we want to make priority in our lives? And what do we want to change? There has never been a more perfect time in history to start over and reevaluate. Let's go back to the drawing board this new year, and let's make some change.

29 Adviser Larry Steinmetz Editor-in-Chief Mia Maguire Magazine Editor Sophia Blanton Website Editor Keelin Davis Design Editor Katey Goins Sports Editor Brodie Curtsinger Photography Editor Karley Dugas Business Editor Tawney Noyes Social Media Editor Rebecca Watts Calendar Coordinator Brooklyn Sauer Content Editor Macie Brown

Staff Writers Emily Richardson Raegan Jackson Jenna Tipton Kyleigh Reeves Alex Elhilow Sierra Karner Colton Harbolt Demani Butler Natalie McGarry Ella Olds

Livewire is a 32 page newsmagazine and accompanying website that is updated daily. All content is generated by student journalists at Bullitt East High School in Mount Washington, Kentucky.

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