Contents Taking a Page from the Stage * * * by Sarah Finfrock ◊ Hunting at Goodwill

Volume 21, Issue 5 Lake Highland Preparatory School, 901 Highland Avenue, Orlando, Florida, 32803 March 2021 Contents Taking a Page From the Stage * * * By Sarah Finfrock ◊ Hunting At Goodwill... Lights. Camera. Action. streak with Little Women this spring. on their journey towards woman- By Lauren Shang Pg. 2 Coming to you live, for the first Little Women follows the drama and hood. The story begins following the time since the Coronavirus struck, romance of four sisters: Meg, Jo, Civil War, where the sisters are faced ◊ Florida’s Farming Gems, Hiding in Plain Lake Highland’s musical theater Beth, and Amy March, who embark with many challenges in their young Sight... will be perform- adult lives. Sis- By Sarah Finfrock & Rebecca Reif Pg. 8-9 ing in the Harri- ters Amy and ett Coleman Jo are caught * * * Center for the in a love tri- ◊ Jack of All Trades, Bound By None... Arts (HCCA). angle with By Ethan Leckie Pg. 3 COVID-19 their childhood was not able friend, Theo- ◊ Pixar Paves Way for Appreciation and to stop this en- dore. To add Profits... during team more turbu- By Zeal Patel Pg. 4 of Middle and lence, the sec- Upper School ond youngest, Highlanders. Beth, develops ◊ A Territory in Crisis Pushes For Statehood... This fall, they a life-threaten- By Luis Roldan Pg. 5 performed Pe- ing illness. To ter and the see how these Starcatch- hurdles will ◊ N e w C lub K n i t s C a m p u s To g e t h e r. . . er. However, pan out, one By Sophie Geraghty Pg. 6 it was only can watch the streamed virtu- play on March (Above) Cast member Sofia Minutoli, grade 10, reciprocrates the same excitement ◊ Founder Forges New Transport... ally with no live as Avery Johnson, grade 10, by saying, “We’re all really excited to be doing the 11-13, live in By Rebecca Reif Pg. 7 performances. craft we love.” She also adds the importance of performing this, “Art we love the HCCA. They will be safely, during these unprecedented times...When the world needs it most.” The Further- ◊ Lollipops, Unicorns, and Rainbows... continuing their department also successful performed Peter and the Star Catcher earlier this more, every year. Photo courtesy of Sophia-Bella Carrasquillo. By Kaia James Pg. 10 performance audience

Taking a Page From the Stage, Continued on Page 12... ◊ Luck of the Irish Sweeps The Campus... By Staff Pg. 11 Technology Saves the School Year ◊ Taking a Page From the Stage... By Alexandra Cabarallo By Sarah Finfrock Pg. 12 onsidering everything that thing and everything that involves smoothly as possible, especially has Chappened within these past few technology. This team provides the with a large portion of this and last ◊ Technology Saves the School Year... months, I can confidently say that entire school, faculty, and students school year being digital. The Di- By Alexandra Cabarallo Pg. 12 this school year has been more diffi- with all of the resources to allow rector of Technology, Ms. Jennifer cult than most for both the students technology to run as Baselice, achieves the goal of com- and staff at Lake Highland Prepara- bining education and technology. ◊ Local Eateries Lift The Curtain... tory School. In such a short amount This allowed Lake Highland to ful- By Santiago Calderon Pg. 13 of time, our school has had to adapt fill its mission of creating students to challenges and completely re- of academic excellence and pre- ◊ “We Are the Light”... form the structure of our learning paring them for the future. Ms. By Sarah Finfrock Pg. 14 environment. Teachers have had Baselice and Lake Highland’s to learn how to educate students Instructional Technology and from a screen, online students Design Team collaborate close- ◊ Athletes Score College Recruit... have had to focus on their ed- ly together to support all facul- By Santiago Calderon Pg. 15 ucation while surrounded by ty and students, whether or not distractions within their home, they are on-campus or digital. and we’ve all been trying our best The truth is, this shift to- to make the most out of this more wards a more online style of educa- ◊ M u s i n g s F rom t h e Wa i t i n g R o o m . . . than unusual year. The only reason tion began long before the challeng- By Ethan Leckie Pg. 16 that this year has been somewhat es of this school year. As early as the successful is due to the diligent (Above) During the first week of fall of 2019, a program was proposed * * * technology team here at Lake High- distributing MacBooks, over 300 which stated that school issued land. From providing teachers with laptops were handed out to Upper MacBooks should be distributed to laptops to running across campus School students. In addition to the grades seven through twelve as well Upper School, the Middle School has Scan this QR Code to help with technical issues, the also already received 400 MacBooks. as transitioning teachers towards a, Technology Department is a crucial In the Lower School, all of the “2:1” teaching platform according to using your phone’s component to the success that we student’s iPads have been upgraded Ms. Baselice. The Middle School was Camera App to have experienced this school year. with a Logitech Crayon, a digital pen scheduled to first receive the school that allows students to interact with access our online At Lake Highland, the tech- information. Photo courtesy of Mrs. laptops in the fall of 2020. Through edition. nology department oversees any- Kelsey Madison. this platform, the technology team Technology Saves the School Year, Continued on Page 12...

(Above) During the first week of distributing MacBooks, over 300 laptops were distributed to High School students. In addition to the High School, the Middle School has also already received 400 MacBooks. In the Lower School, all of the student’s iP- ads have been upgraded with a Logitech Crayon, a digital pen that allows students to interact with information. Photo courtesy of Kelsey Madison. Page 2 Twice-Told Tale

Hunting at Goodwill By Lauren Shang Thanks to the rise of capitalism and wealth The biggest benefit that accompanies thrift- to shop at thrift stores. Some are saying that those who around the world, everyone wants the latest, greatest, ing is, without a doubt, its cheap cost. Because thrifted make enough money should leave the thrift stores alone. and probably most expensive piece of clothing avail- clothing has been worn and used, so many items in a This is so the people who actually need clothes and items able on the market. Some of the brands that meet this local Goodwill store could be offered for a small frac- from thrift stores, due to economic reasons, can shop demand are Nike, Zara, and Gucci. Currently, we live in tion of its original selling price. This is especially true without the fear of their precious items being taken away a world where, “Fast Fashion” is how big retail brands for people who earn less than minimum wage. Thrifting from them just because it has become the latest trend. make the most profit from their clothes with the least could be a solution for finding clothing that won’t break Do I think people in a higher socioeconomic amount of work. The name holds true to its meaning; the bank. In the beginning of the century, when students bracket should stop thrifting because it takes away from most of these fashion items are only shown in stores for would be embarrassed or subjected to humiliation for the resources upon which others depend? My answer is a very limited amount of time. Many of these brands wearing used clothing, secondhand clothes are now complicated. My heart goes out to people who need to own international sweatshops that notoriously overwork seen as trendy. This may not seem like a big deal in the thrift as a necessity. I would be very angry too if I found and underpay their employees who constantly produce long run, but it helps those who feel embarrassed about out that others were taking advantage of shopping at new types of clothing. What’s even more angering their income have one less thing to worry about in life. cheaper prices and taking away items from which they is that stores usually place the most popular or trendy More teenagers have also started thrifting not previously harassed others for wearing. But whether we items in season on their racks and then toss them for the just because of sustainability reasons, but also because like it or not, that is how society is with trends and fashion. next shipment of different styles just a few months later. of the new trend that has come to take over the Inter- Just a few years ago, people made fun of the According to Abigail Beall of BBC Future and net. Thanks to apps like TikTok and Instagram, the new 90s tracksuits and fashion. Now, sweater vests and the several recycling sites such as RoadRunner Smarter Re- look that people are becoming obsessed with is, “Indie” 90s aesthetic is taking the fashion world by storm once cycling, only ten or fifteen percent of all clothing actually and “Alternative.” This aesthetic is largely focused on again. Furthermore, thrifting is a hobby for people and a ends up in dis- way for them count stores to express like Ross or themselves in Marshalls. whatever way The rest of they can. With the clothing big brands gets shipped always cre- overseas to ating trendy be dumped clothes, some into landfills, people with a leading to so vintage taste much clothing in style can being wast- only buy their ed and never own specific being used, a type of clothes careless mis- in local allocation of thrift stores resources. It even if they has even been make more reported by than what is companies considered like Reuters to be mini- Events that mum wage. the luxury (Above) Many thrift stores reccom- (Above) While most Goodwills are I think we brand Guc- mend donating shoes (a common item), the size of a regular 25,000 store, (Above) A new popular item among can all agree along with donating socks since socks some can be as large as a 74,000 thrifting shoppers is an oversized ci will start square feet warehouse. All photos by men’s Polo shirt as it is now seen as that an end increasing are just as important, but not as to thrifting prevalent. Lauren Shang. comfortable and stylish with jeans. their sus- won’t oc- tainability and produce fewer unnecessary products what makes people “quirky” and individualistic. Peo- cur because, unfortunately, people don’t think or care after once burning their unused last season’s clothing. ple usually achieve this by using bright and colorful enough about how it affects others. People love fashion Due to technology, the industry was constantly style makeup and/or clothing. Thrifting allows buyers and buying the next big thing, even if it goes against evolving into the, “Fast Fashion” lifestyle, and it looked to be a part of this trend as those teenagers look for what they like. I know some people who may hate low like it was heading this way for some time until now. As retro and worn-out clothing that fit the, “Indie” look. rise skinny jeans but are now buying them because they of recently, Millennials and Generation Z are drastically One would think that with thrifting becom- are coming back in style. I don’t think people need to changing their shopping habits. Instead of shopping at ing more popular, shopping at a cheaper price helps stop thrifting altogether because it is their right to en- the big, “Fast Fashion” brands and places, they are shop- more people as they find a way to spend less- mon joy it, and it does help the environment. But there are ping at local thrift stores and on online platforms like De- ey. Is that really true though? Well, it is, and it isn’t. different levels available to those who want to thrift. pop and Poshmark. It may seem counterintuitive for this While thrifting just started to gain popularity with the Stores like Goodwill and real local thrift stores to be happening since not too long ago, we wanted all younger generation, it’s not an entirely new practice. offer the lowest prices to customers, and they can be of the luxury brands. However, the reason for this pop- There were still people who thrifted their clothing shopped by lower-income people who thrift out of ne- ular change stretches far beyond just the cheaper prices. back when it was looked down upon. Those people cessity. People who just thrift as a hobby or to meet With the argument on climate change and sus- are becoming increasingly angry at the fact that their the latest trend can still do that, but maybe just not at tainability, many people of the younger generation are way of buying clothes is becoming more popular. Pre- the expense of others. Several apps such as Depop and deciding to thrift secondhand clothing as a way to elim- viously, shoppers would have a larger selection of Threadup may offer secondhand clothing at higher pric- inate waste. As a result, there is less pollution and fewer clothing from which to choose in the past versus now. es than real thrift stores, but they are still less than their resources being used on clothes that are just going to sit in There has been a very heated debate about original price. Thrifting is no doubt another topic that the back of someone’s closet wasting away because it is no whether people who earn enough money should be can be discussed and debated for years to come because longer trendy. With thrifting attracting more consumers able to buy from thrift stores. Of course, it isn’t like the of how complex an issue it is. However, with solutions every day, there is less demand for the big fashion brands store owners can control who can shop at thrift stores like shopping apps and prioritizing certain places for cer- that rely on sweatshops. This combats ways of making because everyone has a right to shop freely. However tain customers, it can hopefully calm the clashing waters profit and hopefully puts it one step closer to its end. people are more concerned about whether it is ethical of fashion and ethics until the next big fashion trend. Volume 21, Issue 5 Page 3

Jack of All Trades, Bound by None By Ethan Leckie I woke up on the morning of January 3, 2021, mildly ments I’ve disoriented from sleep. I was anticipating another lazy Sun- ever seen,” day when I heard a triage of brrr-brrr-brrrs coming from he adds. a phone. I looked down at my phone. Four missed calls After play- from Brooks Elson. Oh no, I thought, this must be some- ing soccer thing bad. I called him back, still groggy, expecting the in Middle worst. “Hey, Ethan,” he said, “I have an extra pair of tickets School, he to the Bucs game today. Can you come?” he asked me. I stopped paused; I immediately felt as if a boulder had been lifted playing for off of my chest, and in its place was a feeling of excite- most of his ment. My Sunday was about to get a lot more interesting. time in high I’ve known Brooks since Freshman year. I would school, stat- say that we are good friends, the kind that would gladly ing that, drop whatever we are doing to help each other. Remember “I was lost my Movember campaigns? Brooks was able to secure some with what I crucial donations from friends and family (including some wanted to do from him personally) in order for me to meet my fundrais- with my life, ing goals. That is the kind of person he is- dependable, loy- especially al, and kind- the type of person who will help you in a pinch. starting at a Hailing from the Sunshine State, Brooks Elson describes new school his upbringing as, “Very good.” “I was very blessed and where it was fortunate to have such close family who loved and cared very intim- for me,” he explains. Although having moved quite a bit idating.” (Above) The Bucs beat the Falcons, Brooks was ecstatic, and all became right with the world. before returning to Florida to attend Lake Highland for Thankful- I must say, it was a pretty good Sunday. From left to right: Ethan Leckie, Owen Leckie, and high school, he considers this experience to be a valu- ly, he has Brooks Elson. Photo courtesy of Mr. Max Elson, Jr. able lesson. “That [moving] helped me learn a lot about picked the game. “I truly believe that no other club can of- myself and how to meet other people,” he elaborates. sport back up, playing as right winger for the Varsity fer what we do when it comes to the Stock-Mar- Around the second semester of Sophomore year, team. His favorite part about soccer? “The culture,” ket game. [It is] a game that everyone can I started to notice a significant change in Brooks: he was he says. “I just love how involved the supporters compete in no matter what your financial -in getting leaner. I was happy for him; he looked great. When get. Chants, people going absolutely insane when telligence is for real cash money,” he specifies. looking at before and after pictures, it is hard to believe that I a goal is scored, and the constant verbal abuse to- When looking back at his tenure at Lake am looking at the same person only a few years apart. When wards the referee,” he included. In addition to play- Highland, one word comes to mind: “Wow.” asked about what motivated his weight loss, his answer was ing soccer, Brooks is also a fan, specifically of Man- “There’s so much that has happened in my simple: “I knew that I needed to make a change.” He went chester United. Brooks aligned his fandom with the four years of high school here at LHP that on to say that, “[His] obesity made [him] hate [him]self,” Red Devils because, “Being that I’m a Tampa Bay I just have to sit back and think, ‘Wow,’” and unfortunately, “It was reflected in [his] personality, as Buccaneers fan, the owners of the Bucs [the Glaz- he elaborates. He contemplates that, “Ev- [he] started hating others, too.” He soon realized that, “Not er family] also own Manchester United, so I chose erything that has happened was for a rea- to support them as a sign of loyalty you could say.” son… a reason beyond what I will know.” As for his foray into weightlifting, he joined Later on in life, Brooks hopes to trav- the sport to compliment his weight loss and fitness el and, “Explore the world as much as possi- journey. His biggest accomplishment in the sport ble, be a loving husband and father, and be a is, as he puts it, “Everyday.” He continues, “Every- positive role model in whatever [he does].” day I am getting stronger, perfecting my form, and He continues to live by his late grandfather’s enjoying the feeling of self-accomplishment that saying, “The answer is yes; what is the ques- comes with exercise.” This year, from the weight- tion?” To Brooks, those words mean, “[Be- lifting team, we can expect, “People who are sim- ing] a person who seizes any opportunity that ply trying to get better and stronger… Everybody on comes to [me]. After all, life is lived once. the team from previous years [will work] on beating You never know when you’ll get the oppor- their own [personal bests] and pushing themselves to tunity to do something like it ever again.” the limit. That’s all that matters.” In addition to being a two-sport fitness enthusiast, Brooks also has an interest in finance, serving as Treasurer for the (Above) An avid traveler, Brooks Elson, grade 12, sojourns to Investment Club, where his goal various parts of the country and the globe. Whether it be a is to, “Get students involved in day trip to New Smyrna Beach or a South Dakota vacation, uncovering opportunistic invest- Brooks always enjoys a journey to a destination. Photo ments through research of capital courtesy of Mr. Max Elson, Jr. markets.” In English, this roughly only was [he] hurting [him]self, but [he] was hurting [his] translates to, “Getting students in- relationships with peers.” Since starting his journey, he has volved in understanding how the lost around 60 pounds. “Rome was not built in a day… too stock market works.” As his father many people, including myself in the past, give up on their works in the financial industry, goals way too early. Everything takes time, patience, and Brooks, “Always had an inter- dedication,” he reflects. I am incredibly proud of him for est for finance,” and, “Wanted to taking the initiative to improve his health and well-being. use [his] knowledge [of finance] Aside from exercising for personal reasons, Brooks to see if anyone else would have (Above) Knowing Brooks for awhile, I have seen his deep respect for is a two-sport athlete, playing both soccer and weightlifting. an interest [as well].” His favor- his family. No matter what he does, he never forgets to be thankful For soccer, his entrance into the sport came during the 2014 ite part of the club is, of course, for them. From left to right: Ms. Jennifer Schreiber, Brooks Elson, and Mr. Max Elson, Jr. Photo courtesy of Bob Gall Images. FIFA World Cup in Brazil. “It was one of the best tourna- the famed semester Stock-Market Page 4 Twice-Told Tale

Pixar Paves Way For Appreciation and Profits By Zeal Patel Soul was released on Christmas of last ant stories resonate with people because they appeal industry forever. Collaborations, originality, and year, and it immediately gained popularity. The to some core truth about being alive.” Pixar elicits creativity all join together as they explain why impact of Pixar has been profound over the last a powerful emotional response from their audience. Pixar is the world’s greatest animation company. few decades. By creating unforgettable memories Kamran Moinfar, grade 11, explains his per- Overall, Daniel Kline of The Boston Globe notes of childhood films through the eyes of cars, toys, spective after just recently watching Disney’s Soul, that Disney Studios movies, “Generate a healthy and monsters, people foster a relationship with the “There’s no doubt that the trailer immediately cap- $650 million in profit––a number that almost- cer storyline and themselves. Finding Nemo, Up, and tured my attention. I’m sure that everyone wants to tainly escalates dramatically when you consider Monsters University are just a few of the most watch the geniuses at Pixar put together a feel good the post-theatrical release revenue produced by transformative experiences that the current gen- masterpiece. But the tear-jerking characteristic that these movies.” Put simply, because people are eration has seen, influencing their formative years Soul so artfully provided to its audience is a moment willing to watch their movies, Pixar continues to and providing solid guidance for millions to come. that I have never experienced or will ever experience reinvest their profits into newer movie franchises, Since its origination in the 1920s, the an- again.” Moreover, as Pixar creates emotionally-sig- allowing them to produce successful and imation industry of today has drastically evolved. nificant films about life such asCoco ––a story about creative ideas. The golden age of American animation emerged a young boy’s desire to become a musician––Disney Who is allowing this American computer an- with the popularization of cartoons and theatrical continues to grow their fanbase. Even Up––a film imation studio to grow globally? At first,Pixar’s in- animations. As the world digitized, Twentieth Cen- about a elderly widower named Carl Fredricksen tended audience was targeted towards Generation Z. tury pioneers in animation––Walt Disney, Windsor and a young boy named Russell who both attempt to For example, when Monsters, Inc. was first released McCay, and James Stuart Blackton––took the stage visit the mysterious Paradise Falls in honor of Carl’s at the turn of the Twenty-first Century, millions of and led the transformation from animated shorts wife––continues to gain affection today due to its Americans lined up outside theaters to see their fa- to television animation. Of them all, Walt Disney emotional nature. Disney continues to expand their vorite animated characters, Mike and Sully. Even Company and Pixar Animation Studios are among pockets as Pixar attracts millions of viewers annually. more recently, with the sequel, Monster University, the most influential creators of the animation indus- Pixar’s creative and financial success hing- released 12 years later, the same sentiment exists. try due to the creation of Mickey Mouse. Following es on their ability to foster new and relevant ideas Hannah Loewentheil of MIC explains that, Pixar’s initial release of Toy Story in 1995, comput- to the public. By creating animated films that - re “Those children are now adults who have been er graphics and designed animation revolutionized ceive collective acceptance, Pixar receives a large among the herds of people flocking to theaters to their following films. The utilization of this - soft compensation off nearly every movie. Greg Sat- watch the second and third additions to the animat- ware was the catalyst for expansion of the industry, ell of Forbes quantifies that, “With 15 Academy ed series.” As a result, Pixar has undoubtedly rede- which is why the four Toy Story films grossed more Awards and an average worldwide gross of over fined the genre of family film. Loewentheil furthers, than three billion dollars worldwide and became $600 million per film, Pixar might just be the most “Pictures that parents can merely tolerate––they are the fourth-highest-grossing animated franchise. successful creative enterprise ever—and one of films that older viewers might very well enjoy more Why has Pixar received widespread recog- the most profitable. Out of the 14 features the stu- than their children.” Overall, Pixar has held influ- nition by the public and garnered support from nearly dio has produced, all but one have made the list ence in your life. Whether it be in the form of L all age groups? The answer is in the films themselves. of Top 50 Highest Grossing Animated Movies.” ightning McQueen, Sheriff Woody, or Mr. Incred- Whether it be represented through dynamic toys, Outside the realm of financial gains, Pix- ible, our childhood has been shaped around these enthusiastic robots, laughing monsters, or ecstatic ar Animation Studios has single handedly exert- unforgettable films, and it will continue to doso clownfish, Chris Weller ofBusiness Insider contextu- ed influence on Dreamworks––a byproduct of as Pixar pursues newer films and entertainment in alizes that, “Pixar understands that the most import- Universal Studios––and the rest of the animation the animation industry.

1999: 2001: 2004: 1998: A Bug’s Life Toy Story 2 Monsters, Inc. The Incredibles

1995: Toy Story 2003: 2006: Cars Finding Nemo

2007: Ratatouille

2013: Monsters University 2011: Cars 2 2009: Up

2015: 2012: Brave 2010: 2008: Inside Out Toy Story 3 WALL-E

2015: The Good Dinosaur

2018: 2017: Cars 3 Incredibles 2 2020: Onward 2020: Soul 2022: Lightyear

2016: 2017: Coco 2019: Finding Dory Toy Story 4

(Above) Graphic by Zeal Patel. 5Volume 21, Issue 5 Page 5

A Territory in Crisis Pushes for Statehood By Luis Roldan When one thinks of Puerto Rico, the first they sacrifice the same time and money to an already in favor of statehood in order for there to be a clear thing that comes to mind might be white san- struggling island? Sure, Los Angeles may contribute in a discrepancy between Democratic and Republican dy beaches, rainforests, and total relaxation. greater economic sense seats in the house. The Sounds like a dream, right? In more ways than to the country, but we same is also happening one, Puerto Rico radiates an energy that seems deserve the same atten- with Guam, another Unit- almost contagious from its friendly citizens and tion any other part of the ed States territory, and overall peaceful environment, making it the ideal country would receive. even the nation’s capital, vacation destination for millions of tourists ev- Though the island was Washington, D.C., which ery year. What happens behind the scenes goes fortunate to receive help are bound to encounter unbeknownst to most of the general American from the Red Cross and similar concerns of state- public, more than half of whom don’t even know soldiers, it was mere- hood. Additionally, Puer- that Puerto Ricans are actually Americans, too. ly enough to suffice in to Ricans don’t have the What appears to be a calm island in the addition to the nearly basic right to vote in the middle of the Caribbean is unfortunately not the $100 billion in damage. presidential elections. If reality for many Puerto Ricans anymore. For the It was then up to the lo- the government keeps past several years, Puerto Rico has been endur- cal government to stand on taking advantage of ing a humanitarian, economic, and political crisis up, inciting even more (Above) Pedro Pierluisi assumed the position of 14th gover- the situation, Puerto Rico nor of Puerto Rico early this year despite considerable back- that has led to an ongoing controversy. Should controversy and debate lash from fellow Puerto Ricans. Pierluisi has not strayed from will never experience Puerto Rico become the 51st state of the United among Puerto Ricans. seeking equality for the island in terms of COVID-19 relief the fair treatment that its States or should it become an independent nation? While the and perhaps statehood, an idea that soon may be a reality. citizens deserve to see. These two extremes pose an uncertain future for controversial question Photo courtesy of NBC News. Such discriminatory be- Puerto Rico, a place that I used to call home. of possible statehood has been lingering in conversations havior has led to oppos- ing opinions in favor of When Hurricane Maria devastated the among Puerto Ricans for years, it was only recently that independence. One of the greatest aspects of Puer- Caribbean, more than one million Puerto Ricans the government started to push for more awareness of the to Rican culture is the unapologetically loud sense subsequently left the island in order to settle else- ongoing controversy. Pedro Pierluisi, the governor of Puer- of pride that we possess for our island. In cities where. One may pose the question, “Why would to Rico who assumed the position on January with a heavy Puerto Rican population such as New these people move just because of a 2, has been adamant to push in favor York, Philadelphia, and even Orlando, one will see hurricane?” thinking that every- of statehood as voters on the is- certain storefronts and neighborhoods filled with thing would go back to nor- land recently agreed upon a countless flags, which gives off a sense - ofcom mal after a few weeks statehood referendum. munity even if we are not physically on the island. since it happens in Another reason for While independence could finally create a deeper many states. The this sudden deter- sense of our own national identity, it is not feasible irony is that Hur- mination was for the majority of Puerto Ricans at the moment. ricane Maria that Democrats The impacts of years of a declining econ- has become the were now in omy have provided Puerto Ricans with tough new, “normal” control of the choices and financial struggles, leaving many to for Puerto Senate, Con- rely on the welfare system. Currently, Puerto Rico Rico, even gress, and stands at around $75 billion in debt, leaving job though three the White opportunities scarce on the island. Unlike main- years have House, land states, Puerto Rico cannot technically file passed. That, therefore for bankruptcy. If Puerto Rico were to become of course, giving Puer- an independent state, chances are that it would sounds out- to Rico the be considered a third world country. Although rageous, but chance to the island relies on its vast tourism industry, that it’s the sad re- hold two seats alone is certainly not enough to keep it afloat. ality that many in the house if it It is time for Puerto Rico to see results that still face to this were to go through not only benefit the American government, but day. Most of the is- with statehood. also ones that favor the well-being of a territory land had no electricity When I had the that is crumbling at our feet. It is time to rebuild for more than six months chance to discuss the a Puerto Rico that can thrive once again with the after the hurricane’s brutal matter at hand with vivacity for which it is known. Rejecting such an impact, severely chang- my friend from back urgent request to become a state would not only ing the infrastructure (Above) Estado de Emergencia, “State of Emergency,” home, Veronica Acosta, put Puerto Rico in more turmoil, but it would as it was once known. seems to be the phrase most often associated with the grade 11 at St. John’s also be going against the rights that we were sup- About 45% of crisis in Puerto Rico. Most recently, protests have caused School in San Juan, posedly granted as being, “American” citizens. an uproar in the capital city of San Juan due to a signifi- Puerto Ricans already lived cant increase in women-targeted murders as well as those she gave some of her (Left) A l t h o u g h below the poverty line be- belonging to the transgender community. Photo courtesy personal insight. “As a Puerto Rico is known forehand, and the numbers of ABC News. territory, Puerto Rico for its natural, trop- today are staggering. The response of the Ameri- has been continuously ignored by the United States gov- ical beauty, there can government wasn’t as quick as we had hoped, ernment. By granting statehood, it would allow the terri- are clear problems that need to be ad- which inevitably led to backlash from locals. We tory to receive the resources they so desperately need. dressed in order to felt disregarded as millions were suffering the In addition, quick deployment of FEMA and funds restore the sense impact, whether it was a lack of medical profes- for natural disasters, which are extremely common, of secureness that sionals at hospitals overwhelmed with patients, should be taken into careful consideration,” she argued. so many tourists seek. After all, destroyed homes, or simply just no access to Veronica’s stance on the issue is not uncommon. tourism is among its electricity or Internet connection. Just imagine if Many Puerto Ricans would agree with her statements as leading industries, the entire city of Los Angeles, which is similar well. Her comments actually bring to light an interesting which helps Puerto in population size to Puerto Rico, was left in the point: government ignorance. It comes as no surprise that Ricans have access dark. The government would take immediate ac- Puerto Rico has been mistreated by government officials for to stable employ- ment. Photo by Luis tion. If they were able to do that, why couldn’t their own benefit. For example, many Democrats are only Roldan. Page 6 Twice-Told Tale

New Club Knits Campus Together By Sophie Geraghty

The Knitting and Crocheting Club is a time. Online students may join the Zoom meeting new club option offered to students in the sec- as well. Zoom meetings are broadcasted on a com- ond semester. Although there is a large selection puter or the board so that digital student members of clubs to choose from this year, this particular can participate in club activities. Currently, there are one is a great choice for people who want to help 30 members in the club. Although the majority are the community while enjoying arts and crafts. digital, more in-person participants are expected. By completing various projects, such as blan- The club has two main goals this year. It wants to kets, scarves, and squares, club members can also make two deliveries of eight-inch squares and one earn community service hours. Many students try delivery of lap blankets to Alzheimer patients. to reach a goal of 100 volunteer hours, and par- Club members need time to learn how to crochet ticipating in this club will contribute to that goal. and finish a trial square before they can start their Club President Frances “Franny” Yong, first project. Making the first stitch, the first row, grade nine, was inspired to create a knitting and and the first square are all important milestones. crocheting club because of her longtime interest. “I Members are not expected to make progress out- have always had an interest in knitting and crochet- side of the biweekly club meetings. However, ing, and there are just so many opportunities to help (Above) Club president Franny Yong, grade 10, guides a participating outside of scheduled meetings will others through this form of art. I also think sharing new member while crocheting the first row of stitches. yield more products as well as community ser- this skill with others can grow to be a therapeutic Two fingers are used to create a slip knot that becomes vice hours. Some members choose to participate and gratifying hobby for many.” Franny describes the first stitch. Stitches are then added on until the in club meetings only. Franny says, “At every her experience with the art beginning with knitting row measures roughtly eight inches long. All photos by meeting I hope everyone would crochet and knit in fourth grade and later crocheting in sixth grade. Sophie Geraghty. their projects. I understand that the Lake High- However, as she says, one can never start too late. Although the club has had one meeting this land student body is incredibly busy so I won’t Members will be provided balls of yarn semester, there are already multiple projects being hold people to knit or crochet outside of school.” of varying colors and textures, one half millimeter worked on by members. “There are quite a few proj- In terms of club positions, there are cur- metal crocheting hooks, knitting needles, and assis- ects and volunteer works that the club is working rently only three officers. If the club grows and sees tance whenever they may need it. Also, if members with,” Franny explained. “ There are bigger plans for large successes, more positions will become avail- prefer, they may also bring personal materials from next year in the works!” she added. The first piece able to members. More experienced members will home. The majority of the yarn used for knitting and that all the members will complete, that will also become officers who will hold the responsibility crocheting with the instruments provided is a size earn their first two hours of service, is an eight inch of mentoring inexperienced and new people in the five. Also, certain textures and styles of yarn work square. The completed squares are shipped to South club. Whether you aim to become an officer or don’t better with needles as opposed to a crocheting hook. Africa where they are pieced together into quilts for want the extra responsibilities, being a member in However, no experience nor outside ma- impoverished and vulnerable children. The club is the club is a great opportunity to try something new. terials are required to be a member; the majori- working on making certain clothing items or blan- From the perspective of a new member, the club of- ty of members are new to the craft. “Most of the kets for the homeless children in Orlando as well. ficers did an amazing job introducing me to the art people who joined have little or no experience at When asked for a recommendation on which ac- of crocheting and knitting. I was given a ball of yarn all. The whole point of the club is to learn how to tivity to start with, Franny replied, “Even though and a crocheting needle. First, we learned how to crochet/knit and help others,” Franny explained. I started with knitting, I think crocheting is much do a simple slip knot. Then, we were taught how to Like many clubs on campus, there is a club fee. The easier. Crocheting allows for more flexibility, hold the hook and our work so that it was easy to club fee covers everything needed for members to and results come much faster.” In the most recent maneuver. In one club period, I was able to complete start on their first project as well as future projects. club meeting, new members were given a small three rows of progress. Once it amounted to around “The fee for the club is $20. Some people might find ball of blue yarn and a crocheting hook to begin eight inches, we were taught how to do a double cro- this too expensive for a crocheting club, but since learning the art. Unlike knitting, crocheting uses chet stitch. This process soon became several rows, I provide for all the supplies needed for learning a single hook as opposed to two long needles, and we were instructed to complete an eight inch and projects, it’s the most reasonable amount,” she making it more easily transportable. It’s also eas- by eight inch square that would later be donated. explained. Many clubs on campus charge this as a ier to undo stitches if someone makes a mistake. standard amount; however, these funds go towards Being in the club, students can earn up to 60 a club t-shirt rather than materials and instruction. hours of community service this year. The club president hopes that members will earn at least twenty hours per quarter. “It seems like a lot but is very achievable,” she reassured. Members usually donate their projects to charity. However, if members are in- terested in making items for themselves or working on personal projects, they will be able to keep them. “This club holds a really big emphasis on charity and helping the community, so most of the things made in the club will not be kept,” Franny explained. Club members may choose to bring their own yarn and instruments from stores like Joanne’s or Mi- chael’s once they get a good grasp of the technique. The club will donate to organizations such as Proj- ect Linus who distribute the finished products to those in need. Project Linus is a nonprofit organization that provides handmade blankets to children in need. Because of Project Linus, over 8,560,099 blankets have been delivered since 1995. Al- though it is uncertain whether or not Lake High- (Above) If you want to sign up, come to room 103 of (Above) Club member Samantha Choung, grade 10, land will be participating with this project, the club Calkins Library during club meetings on Mondays and holds up a partially-made square. Completed squares is hoping to make such an arrangement possible. Fridays! Feel free to bring only yourself, or bring some spare yarn and materials. You can show up anytime will be donated to Knit-A-Square South Africa (KAS) The club meets biweekly on both Mondays which are turned into colorful blankets. KAS has do- throughout the semester, or email [email protected] nated over 90,000 of these blankets since 2008 to or- and Fridays. Club meetings take place in Calkins Li- for more information. New members are always phaned and vulnurable children in South Africa. brary in room 103 during block A of club meeting welcomed. Volume 21, Issue 5 Page 7

Founder Forges New Transport By Rebecca Reif

W hen thinking about traveling to Cape Canaveral Force Space Station. This Mars, most people from older generations includes the Falcon 9 rocket, which is pres- would doubt the ability to reach a planet ently the most ambitious satellite launch. so distant. However, Generation Z has The launch took place on January 24, and always been told that they could be the once again marked history for both SpaceX first generation to land on Mars. Whether and Elon Musk. The Falcon 9 rocket sent or not that sounds crazy to you, by the 143 satellites into space, which is support- increasing numbers of SpaceX missions ing SpaceX’s commercial satellite service. going into space, more statistical data is Differing from the Falcon space- supporting this theory. This information is craft, the Dragon spacecraft is being con- proving how an actual human being could structed to bring people up into space, survive on Mars. Therefore, the assump- and has already taken a group of NASA tion that traveling to Mars is unachievable astronauts to the International Space Na- is being shot down even more day by day. tion. One of the amenities the Dragon Elon Musk, a designer, entrepreneur, and spacecraft encompasses is the ability to engineer, is helping prove this assump- take private passengers into space. Up to tion wrong with his innovation of the seven passengers can be seated on this SpaceX program. With SpaceX, Musk’s spacecraft, and an additional cargo com- ultimate goal of colonizing Mars is not partment acts as a trunk to the spacecraft. as unreachable as one once thought due Even though the Dragon spacecraft is not to the brilliance of his intelligent mind. currently being used for private space trav- Musk established SpaceX in el, it is a possibility in the not too remote 2002. Besides his involvement with future. It will be a once in a lifetime expe- SpaceX, he is also the founder of Tesla rience for any individual who has always Motors, PayPal, The Boring Company, wanted to travel into space and can afford and a co-founder of the Zip2 Corpora- a spot in the spacecraft at a premium price. tion and Neuralink. All of these different The Boring Company, which was companies are technologically related, created by Musk, is the establishment being which is deemed Musk’s strength in in- used for a new idea in the works. This idea ventions. As of January 2021, Musk is and plan consists of a tunnel being built now known as the richest person in the underneath Miami with the sole purpose entire world. Musk has founded all these of eliminating traffic. Although Musk has different companies on the philosophy not given specifics for how he plans to pro- that, “Simplicity, reliability, and cost duce these tunnels, he has created a similar effectiveness are closely connected,” tunnel under the convention center in Las which is one of the many reasons why (Above) Going into space with SpaceX requires custom made space suits to pro- Vegas. Miami is one of the most densely tect the passengers. The features include a pressurized environment, a flame people believe he became successful. resistant outer layer, hearing protection, and even cooling systems. Also, to add populated cities, so the hope is that if tun- Specifically forSpaceX , Musk is the lead technoloy to the space suit, they are 3D printed, allow for communication, and nels are built below the city, then the traffic designer, making him an integral part have touch screen compatiable gloves. Photo courtesy of imgur.com. will become more manageable. By having of the team in addition to being CEO. ing developments of SpaceX, if there is a current a decent amount of transportation being Even though Musk is the CEO of SpaceX evolution that Musk wants to progress at a quick- underneath the city, there is also a desire for a decent sized workforce has also amassed behind er rate, he requests employees to move to that area. there to be a decrease in pollution in his thought process to spawn his ideas and pursue The Starship program, one of Musk’s many the air throughout Miami. his imagination. Around 8,000 people work for sections of SpaceX, is mainly being developed in Significant concerns have arisen from the SpaceX company. Most either work in the Los Texas. Therefore, Musk offers a private jet to send this proposal. Since Florida already has existing Angeles SpaceX headquarters, or the Austin and employees from California and Florida to Texas. high water levels, and Miami is known to the en- Cape Canaveral facilities. Due to the never end- The Starship’s principal vironmental world as one of the most vulnera- (Right) During purpose is to be a rocket that can ble cities to rising sea levels, many are worried the evolution of carry cargo and crew to places in and hesitant about the tunnels. Hurricane sea- SpaceX, NASA space such as the Moon, Mars, son could also be subject to flooding with these has been a part and the Earth’s orbit. In order tunnels. Other apprehensions added are the cost of of some of its the project, as well as the sustainability. The esti- accomplishments. to accomplish this mission, SpaceX Falcon Starship will be built and used mated cost per tunnel is ten million dollars per 9 and Dragon as a fully reusable transporta- mile. was selected by tion system, and when Starship The idea of Miami having tunnels under- NASA in 2008 is completed, it will be the most ground is still quite new, which makes this project for the ISS powerful launch vehicle ever very early in the process. So far, many discussions Cargo Resupply of the tunnels have been on social media outlets Service Contract. created in space history. Cur- NASA also award- rently, prototypes are still be- such as Twitter. It has also been covered by local ed a contract to ing worked on for the Starship South Florida news sources, and is also in the dis- SpaceX to trans- because when the first high-al- cussion phase with both Governor Ron DeSantis in port astronauts titude test was conducted, a Florida and Mayor Francis X. Suarez of Miami. to space and to Even though the public has been weary, higher launch scien- hard landing was endured. Even tific satellites. though this hard landing caused officials are rather excited about this modern Photo courtesy an explosion of the prototype, idea and are hopeful for the possible tunnels to of space.com. the run was still considered a help fix the problems of traffic and pollution. With Graphic courtesy success because all the data that Musk’s visionary ideas and out of the box of dreamstime. thinking, numerous programs have been able com. Background the team needed was gathered. courtesy of Many of the SpaceX to form for both space exploration and istockphoto.com. launches have occurred at the making modern ideas a reality in society.

Page 8 Twice-Told Tale

Florida’s Farming Gems, Hiding in Plain Sight

By Sarah Finfrock and Rebecca Reif

F loridian agriculture really started to develop following the end of the Civil War in the late 19th-century. The land destruction that occurred in other Southern states did not ravage Florida as significantly. Therefore, Florida was able to grow its own agriculture industry, centered mostly around tobacco, cattle, and citrus. Many of these historical family-farms continue to run within the same family generations later. In Orange County alone, there are six farms that have received a Century Pioneer Fam- ily Farms certification, meaning the ownership has stayed within the same family for over a century. One of these isBekemeyer Family Farm located in Winter Garden, Florida. They just reached their century ownership in 2020, as the corporation was founded in 1920, four generations ago. Although not a Century Pioneer Family Farm, Hollieanna Groves in Maitland, Florida has also had a significant history growing and selling fresh citrus products from November to April for the past 66 years. As the economy and population of Florida boom, it is important to remember and celebrate the history of small businesses, which have brought Florida to where it is today. N° 1 (Left) Lingle’s Hol- lieanna Groves, commonly known as simply Hollieanna Groves, is convenient- ly located on 17-92 near the border of Winter Park and Maitland, Florida. The company was founded by sisters Hollie and Anna Oakley in 1952. However, they quickly lost their spark for the industry and sold it to Glenn Lingle only two years later in 1954. Mr. Lingle ran the company with his wife until the unfortunate day he passed in 2015. Currently, three of his four (Above) Hollieanna Groves sells more than just fresh produce. children are keeping Some of their packaged goods includes a wide variety of jams, the business moving including key lime, grapefruit, and orange, hot sauce, and local forward: Kurt, Jason, N° 2 Florida taffy. They are a member of Florida Gift Fruit Ship- and Alinda. Photo by pers Association, showing how they have the highest quality of Sarah Finfrock. produce gift baskets measured by the state. Baskets can be ordered in stores and shipped anywhere in the continental United States. Photo by Sarah Finfrock. N° 4 (Left) Hollieanna Groves has full control of the production process from growing and harvesting to packaging and shipping. Typically, if one were to order produce from Hollieanna for delivery, the fruit would be picked and shipped on the same day. This dif- fers from many large supermarket chains in which orange juice can be sold when it’s up to a year old due to pasterizing and de- oxygenation. Studies from The Universtiy of California shows (Above) Hollieanna’s produce is grown locally in Central fresh produce can Florida and shipped by trucks in the same traditional style of lose around 30% of wooden boxes they have been using for decades. The store is nutrients just three N° 3 only open during citrus season from November to April, and days after its harvest. store hours are Monday through Saturday 9:00A.M.-5:00P.M. Photo by Rebecca Reif. Typically, they will offer free samples of juice and produce to customers. Their juice is unpasterized and free of additives. Photo by Rebecca Reif. ...Florida’s Farming Gems, Hiding in Plain Sight, Continued on Page 9. Volume 21, Issue 4 Page 9

Florida’s Farming Gems; Hiding in Plain Sight By Sarah Finfrock and Rebecca Reif ...Florida’s Farming Gems; Hiding in Plain Sight, Continued From Page 8. N°6 (Right) To lessen the waste produced by picking plants, Beckemeyer Family Farm has a composting system. This composting systems allows the nutrients from the waste to become useful once again. The land the Beckemeyers own for their farm used to consist of pine trees and pal- mettos, and was transformed into a citrus grove. The original citrus trees are not still present at the farm today because of the citrus green- ing disease, but all of the citrus trees have been replaced to provide fresh citrus for all customers. Beckemeyer Family Farm does not like to use pesticides, and therefore only uses environmen- tally safe pest and disease controls when it is necessary. Photo by Rebecca Reif. N°7 (Left) Beckemeyer Family Farm takes up 20 acres of land and has been updated over the years to (Above) Beckemeyer Family Farm is located in make the space more modern. It Winter Garden, Florida, and has been estab- allows guests to have more action lished since 1920. The farm was founded by in picking their fruits. As a form N°5 Great-Grandpa and Great-Grandma Beckemey- of advertising, Beckemeryer er, and has now been given over to the fourth Family Farm uses Facebook to give generation of the Beckemeyer family. The slogan for this farm is, “Your guests the newest updates on the BFF since 1920,” and is rather family friendly. Even though Beckemeyer preferred picking seasons. The Family Farm is not open on all days of the week, they make sure to keep cost of U-Pick strawberries is their weekend dates open so that families can come and pick fresh fruit $5.75/lb. In other seasons, blue- together. Photo by Sarah Finfrock. berries and peaches can be picked as well. Even though oranges can not be grown hydroplonically, at Beckemeyer Family Farm, they have rows of orange fields that can be hand-picked for $8.00 per one-fourth bushel. Photo by Rebecca Reif.

(Below) At Beckemeyer Family Farm, they have an air condi- tioned farm stand, which sells pre-picked produce. Additionally they have other produce that grows on their farm, which is not N°9 available as a U-Pick option. As well as having other produce options, the stand sells homemade honey and different flavors of preserves. If a guest does not want to purchase the produce fresh, he or she can visit a frozen section, where frozen bags of fresh strawberries are sold, as well as frozen treats. Photo by Rebecca Reif.

(Above) All of the strawberries grown on the farm can be picked from a U-Pick style service. The strawberries, as well as other vegetables (such as tomatoes), N°8 are grown from a hydroponic gardening system, which allows the plants to get nutrients from more than just soil. Hydroponic systems can be more efficient than in-ground growing, because the hydroponics gives water and food to the plant. Photo by Rebecca Reif. Page 10 Twice-Told Tale

Lollipops, Unicorns, and Rainbows By Kaia James

This year has been a tough one for many. teachers. The ones who hated me (or at le- The way some have coped is by surround- ast I thought they hated me) made ing themselves with people who inspire and me loathe their classes.” She always encourage. That’s just what Ms. Amanda Jones wants her, “Students to feel loved and has been for the students at Lake Highland: an wanted every single day.” Ms. Jones encourager. She joined Lake Highland in 2013 also doesn’t want to make her stu- after teaching Freshman composition at UCF. dents, “Feel like they don’t belong in Her flame for teaching first sparked an interest in my class because they definitely do!” teaching English in a high school in South Florida. Under the surface of unicorns One of the things that pops out about and rainbows is a little bit of spo- Ms. Jones is her obsession with unicorns. There is rty spice. Ms. Jones is as she says, “The world’s okayest runner.” She has run several half marathons; her favor- ites include the Wine and Dine Half at Disney. Not only does she run, but in the past she was also a part of the water polo team back in high school. Ms. Jones says that she is, “A native Floridian. I was born in Miami and have lived all around Florida.” After high school she attended college in Atlanta, but, “The sweet sir- en song of Florida was just too much for her to resist.” She started teaching in South Florida at a public school, Everglades High. However, her experience at LHP has been very special to her. She explains that, “When I was in high school and early college, I had designs on majoring in business and minoring in Spanish. I wanted to go to Latin America and make my (Above and Below) Ms. Amanda Jones, pictured with her son Harper, fosters relationships with her students inside fortune. Somewhere along that path, I (Above) Ms. Amanda Jones also has a passion for fitness, par- and outside of the classroom. Whether a student comes realized that wasn’t my calling.” Tak- ticularly by participating in marathons whenever she gets the into class tired, sad, or even upset, Ms. Jones prioritizes ing a different route, she also wanted chance. She has brought this enthusiasm to Lake Highland as her students’ wellbeing above all over. That is why, though to go into medicine at one point. When a teaching director and camp volunteer at DARA, a week-long her teaching career has been extensive and full with many Ms. Jones decided to major in English summer trip for rising Junior and Senior girls about leadership accomplishments, her absolute favorite thing about Lake and team-building. Recalling her experience, she explains that, “ Highland, specifically, is, “The people. Absolutely. No ques- and religion at Emory, she realized I remember being in the cave at DARA a couple times and feeling tion.” All photos courtesy of Ms. Amanda Jones. that her passion was to, “Read books so grateful for the foot that was just in front of me and for the and talk to smart people about them.” laughter of my Pink Teammates as we braved our fears together.” Although her work prior to Lake Highland, “Didn’t always live up to (Below) Through all the jumps and hoops throughout life, Ms. Jones explains that her, “Work [at Lake Highland] comes awfully my expectations for what an English close to my ideal vision of what this work entails.” The opportu- teacher does,” Ms. Jones said that her nity to be welcomed in an environment of acceptance, creativity, work at LHP comes close to her ideal and intellectual passion, especially centered around the Calkins vision of what work entails. She feels Library, makes her, “Feel very lucky.” Just like Santa, she wants very lucky to be a part of this amaz- to reciprocate the same love she gets from everyone around her. ing community with the best people. Ms. Jones’ family is very close to her heart, of course alongside unicorns. She has a son named Harper, grade 7, as well as a dog, “Huckle- berry, who just turned eight. Santa brought him to her family as a puppy. He is a lot of dog packed into a tiny body who loves human attention.” Ms. Jones is a lovable, amazing influence on the students at LHP and while teaching isn’t always, “Lollipops, unicorns, and rainbows” no hiding it. With her blow up unicorn on her dedication and optimism her classroom wall to the dozens of unicorn never fails. Her message to her students figurines, there is no shortage of magic to her. Her is, “You are such a gift. I am honored love for unicorns started with none other than her to be a part of your path. Know that mom. For years, she joked that her mother was all, you are always in my heart. I think of “Lollipops, unicorns, and rain-bows” all the time. Ms. you often.” Ms. Jones is so special to Jones also explains, “That phrase made its way into us, and we are blessed to have her as her work somehow, and one unicorn led to another.” a ninth grade English teacher this Ms. Jones bases her classroom at- year. She is truly a Lake Highland’s mosphere on love. She says that, “My best unicorn who spreads her love and teachers for me, as a teacher, were my worst passion wherever she goes. Volume 21, Issue 5 Page 11

Luck of the Irish Sweeps the Campus By Staff of the Twice-Told Tale

(Right) For Ms. Ta- (Left) Mrs. Susan Smith, a staff tiana Zarsadias, who member in the Upper School office, can be seen at The carries around both a bronze fish Source, Lady Luck and a metal coin on a keychain. Over comes in the form of 50 years ago, a friend made the a ring. A gift for her bronze fish while they were scuba 14th birthday from diving in the Grand Cayman. Her her parents, she has nickname “Fish,” stemming from her continually worn it love of the water, inspired her friend since first receiving to make the charm for her. Mrs. this gift. Thankful- Smith’s daughter made the lucky coin ly, according to her, during her fifth birthday party at nothing has gone bad Chucky Cheese over 30 years ago by yet while wearing her creating a horseshoe and a four leaf ring. Photo by Ethan clover that were imprinted into the Leckie. metal. Photo by Sophie Geraghty.

A s spring is just around the corner, millions of Americans are becoming increasingly optimistic about the future. As a result, with St. Patrick’s Day occurring this month, people are utilizing their desire for prosper- ity to obtain luck, whether it be in the form of a good luck charm or even a daily ritual. Lake Highland unquestionably follows that belief throughout the campus. Classrooms offer an environment for good-fortune, teachers create opportunities for students to advance forward in their lives, and students can become more conscious about their own desires and aspirations with the help of good luck and a lot of hard work. Overall, many people on campus still cling to good luck amulets in numerous ways.

(Below) Upper School humanities teacher and yearbook sponsor, Ms. Tara Bork, has a unique good luck charm that integrates with her teaching. All over her room, you can see posters, pictures, and poems from romantic poet Lord Byron. As a poet emphasizing the beauty of human emotion and nature, Lord Byron gives Ms. Bork a lot of inspiration for keeping a good sense of humor during stressful times, especially remembering the beauty of situations and people. This charm spreads throughout her classes, as Ms. Bork explains that it is, “Sort of a joke to say ‘what would Byron do?’” Moreover, the answer to every extra credit question is Lord Byron, creating a sense of good luck for her students who can capitalize on quizzes and tests with the luck of Lord Byron. Photo by Santiago Calderon.

(Above) Alexandra Caballero, grade 11, wears her (Above) Madame Hiam Leonard, the Upper School infinity necklace on days when she may need a French teacher, keeps many trinkets and toys little more luck. This little trinket holds great that she considers sentimental in her classroom. sentimental value to her as it was gifted to her However, one gift in particular has stood out to as a present from her two close friends for her her recently: a hand-sewn plush bear made by Jolie 16th birthday. The necklace is one of three, Bahmanpour, grade 10, a student in her French with her friends owning the other two identical III Honors class. Jolie created this small toy in versions. Although it may be a little rusted, order to comfort Madame whenever she is feeling this necklace will forever represent the loving sad. “Having this toy helps remind me of my loving relationship she shares with her two friends, students, and that makes me happy,” Madame and when she wears it, she is once again re- expressed during our conversation. This one assured that everything will go well that day. instance goes to show the influence of Photo by Alexandra Caballero. Background student-teacher relationships and courtesy of WallpaperSafari. Graphic cour- how they improve unity on tesy of OnlineLabels. campus. Photo by Luis Roldan. Page 12 Twice-Told Tale

...Taking a Page From the Stage, Alcott used the funds she made from Little Women’s suc- Lake Highland Preparatory School’s web- Continued from Page 1. cess to make this dream come true for her youngest sister. site describes the musical theater department as, The book and play have been known to “Theatre that challenges and excites both the actor and cast member will be expect- tackle complex social and cultural issues surround- and the audience.” Safely adding audience mem- ed to wear a mask and social distance. ing gender equality. With the election of America’s bers enriches not only the people lucky enough to Originally written in 1868 by Louisa May Al- first female Vice President, Kamala Harris, the play attend such wonderful performances, but also the cott as a book, the story was converted into a musical Little Women reminds the audience how far soci- actors themselves. NBA Champion LeBron James by Allan Knee in 2005, nearly 140 years later. Since ety has come in overcoming gender norms and the, described playing basketball without fans as hav- then, it has been performed on Broadway 137 times “Cult of Domesticity.” No longer do women strug- ing, “No excitement...no crying….no joy [and]... and later in Sydney and Manchester. The book orig- gle with expectations to submit to a heavily patriar- no back-and-forth.” James highlights the dichot- inally centered chal world, like the characters of Little Women did. omy that fans provide, and the necessity of these around the life of Watching historical plays like this can widen our view contrasting emotions. Actors and actresses would the author, Alcott, of the present and the struggle of how it came to be. say the same. An audience provides both excite- and her three sis- The cast members have worked diligently on ment and sorrow. A live audience may add addi- ters. Her father, their production and are very excited to share their craft tional stress to a production, but performers thrive like in the book, with an audience. Avery Johnson, grade 10, expressed on this pressure to bring out the best in themselves. was very progres- her enthusiasm by saying, sive for his time “This production is going to and supported be amazing….I’m so excited educational and to get to be a part of telling this gender reform. story. It gives me the chance to Alcott based the learn and grow in my craft and second-oldest become better at performing.” character, Jo, on Actors, stage direc- herself: someone tors, behind the scenes tech who was active crew and more have been with running and working since December to climbing, but bring this production to the sidelined by ty- stage. Costumes and make- (Above) Sophia-Bella Carrasquillo, phoid pneumonia. up were made to match the grade 10, is an avid member of musical theater. Since the COVID-19 She then turned to 1800s time period. Students pandemic struck in 2020, every writing as an out- working in stagecraft first and performance at Lake Highland has let. The youngest, second semester have spent (Above) The popular story Little Women has ventured beyond the bookshelves. required its actors and actresses Amy, desired to In 2019, it was famously brought to the big screen film directed by Greta Ger- both in-class and out-of-class wig. The cast was charged with Hollywood A-Listers such as Timothée Chalamet, to wear masks both in rehearsal study abroad in and for the final production. Photo time preparing stage décor Emma Watson, and Meryl Streep. It was nominated an Academy Award, and won courtesy of lhps.org. the play. In real life, and lighting arrangements. a Critics Choice Award. Photo courtesy of Empire.

...Technology Saves the School Year, with the communication program, Zoom. Although personal appointments, and assisted them with any Continued from Page 1. the school was also considering using Google Meet, other technological issues they were experienc- Zoom seemed like the safest and most reliable option. ing. From the start of digital campus to now, it is would upgrade classrooms and provide teachers with Understanding that many of the teachers had clear that the technology team has been working more devices such as a school laptop, an iPad, an iP- never even used an Apple device before to teach, the nonstop to make the transition during these un- encil, and an Apple TV. With many teachers during technology team supported the teachers during this fortunate circumstances as seamless as possible. the time of this proposal still using an outdated Now, Lake Highland is continuing to ex- Windows PC, this shift towards more ad- (Left) This year, the technology team has had to collaborate extensively. pand technology on campus through the distribu- vanced educational technologies fo- Ms. Deanna Hill, IT Help Desk tion of school laptops to students. The technology cused on making teaching more ef- Technician at Lake Highland, department states that these new laptops serve to, ficient. This proposal didn’t start describes the team with a “Promote productivity, organization, and collabo- taking much effect until March of quote from Phil Jackson, ration” and remove any distractions from the learn- “The strength of the team is 2020 when the technology team each individual member. The ing space such as any personalizations. Regardless was rushed to provide such tools strength of each member is of one’s opinion on the new laptops, it’s certain that in case of a completely digital the team.” Ms. Hill believes they will make it easier for the Technology Depart- learning environment due to the that the technology team ment to solve any issues with student devices. The unpredictability of COVID-19. members each have their own unique strengths, and they school wants everyone to have, “A level playing While these changes were combine their knowledge to reach field of technology equipment on campus and has not made with the intent of sup- their end goal. Ms. Hill continues, access to a robust piece of equipment with great cre- porting an entirely digital education- “We function together, and it pays ation and collation software and web tools.” Look- al space at first, such changes made the off.” Photo by Alexandra Caballero. ing at the bright side, teachers won’t have to spend process of transitioning to a digital environment so much time figuring out technology issues (Right) The shift to digital campus in March of much smoother. With the imminent threat of class- 2020 was a dramatic change for the digital and can instead focus more on teaching. rooms becoming online in the early weeks of March team. Many of the members were new to With all of this being said, this school 2020, the technology team and student volunteers their position and had to quickly step up year couldn’t have been possible with- quickly gathered the laptops which were original- to the plate and create a solution to this out the help we’ve received from the situation. Ms. Jennifer Baselice explained ly intended for the Middle School’s transition and how they have had to join as a team technology team here at Lake High- instead, distributed them to every Lake Highland to fulfill their vision for, “Ubiquitous, land. Thanks to them, we have been teacher in less than two days. The Lower School was uninterrupted access to technology able to move past the days of paper and also provided with Chromebooks and iPads during seamlessly integrated to elevate all pencil and optimize technology at our this change. This was done just in time as the en- aspects of teaching, learning, and working fingertips. Ms. Baselice resonates with at LHPS." Photo by Alexandra Caballero. tire school switched to being online by March 16. the quote by philosopher and educator, John When the 2:1 initiative was officially -im transition behind the scenes too. The team created Dewey, “If we teach today’s student as we taught plemented in August of 2020, Lake Highland teach- virtual educational sessions about the new technol- yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow.” The growth ers received more digital teaching tools and began ogy for teachers which they called, “ElevatED Fri- of the Technology Department is the beginning of a to teach both in-person and online students. It was days” according to Ms. Baselice. In these sessions, new era for technology at Lake Highland, and will during this time that the school entered a partnership team members created tutorials for teachers, set up continue to do everything possible to help students. Volume 21, Issue 5 Page 13

Local Eateries Lift the Curtain By Santiago Calderon “A nd who’s this dish for?” the waiter asks as they roll out the final product of hours of work for restaurant-goers to critique. As customers, our experience with going to local eateries is the tip of the iceberg on what goes on behind the scenes of the culinary craft. Whether it be serving some of the highest quality meats at Orlando Meats, or delivering a fusion of Latino dishes at Sofrito Latin Cafe, success takes work. Yes, it may be the responsibility of a restaurant to ensure complete customer satisfaction, but before automatically deducting stars on your review, it is critical to at least respect how your meal arrives at your table. Regardless, Orlando Meats and Sofrito Latin Cafe both score a five-star rating, as their quality control is unmatched in their respective niches. L ess than a mile off campus, Mr. Eliot Hillis people than they did in their old location. But they (Left) opened the current establishment of Orlando Meats in also face the obstacle of, “Dearth of classically Holistical- 2018 with the intention of filling the need for a high knowledgeable and trained chefs, so as we scale up ly, both Orlando quality butcher shop in Downtown Orlando and Win- and must produce more, there are fewer and few- Meats and ter Park. In the context of his restaurant, Mr. Hillis er people that can fill roles that require finesse.” Sofrito further notes that, “The establishment is very dichoto- Orlando Meats’s dedication to providing Latin Cafe mous in that the drive for butchery is not at all related quality food is deeply rooted in its relationships must com- to our love of noodles and sandwiches. The only con- with local producers. Quality meat hinges on part- ply with nearly the necting factor is the shared ingredients which allows ner ranches working with Mr. Hillis before Orlan- same stan- for quite the synergistic effect.” Nearly everything, in- do Meats even opened. These ranches have a clear dards and cluding the bread and noodles, are made from scratch. commitment to letting their animals roam on free regulations Unlike a stereotypical butchery, Orlan- pastures, feeding them a broad range of grasses to to ensure do Meats utilizes techniques from across the world ensure they get sufficient nutrients. Forging deep a safe and enjoyable and employs a, “Nose-to-tail” operation where they connections with ranchers and treating them like expe- serve classic steak cuts all the way to bones and or- friends is what allows customers to enjoy their rience, gan meat. As a culinary enthusiast who did not attend award-winning medium-rare burger, to which many whether it culinary school, Mr. Hillis believes that training to come back to relive that be secur- be a butcher requires self-discipline. He elaborates amazing first bite. ing certain that, “I trained myself, studying both culinary and licenses, forging scientific texts as well as moving from restaurant to connec- restaurant to learn from the best chefs (one every one tions with distributors, or even figuring out ways to and a half years or so).” It simply takes some variant come out on top after COVID-19 hit. Fulfilling differ- of knife work and understanding of animal anatomy. ent culinary desires, both establishments share the Orlando Meats’s expansion to Winter Park same goal: to make their customers happier walking out than they were walking in. All photos by Santiago will enable them to serve five times the amount of Calderon.

A fter opening their first restaurant, El Patron sales by 30% through a special platform in which Restaurante Mexicano, restaurant owners Mr. Carlos we would send massive catering orders for many Calderon and Mrs. Maria Molina, themselves from NBA teams, including the champion Lakers!” Peru and Venezuela, wanted to provide every nation- stan- dards. Mrs. Molina recognizes that you can’t sat- ality the opportunity to taste staple yet quality food For example, isfy everyone, but Sofrito Latin Cafe makes the best from Latin American countries. Opening Sofrito when you prepare rice attempt to create a safe and enjoyable environment Latin Cafe in 2015, their partnership had to follow and keep it on a steaming table, the as a medium for tasty Latin cuisine. “I love low star the same guidelines as millions of other restaurants. food must be around 140 to 165 degrees, but the danger reviews. I didn’t use to, but I do now,” she explains, From buying equipment and products from qualified zone is anything below 140 and above 35. The danger as it helps her and the entire team at Sofrito Lat- sellers to signing food safety, fire hazard, and dozens zone is anything between 40 and 135 degrees.” of other permits there were many guidelines to follow. To keep consistency, Sofrito Latin Cafe On the food side of operations, Mrs. Molina explains does its measurements by the gram to have the that, “You must hold foods to certain temperature most precise recipes and decrease the probabili- ty of mistakes. Moreover, Mrs. Molina describes that, “The order in which you prepare your meals and items is very important in determining clean- liness in accordance with health department pro- cedures.” Additionally, the restaurant abides by the First-in First-out method when receiving distributed packages from established firms like Festival Latin Food and Cisco. The fresh USDA quality meat in the most popular dish, the chur- rasco, is a prime example. After the meat first arrives, it is cut by their butcher and complemented with a nice chimichurri sauce on top. For chicken (Above) The most important characteristic Mrs. Maria dishes, like pollo a la brasa, the chicken is mari- Molina looks for in employees, whether they be part-time nated in a wide variety of spices to enhance flavor. or full-time, is if they are passionate about making sure the customer has their necessities covered and has had However, COVID-19 was very difficult a good experience. From the front to the back of the, for the local business, with their sales, “Dropping “House, our team has to be built from people that are very 75-80% after the government mandated dine-in committed in what they do because we work as a team, and shutdowns.” Sofrito Latin Cafe began relying on they don’t fit in if they don’t.” Logos courtesy ofSofrito mostly take-out orders. Yet, what made it difficult Latin Cafe and Orlando Meats. (Above) On top of having the highest quality, made for them to make it through COVID-19 shutdowns in Cafe do better and recognize areas of improve- from scratch food possible, every detail to maximize were companies like UberEats charging businesses ment when they realize they didn’t exceed a certain the satisfaction of those eating Sofrito Latin Cafe’s 30% commissions on the subtotal of transactions. De- customer’s expectations. Everyone in their team food counts. For example, for the sports teams who spite this, NBA officials reached out to Sofrito Lat- has a passion to please customers and make sure had ordered from the restaurant, getting up to 50-100 meals each, managers would include messages rooting in Cafe after, “One of their employees enjoyed their their necessities are covered every step of the way, for the teams in the bubble. experience so much that we were able to increase from entering the door to finishing their last bite. Page 14 Twice-Told Tale

“We Are the Light”

By Sarah Finfrock

states, “We emocracy prevailed on D will rise January 20 with the peaceful in- from the auguration ceremony of President windswept Joseph R. Biden. Celebrity appear- North- ances were numerous including east...// We the likes of Lady Gaga, Alex Ro- will rise driguez, and Jennifer Lopez. News from the headlines show us American char- sunbaked acter and values do not lie solely South // in the lives of the notable. Instead We will of centering around these figures, rebuild, reconcile, and recover.” the true importance of the day was The future for Amanda Gorman highlighted by the strength and looks as bright as the sun on a clear, courage it took to put on the cere- blue day. Following her inaugural ad- mony following the Capitol attacks dress, the national poet gained over just two weeks prior. It took strength two million followers in less than 24 like viewers saw in the most notable hours on Instagram. Currently, her base speaker of the day: Amanda Gor- continues to rise, and currently stands man, one who rose from a child- (Above) Just days following her famous inaugural address, Ms. Amanda Gorman was at 3.2 million followers. The demand hood raised by a single mother to extended the offer to preform before the coin-toss of the Super Bowl on February for her books has grown to one mil- being the speaker at the Presidential 7. In her original poem before a nation of football-crazed fans, she highlighted not lion copies of each of the three books Inauguration and Super Bowl LV. the heroism of the players, but of ordinary American citizens who keep the nation she has published. Her books, Change The life and legacy of prodigious, including veterans, educators, and medical personnel. Gorman insistes, Sings: A Children’s Anthem, The Hill Amanda Gorman started in 1998 “Let us walk with these warriors/Charge on with these champions.” Photo courtesy of Study International. Graphic courtesy of Clipart Library. We Climb and Other Poems, and The in Los Angeles, California. Similar Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for to President Biden, Gorman strug- a personal invitation to Gorman to speak at Dr. the Country, reached first, second, and gled with learning disabilities as a child, including Biden’s husband’s presidential inauguration three fourth on Amazon’s top 100 bestseller list respectively. a speech impediment and an auditory processing years later. Preparations began back in Decem- Three days prior to January 25, it was an- disorder. However, it was this struggle where she ber for Gorman. She pulled historic addresses from nounced that Gorman had signed a modelling con- was truly able to shine. With her weakness lying in history’s greatest speakers such as Abraham Lin- tract with IMG Models, the same agency that man- speech and conversation, she was instead able to coln, Frederick Douglas, and Martin Luther King Jr. ages Hailey Bieber, the Hadid sisters, and Gisele strengthen her reading and writing skills, eventual- Her speech is historically significant, but Bündchen. Big things are in-store for the only ly landing her the role of America’s National Youth from a literary standpoint, it is nothing short of a 22-year-old recent Harvard graduate. Her life has Poet Laureate at age 19. At this time she was in col- masterpiece. Her usage of poetic devices adds depth changed for the better since her fame on inaugura- lege at Harvard University studying sociology. She and complexity beyond its initial context. Gor- tion day, but so have the lives of the American peo- would go on to graduate Cum Laude in May 2020. man starts the speech off with a rhetorical question ple after hearing the uplifting vision and hope that Gorman’s journey to the Nation’s Capi- of, “Where can we find light in this never ending she and the America’s youth hold for the future. tol was in the works for many years. Her impactful shade?” She ends the six minute speech with the address to the Library of Congress in 2017, named, answer: “When day comes we step out of the shade “In This Place: An American Lyric’’ caught the at- // aflame and unafraid.” We are the light, she tells tention of an important audience member: Dr. Jill us. The American people will solve the never-end- Biden. Dr. Biden was a woman who would take ing puzzle of our country’s problems, one at a time. note of the promising young poet, and later extend The allusions to America’s greatest activist are scattered throughout her address. Martin Luther Kings Jr’s, “I Have a Dream” speech is most notable for its anaphora, the rep- etition of the first part of a sen- tence, of “I have a dream.” How- ever, there is another anaphora he uses that is commonly over- looked, when he repeats, “We will.” He states: “We will be able to hew out of the mountain...We will be able to transform the jan- gling discords of our nation...We will be able to work together... We will be free one day.” As an MLK devotee, Gorman could (Above) Amanda Gorman may have played an important role in the corner- not help but reference these fa- (Above) Accompanying Gorman on her new-found path stone of American politics: the inauguration, but she herself is not an ex- mous lines in her own speech, to success will by modeling agency IMG Models. The tremely political figure. Instead, she chooses to focus on bringing the nation agency will help her influence the brands she endorses together through a bipartisan relationship America hasn’t seen in decades. tying together the Civil Rights and bring future editorial opportunities. The young She states, “We are striving to forge a union with purpose / Movement of the 1950s and poet previously made waves in the fashion world with a To compose a country committed to all cultures, colors, characters, and 60s to the Black Lives Matter 1328% increase in the Google search for, “Yellow coat” conditions of man.” Populated by 486,000 citizens, Kansas City, Missouri will campaigns of today. She writes, presumably due to the poet’s inaugural outfit. Photo always host a large diversity of opinion, but that does not have to take away “We will rise from the gold- courtesy of Hollywood Reporter. from its ability to reach compromises. Photo courtesy of Newsweek. limbed hills of the West.” She Volume 21, Issue 5 Twice-ToldPage 15 Tale

Athletes Score College Recruitment By Santiago Calderon

The Senior year college application process with them by sending film through SportsRecruits is the most anticipated and stressful moment for and telling them their schedules for future recruiting millions of all high school students nationwide. Yet, events and tournaments. Some athletes simply have the process for applying to college is completely faith that schools will reach out to them instead be- different for athletes. For example, Syracuse Uni- cause it would signify how special they are as stu- versity lacrosse commit Olivia Adamson’s, grade dents athletes. That’s why a key thing to note in the 12, experience was unique. According to Ad- recruitment process by Furman University com- amson, “Spent the summer going into eighth mit Grace Gibson, grade 11, is that, “The list of grade and that fall focused on my top schools.” colleges you start the recruitment process with In the end, she had already gone to numerous will likely be very different from your final colleges and camps in seventh grade. Olivia lists of colleges.” Ultimately, Olivia notes that, notes that being so young, “Was really special “When college coaches see you everywhere, to be able to build relationships with coaches not only do they know that you are serious and get to visit so many different schools, and about getting recruited, but they know that you take my time throughout the whole process.” are committed to putting in the time to get better Currently, the recruitment process for high school and are willing to sacrifice to reach your dreams.” athletes begins on September 1 of their Junior year, A thing to remember is that athletes are still with the main commonality among competitive ath- definitionally students, so their perseverance in the letes being the receipt of countless emails, letters, classroom is equally as important as their commit- and phone calls. For Brown University football (Above) When ment on the field. Because he had his eyes set on commit Sami Miller, grade 12, getting recruited selecting Howard Ivy League schools, Sami, “Had to take the ACT started with Twitter, where his father established University as the place to multiple times to raise it one point so I would a proper account before Sami himself took over. spend his next four years, Miles Stew- be able to commit.” Maintaining a proper GPA, After a while, Sami explains that the process art, grade 12, explains that he, “Loved what the coach was doing with the basketball program. I felt like I could get better even after commitment, is crucial in signing to felt like, “Having another friend,” as he began within his system.” Apart from well established basketball, “Howard a university. For some programs like Stanford, getting countless calls, emails, and messages is also an HBCU. I felt like it would be a great opportunity to go their admissions office has to approve applica- from coaches of programs across the country. to a school with the history of Howard.” The pandemic has made tions without considering students are entering After Lake Highland athletes answer recruitment difficult, but after the season Miles, like many other for sports, making Ashley conclude that it is a, dozens of calls and emails per week, how do athletes, is taking the rest of the year to, “Adjust to the college “Big accomplishment to know that everyone game.” Photos courtesy of BobGallImages and Ashley Thurston. they choose which school to attend? Just like any coaches fly into my house for home visits - scary, going there is athletic enough but also has the other high school student, many athletes see past but pretty exciting since I got to have one-on-one grades to get in on their own without ‘special help.’” the competitiveness of the college’s sports program time with them and my parents.” After her visits to Since being a student athlete is treated like and look at how well they’d fit in their educational each university, she fell in love with, “The environ- a full-time job, universities don’t only care about environment. Ohio State University commit Kate ment of California weather and lifestyle, and also being a part of the ‘home of champions’ was a really big honor to me.” When we non-athletes look at Insta- gram posts of commitments, we think to ourselves, “Wow they are extremely good at their sport.” This is obviously true, but we sometimes fail to recognize the sheer amount of time and effort that goes behind the process. Olivia thinks that, “Peo- ple sometimes can assume that it is just colleges reaching out to athletes and then the athlete has their pick of offers. In reality, it takes a lot of hard work in the background whether that’s going on visits, (Above) Preparation on and off the field is ultimately key (Above) For Juan Mercado, Vassar College baseball commit, camps, tournaments, sending emails, con- to a successful recruitment process. Jacqueline Jaskiewicz, the hardest thing was getting exposure. Getting injured in his ditioning, or private lessons.” In this way, it grade 11 Georgetown commit, explains that despite there Junior year was also tough as, “I was late to the game so by is really important for Lake Highland ath- being countless phone calls from day one, “I learned about the time I was healthy again most of the coaches had already letes to cast a wide net on colleges, wheth- the schools I was communicating with so I had conversation filled their spots.” Pushing through is key to getting recruited er it be through social media platforms or starters with coaches. I also had specific questions prepared in any sport. Photo courtesy of Juan Mercado. creating bonds with coaches on video chats. for every call.” Photo courtesy of Olivia Adamson. Hanlon, grade 11, explains that, “OSU has a busi- However, for people looking at a small- academic commitment in high school, but they want ness program that really stood out to me; so I was er pool of schools, athletes can personally connect to ensure a successful career for athletes in their own sold on the education I would be re- curriculum and environment. De- ceiving there.” Being a large public pending on the school, athletes are university and in one of the oldest able to receive academic advisors Division I collegiate athletic confer- that can get them into classes that ences, the Big Ten, OSU was able to fit around training schedules, keep fit her priorities. OSU’s top-of-the- track of necessary assignment line athletic facilities and high-level deadlines, and get tutors to assist education simply sealed the deal. players with any extra help need- Ashley Thurston, a current ed. Overall, since going to college Senior signed to Stanford University is seen as the next chapter in life, for lacrosse, had a common experi- many Lake Highland athletes are ence of what the recruitment process (Above) Athletes on back row, left to right: Sara Freeman, Nicole Swindle, Kayla Blackshear, endlessly working to perfect their looks like for our most elite athletes. Grant Rivera, Josh Brown, Miles Stewart. Athletes on front row, left to right: Logan Shas- craft for the love of the game, but After narrowing down her deci- sian, Sarah Pokorny, Olivia Adamson, Ranya Mehta, Michael Furry, Ashley Thurston, Zach also to establish a successful future sion to her top four schools, “I had Boykin. Photo courtesy of BobGallImages. for themselves in higher education. Page 16 Twice-Told Tale

Musings From The Waiting Room By Ethan Leckie I regret to inform you, my lovely readers, that comfort in knowing that the learning portion of my I have contracted a deadly virus. It is one that infects high school career is over. All I have to do now is indiscriminately- across all races, nationalities, and wait for my diploma to fall into my hands, and pony backgrounds. Like an invisible beast, it stalks every up hundreds of dollars for an enrollment deposit. CONTRIBUTORS town, city, and home. Symptoms include extreme In addition, another unfortunate side effect Theme: What’s your dream shoe? laziness, a severe lack of motivation, and a disregard of Senioritis is a dearth of inspiration when it comes for the present. Unfortunately, this condition almost to writing my column (including the one you’re Lauren Shang: exclusively affects high school Seniors. If you hav- reading right now). I sit for hours, staring at my lap- Editor-In-Chief en’t got it already, I have tested positive for Senioritis. top, hoping that the words will magically appear on Air Jordan I “Chicago” At the start of high school, I was driven to do the screen. I don’t know. Nobody knows. It’s like the the best I could to get into the college of my choice. fountain of useless knowledge that is my brain has Even if I run dry. I lament Ethan Leckie: didn’t quite my lack of in- Director of know where spiration, but Photography that would be, then I remem- I was deter- ber that I’m a Adidas Yeezy Boost 700 mined to en- second semes- “Wave Runner” sure that pos- ter Senior, and Rebecca Reif: sibility. Now then I feel bet- I see that the ter. I scour the Copy Editor end is in sight, Internet, watch Nike Air Max 270 and I hate to countless hours admit that of YouTube, and I’ve let my take hundreds Zeal Patel: guard down of hours of naps Director of Advertising quite a bit. after school in Nike Air Flight Lite PE I’ve become order to obtain so focused on that lost muse. my future that Has it helped? I forget about Does it mat- Alexandra what’s in front ter? I’m writ- Caballero: of me. As- ing something Co-Editor signments fall right now, so I Nike Blazer Mid ‘77 Infinite by the way- think I’m doing side. Talks of, something right. Santiago Calderon: “Next year” When the place become re- I learn becomes Co-Editor minders of one giant wait- Nike MAG our mortali- ing room for ty. You look my future, then at the Fresh- (Above) Senioritis is defined as, “A supposed affliction of students in their I should be so Sarah Finfrock: man class with final year of high school or college, characterized by a decline in motivation lucky that I am Co-Editor pity, know- or performance,” according to Oxford Languages. Let’s just say that’s a able to move my pretty apt description of what I’m feeling right now. Graphic courtesy of Custom Nike Air Force ing that they thebottomlinenews.com. fingers across the have a long keys on my laptop. One road ahead of them. Random days in Febru- A wise man by the name of Vsauce once ary and March become sources of anxiety. said, “Be bored. Allow yourself to feel the passing Luis Roldan Cuba: Let’s talk about that future. I don’t want to of time.” Also, you become more aware of time Historian make any promises, but by the time you read this I will passing, of things slowly but surely marching on to- Nike Dunk Low x Ben & have a very good idea of where I will spend my post- wards this future. A few days ago I was aimlessly Jerry’s “Chunky Dunky” high school years. There’s a kind of contentment in lumbering around the Rex Building and it hit me: knowing that I can finally rest. No longer will I have this is the last year I will walk through here as a stu- to be concerned with which classes will look better dent. Sure, I’ll come back to visit, but never again Sophia Geraghty: on my resume- whether taking one AP course my will I be here as a student. I’m keenly aware that Staff Senior year will make it look like I’m slacking, or if there will be a last time for everything I do on this HALLUCI Cross Band I’m pushing myself too hard by taking two (the lat- campus. This is what Senioritis is all about; it’s one Slipper ter turned true). No longer will I have to scramble to of the first times people have to make real plans find community service opportunities, or join myri- for the future, not just for college, but for things Kaia James: ad clubs and extracirriculars because of the oft-said, beyond it as well. Puting it simply, I’m entering “Colleges look for that.” For now, I take extreme the second act of my life. Hopefully I win a Tony. Staff Dior Air Jordan I All photos courtesy of: Amazon, CustomsByMargaryta, Flight Club, highsnobiety.com, NBC Sports, Nike, shopping99.xyz, and stadiumgoods.com. Ms. Ginger Bryant: DISCLAIMER: The views in this publication do not reflect the opinion of Sponsor the newspaper staff, faculty, or the administration. Expressed ideas are the opinions of the DAVID&KEVIN Rainbow author only. Butterfly Wings With Short Boots