The Hilltopper Volume 79 Issue 5 Monday, February 12, 2018

Dream chaser proves dreams can come true by Alysia Morgan Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachu- think to myself, if you don’t make it in how are setts, is one of eight Ivy League schools across you going to feel. Therefore, my second choice the country and one of the world’s most re- would have been the University of Chicago.” nowned universities. Due to only a 5.4% accep- Bonny wants to study cellular and/or molecular tance rate, the odds of being accepted are low. biology. In order to study these topics, one has However, that wasn’t the case for a Highlands to have a very strong understanding of chemis- High School senior. Instead, she was one of the try, physics and genetics. lucky few to be accepted into this prestigious When asked if she thought she was going to university. get accepted, Bonny described herself as being Bonny Lemma has always wanted to at- a “50/50” chance, claiming, “There were days tend Harvard as long as she can remember, when I thought it could happen or sometimes and when her time finally came, she decided not, asking myself what am I doing with my to give it a chance and applied for early action. life, because I have wanted to go for so long.” The day Harvard was to announce acceptances, She said the process was a very challenging Bonny was very nervous as her sister and she one to achieve all of Harvard’s requirements. personal motivation and drive, they will be con- had counted down the days until the day finally She stated, “I thought I had a chance because vinced.” arrived. my scores were in the range, then I had to write Looking back, Bonny would have to say that Bonny recalled, “As I checked my email, the essay portion, thinking this essay better be one of the main reasons she was accepted is how nothing showed up; therefore, I waited it out, amazing because the people who go here have much time and effort she put into her Harvard and when it did show up I got really tense, be- really dramatic stories. And, sometimes the In- supplementary essay. She said, “I took the time cause the anticipation had worn off. So there I ternet is the worst place to look for that mate- to show what I wanted to do with my future; was in the middle of another application, com- rial because you see somebody who’s saving the the prompt I picked asked how do you plan to ing to the conclusion I’m just going to chuck world and you’re just here in Kentucky, and so use your Harvard education, and I want to be this and move on, because in all honesty I re- there were many times when I really felt like a doctor and go into international healthcare. I ally didn’t think I was going to get in because it this is just a moonshot (but I) might as well try charted my journey from when I was eight years seems very untouchable.” this and move on, which is why I wanted to ap- old to now, showing my idea of being a doc- Sitting in front of her laptop with her sister, ply to early action, so I could work harder on my tor as a young person to how it developed as Hiren, by her side, she finally decided to open applications to get them better so that I wouldn’t I learned more about the world. Everything I the email without hesitation. She said, “Opening be holding out for Harvard at the same time as researched showed me that you have to show that email that said congratulations, Hiren and I all the other schools.” growth, maturity and alignment of thinking and sat silently for about two minutes, then it was a Bonny has a lot of advice to those wanting conviction in the essay.” lot of celebrating with my family that night. It to apply to Ivy League schools and is willing Bonny is extremely excited and grateful, but- was an unbelievable, crazy thing that happened, to help anyone in the application process. She she believes those around her can be grateful really wonderful but unexpected.” thinks every individual who believes he/she and excited, too, if they just take the initiative to Bonny does plan on attending Harvard Uni- has the knowledge and academics to get into apply to a school they don’t believe they’ll get versity, but she is currently waiting to get all her an Ivy League school should go for it. She said, into just so that they can work their hardest. Af- replies from the other schools she has applied “I think it’s all about the essays. I really think ter all, one application won’t change the course to until she makes her final decision. Harvard if you write a great essay that shows your test of your life. Congratulations Bonny! was her first pick; however, she added, “I would scores and your grades, that match with your

13 not unlucky for We the People team by Nicholas Cooley “United we stand, divided we fall.” But ish it…” This line, stripped directly from that takes place in April. The team will go on January 23, when the We the People the Declaration itself, is the very motto to Washington, D.C., -for five days. Two team went to the state competition in Lou- in which this class has constructed itself will be spent touring the city during this isville, there was no falling to be had. The around. Their ultimate goal--to come up amazing opportunity, while the other three class, We the People, is a debate-based with a strong side that can be built upon will be actually competing. class in which students work to develop and form a solid defense. “I think we have a strong team that is go- different argumentative statements relating Not only did the Highlands WTP team ing to be pretty competitive in nationals,” to the American Constitution. win that day, they won for the 13th time said Lucy Houben, senior. “I really enjoy “Whenever any form of government and the 10th time under the teaching of Ms. bonding with my team while learning with becomes destructive to these ends, it is Megan Boimann-Hennies. them.” the right of the people to alter or to abol- The next step is the national competition H2 Monday, February 12, 2018 The Hilltopper Spring sports seasons begin February 15, teams set goals Tennis by Lexie Crawford players have other obligations but all have team and opportunities for individuals to win As winter comes to an end, so do winter been working extremely hard this offseason to titles as well.” Last year, the girls 4x400 relay sports, but athletes have the opportunity to prepare for the season and we’re looking for- won individual state champions, contributing start new activities. One of the spring sports is ward to this season starting,” said Mr. Baioni. to the win. This year, they aim to break the tennis, available to 7th through 12th graders. school record as well. Last year, the team had a great record; boys Softball by Caitlyn Morgan Speaking of school records, last year, Sa- were 16-3 and girls were 14-3-1 for the regu- The softball team has similar goals for their vannah Brady, then junior, broke the longest lar season. Both the boys and girls teams were season. The team is mainly focusing on hit- standing school record in the 800m run, with 10th region team runner-up. Freshman Peter ting and improving on and off the field. a blazing fast time of 2:20.91. According Laskey was individual regional doubles cham- “Yes, we want to win and get better but we to Coach Alessandro, the girls team will be pion (with graduating senior Jeff Schenk) and also want to prepare our players for life after heavily relying on its state champion cross a state qualifier. Junior Elizabeth Schwalbach softball. All sports are great, but they can only country team to score points in events like the was regional doubles runner-up (with senior take people so far in life,” said Coach Rob 800m, 4x800, mile and 2-mile. However, he Jana Riffe) and also made it to state last year. Coffey about his goals for the team. says that it is essential for athletes in all ar- Mrs. Laskey, tennis coach, said, “I expect Pe- The team lost valuable players two seasons eas to perform well. The first outdoor meet, ter and Elizabeth, along with senior Brooke ago to graduation and last season was spent Boone County Relays, is scheduled for Thurs- Hodory, junior Jacob Schuh and sophomore rebuilding the team with several young, in- day, March 8, weather permitting. The girls Jackson Hopper, to make another good run at experienced players playing at a high level. are hoping to perform well and take home Regionals this spring and hopefully beyond.” However, that rebuilding year is behind them lots of wins. Although the girls track team While the team lost several boys and girls and now the team is focusing on making a run is strong, they are always looking for more to graduation last year, many good younger at the state title and enhancing their hitting runners to compete in a variety of events. If players are still part of the team, and the team skills. you are interested in running, come see Coach is expected to have another great season. This “We struggled to score runs as a team last Alessandro. It is never too late to start running year, their goal is to win as many duals as year but we’re working on that. What I really and help the team chase a state championship! possible during the regular season, and then want is to see these girls evolve, get out from The boys track team, led by coach Ryan to finish Regionals strong, hopefully as cham- beneath the shadows of the great players in Leopold, is also looking forward to a success- pions! the past and create their own identity that gets ful season. The team should have around 30- The team will begin practices on February this program back on top,” said Mr. Coffey. 40 boys this year, just like in previous years. 15, but many athletes have been training all The season is just beginning and the Birds Coach Leopold says that the team will be year. Matches start the second week of March can’t wait to get out there and show their competing at a high level this season and have and go through the first week of May. Regular skills! a good chance to surpass the successes from season ‘dual’ matches are between Highlands last season. The team will be returning eight and one other team, after which they then Track by Maggie Schroeder state competitors from last year, including re- switch over to tournament format, where dou- Track and field is a very popular sport at gional shot put champion, Michael Dunn, se- bles and singles players compete in individual Highlands that has over 100 athletes in total. nior, and Will Griffith, freshman, who placed tournaments. While the boys and girls teams One thing that makes track so appealing is third in the regional championships in the practice separately and are scored separately, that there is an event for everyone. two-mile run. many matches overlap. There are many different running events Coach Leopold is very excited about the Mrs. Laskey said, “Our teams do a lot to- ranging from the 100m dash (1/16th of a mile) upcoming season. He said, “If we develop as gether and support each other throughout the to the two-mile run. If those aren’t enough a team throughout the year, I believe there season.” Make sure to come support them in choices, there are also 100 and 300m hurdles, will be many events that we will excel in this their hard work during the season! pole vault, high jump, long jump, triple jump, year.” However, the team still needs guys to discus and shot put. fill in a few spots. The team lost two of their Baseball by Caitlyn Morgan Winter workouts for high school track be- best hurdlers this year, as well as a lot of other The season for baseball is just beginning, yet gan Jan. 10. During winter workouts, athletes seniors. Besides the hurdler need, the team players have been working tirelessly, some can go on a run outside or on a treadmill, lift, is really looking for more throwers, jumpers since Labor Day, just to prepare for the 2018 work on core exercises, or ride a bike or ellip- and even a pole vaulter. The boys team came season. The baseball team has had a good tical. Winter workouts occur 3-4 times a week in 11th in state last year, just two points be- track record, and the Birds have gone to the and are not mandatory. hind Boyd County. This year, the boys team is state tournament the last three seasons. Outdoor workouts begin on February 12, aiming to place higher than last year and take Coach Jeremy Baioni talked about what he and are held at the track at Tower Park from home lots of medals and trophies at meets is personally excited for this season, saying, 3:30-4:45. This year, the season is looking throughout the season. “It’s exciting to see a group of guys come to- promising for both the boys and girls teams. Leopold said, “This is a great group of guys gether to achieve a goal. I can’t wait for that!” After winning 2A Regionals and placing 5th and they are led by a strong senior class. I The main goal of the team this year is to at state, the girls track team, led by coaches cannot wait to get this season started and see bring home a state championship. To get to Brian Alessandro, Gretchen Hinkel and Jerry how we can continually get better throughout this point means improving their skills, which Hauck, is looking promising for this year’s the season.” According to how hard the boys will require a great deal of time and effort track season. The girls are currently ranked as have been training this winter, they will have from the players, but Mr. Baioni isn’t worried the 2nd best in the state coming into the sea- a great season! about that. son. Though it would be great to be runners- “We have a lot of dedicated and hard-work- up, the girls team is on the hunt to win state. ing baseball players who are doing whatever Coach Alessandro said, “We definitely have they can to continue to improve. Many of our a shot at finishing in the top 2 at state asa The Hilltopper Monday, February 12, 2018 H3

A ‘Love’tacular relationship by Lucy Houben & Tiffany James Highlands High School is one of the tion open.” prime places where students start to devel- • Jacob: Communication, always tell op relationships with one another. This Val- each other everything and there entine’s Day we decided to commemorate shouldn’t be problems. one of the longest relationships this year’s senior class has been able to witness. Q. Do you plan to continue dating in col- Seniors Kelly Mentzer and Jacob Noe lege? have been together since their eighth-grade • Kelly: We are planning on dating in year, having their first date at the local college. We are both going to NKU. Newport on the Levee. Since then, they • Jacob: Yes, we will both be attending have kept the relationship strong. Spending NKU. all of high school together, they have been able to mature each other while working on Q. Who is the most athletic? • Kelly: Jacob is the most athletic. themselves. Kelly has had the opportunity Voices in the Hall to be on the Varsity Dance Team the past • Jacob: I would say I am the most athletic. by Jaydon Geier, Jacob Horton, Corey two years, and Jacob has been a part of the Kempe Varsity baseball and basketball teams. Q. Who is a safer driver? With these details of their relationship Valentine’s Day means different • Kelly: I am the better driver. being well known, we decided to delve things to different people. Some of our • Jacob: The driving is close. I would deeper by playing the “Newlywed” game students share what the holiday means say that she is safer but I would say with them. Each person was asked the that I am better overall. to them. same question separately. Following are their answers. Q. What is Jacob’s/Kelly’s favorite song? “Holiday created by • Kelly: Favorite song is basically any- Chinese greeting cards Q. What do you expect to get this Valen- thing by the Weekend or Post Malone. companies. It’s not tine’s day? • Jacob: For the favorite song, we both real.” • Kelly: What I would expect for Valen- like a lot of songs by the artist the Luke Kilgore tine’s Day is flowers and a cute letter. Weekend. • Jacob: On Valentine’s Day I will most Senior likely get some candy or a card. These answers show the impact a lasting relationship can have on two individuals. Q. What is the key to a great relationship? Happy Valentine’s Day to all! “It means being • Kelly: The key is to keep communica- alone.”

Hannah Winstel Talking about differences leads to equality by Sydney Cooper Junior The United States, also known as the and History (ASLAH). This group spon- “Melting Pot,” has become one of the sored a national Black History Week in most diverse countries on the planet. The 1926 which would be the second week nation continues to set precedents for the in February. This was done because this rest of the world to follow and persistently week consisted of both Abraham Lincoln’s “It’s a time to celebrate tries to make our nation one of full equal- and Frederick Douglass’s birthdays. The your love for someone.” ity. One question of equality that contin- event inspired schools and communities ues to be a topic of conversation for many nationwide to organize local celebrations, Eylie Lorenz students during February is: Why do we establish history clubs, host performances Sophomore continue to celebrate Black History month and lectures. By the late 1960s, the Civil given all of these changes on the views of Rights Movement helped morph Black race? The purpose and accomplishments History Week into Black History Month. of Black History Month are often ques- Once this decision was made, President tioned or criticized. However, Black His- Ford said, “Seize the opportunity to honor “I like the chocolates tory Month is needed now more than ever. the too-often neglected accomplishments and candy.” The story begins in 1915, half a century of Black Americans in every area of en- after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished deavor throughout our history.” February Brady Kempe slavery in the United States. That Septem- has been set aside so that all Americans Freshman ber, two individuals, Carter Woodson and can honor the past of a people who were Jesse Moorland, founded the Association brought to these United States in political for the Study of African American Life bondage. Continued on Page 4 The Hilltopper Monday, February 12, 2018 H4 Continued from page 3 This month allows each and every what does “post-racial” actually mean? Why do we continue to celebrate Black American to celebrate the rich traditions When Black History Month is thought History Month given all of these changes of African Americans and African Ameri- about in this same mindset, critics of this on the views of race? If we want to cre- can accomplishments that may not have holiday are ultimately saying that black ate widespread equality, it is important to made it into our textbooks. Black History children do not deserve the positive and talk about our differences as humans more is about American history, but points out inclusive view of their own history to frequently. Without a motivated teacher specific parts that are often ignored ina which white children are automatically making deliberate decisions to try and classroom setting. entitled. If the concern was really about teach about African American history, it The idea that we “don’t need Black His- fairness for everyone being celebrated, is possible that these figures are viewed tory Month” is a myth. In the world, to- then these same critics would find it crazy as unneeded. As Americans face issues of day, everyone is racialized, except white that a student could go their entire educa- racial inequality, the increasing awareness people, who are just considered people. tional career without encountering James of the country’s racial history can reduce History books never say, “This Caucasian Baldwin, Richard Wright or Zora Neale aggression by providing Americans with hero...,” for we expect heroes to be white Hurston but having read Mark Twain - a better understanding of current move- until told otherwise. If the burden of the twice. ments and beliefs. post-racial is only on non-white people, Now, let’s go back to the main question:

Fort Thomas is a long way from Hollywood, or is it? by Emeline Kuether & Kayla Wilson How will Zac Efron stray away from his The scouts unanimously agreed that it would what I’ve heard. All in all, I think Zac Efron High School Musical persona? By portraying be the perfect location. “They left a note on my is going to be good, and I am so excited to see Ted Bundy, one of the most horrific serial kill- door, actually, and my wife and I felt it was our the movie. Not just for my house but for the ers of the past century. obligation to call and agree to let them use the acting.” The moment the production of Ex- By the time Bundy was 42, he had admitted house for filming,” recalls Martin. “They used tremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile was to 36 killings, but he is believed to have brutal- my speaker, my lamps, almost all of my furni- announced, everyone has been excited to see ly murdered more than 100 women and girls. ture.” When Martin was first offered this once- Zac Efron play a real life serial killer, and to Ted Bundy was a psychopathic killer under- in-a-lifetime opportunity, he could’ve walked see Fort Thomas on the big screen. neath, but he did manage to live a somewhat away from it and let them handle everything, Fort Thomas is a small, content community, normal life, hence the need for a small town but instead he found a way to be involved in where most of the hype is focused on football, setting such as Fort Thomas. So the produc- as much as he could, saying, “I’ve been pretty so being the filming location of a blockbuster ers chose this small community (a long way close with the art department. I’ve gotten to be movie has opened up new opportunities for from Hollywood) to film the highly anticipated involved in the design process myself.” this town to be put on the map. While explain- movie, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Andrew Martin’s house was used for five ing his decision process for letting the movie Vile, chronicling the life of Ted Bundy, but days, and during this time, he got the chance use his house, Martin said, “If an opportunity mainly describing the bizarre life of Bundy’s to be involved in the movie making process. comes around, and you don’t take the chance, girlfriend, Elizabeth Kloepfer, portrayed by “When I went into the basement, there were you’ll never know. Someone came into Fort Lily Collins. For the past few weeks, the ar- lots of audio people around, and they usually Thomas, and that doesn’t happen a lot, so we rival of Zac Efron and Lily Collins, and the gave me a pair of guest headphones so I could tried to be very inviting, and that needs to hap- excitement of a possible sighting, has kept this listen to the filming as it was happening. It was pen more. We had an obligation to say yes, not city on its toes, because it’s not every day that like watching a movie,” said Martin. There just for us, but for the community.” Fort Thomas is a Hollywood filming hotspot. was also a bathroom in the basement, and Mar- However, this may be the last movie being “My house is very 70s. It’s a bungalow tin described it as just being an old toilet with filmed in Kentucky for a while. Recently, the style, which is just what the location scouts a tarp surrounding it for privacy. “The main governor of Kentucky, Matt Bevin, has pro- were looking for,” Andrew Martin, a computer bathroom was being used for filming, so one posed ending the film incentive program that technician for our school district whose house day Zac Efron came down into the basement has offered $148 million dollars in - incen was used as a setting in the upcoming movie, looking for another bathroom to use. After see- tives to film projects, and has made Kentucky stated. Location scouts driving down his street ing the basement bathroom, he turned around a “diamond in the rough.” But without a tax noticed his house and thought it would fit the and walked out. But we made eye contact so incentive, movie makers will stray away from time period of the upcoming movie. Ted Bun- that was pretty rad.” Additionally, Andrew Kentucky. dy was born in 1946, but his notorious killing Martin got to meet Lily Collins while she was But for now, everyone should take this oppor- spree happened mostly during 1974 and 1978. waiting for an empty bathroom. “I didn’t get tunity to enjoy driving past equipment trucks, Andrew Martin’s house has a very 70s vibe, to really meet them, but Zac Efron and Lily sneaking peeks of movie sets, and knowing with lots of wood paneling, drop ceilings, ferns Collins are extremely polite and kind from that Zac Efron is right down the street. and shag carpets.

2017-18 Staff Advisor: Diana McGhee The Hilltopper is a publication by and for the students of Highlands Head Editor-in-Chief: Avery Feinauer High School. Our staff’s goal is to report the school news, opinions Senior Editors-in-Chief: Alysia Morgan, Julia Palmer and current events as accurately as possible. We would appreciate Junior Editor-in-Chief: Sydney Cooper any comments that would help the journalism staff improve the final Design Editor: Stephen Lang product. Managing Editor: John Whitlatch Sports Editor: Noah Balser Please submit comments in a letter and mail to: Staff: Nicholas Cooley, Lexie Crawford, Jayden Davis, Colin Garman, Jaydon Highlands High School Geier, Jacqueline Hamilton, Bradley Hanneken, Jacob Horton, Lucy Houben, Attn: Journalism Department Keaton Huddleston, Tiffany James, Abby Jubasic, Corey Kempe, Emeline Kuether, Madison Lyvers, Brett Mayse, Madilyn McIntosh, Madison Mocahbee, 2400 Memorial Parkway Caitlyn Morgan, Maggie Schroeder, Heaven Stidham, Kayla Wilson Fort Thomas, KY 41075