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Vol.

93 Issue 1

Newsstreak
the
September 29, 2023

ARE WE
NEXT?
SEE B1

Harrisonburg High School


1001 Garbers Church Rd.
IN LOCKDOWN During a lockdown, stu- Harrisonburg ,VA, 22801
dents have procedures they follow to remain (540) 433-2651
safe. PHOTO BY CLARE KIRWAN @hhsmedianow
hhsmedia.com
A2 TOC

STAFF
TABLE OF CONTENTS EDITORS IN CHIEF

NEWS A3-14 ADVISER Valerie Kibler


HEAD Clare Kirwan
A3 VA 6th District Con- PRINT Adrian Kavazovic
gressman Cline speaks to
high school government MANAGING EDITORS
classes PRINT Evelyn Lewis
WANTING CHANGE A group of government
students speak to Congressman Ben Cline. YEARBOOK Jiayi Li
Cline visited students on Sept. 1 2023. PHO-
TO BY CLARE KIRWAN ONLINE Jumana Alsaadoon
SOCIAL MEDIA Camryn Johnson
SPECIAL GRAPHIC DESIGN Ashlyn Sattva
FEATURE B1-13
PAGE DESIGNERS
B2 The history of gun NEWS OPINION
violence A1-3, A11, A12 Adrian Kavazovic
A4-6 ADS
C1, C3,C11 Evelyn Lewis
C2, C4, C5 Clare Kirwan
A7 Clare Kirwan C6, C7 Miguel Lopez
THE HISTORY According to EducationWeek A8 Evelyn Lewis C8, C9 Clare Kirwan & Ashlyn
there have been 30 school shootings in 2023 A9, A10 Elsie Corriston Sattva
so far. GRAPHIC BY SORAYA KAUSSLER C10 Soraya Kaussler

FEATURE SPORTS
B1, B2, B13, B14 Clare Kirwan D1, D2, D10, D11 Camryn John-
B3, B4 Jumana Alsadoon son
B5 Jireh Perez D3 Makayla Suffecool
SPECIAL B6 Camryn Johnson D4 Ashlyn Sattva
B7-9 ADS D5 Miguel Lopez
FEATURE C1-11 B10 Ashlyn Sattva D6, D7 Farrah King-Hughes
B11, B12 Jiayi Li D8 Clare Kirwan
C1 Wolter speaks out on D9 Jumana Alsadoon

the precautions taken to


avoid gun violence STAFF REPORTERS
Ara Abdalkhaleq James Daniel Rosas Ol- Luis Miramontes
LOCKDOWN DRILL English teacher Holli Chris Alvarado ivencia Cortez
Wolter acts out what she would do during a McKenna Dayton Johnathan Self Jeferson Rivera
lockdown drill. PHOTO BY ADRIAN KA- Emeli Escalante Multezem Siraj Mazariegos
VAZOVIC Lopez Roberto Ayala Mejia Kaitlyn Goff
Christian Settles Nolan Beach Olman Figueria
Felix Young Trinity Garcia Edison Rattana
SPORTS D1-10 Mia Mejia Rodriguez
Angel Montoya
Dyrue Leach
Adan Romero Castaneda
Ayden Grodon
Ryan Muterspaw
Barrios Skarleth Chirinos Murillo Franciaso Ruiz
D1 Expectations remain Phoenix Seidel Karolin Cruz-Beltrand Lesie Claros Torres
high for varsity football Boris Dymtriyev
Alexa Garcia Valdez
Elianie Olivencia Rios
Jordyn Byler
Matilde Enciso
Kyleigh Morris
Kirsten Kenyon Nashaly Diaz Deri Isabella Perez
GAINING YARDS Senior Cadrian Rog- Paola Robles Kameron Miller Addison Weakley
ers-Davis runs with the ball down the field. Jose Salva Rocha Mariely Rodriguez Qui- Jumana Al Sadoon
PHOTO BY MIGUEL LOPEZ Brianna Stratton nones Lilian Casula Sorto
Maryn Harbaugh Maria Rodriguez Katherine Sarabia
Allison Lobo-Funez Shea Gibson Marcale Cosby
Lara Rasool Euri Lori Feliz

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY ADRIAN KAVAZOVIC


A3 NEWS

NEWS
VA 6th District Congressman Cline speaks to
high school government classes
CLARE KIRWAN ty and city that is in the 6th
editor-in-chief congressional district. There
are dozens of high schools,

I
n a red polo and dad so I don’t get to Harrison-
khakis the 6th district burg High very often. In fact,
congressman, Ben Cline, I think the last time I was
walked into the outside caf- here was a couple of years
eteria to speak to students back, it’s good to be back,”
taking government classes, Cline said.
Sept. 1, 2023. When Cline Cline was born and raised
offered to come to HHS the in Rockbridge County and
history department jumped spent the first years of his
on the chance to foster civic career as a lawyer. Now, in
engagement within students his 21st year as a government
taking AP, honors and reg- official, Cline carries a copy
ular level U.S. government of the Constitution with him
classes. everywhere he goes. De-
Cline began his talk not- spite now being a federal
ing, “I’m a politician, I talk representative in Congress,
like I breathe,” and stressed he holds his days in the VA
the importance of answering House of Delegates as a state
the questions the students representative very close to
had. AP government student his heart.
Claire Sprague was excited “The way I approach be-
to listen to the conversation ing a federal representative
and hear students’ questions. is different than the way I
“I’m hoping that we’ll have approach being a state rep.
a respectful environment At the end of the day you are
here where people will be accountable to the people,
able to ask their questions,” you are there to make poli-
Sprague said. cies that are in line with the
Cline represents the 6th voters that you represent. In
district, which encompasses keeping with the functions
the west-central part of the of government that the Con-
state including the Shenan- stitution and our founders
doah Valley and Roanoke designed the system for, the
County. In his fifth term he way they designed the sys-
represents over 750,000 Vir- tem was three levels of gov-
WANTING CHANGE A group of government students speak to Con- ginia citizens and finds it dif- ernment, federal, state and
gressman Ben Cline. Cline visited students on Sept. 1, 2023. “I want to ficult to talk with all of his local, limited in scope for the
answer questions because I have town hall meetings in every county constituents. federal, limited in scope for
and city that is in the 6th congressional district,” Cline said. PHOTO “I want to answer ques- the local,” Cline said.
BY CLARE KIRWAN tions because I have town See more on hhsmedia.com
hall meetings in every coun-

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY ADRIAN KAVAZOVIC


A4 ADS

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SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY MAKAYLA SUFFECOOL


A5 ADS

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SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY MAKAYLA SUFFECOOL


A6 ADS

HHS Patrons are members of the Harrisonburg community and


others who support the pursuit of excellence in the jour-
nalistic publications of Harrisonburg High School. Money

MEDIA generated from the patron program is used to offset costs of


attending journalism conferences, to print our paper and to
purchase up-to-date technological equipment for our jour-

PATRONS nalism lab. To become a patron, see any member of the HHS
Media Staff or stop by toom 444. You can also visit www.
hhsmedia.com to download a patron ad contract. Patron
level is determined by the following scale.

HHS MEDIA SUPER


SPONSOR
GOLD PATRON
Aman Kavazovic
SILVER PATRON
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227 Burgess Rd,
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Valerie Kibler Ariana Kavazovic Mason Courter
Kayla and Darren Karen S. Zirk Rick and Cathy Dwyer
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(540) 432-5555
WHITE PATRON BRONZE PATRON Emilie Hussack
Josh Lichti Anda Weaver Sara Gingras

BLUE PATRON
Rosie Johnson
Susan Bocock
HHS PATRON
Sarah Waldrop
Kate Duffy
Open Mon-Sun
Tarza Najib
Rosie Chisolm
Jauana Brooks
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10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
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Wednesday
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Two locations!
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Contact Us!
(540) 217-2917
(540) 217-5575
SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY MAKAYLA SUFFECOOL
A7 NEWS

Caplinger, Abraham re-


flect on short planning
time for homecoming
ADRIAN KAVAZOVIC leaves Caplinger wondering
editor-in-chief if the SCA will be able to ex-

E
very year, the Student ecute it.
Council Association “The most challenging
(SCA) plans homecom- part of getting homecom-
ing. From figuring out what ing together in such a short
spirit week themes will be to amount of time will be see-
planning events for the whole ing if we can actually get ev-
school, such as the powder erything we want to have for
puff football game and the homecoming fully complete
dance itself, they do it all. Pri- and of the best quality,” Ca-
or to the start of the school plinger said.
year, there was no SCA spon- SCA officers and class
sor due to the former sponsor representatives were select-
moving to a different school ed last school year, they dis-
which left officers such as cussed homecoming together
President senior Juliana Ca- and with administration to
plinger anxious for the out- get ideas approved.
come of this year’s home- “We started planning and
coming. writing some spirit week
“Trying to plan homecom- ideas last school year and
ing without having a spon- seeing if they get approved,
sor was extremely stressful. so it won’t be too stressful,”
Marlin and I talked everyday Abraham said.
about how we had no idea Caplinger and Abraham
what we were going to do if did not only plan spirit week
we didn’t ideas, but also DISCO FEVER The 2023 homecsoming theme is Disco Fever and will
find a spon- ideas for the be held Sept. 30. GRAPHIC BY ADRIAN KAVAZOVIC
sor soon,” I really want the students homecoming
Caplinger to be involved and have a dance itself. this year. and will get in extra meetings
said. say on what they want at the “Marlin “Since we finally have and with the SCA throughout the
F o r dance,” and I start- know our sponsor, we have week if needed,” Abraham
ed talking started to talk about having said.
Vice Pres- - Senior Marlin Abraham
ident se- about poten- more meetings to get our- SCA was able to share their
nior Marlin tial home- selves caught up from all the ideas together for homecom-
Abraham, receiving student coming plans weeks before lost time which hopefully will ing, making the process easi-
feedback last year, made the school even started because help us get things together er for Caplinger
planning process this year we wanted to be able to bring quicker,” Caplinger said. “All of the members of
easier. many ideas for homecoming Despite the short period of SCA are working together to
“I really want the students to the table when we finally time to get homecoming in come up with new ideas, but
to be involved and have a met with all the SCA mem- terms of events and the small also being open to hearing
say on what they want at the bers,” details that go into planning what other students want to
dance,” Abraham said. The officers were at ease the dance, Abraham is deter- have incorporated into this
With homecoming being after getting their sponsor, minted to have a dance. year’s homecoming,” Ca-
only a month after the be- knowing they’ll be able to “We will ensure home- plinger said.
ginning of the school year, it truly get back to planning the coming will happen this year
events they have in store for
SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY CLARE KIRWAN
A8 NEWS

One act prepares for upcoming season


JIREH PEREZ ous one. Everyone who of competition and
page editor

A
came out yesterday then eventually you
s the annual
was really solid. Obvi- have a state champion,”
one-act play ap-
ously I would love it if Gibson said. “Our main
proaches, one
more people came out. competition, which is
act director and the-
I would love it if more VHSL, is in the winter
ater teacher Kenneth
people kind of saw but we always do a pro-
Gibson starts prepara-
themselves being a part duction or attend an-
tions for the play. This
of it, and I’m always other festival in the fall.
year Gibson decided
wondering what is the We get to go and meet
to do some things a lit-
barrier for people to other actors and direc-
tle different. He hasn’t
become involved,” Gib- tors,” Gibson said.
picked the play yet.
son said. One-act interferes
“I’m trying to put the
Auditionees prac- with musical, which in
emphasis on one act
ticed and did their the long run could be-
company rather than
monologues a second come very difficult for
the play. We have some
time. students and not only
ideas, and I want to fig-
“I think it’s just some- them, but the directors.
ure out what’s the best
thing about whether or “I have a better idea
fit for our group. I’m
not they can take direc- [of] what the students
trying to avoid casting
tion. If you might
actors in parts where
give them be ca-
it’s not the best fit,” I want to figure out p a b l e
something
Gibson said. what’s the best fit for of long
to act like
To find the best our group. I’m try-
a motion t e r m .
play for the team, Gib- ing to avoid casting
or an ac- Doing
son had students per-
form two monologues
tion, do actors in parts where one act
they listen it’s not the best fit. and mu-
to showcase there
to it then -One act director sical be-
strengths and weak-
apply it Kenneth Gibson comes
nesses.
to what really
“This year we had
they’re do- difficult.
the students learn two
ing then carry it out,” I just want to make sure
different monologues,
Gibson said. whoever is signing up
a comedy and a seri-
One Act is very com- to do it knows that it’s a
monly looked over by really big commitment
musical and not many that they’re going to be
people are aware of doing for the next six
what one-act really is. months,” Gibson said.
LISTEN TO ME
The one-act season Gibson has big goals
Sophomore Phoebe
Kaufman performs lasts six months and for this upcoming sea-
her monologue. competes as part of the son and high hopes
PHOTO BY JIREH Virgina High School for what they could
PEREZ League (VHSL). achieve.
“One-Act is a Virgin- “Goals would in-
WATCH WHAT I ia High School League clude being proud of
CAN DO Junior Mad- activity, so like with how we perform at the
ison Keller auditions football, baseball, or Richmond festival in
for the one act. She debate and forensics, the winter. [Another]
performed in the one the idea is you have goal would be to win a
act last year. PHOTO these different rounds state title,” Gibson said.
BY JIREH PEREZ
SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY EVELYN LEWIS
A9 NEWS

Band students interpret meaning behind Marching Blue


Streaks Band’s ‘From Grand to Upright’ piece
JIAYI LI
managing editor

P
laying pieces on the grand piano in
the choir room to 'Hot Cross Buns'
on the untuned cafeteria piano, the
instrument presents music to students in
various ways. When band directors Dan-
iel Upton and Claire Leeper presented
this year’s show theme as ‘From Grand
to Upright’, cheers resounded through
the auditorium. A month and hours of
practice later, students asked themselves
what this theme meant to them.
‘From Grand to Upright’ shows the
progression of the piano and music
genres throughout the centuries. Since
its invention in the 1700s, the piano has
grown into many different forms and was
played in all genres.
“The theme goes through the different
genres and how some of them were play-
ing on grand pianos and some are play-
ing on upright pianos, which is our title,
‘From Grand and Upright’,” junior Davis vate friendships of his own volition. In
Bert said. the band, students are divided into sec-
As assistant drum major this year, tions, which are dependent on the in-
Bert connects with every musician in struments they play on the field.
the marching band. “This year, specifically, I have tried
He bonds with them to make better connections
by being open and This combination of old with [color guard]. The thing
friendly. and new classics rep- with guard is they are slightly EVERY NOTE COUNTS Junior Davis Bert
“This year's show, resents this new begin- separated from the rest of the performs in the first halftime show of the sea-
doing piano music ning for the Harrisonburg band, but they are still part of son. PHOTO BY MIGUEL LOPEZ
specifically, is really High Schools, but those the band, and I have found
meaningful to me be- old traditions and back- myself building friendships RECORDING THE GOOD TIMES Senior
cause it covers a lot grounds going into the with them,” Bert said. Michelle Arteaga smiles at the go pro as it gets
of different genres of new year will still carry Like Bert, junior Chloe passed around the whole band. PHOTO BY
music. Putting these on.” Starling sees this year’s JIREH PEREZ
genres together makes marching show as a melting
-Junior Chloe Starling pot of genres. She highlights
me think about the and new, improvement and feedback
connections we build in the contrasts between genres from experience won’t happen. Musi-
bands,” Bert said. “It’s very important for and how they complement each other. cally, the ‘Still D.R.E.’ and Moonlight
people to see me as someone they can During the performance, the band plays Sonata’ combine well, and something
joke around with and talk to regularly.” parts of ‘Still D.R.E.’ by Dr. Dre and great wouldn’t have happened without
Although communicating with band ‘Moonlight Sonata’ by Ludwig van Bee- the support of the old classic to make the
students is marked as a responsibility in thoven together. new classic,” Starling said.
Bert’s drum major role, he tries to culti- “I feel like you don’t combine the old See more on hhsmedia.com

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY ELSIE CORRISTON


A10 NEWS

Valderramos, Spenseri discuss unique scheduling situations


JUMANA ALSAADOON
managing editor

S
tudents start planning out their
schedule with their counselors at the
end of the school year and despite
these plans, conflicts can happen with
scheduling. Open house is a chance to
fix holes and mistakes in schedules, along
with the first two weeks of the school year
where students can meet with counselors
to discuss changes.
“I didn’t get a language class my fresh-
man year, this year they put me into Span-
ish three and I [haven’t] even taken Span-
ish two yet,” junior Diana Valderramos
said.
In order to graduate with a standard di-
ploma, students need two language cred-
its. However with an advanced diploma,
three language credits in the same lan-
guage are required. Students can also ful-
fill their advanced diploma requirement
by taking two language credits in two dif-
ferent languages.
Like many students, Valderramos went
to open house to solve her scheduling is-
sues.
“I was talking to my counselor about it
at an open house, telling her I wasn’t sup-
posed to be put in this class.
Valderramos was under the impression ON TRACK There are two types of diplomas a student can get: a standard diploma or an ad-
that her scheduling issues would be dealt vanced diploma. The diplomas have different requirements as represented by the infographic.
with before school started. DESIGN BY ELSIE CORRISTON
“It wasn’t by then,” Valderramos said.
Changing one class in a schedule can “I can understand Spanish, it’s not a classes and English learner classes.
often cause an entire schedule to shift. In huge problem, but next year it will be a “In the ESL classrooms there are some
order for Valderramos to get into Spanish problem to explain to my counselor that limitations on size, due to support, my two
two, she needed to drop two Advanced I’m supposed to be in Spanish two next senior support classes are small, but my
Placement (AP) classes which were im- year because she thought I already did all government class is a little more full to
portant to her. my languages,” Valderramos said. “It’s not me, I’m pretty sure the core classes, En-
“I had to wait a couple of days to get a so bad because I had the same Spanish glish are fuller. I can see the kids standing
meeting set up and they couldn’t do any- teacher and she knows me and I can kinda while I walk by,” Spenseri said. “In the be-
thing about it, they just told me unless I get through it..” ginning like everyone else there are class-
drop two of my classes I didn’t want to Another unique experience to schedul- es that switch in and out, but our depart-
drop those. I have to wait until my senior ing comes from English Learner (EL) stu- ment is less flexible by nature and that is
year to take Spanish two,” Valderramos dents. These students have less space in because the students don’t have as many
said. “It’s weird to have your languages out their schedule to change their classes due positions to move in at that point, so they
of order.” to their schedule being filled up with re- stay where they’re at.”
This switch up for Valderramos while quirements to prioritize learning English.
not extreme to her, it still brings stress EL teacher, Jen Spenseri speaks about
when thinking about her future schedule. the differences between English speaker
SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY ELSIE CORRISTON
A11 NEWS

Lambert juggles being new teacher,


SCA sponsor
ADRIAN KAVAZOVIC being the only school in the
editor-in-chief city, it is sure to be memora-

W
ith a new year, ble.
comes a new Stu- “Homecoming is what I’m
dent Council As- most looking forward to. I’m
sociation (SCA) board. Sci- excited to be in charge of
ence teacher Anna Lambert such a huge event and have
was given the role of the it kick off the school year,”
SCA adviser while also be- Lambert said.
ing a new teacher. Playing a role in SCA is
“It is a huge responsibili- something that Lambert
ty and honor to be the SCA hasn’t experienced in quite
Sponsor. I feel excited to get some time.
started,” Lamber said. “I’ve had Some SCA ex-
Becoming the SCA spon- perience in middle and
sor was a spontaneous deci- high school, but it has been
sion placed upon Lambert. awhile,” Lambert said.
“I did not at all expect to be Lambert is planning many
SCA sponsor. I had planned events for the upcoming year,
to lay low my first year and she is excited to see students
just teach,” Lambert said. excitement and reaction to
Navigating the first year the events.
of teaching, alongside being “For this year, my plans are
the SCA sponsor was some- to have homecoming, tail-
thing she saw as beneficial. gates and help increase stu-
“Being both a teacher and dent involvement at events
the SCA sponsor is a lot, but during and after school,”
I really like to stay busy, so Lambert said.
I think it’s good,” Lambert A goal Lambert has for
said. this year is to make home-
With the large time com- coming be the best it can be.
mitment it takes to run a “My biggest goal is to have
student council, Lambert an awesome homecoming
is most apprehensive about and make events that help
the time it will take to plan unite the student body,”
events. Lambert said.
“I’m most nervous about With the SCA officers and
our time management with representatives being elect-
homecoming and hoping ed last year, Lambert feels as
the students like it,” Lamber if she’s been able to create a
said. bond with them.
With this, Lamber is most “Our bond is still new, but
ecstatic about the homecom- we are starting to build a re-
lationship and become a big NEW ROLE SCA Sponsor and science teacher Anna Lambert poses
ing the SCA has planned for for a photo in her graduation gown. Lambert will serve as the SCA
this year. With this being the team,” Lambert said. sponsor for the 2023-2024 school year. PHOTO COURTESY OF
last homecoming with HHS ANNA LAMBERT

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY ADRIAN KAVAZOVIC


A12 NEWS

Vasiliauskas, Crigger adapt to new teaching environment


FARRAH KING-HUGHES
page editor

I
n the new school year, many new staff
members have made their way to HHS.
Two of which are Audra Vasiliauskas
and Joshua Crigger. Neither teacher has
taught debate classes or clubs, but took on
the initiative to provide students with the
course of interest they have.
Crigger teaches ninth-grade English
and coach’s the debate team. Initially,
Crigger taught solely writing classes at
the college level while getting his mas-
ter’s degree in writing. He later realized
he enjoyed teaching high school students,
which made him decide to switch to the
high school level.
“I started teaching at the college level.
I was getting my master’s degree in writ-
ing, they had [me] teach [a] writing class.
I found out I loved teaching them and de-
cided I wanted to switch to the high school
level,” Crigger said. “I started in January
this year. This is my first full year teach- A NEW TEAM New debate coaches Audra Vasiliauskas and Joshua Crigger hold the first meet-
ing for students interested in joining debate. “It’s made me a better human being in a lot of
ing, and I like being here. I enjoy all the ways and it’s challenged me, and I think I’ve grown a lot, not just in my field,” Vasiliauskas said
students much better than college. High PHOTO BY JIAYI LI
school students are much more fun than
college students.” stantly thinking of new ways to make the enjoy debate, but in my high school we did
Crigger enjoys forensics with a passion, class more interesting for his students. not have anything like Harrisonburg High
but it didn’t start that way. He goes more “I’m always trying to think about ways School does. At my high school, the debate
in-depth about how and why he began fo- to make things more interesting for the team didn’t go to competitions, we would
rensics and why he enjoys it so much. students. I know I’m passionate about En- just meet before school and debate, who’s
“At my high school, glish and literature, but better, Marvel or DC. Topics like that are
our forensics coach was not everybody else has not academically rigorous in terms of how
also one of the English It’s been a cool experience that same passion; so I serious the questions are and need good
teachers, so she recruit- taking it piece by piece try to find ways [to take] research,” Crigger said.
ed me from class. That’s how to learn those things these things I’m passion- As a way to find an in-between, Crig-
what got me interested and to be able to be part ate about and make them ger decided he would have previous de-
in forensics,” Crigger of this team with Crigger seem interesting and ex- bate students help lead and teach him
said. “I always liked to and all the students who citing to these people throughout the year.
do dramatic readings are on it,” who maybe it’s not. A “Knowing that forensics and debate
or [playing] out skits, so -English teacher lot of my time outside of were grouped if nothing else, I’ll be able
it was a cool avenue to school is spent thinking to help with the forensics side. The peo-
Audra Vasiliauskas
combine things I was about that,” Crigger said. ple that I know who are already here, and
reading and [enjoyed] Crigger talks about great at debate already, I know that the
doing. Then, getting to act those things how he was hesitant to teach debate as his students can kind of help teach me along
out was [entertaining]. I stuck with it and debate experience was much more laid- the way,” Crigger said.
eventually did some humorous duo [acts]. back as they never went to competitions, See more on hhsmedia.com
It was fun I enjoyed it.” and it was simply a club to do after school.
Teaching strategies come from different “Initially, I was [hesitant to join because]
places. Outside of class, Crigger is con- it’s both forensics and debate [here]. I [do]
SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY ADRIAN KAVAZOVIC
B1 SPECIAL FEATURE

“I don’t want to die at school” “The school is not safe, my “I feel as though during our
house is safer.” lockdowns last year there was
“Let us out immediately after no way of protection. I feel
a lockdown ends. No 4th block. “Tell us what is happening safer with the school resource
People can’t go back to class during the lockdown or tell officers, but there needs to be
regularly after their life was on us after so there are less ru- more. Communication between
the line.” mors. A debrief even if its just admin and teachers, students
in class I don’t think I can sit could be more efficient.”
“In the back of my mind, I’m through a thing like last year
terrified to go to school every- then go to math like nothing “This whole thing is stupid.
day knowing there’s a chance, happened.” Why can’t there be more gun
however small, that I might not regulation laws?”
make it home.”

ARE WE NEXT? How the students of HHS feel:


“I feel that the school does not “I’m really tired of feeling “I think that the school should
handle these situations well, scared for my life.” inform us of exactly what is
they don’t communicate and happening, because the ‘lets
we are not well informed of “There is almost no security not tell them cause they’ll
the correct procedures. Often or identification needed to panic’ just causes more panic.
the students get news from walk in especially during class Knowing what’s happening
parents before they realize that changes.” allows us to assess if we are in
they are in any kind of danger. danger and how we could pro-
This is really unhealthy for “We need to ramp up our se- tect ourselves if we were to be
mental health.” curity, I do not want to always attacked.”
be worried someone is going
“Communication, communi- to hurt or shoot me. Gun vio- “I think that there were many
cation, communication. Please, lence is happening a lot, and teachers who did not take our
please, please inform students it’s really terrifying and horrible. lockdown last year seriously
and fauclty of what is going on I think we need to do more enough. I was worried for my
during a lockdown, otherwise things to keep us safe.” friends knowing that some
everything becomes twice as teachers just continued with
scary and uncertain.” their classes.”
SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY CLARE KIRWAN
B2 SPECIAL FEATURE

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY CLARE KIRWAN


B3 SPECIAL FEATURE

Spring lockdown leads to protocol reform,


communication improvement
CLARE KIRWAN includes lockdowns. Hensley
editor-in-chief stressed the importance of


There is no way to guar- leading her staff through the
antee anyone that it won’t ‘Why’ of protocols and how to
be this school. There’s look for warning signs.
just no way and you live “Every year we talk about
with it everyday. Everytime a the protocols. We talk about
school shooting happens, it lit- examples of things that may-
erally makes the hairs stand up be have happened over time
on my neck and my arms. Ev- in different schools and then
ery single time [I worry about], relate that back to the why of
‘Could this have been prevent- our protocols,” Hensley said.
ed?’, ‘What did someone miss?’ “We’re looking for students
But sometimes there is noth- who show aggressiveness, talk
ing that is missed and knowing of violence or writings that
that we can’t 100% guarantee may indicate that there’s an
the safety of our students every inclination towards violence.
single day, you can’t overlook Things that they may be say-
it,” HHS Principal Dr. Melissa COLOR CODING Harrisonburg City Public Schools (HCPS) imple- ing or actions they may take
Hensley said. mented a color code system, the information is placed on a card that towards peers that are inap-
According to Education teachers are required to wear on a lanyard around their neck. The propriate, aggressive, fascina-
system has four colors. Code Red is lockdown, Code Orange is alert
Week, there have been 174 and Code Yellow is everyone has to stay inside. Code Green means that tion with school shootings and
school shootings since 2018, everything is all clear. PHOTO BY JUMANA ALSAADOON. weapons, information that we
and already 30 this year that re- feel falls into a pattern.”
sulted in an injury or death. An realized that when you go to the red for In addition to getting the
incident in Denver, Sept. 16, marked the a prolonged period of time, you can trau- teachers up to speed, the school division
500th mass shooting in the U.S. in 2023, matize people. We have created a system has devised a strategy for helping students
according to The Hill. that not only balances that, but also com- through the anxieties that the lockdown
May 22, 2023, a lockdown took place municates well what’s going on. So when left and any future issues that may arise.
at Harrisonburg High School that left we go into one of these, we immediately “It’s the afterwards effect, that I think we
many students, staff members and par- communicate with students, staff and par- need to probably focus a little bit more-
ents scared and confused. The school was ents,” Richards said. on how people felt about that incident.
put in a hard lockdown, lights off, phones Harrisonburg City Public Schools And what types of emotions, anxieties,
silent, all doors locked. Though the inci- (HCPS) have a new school division wide questions and things like that, that peo-
dent was resolved and left no one physi- color coded system. Every teacher is re- ple have, including students, staff and ad-
cally injured, Superintendent Dr. Micheal quired to wear the information on a lan- ministrators as well,” Hensley said. ”The
Richards noted that the incident left the yard around their neck which details what school district did give us talking points
school system to critically think about to do in Code Red, Code Orange, Code sheets, so that we are doing a better job
their protocols, going as far as to call it “a Yellow and Code Green situations. of working with students and staff after
botched lockdown.” “This color coded system is new the way the incident, because I think there’s a lot
“We had a lockdown in the spring that that we’re communicating it. There was of anxiety and a lot of questions from a
failed in many ways. It was not good. Kids always a protocol that was consistent, but lot of people about what’s going on in my
were locked out too long. Parents didn’t I think this tightened it up and made it school right now. We’ve tried to clean up
know enough about what was going on. very clear, it’s also something to get shared how we’re communicating with students
We realized that when the police are ac- with parents,” Hensley said. and staff during the incident, and then
tive, doing their thing, they really want the This new lockdown protocol was shared debriefing after the incident, to help stu-
way clear, they want everything cleared with teachers and staff at safety protocol dents and staff process what’s happened.”
out of the way so the easiest way for them sessions where they go over drills, which See more on hhsmedia.com
to do their work is the red line. But we
SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY JUMANA ALSAADOON
B4 SPECIAL FEATURE

Safety information provided, HCPS website


INFORMATION IS POWER Harri-
sonburg City Public Schools (HCPS)
has a school safety page on the website
dedicated to informing the population
about safety procedures. The website
can be accessed through google. The
safety page is under the community
tab of the website. The page has an
emergency notification hotline which
is (540) 432-3257. There is information
about steps HCPS is taking to improve
school safety which includes develop-
ing a HCPS Rapid Response Team that
is focused on releasing information to
the community regarding school safety.
There is a section dedicated to what
parents can do and procedures in case
of school safety issues. The procedures
involve but are not limited to, reporting
any possible threats to a school admin-
istrator or Harrisonburg Police Depart-
ment (HPD). PHOTO COURTESY OF
THE HCPS WEBSITE

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY JUMANA ALSAADOON


B5 SPECIAL FEATURE

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY JIREH PEREZ


B6 SPECIAL FEATURE

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY CAMRYN JOHNSON


B7 ADS

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY CLARE KIRWAN


B8 ADS

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY ADRIAN KAVAZOVIC


B9 ADS

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY CLARE KIRWAN


B10 SPECIAL FEATURE

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY ASHLYN SATTVA


B11 SPECIAL FEATURE

A community solution to gun violence: Operation Ceasefire


STATE DELEGATE SPEAKS TO A PROGRAM DEDICATED TO ADDRESSING GUN VIOLENCE.
JUMANA ALSAADOON ness of Operation Ceasefire. Wilt contin- ond Amendment.
managing editor ues to explain the way the program works. “There has to be a balance. [The Sec-

V
“Operation Ceasefire [is] a proven ond Amendment] guarantees to law-abid-
irginia----In one average year, 1,019
program that’s been successful in com- ing citizens, if they follow the law, to be
people die from gun violence and
munities across the nation in combating able to obtain and have gun ownership,
2,050 are wounded from gun-relat-
gun violence. In one instance in the city and possess guns and so forth, but to ad-
ed violence. This makes Virginia number
of Boston, it was implemented there and dress criminal activities in a way that does
29 in gun violence in the nation. Many
there was a reduction in gun violence,” not infringe on the huge, huge majority
solutions have been proposed by lawmak-
Wilt said. of all the other citizens that are law abid-
ers to reduce gun violence. Some include
Wilt describes the program to be based ing, and that do not abuse their second
restricting gun violence or increasing law
on prevention and making sure that those amendment right, to protect them,” Wilt
enforcement involvement in places where
who are likely to commit gun violence, do said.
violence is a high risk. Operation Cease-
not. See more on hhsmedia.com
fire is another proposed solution to ad-
“The attorney’s general office, your
dress gun violence that prioritizes reha-
local law enforcement and community
bilitation and prevention.
non-partisan groups focus on gang and
Operation Ceasefire was first introduced
violence. Harrisonburg law enforcement
in 1996 in Boston as, Boston Gun Project
and everyone involved knows the individ-
and the Boston Miracle. It was used as a
uals who are there. It targets those folks
“city-wide strategy aimed at deterring ju-
and offers them a lot of hand up oppor-
venile and gang firearm violence,” accord-
tunities to change the direction of their
ing to the Office of Justice programs.
lives, maybe it’s further education or help-
The United States Attorney’s Office
ing them get out of the
stated that when
gang scene, but making
Operation Ceasefire
was implemented
Operation Ceasefire [is] a prov- it clear if they continue
en program that’s been suc- the path that they’re on,
in Boston, Chicago,
Cincinnati and Indi- cessful in communities across there [are] strict con-
the nation in combating gun sequences,” Wilt said.
anapolis, gun-related
violence.” “We’re very fortunate to
homicides decreased
-Delegate Tony Wilt live in the area we’re in.
25-60%, showing that
Considering other areas,
this type of program
granted we’re not as big,
could potentially decrease gun violence.
even looking percentage-wise, per capita,
Many supported the program, including
we just don’t struggle with those types of
Republican Delegate Tony Wilt, who rep-
crimes as other areas do. Like bigger cit-
resents Harrisonburg and Rockingham in
ies, we just don’t have that here.”
the Virginia House of Delegates. Wilt is
Operation Ceasefire targets rehabilita-
also the Chairman of the House of Public
tion as a form of prevention. The program
Safety Committee.
announces a three-step strategy, interven-
Wilt is a sponsor of Operation Cease-
tion, suppression, prevention and out-
fire and advocates for this program to be
reach.
used in the nation as a way to address gun
Intervention in which Wilt spoke of law
violence. He is a supporter of the second
enforcement involvement. Suppression is
amendment and seeks to find a balance
the promise of consequence. Prevention
between targeting gun violence and let-
and outreach focuses on offering oppor-
ting law- abiding citizens obtain guns.The
tunities for high-risk individuals to steer
National Gang Center published in 2021 THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS A poster was
away from crime and violence. Operation placed on the wall in the cafeteria demanding
that Operation Ceasefire was responsible
Ceasefire is different because of its lack of gun violence reform. PHOTO BY JUMANA
for a 63% decrease in youth homicides.
gun restrictions and support for the Sec- ALSAADOON
Wilt sees this to be proof of the effective-

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY JIAYI LI


B12 SPECIAL FEATURE

IN THE BLEACH-
ERS Junior Theo
Thompson wears
red for the Red Sea
theme honoring
Calour Fields to a
football game. PHO-
TO BY JIREH PIREZ

CELEBRATING
YOU Family and
friends wore red at
the football game.
PHOTO BY JIAYI LI

THIS IS ME Calour
Fields’ senior por-
trait is posted by the
football field with the
rest of the seniors in
fall sports. PHOTO
BY JIAYI LI

#LLCHonoring Calour Fields


CENSORED A
graphic design by
junior Addison Ma-
son illustrates how
censorship for books
is more regulated
than guns. Mason was
inspired by the latest
swell in gun violence.
GRAPHIC BY ADDI-
SON MASON

CHEERING YOU
ON Sophomore Mia
Erazo and the rest of
the cheerleading team
wore red bow ties to
honor Calour Fields.
PHOTO BY JIAYI LI

WE SEE RED
Students of the Red
Sea wore red to the
volleyball game for
the theme to honor
Calour Fields. PHO-
TO BY JIAYI LI

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY JIAYI LI


B13 SPECIAL FEATURE

Alumni Walker twins, Nelson, reflect on impact of gun violence


JUMANA ALSAADOON
managing editor

A
lumnus and siblings, Jayla Walker
and Jayden Walker, helped set up
a march along with other Black
Student Union (BSU) students. Senior
Jayla Walker spoke on the effect of gun
violence on her, and her community.
“[Gun violence] affected me in having
to deal with my friend losing her broth-
er to gun violence and I’ve seen it hap-
pen. It’s affected me because we’ve lost
friends to gun violence,” Jayla Walker
said.
Walker thought the protest would be a
great way to bring attention to the issue
she supported and cared about.
“I feel like we needed to come togeth-
er as a community, a protest was a good
way, and I knew it would get publicity
so everyone was seeing it even if not ev-
eryone was there. If they looked at the
news they would see that we were trying
to change something,” Jayla Walker said.
Promoting conversations in Harrison-
burg about gun violence rather than ig-
noring or forgetting about it is import-
ant to Jayla Walker.
“I don’t want Harrisonburg to throw
it under the rug, let’s realize that gun vi-
olence is a thing in Harrisonburg. Let’s
realize that guns are not used for protec-
tion, it’s now used off of impulse, so it’s PROTEST Students and other individuals holding a sign written “prom not funerals, books not
taking away children from them, and I obituaries, essays not eulogies, kids not guns.” PHOTO COURTESY OF BLACK STUDENT
don’t believe guns are for protection be- UNION (BSU)
cause of all the cases we’ve had here, for
really dumb reasons,” Jayla Walker said. just have to be aware and that’s about it. Nelson preferred to look for more
Harrisonburg is commonly known People are getting shot for just being positivity than negativity when discuss-
as the ‘friendly city’, highlighting the black. So there isn’t much you can do,” ing gun violence in the community.
friendliness of the small college com- Jayla Walker said. “It’s made me more positive in general
munity. Jayla Walker advocates for the Sophomore Ava Nelson is also a stu- because it’s made me realize that there
shifting of this perspective and looking dent in HHS speaking for speaking on are things happening in this world that
at the small town and all aspects of vio- the experiences of the youth to the rela- are so out of our control and as a whole
lence that affect the community. tion of gun violence” we started off more negatively but that
Jayla Walker shares experience of be- “[Gun violence] has taken a friend from situation and everything that went on
ing black and experiencing gun violence. me and I’ve watched all of my friends has brought us more together and espe-
“It’s kind of hard to get away from gun who were very close to him grieve that. cially me it’s made me more concerned
violence when it’s everywhere but, I feel It’s very hard to go through something about my friends and how they’re doing
like black people worry about getting like that. It’s not something that would and their mental health. That plays into
shot on the street or at a party, or by a [be] expect[ed] one day they’re there and the factor of it all,” Nelson said.
police officer even so it’s kind of like you the next they’re not,” Nelson said. Read more on hhsmedia.com

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY CLARE KIRWAN


B14 SPECIAL FEATURE

Stallworth shares experience of gun violence


JUMANA ALSAADOON
managing editor

“G
un violence is basically a con-
cept that I don’t really un-
derstand. It doesn’t make any
sense to me. Like I know what it is obvi-
ously, but it shouldn’t be a thing,” Soph-
omore Mani Stallworth said. “I’m really
sick of guns in general, they’re so dan-
gerous and damaging and violent. They
don’t need to be here. There are so many
ways you can protect yourself.”
Black people are twice more likely to
be shot and killed than white people and
14 times more likely than white people to
get wounded by guns. Stallworth being a
black American had a different relation-
ship to gun violence than white children.
“Because I’m black, my history of gun
violence is a bit different than maybe ev-
eryone else, but when I was a kid my mom
had a list of rules that we’re supposed to
follow. You couldn’t be out late, you defi-
nitely could not play with toy guns, no
water guns, no any type of guns,” Stall-
worth said. REMEMBRANCE Memorial near the football field for 17-year-old Calour Fields, who died in an
act of gun violence. PHOTO BY BOB ADAMEK
This rule at first was confusing for
Stallworth as a little child, but soon she
understood the reason behind it. Stallworth said. thing being exposed to all this violence,
“I never really understood why, when- Advocating against gun rights was video games, books, so why is that every-
ever we would get a gun for a halloween something important to Stallworth af- day that they’re already exposed to vio-
present or something. I remember one ter life experiences along with learning lence, but they don’t do anything about
time she threw it off a balcony. I was so more about gun violence. it,” Stallworth said.
mad at her, but then I grew up and then I An unquantifiable topic is the mental Social media has also been a driving
realized people view black kids in a neg- health of those who are exposed to gun force in the debate between restricting
ative light, and they’re scared of them al- violence. While there might be a com- guns or allowing them to be obtainable
ready,” Stallworth said. mon belief that only those who have di- despite the harm they cause because
As Stallworth got older she continued rectly witnessed of the Second Amendment right. Stall-
to see the reasoning behind this strict gun violence suffer from mental health worth herself saw the worst of the debate
rule. issues, this is not true. Gun violence has on social media.
“Having any type of thing that can a ripple effect in the community and be- “I remember seeing this tiktok, and
signify a weapon, gives them a [bigger] yond that, the threat of violence on indi- this guy was asking this other guy if you
reason to fear us. And when people are viduals lives daily in schools and out is knew you could save a kid’s life if you
scared they do crazy stuff. She didn’t enough to cause stress and other disor- banned a gun, would you do it? And he
want us to be in danger, she didn’t want ders. said let the kid die. And that really put
us to be hurt because we lived in a poor The American Psychology Association it in perspective for me, if you don’t un-
income place. It was kind of dangerous found in 2018, 75% of individuals aged derstand how people feel about kids now
with crime. Any sight of any gun even if between 15-21 say mass shootings are a you can clearly tell now,” Stallworth said.
it did not look real could probably set significant source of stress. See more on hhsmedia.com
off someone, and they would attack us,” “People already say it’s not a good

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY CLARE KIRWAN


C1 SPECIAL FEATURE

Wolter speaks out on the precautions taken to


avoid gun violence
MAKAYLA SUFFECOOL ing the classroom and far as what to do in
managing editor defending themselves. case of an emergency.

E
nglish and Film I do not think it is okay We’ve seen it firsthand
studies teacher for teachers to have since we’ve had a lock-
Holli Wolter ex- guns or knives because down. I do think that
presses the importance that could lead to fur- the that the school is a
of having a lockdown ther problems,” Wolter safe place and I do feel
plan and what she can said. safe. I believe our stu-
do to ensure the safety During the soph- dents enjoy this build-
of herself and her stu- omore class meeting ing and like it here and
dents. there was rumor that I think that they too
“During lockdowns they would be imple- feel very safe as well,”
I think it’s important menting metal detec- Wolter said.
to have a plan because tors to ensure the safe- As stated in an ar-
if we don’t have a plan, ty of our school. Wolter ticle from Standford
then no one knows believes keeping our University, “More than
whats going on. It is school safe is import- 20 years after the Col-
very important that ant. umbine High School
there is some kind of “They are imple- massacre, the number
idea of what you’re menting metal detec- of school shootings in
supposed tors here the United States has
to do, so w h i c h more than doubled.”
short of If we don’t have is real- (Rossin-Slate 1). Wolter
constantly a plan then no one ly good believes that the main
keeping knows whats going a new cause to school shoot-
my door on.” s e c u r ity ings is the access indi-
locked. - Teacher Holli system as viduals have to guns.
We have far as en- “ I think that the fact
Wolter
told the try. You’re that assault rifles are
students going to so readily available to
that they need to have have a card to get into anyone that wants to
something on them the building. I think purchase them [is the
that they can throw,” that they’re headed main cause to school
Wolter said. in the right direction shootings]. It is a big
Wolter feels it is im- with that,” Wolter said. problem because if
portant teachers have Spending most of you look back in the
some form of protec- her time at school, news most of the peo-
tion, though she thinks Wolter wants to feel ple that have commit-
guns should not be al- safe at school and ted terrible crimes
lowed. “I don’t think thinks administration like school shootings,
guns are the way to is doing a good job they have had those
LOCKDOWN DRILL English teacher Holli
go. I do think that they ensuring the safety of types of weapons and I
Wolter acts out what she would do during a
should have some form teachers and students. think they’re too easily
lockdown drill. PHOTO BY ADRIAN KA-
of protection, even if “I do feel like the ad- available to everyone,” VAZOVIC
they have mace or if ministration is doing a Wolter said.
they have any kind of good job and they’ve Read more on hhsme-
other means of defend- been well trained as dia.com

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY EVELYN LEWIS


C2 SPECIAL FEATURE

GRAPHC BY SORAYA KAUSSLER

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY CLARE KIRWAN


Q&A:
C3 SPECIAL FEATURE

Student safety at school


with Zoe King and Jonathan Spitler
What do you think we should school impacted you? Would
do to prevent gun violence in you say you’re more cautious
schools? now after the amount of school
threats we got last school year?
“I think that in order to fur-
ther prevent gun violence from “It makes me scared and un-
happening at school we need comfortable. I get anxious when
to have an open conversation there’s hoards of students be-
with the students about how cause of the chance of there
they feel instead of treating it being another school shooting
as some super taboo subject,” incident, or a fight outbreak.
King said. When its in the morning or
lunch, I especially feel un-
How has gun violence in the comfortable because it would
school impacted you? Would be harder to see everyone so I
you say you’re more cautious would always try to keep an eye
now after the amount of school out for where I’m heading and
threats we got last school year? try to go where I need to quick-
ly, Compared to the past where
“I feel like in general, coming I might have a quick conversa-
to school feels more anxiety-in- tion with my friends. I definite-
ducing for everybody. I feel ly would say I’m more cautious
like the administration and the now after the threats, because
people at the central office ar- I know now they aren’t just
en’t doing enough to talk about threats that we hear in which
gun violence in a healthy way. nothing happens, but instead
In every situation in which we they could be actually real,” Sp-
lock down or have issues, it is itler said.
just moved on from like noth-
ing happened,” King said. What would you do to help
gun control?
How did you feel last year
during the lockdown? “I would try to put some limits
of how you can obtain a gun,
“I thought it was a drill, but 30 like making sure you pass a test
minutes in, I got really scared, or have some other type of li-
and I started getting anxious. I cense to hopefully prevent pur-
got hot and sweaty. Everything chasing a gun for bad intents.
felt out of place. I was thirsty, I I would also try to implement
was hungry, I was scared, and I a rule that would make sure, if
[genuinely] thought [something you have a gun, that the gun is
bad] was going to happen,” Sp- put in a safe area so that oth-
itler said. er people and underage kids Junior Zoe King considers what they would do in a
aren’t able to get it and use it lockdown. PHOTO BY ADRIAN KAVAZOVIC
How has gun violence in the wrongly,” Spitler said.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY EVELYN LEWIS


C4 SPECIAL FEATURE

Syharath, Arteaga discuss school safety


FRANKIE RUIZ at our school. Sophomore Suzy
staff reporter
Syharath is a student of Harri-

G
un violence is a serious sonburg High School. She had
issue that affects many very strong opinions about how
communities. Having our school doesn’t take things
open conversations about this like these seriously.
topic can always be a good way “I don’t feel our school takes
of raising awareness. Some- it seriously, like I feel like any-
thing this severe shouldn’t be body can bring anything, and
overlooked, but unfortunately, they wouldn’t notice…because
this isn’t talked about much They don’t really have any pre-
at school, let alone, in public. cautions, the most they do is say
At Harrisonburg High School, something like ‘Oh like don’t
this discussion can spark con- bring it’ which does nothing, so
cern with a sense of safety and that’s why people bring what-
well-being of themselves and ever they want,” Syharath said.
others. Many students at Harri- She feels like teachers don’t
sonburg High School can feel put their foot down with situa-
unnerved when discussing a tions like these.
topic like this, but there are a “Everyone is talking and
lot of students who have very some teachers take it seriously,
valued opinions that should be but others don’t, like they real-
heard. ly wouldn’t
It’s dis- mind if
heartening some stu-
Nowhere is safe at this point dents are
that we even
have to wor- in my opinion because talking, or
ry about sit- there are always threats, we doing some-
uations like have no idea if anything bad thing they
this hap- is going to happen, like any- are not sup-
pening at thing could happen right posed to,”
our schools, now, and we just wouldn’t Syharath
but unfor- know, like it’s just not safe said.
tunately, it’s anywhere anymore,” We need
our reali- -Senior Michelle Artega to work to-
ty. This is a gether to
big problem help each
not just for other create
Harrisonburg, but for schools safer ways to protect ourselves
all around the world. Gun Vio- from situations like these. This NERVES Sophomore Susy Syharath considers what she would do in
lence is a serious issue that af- is only one of many opinions, a lockdown. “I don’t feel like our school takes it seriously, I feel like
fects the safety of our students, but not everyone’s opinion anybody can bring anything,” Syharath said. PHOTO BY ADRIAN
and teachers, and it is import- needs to be heard for change. KAVAZOVIC
ant that we work together to We can create change if we
help find solutions to create a actually try doing something policy and how she feels com- to happen, like anything could
safer environment for each and about it, so students don’t have ing to school. happen right now, and we just
every student, and teacher. the dreadful feeling in the back “Nowhere is safe at this point wouldn’t know, like it’s just not
There are many opinions of their mind. in my opinion because there safe anywhere anymore,” Ar-
that people have about our Senior Michelle Arteaga also are always threats, we have no teaga said.
protocol and gun safety rules had some things to say about idea if anything bad is going See more on hhsmedia.com
how she feels about our Gun

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY CLARE KIRWAN


C5 SPECIAL FEATURE

Young discusses spring lockdown, Rush provides safety ideas


FELIX YOUNG
staff reporter

A
lockdown went on for a
few hours before the all
clear was sounded May
22, 2023. Some students stayed
at school, some left with their
parents. No matter what they
did, students and parents alike
continue to wonder if they’re
safe at school.
HHS has resource officers to
help students feel safe and to
help in emergency situations.
Senior Matthew Rush feels safe
at school.
“I don’t really notice a differ-
ence, but I guess it’s nice know-
ing that they’re there,” Rush
said.
However, Rush feels that ad-
ministration should include
more communication to im-
prove the procedure.
“We could know a little bit
more information when we go
into a lockdown,” Rush said. COMMUNICATION Sophomore Sylvia Young feels the lack of communication is becoming a problem.
He has some ideas for what “[School shootings] are horrible and scary. I think letting us know what to do in different areas, and inform-
would be helpful. ing us more would be helpful.” Young said. PHOTO BY ADRIAN KAVAZOVIC
“Emailing us, emailing the
students would be helpful, just With the lockdown, Young and a lot of people didn’t know the bad communication. And
you [so we] know what hap- was worried about being in what to do and I feel like it was if something bad did happen,
pened, at least after,” Rush said. danger from something she did just a lot of stress and panic that let us know what they’re going
After the lockdown was lift- not even know about. However, was unnecessary,” Young said. to change to make it better or
ed, some students wanted to she acknowledges that Harri- Young feels the communica- more safe.”
stay and some wanted to leave. sonburg City Public Schools tion between the school and the Many students wanted to
“Once the situation is han- are trying to improve student’s students was very poor during leave as soon as they could,
dled, I think it’s fine that we’re safety. the May lockdown. while others didn’t mind stay-
at school,” Rush said. “I’m glad they’re doing what “Last time, I think their com- ing.
Sophomore Sylvia Young they’re trying to do. They’re munication was pretty terrible. “I think if people feel unsafe
had a different experience with gonna put in new metal detec- They didn’t really tell us any- or if they just had a really bad
the lockdown last year. She tors and stuff, but I just feel like thing. They would just put out experience then they should
doesn’t feel safe at school for it’s hard because in a lot of sit- vague statements and like ran- be able to leave whenever they
multiple reasons. uations we don’t know what to dom things. They didn’t tell us want. I think the parents are go-
“Some of the time, I feel safe do. They’ve never told us what ‘Hey there’s not a school shoot- ing to come no matter what, so
at school,” Young said. “I just to do if you’re in the cafeteria er’,”Young said. “They should just better communication be-
feel like school shootings are and something happens or in have told us what was going cause the parents also need to
really getting pretty common, the library or other places, and on and let us know that every- know what’s going on,” Young
and I don’t know if our school it’s something we should know. thing was safe. If the commu- said.
is good enough to protect us.” Last time there was a lockdown nication was bad, apologize for

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY CLARE KIRWAN


C6 SPECIAL FEATURE

Students express concerns on school safety


MATILDE ENCISO world to live in when you see
staff reporter
it in the news all the time, and

T
his diverse, crowded and then you’re sort of supposed to
thriving school is the put your head down and pre-
place where more than tend like it’s not an issue when
2,000 people spend a majority it very clearly is,” King said.
of their time from Aug. to June, When asked if she felt safe at
and there’s a lot of work going school, the answer was “Most of
into making it a comfortable the time no.”
and safe space to be. However, The Centers for Disease
events like increased firearm Control and Prevention (CDC)
violence in this country have recognizes firearm violence as
made it difficult for that to be a “serious public health prob-
the case. lem,” stating that, “In 2020,
“I was here during the lock- there were 45,222 firearm-relat-
down last year. I feel like it ed deaths in the United States.”
was uncomfortable to be here They go on to say, “People who
during that time,” senior Zoe survive a firearm-related inju-
King said. “It was scary. It felt like ry may experience long-term
a betrayal of trust because we consequences. These include
were not get- problems with
ting any infor- memory, think-
mation from It was scary. It felt ing, emotions
anyone about like a betrayal of trust and physical dis-
what was re- because we were not ability from in-
ally going on. getting any information jury to the brain;
We had to from anyone about what paralysis from in-
rely on posts was really going on. ” jury to the spinal
on Facebook -Senior Zoe King cord; and chron-
from the po- ic mental health
lice and peo- problems from
ple asking their parents to get conditions such as post-trau-
information from the outside matic stress disorder.”
when we were essentially iso- “I think that it’s a very bad
lated from what was going on thing, and a lot of people who
in our own building.” are innocent get killed because
The issue with gun violence of it, and I think there should
in the United States, and in be a law or something that
schools in particular, is one changes the way that guns can
which can prey on students’ be used,” Junior Jayden Rob-
minds as they try to go through inson said, when asked what
what should be ordinary days. he thought about gun violence
‘School shooting’, a term which in the United States. Affecting AM I SAFE? Junior Latham Fields sits under table for lockdown drill.
has entered our common vo- people directly and indirectly, “No, it’s definitely not enough.,” Fields said. PHOTO BY ADRIAN
KAVAZOVIC
cabulary, describes a reality the issue faced today by stu-
that we live in. One in which we dents and staff brings up ques- do they allow it, the parents and comes from places where peo-
teach first graders what to do if tions and doubts. all that,” Funez said. ple are struggling, and they take
an intruder is in the building “From what I’ve seen there
“I think if it wasn’t so easy to out their anger on other people.
and they have to crouch under are many young people who get get a gun, there’d be a lot less And they’re just in a never end-
their desks, quiet, waiting. those weapons very easily, and
[gun violence],” senior JJ Engle ing war.”
“I feel like it’s just a hard that’s the doubt: how, and how said. “A lot of the gun violence See more on hhsmedia.com
SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY MIGUEL LOPEZ
C7 SPECIAL FEATURE

Students speak out on gun violence


TERRYA SHIFFLETT effect it does have on people.
page editor
“I personally think that

G
un violence affects indi- weapons should not be al-
viduals in many different lowed on school premises and
ways, one of the ways is they’re used to hurt people so
losing a loved one. One of these I’m against them but if they’re
people is freshman Demetrius used for self defense it’s okay.
Arrington, who lost a friend to I think we should cut down
gun violence. the amount of people that can
“I feel like it’s okay to have have guns because I think you
one but you should only use it should have a license and be
for self defense and stuff like over 21 and have to go through
that. You shouldn’t just walk a gorgeous training course so
around using it, or showing it people can’t easily get guns,”
to everybody. Gun violence af- Kareem said.
fected me because that’s how Differing and opposing
Calour was killed a couple views on a topic such as gun vi-
months ago. There’s certain olence is common, while some
places I feel think guns
more com- should be
I think guns are something used for
fortable than
others,” Ar-
that we should use for the protec-
rington said. military but not for killing or tion, others
Anoth- harming people. I don’t think disagree.
er student, it’s something you should Sophomore
Randell Jo- have to just defend your- Ben Stoner
ven says it self but I don’t think people thinks guns
affected him should be going to schools s h o u l d n ’t
due to the and shooting people be used
fear of going -Sophomore Ben Stoner to defend
to school and yourself
wondering and they
what will happen. need to only be used at a larger
“I feel like they’re needed for scale of problems.
self defense but I feel like there “I think guns are something
should be better laws put in that we should use for the mili-
place. Gun violence has affected tary but not for killing or harm-
me because we have lockdowns ing people. I think the average
in school like once a month. I household if they have a large
don’t feel safe knowing guns family and live in an area that
are commonly used because is more prone to getting robbed
everyday I have to think about should have something to de-
whether I’m going to be safe at fend themselves but I don’t
school or not,” Joven said. think it should be a gun. I don’t
Not all students say it has per- think it’s something you should
MOVE TO SAFETY Sophomore Randell Joven sits
sonally affected them though, have to just defend yourself but
under a desk for a lockdown drill. “I don’t feel safe
knowing guns are commonly used because everyday student Moh Kareem doesnt I don’t think people should be
I have to think about whether I’m going to be safe think it has affected him but he going to schools and shooting
at school or not,” Joven said. PHOTO BY ADRIAN still thinks laws should be put people,” Stoner said.
KAVAZOVIC in place and that he knows the

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY MIGUEL LOPEZ


C8 SPECIAL FEATURE

More common lockdowns cause parents to be on high alert


SORAYA KAUSSLER
page editor

O
ver the past year, 28 school shoot-
ings have taken place in the Unit-
ed States. For students, going into
lockdown has been something students
have been raised doing. However, for par-
ents experiencing it from the outside, it’s
stressful and scary. Amy Graham, a nurse
practitioner and teacher at James Madison
University, as well as a mother, knows what
it is like to experience a lockdown with lit-
tle to no communication.
The lockdown that happened during the
spring of last year at HHS, is a prime ex-
ample.
“I needed a message quickly to tell me
that everything was okay,” Graham said. “I
was at work and it was very distracting and
disruptive. I felt like I couldn’t get focused
and get things done because I’m waiting
for that message that everything’s all clear.”
For a lot of parents, lockdown drills were
never something that they had to experi-
ence because the threat of school shoot-
ing was not yet a concern. Now in Virginia,
schools are legally required to have at least
two lockdown drills a year.
“It’s upsetting that we even have to have
lockdown drills to begin with, that it’s
a part of safety training at schools or for WHAT’S THE PROTOCOL Parent Amber Corriston looks over new school protocols about
anybody in the workplace. It’s unfortunate, safety in the school building. Corriston likes to be well informed and aware of what to do when
and sad that it even has to exist,” Graham something bad happens. PHOTO BY ELSIE CORRISTON
said.
Parents worrying for their children’s
building, everything’s brand new and no hear something, our counselors want to
safety is a common trend in America.
instead of that the take home message you hear that information, because that’s ac-
“I just think please don’t let anything
got is, I’m in danger,” Graham said. tually the job that they really want to be
happen,” Graham said. “As a parent, I think
Amber Corriston, a dance teacher at doing.”
that is not something I thought I would be
HHS, and the mother of two children, While HHS is a big school with lots of
worried about for my kids.”
emphasizes the importance of “if you see students, Corriston still feels the school
You also wouldn’t anticipate the layout
something, say something.” does a good job keeping students safe.
of your child’s school, to be something of a
“If you question anything, about a friend Faculty receive training for what to do in
concern for them. The new high school be-
[or] if you feel anything yourself, our coun- the situation of a lockdown or emergency.
ing built in Harrisonburg, Rocktown High
selors are actually counselors. I know they While faculty is well trained in this area,
School, has a lot of their classroom walls
do scheduling and they counsel you on Corriston believes students are not and that
made of glass. This is a concern for some
your schedule for graduation, but they’re it’s something we can improve on. Accord-
students, who may be potentially transfer-
actually counselors. I don’t think the stu- ing to Corriston, Continuing to emphasize
ring there.
dents really think of them that way,” Corris- the importance of ‘if you see something,
“You should be thinking about how
ton said. “We’re all human beings shoved say something and go to a trusted adult or
exciting it’ll be to be in your high school
in a building, and can’t be perfect, but our counselor if you, or someone you know, is
and what the opportunities are going to
counselors are counselors. So when you struggling’ is of the utmost importance.
be there. How it’s a new school, it’s a new
SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY ASHLYN SATTVA & CLARE KIRWAN
C9 SPECIAL FEATURE

MOMS DEMAND ACTION Parent Amanda Bodle has a bumper sticker that says “Moms demand action for gun sense in America.” “We all
knew this would happen eventually and not enough change is being made to stop it from happening,” Parent Amanda Bodle said. PHOTO BY
MAKAYLA SUFFECOOL

Parents worry about safety of children at school


ELSIE CORRISTON are at risk the most ing behind desks while holding out from the
page editor lately,” Perez said. textbooks getting prepared to school and what other parents


Gun violence is a leading Seeing the re- defend themselves, while most were able to tell them.
cause of premature death cent uprise in gun violence at parents waited at home. Amanda Bodle is the mom
in the U.S. Guns kill more schools can take a toll on the That was not the case for of sophomore Kate Bodle. They
than 38,000 people and cause mental health of parents. math teacher Julie Tibbles who were also able to contact each
nearly 85,000 injuries each “I feel helpless. It does affect has a current junior daughter other during the lockdown.
year,” according to the Ameri- mental health because you're at HHS. When the lockdown “When the lockdown hap-
can Public Health Association. constantly worrying,” Perez happened, Tibbles was in the pened I had three primary
Gun violence in schools affects said. “There's so much I wish math office where she knew it thoughts. The first one was I
the thoughts and mental health I could do, was safe, but knew this would happen even-
of not only students but also but there's she didn't tually. The second is anger be-
nothing I “I feel helpless. It does af- know anything cause we all knew this would
the parents and adults that care
could do at fect mental health because about her happen eventually and not
for them.“Exposure to violent
events cause trauma and lasting the same you’re constantly worrying,” daughter. enough change is being made
changes in the nervous system time. You -Parent Daraliz Perez “All I could to keep it from happening. I
in both children and adults,” would do think was ‘Is also just got very focused and
(Mental Health America). anything to my child safe?’ was very lucky to be able to text
Daraliz Perez is a mother of prevent your kids [from] going because we had no idea what with Kate,” Bodle said. “[I tried
three children. A 10-year-old through those experiences, but was going on,” Tibbles said. to] find out where she was in the
daughter who attends Blue- the reality is, there's nothing Her daughter, Reese Tibbles, building, ask questions about
stone Elementary School, a you can do except keep them was able to stay safe in a spot how many sirens it seemed
12-year-old daughter at Thomas at home 24/7, [which is] close to of the school with enough ser- like there were, what the police
Harrison Middle School and a impossible.” vice to contact her mom. That presence seemed like because
sophomore at Harrisonburg Last year, the HHS com- was not the case for everyone. we were not getting any help-
High School. munity was quick to test how Many students had their par- ful information from the school
“It's hard because you're our parents, administrators, ents and loved ones worrying district. [We only got] enough to
sending them to school where students and teachers reacted because they weren't able to keep us really uncertain about
it's supposed to be the safest when an issue arose and the get in contact with each other. what was going on and scared.”
place for our kids, besides home school was put under lockdown. Their parents were solely rely- See more on hhsmedia.com
and church, and it's where they Students sat in classrooms hid- ing on information getting sent

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY ASHLYN SATTVA & CLARE KIRWAN
C10 SPECIAL FEATURE

New Dean of Students provide another perspective on student safety


brought into the building, students will
be searched at that moment. We have
some protocols being put in place where
the same as in the past, but you know,
we’re just more aware and trying to be
more proactive,” Perry said.
Utilizing his experience at the Boys and
Girls Club of America and twelve years at
Harrisonburg High School, Perry devel-
oped connections between him and his
students. To form relationships with the
students, he learns about the students
through conversations and lets them be.
“I’ve always been able to build a good
rapport with students,” Perry said. “A lot
of the students that I’ve worked with at
the Boys and Girls Club were coming
through the high school because they
started out like five or six-year-olds. I
watch them come through high school
and graduate. Now, I’m seeing some of
their kids come through high school. It’s
been eye-opening to how old I’m get-
ting.”
Building these connections with his
students also builds Perry’s concern for
the students’ safety, and safety becomes
Perry’s top priority.
“A lot of our conversations, it’s about
like, ‘How can we help our students?
How can we help our teachers help our
PREPARATION Durmount Perry, previously a teacher at Harrisonburg High School, is the students?’, and go from there,” Perry said.
newly appointed Dean of Students. Perry, and the rest of the administration team, prioritizes “We’re all on the same board just trying
student safety and strives to build strong connections with all students. “We’re all on the to make sure that our students are being
same board just trying to make sure that our students are being successful in high successful in high school and just trying
school and just trying to get them all to graduate on time and go on to be productive to get them all to graduate on time and go
citizens,” Perry said. PHOTO BY ELSIE CORRISTON on to be productive citizens.”
Students haven’t reached out to Perry
JIAYI LI “When you have a good relationship
managing editor with any questions regarding safety in the
with students, even the ones that you high school. However, Perry recommends

A
midst the frenzy of a new academic don’t have the best relationships with reaching out to administrators with any
year, a fresh face has joined the ad- or any relationship with because I don’t questions or concerns they have.
ministration team. As the recently know all the students here, but you just “They should reach out if they have
appointed Dean of Students, Durmount want to make sure that their safety is first concerns. Feel free to come in and ask
Perry brings a teacher’s perspective to and foremost,” Perry said. one of the admins,” Perry said. “I’m sure
the forefront, one that seeks to enhance The administration staff attends meet- we’ll be able to talk to them about it if
existing safety measures for students. ings to discuss ways to prioritize the stu- they want to know more about it…If
On the administration team, Perry dent’s safety. they’re interested or if they have ques-
works with the staff to support students “Hopefully, in the next few weeks, we’ll tions about it, I think it’ll be fine for them
through high school to graduate on time. have our installation of protection on our to just come in and ask.”
doors, where if anything that is metal is

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY SORAYA KAUSSLER


Q&A:
C11 NEWS

Admin perspective on school safety


with Assistant Athletic Director Jonathan Middleton
What is your role in the school building helping everyone get to safety,” Middleton
and what does that entail? said. “I think right now we are definitely in a
good space. Especially with the added new
“I am the Assistant Activities Director. If you had any, what was your training for door locks we are getting. All our doors
I oversee the athletic department of the situations like gun violence? are locked and people check them rou-
programs and athletics with Burley, our tinely. We are present and visible in the
Director of Student Activities,” Middleton “Training wise we do training thats man- halls so I feel like right now we are in a
said. datory throughout the city. For that train- good spot,” Middleton said.
ing, it’s professional police,” Middleton
If the school goes into lockdown, like it said. What are the new door locks like?
did last year, what is your job?
What safety precautions are currently in “The door locks are going to be a key card
“[My job] is making sure that all students the school building and do you agree with instead of a physical key. Faculty will have
are safe and accounted for, is here and just them? access to those,” Middleton said.

PARKING LOT Assistant Athletic Director


Jonathan Middleton speaks into his walki-talki
as he examins risk in the parking lot. PHOTO
BY ADRIAN KAVAZOVIC

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY EVELYN LEWIS


D1 SPORTS

GAINING YARDS Senior Cadrian Rog-


ers-Davis runs with the ball down the
field. PHOTO BY MIGUEL LOPEZ

SPORTS
Expectations remain high for varsity football
LOUIS GIBSON
page editor
“We have a situation now. We’ve lost 13 future of Harrisonburg football is un-
straight games, so we gotta get that turned known.

“W
e still have high expecta- around and win a game or two. Then the “It’s hard to say because I don’t know ex-
tions. We expect to win some confidence will rise as well. Then we will actly how they’re going to make that move.
games,” Harrisonburg foot- start having a little bit of fun,” Gillenwater Obviously, we’ll lose half of our players, or
ball head coach Kyle Gillenwater said. said. “Just [win] one [game] and [we will] half of our prospects, but we’ll see,” Gill-
For Harrisonburg, coming off an 0-10 start taking off. We got good kids, they’re enwater said. “We’ll figure it out one way
season, one could wonder what the expec- working hard. We’ll figure it out.” or another. The kids will be fine. We’ll keep
tations are for this season. Even with back- Harrisonburg football has been able going.”
to-back-to-back seasons without a winning to ‘figure it out’ in the With all the questions
record, the third year head coach in Kyle past. Many recall the about the future and the
Gillenwater has high expectations. 2010 team that lost to a We’ll figure it out one recent trends in onfield
The statistics do not exactly favor the Briar Woods team led way or another. The kids performance surround-
Blue Streaks. Last season Max Preps by future NFL quarter- will be fine. We’ll keep ing Harrisonburg football
ranked the Blue Streaks as the 285th (out back Trace McSorley in going.” there is still much belief in
of 350) best football team in Virginia. This the division four state -Football head coach Kyle the team and what success
season the Blue Streaks are yet to score a championship game. Gillenwater they will have this season.
single point. Six years ago the Blue “We got a bunch of new
Dating back to November of 2021 the Streaks won the valley players, so numbers are
Blue Streaks are currently in a 13 game district championship. Four NFL players up,” Gillenwater said. “A bunch of them
losing streak. During the Blue Streaks 13- have worn the blue jerseys that say Har- have never played before, but it’s good. At-
game losing streak the Blue Streaks have risonburg across the chest. Harrisonburg titude is good, effort is good. We just got to
been outscored 462-90, the offense averag- football has had success. They have won a teach them a little bit, and we expect to win
ing only a touchdown a game. state championship. some this year.”
With two schools splitting into two the See more on hhsmedia.com
SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY CAMRYN JOHNSON
D2 SPORTS

Varsity volleyball defeates Strasburg in straight sets


LOUIS GIBSON
page editor
LINE UP The Girls Varsity Volleyball team

T
he Harrisonburg Blue Streaks con- does a handshake train before their game
tinued their undefeated season against the Strasburg Rams Aug. 24. Photo
Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 against the by Adrian Kavazovic
Strasburg Rams. It took only an hour and
fourteen minutes for the Blue Streaks to
win in straight sets for the second time
this season to improve to 3-0.
After falling behind 2-0 in the first set,
the Blue Streaks did not let the Rams take
another lead in the first set. Junior and
second year starting setter, Macy Waid,
stepped up to the line to serve for the
Blue Streaks. The Rams had no answer
for Waid’s serve, as Waid hit seven straight
aces in a 9-0 Blue Streaks run.
Junior Teagan Miller followed her team-
mate to the service line and kicked off her
night serving with another ace to put the
Blue Streaks up 12-4.
Freshman Nora Von Rotz and junior
Autumn Seabrook hit back to back kills
to bring the Blue Streaks lead into double
digits.
A block by Seabrook brought the lead
to 18-6 forcing Rams head coach Suzanne
Mathias-Carter to call a timeout. ston followed her up with three straight vice error by the Rams capped off a domi-
Coming out of the timeout the Rams kills to put the Blue Streaks up 4-0. nant Blue Streaks second set with the final
started to string together points courtesy of The setter-hitter connections at the net score of 25-8.
back to back blocks by sophomore Jayden by Hairston, senior Analise Etchebarne, In the third set the Blue Streaks Varsi-
Stinnette to cut the Blue Streak lead to 19- Seabrook and Gutierrez, as well as sets by ty Volleyball Head Coach Erin Brubaker
10. Waid proved to be a deciding factor in the made the decision to sit some of her start-
A kill from Miller, an ace from senior Thursday night match. ers in favor of some of the Blue Streak re-
Rylee Stroop, followed by a kill from junior “The setter-hitter connection went very serves. This led to a closer contested decid-
Veronica Gutierrez shifted the momentum well, [they] read each other’s timing. That ing set.
back to the Blue Streaks as they did not let is something our team is developing our Down 3-6; which was the Rams larg-
the Rams cut their lead further and went skills in,” Gutierrez said. est lead of the night, a Seabrook block, a
on to win the first set 25-13. In the second set alone the Blue Streaks Gutierrez ace and a kill by senior Thanei-
Apart from two blocks the Rams only had nine kills. sha Cedeno brought the set back to even.
scored points in the first set off of Blue By the time the Rams scored their sec- With the Blue Streaks down 13-14, Brubak-
Streaks errors. All match long the Blue ond point of the set it was already 14-2 Blue er brought Waid back into the game and
Streaks served well, particularly in the first Streaks. there was an instant impact.
set as they racked up a total of 13 aces. The lead got cut to 19-6, but Hairston Another ace by Waid brought the Blue
In the second set it was more of the same put the set out of reach when in the span Streaks within one and with Waid at the
for the home team. Waid returned to the of five points she recorded two blocks and service line the Blue Streaks ran up a 12-3
service line to cheering from the home stu- two kills. run to close out the set and the match with
dent section. Gutierrez kicked off the sec- Another Waid ace and a Gutierrez kill a final set score of 25-17.
ond set with a kill. Freshman Sarah Hair- brought the Blue Streaks to 24 and a ser- See more on hhsmedia.com
SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY CAMRYN JOHNSON
D3 SPORTS

Golf team nearly doubles in size


LOUIS GIBSON
page editor
MAKE THE SHOT Freshman Brian Milstead hits the

S
golf ball into the hole during practice. PHOTO BY
ince the end of July, the Harrison-
IZZY PEREZ
burg golf team has been practicing
at the Heritage Oaks Golf Course
preparing for the fall season. As the sea-
son winds to a close the Harrisonburg
golf team enjoys the benefit of nearly
doubling in size this season compared to
last year.
“Being with a larger team definitely has
its ups and downs. First of all, it’s awe-
some and so much fun to be with all the
guys and play with different teammates
each day,” junior Javier Molina said. “We
all enjoy each other and have fun.”
First year golfer junior Drew Lankford
enjoys the environment that comes with a
larger team.
“I like the people and getting to play
with them everyday,” Lankford said.
“There is a lot of downtime in golf so we
get to talk a lot about a bunch of stuff. Ev-
eryone is so awesome to be around. It’s a
fun group.”
Having a larger team also benefits the tween his teammates and golf head coach, ed off barely being able to hit the ball and
match results Chris Sorber now I can hit somewhat cleanly and get
“The dynamic is different for sure, be- “As well, I am put in the position to distance.”
cause we have more kids we can be flexible reach out to teammates and let them know For returning players like Molina his
with the scores we put in as a team,” Moli- our schedule for tournaments, and in turn goals are different.
na said. I have to let the coach know if other team- “For me personally, I really want to start
Instead of last season where every score mates have anything going on, if he doesn’t shooting in the low 80s as that will be a
shot by each teammate counted towards know already. We all have very different great show of improvement. In practice I
the team’s final score, having extra play- schedules and it’s very hard to shape prac- am currently trying to learn how to shot
ers means that the team can take the best tice when there are specific times we all shape, there is never the same hole on the
scores shot by the whole team and have the have to be on the course,” Molina said. course and each shot is a little different,
flexibility to drop higher scores. This season the team has only three re- because of that I need to know how to hit
For Molina this season marks his third turning players while the rest are all join- a certain shot, with a certain amount of
season on the team and his first season as ing the Harrisonburg golf team for the first movement in the air to get it where I need
team captain. Being captain adds a whole time. it to be. As well, I am always working on
other side of responsibilities for Molina. As one of the many first year players my short game which consists of putting
“Being captain is definitely a bigger re- Lankford recognizes the challenges and and chipping and helping others learn this
sponsibility than my previous years. Often- his progress across the season. process like others have taught me,” Moli-
times I have to start practice all by myself “My goals are to become more consis- na said. “Areas in which I have improved
and direct other players on where they tent and to work on my short game a little are definitely my putting, and my approach
need to be and what time they tee off,” Mo- bit more, my chipping needs a lot of work shots. Both of which will make or break
lina said. so closing out holes is one of my big goals,” your score.”
Another challenge for Molina is sched- Lankford said. “I think my long game has
uling practicing and being a bridge be- gotten much better over the season. I start-

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY MAKAYLA SUFFECOOL


D4 SPORTS

seemed fun. I kept doing it all through-


out middle school and then this sum-
ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF THE mer I started running and going to
OTHER Freshman Brooke Saunders preseason practices,” Saunders said.
runs at the City Country Championship, Community is one of the things that
Sept. 13. “The whole team is working
super hard and I think we’re doing
keeps the runners going even on the most
really well,” Saunders said. PHOTO BY grueling of days. Though there are no of-
EVELYN LEWIS ficial captains, the team seniors take it
upon themselves to lead the teams. Senior
CJ Hulleman is particularly excited about
being a mentor to the younger runners.
“I hope to create a good team relation-
ship and I make sure to motivate people.
I help make sure everyone has transporta-
tion home and I make sure everyone’s do-
ing what they’re supposed to,” Hulleman
said. “I’m excited for all the new fresh-
men we have this year. They show a lot of
promise and they all seem to be excited.”
Eberly is excited to be a leader on the
girls team and wants to set a good exam-
ple for the younger runners to look up to.
“As a leader, I help with the team dy-
namic and plan a lot of fun events. I just
recently made shirts for the whole team.
I hope to inspire newer runners into be-

Cross country team kicks off season


ing the best they can be”, Eberly said.
All the hard work pays off during
meets, which Howley said was his favor-
times. We started by working out and do- ite part of participating in cross country.
EVELYN LEWIS ing shorter, easier runs. Then after a bit “My favorite part has to be running in
managing editor of that we started doing more challeng- the meets. I especially like the big invita-

C
ross country is considered to be ing things and increasing our speed and tions. The best course I’ve run on is pan-
one of the hardest sports mentally distance,” junior Kaedon Howley said. orama farms [because] It’s where I ran my
and physically, with runners run- Senior Olivia Eberly trained different- best time of 17.45. The worst course has to
ning multiple miles per week. The dis- ly to start this season be the fairgrounds at
tance each specific runner goes per week due to an injury from home [because] it’s hilly
last season. She start- I’m excited for all the new and hard,” Howley said.
varies depending on injuries, school
schedule and goals for the season. The ed running in fifth freshman we have this year. Each runner start-
runners typically run between 30-40 grade and has been They show a lot of promise,” ed for a different rea-
miles per week, with some doing more. a member ever since. -Senior CJ Hulleman son but most start-
“I’ve been running 43 miles a week,” “This summer I ed in Middle school.
senior Matthew Rush said. “Half the days didn’t run as much, Hulleman joined in
are easy days and half of them are work- but I stayed active and I strengthened fithth grade because he looked up to his
outs which are intervals of fast and slow.” my hips because I got injured last sea- brother who also ran. Rush also joined
The boys and girls teams are two dif- son. Basically, we ran a lot and then in middle school and has stayed for the
ferent teams, but they do similar train- my hip socket gave out,” Eberly said. many benefits he gets out of running.
ing and workouts together. Though their Freshman Brooke Saunders joined the “I’ve made a lot of friends through
training might look a little different, for girls team last season as a JV member. Her cross country, and I’ve also gotten in a
each team training consists of many dif- mom, the coach of the girl’s team, encour- lot better shape than if I didn’t run. I
ferent varieties of runs and workouts. aged running from the start of middle school. like the atmosphere and all the people
“We do a lot of workouts and long “Both my parents were runners so that I get to interact with. Races are hard,
runs which can be challenging some- they [they said I] should try it out and it but it’s worth it in the end,” Rush said.
See more on hhsmedia.com

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY ASHLYN SATTVA & CLARE KIRWAN
D5 SPORTS

Varsity competition cheer team builds unbreakable bonds


ASHLYN SATTVA skill level in stunt positions. Along with title for the first time in 12 years the team is
managing editor
trying new [stunt] groups so we have vari- hungry for more. Morris-Dean believes the

T
he varsity competition (comp) cheer- ety for the upcoming season. Variety helps new routine will lead the team to success.
leading team spends summer pre- us score higher,” Lecue said. “Preseason “This season I’m looking forward to
paring for the season to come. After was good this year, we got a lot of new skills showing off our new routine and making it
claiming the valley district title last year and bonded as a team.” great. This season our routine is very showy
the varsity competition cheer team returns Junior Ava Nelson has been a top girl on and comes with cool pieces we haven’t
with eight seniors. This pulls the team to- varsity comp since freshman year. Nelson done before. This year we know that we’re
gether to take on another season. expresses that preseason is for goal setting able to win a lot of comps, whereas last year
Senior Alice Wightman starts her third and creating a good team we doubted ourselves a lot. We have defi-
year as a base on the var- ‘vibe’. nitely found our confidence,” Morris-Dean
sity competition team. “Preseason was amaz- said. “This season I want us to get a state
Getting in shape is the Preseason was good this
year, we got a lot of new ing this year. I think we ring because I know we have the talent and
priority during presea- all set a goal for ourselves ability.”
son. Wightman believes skills and bonded as a
very early on, and every- Senior Caroline Shanholtz starts her
heat was their greatest team” body has been working so third year as a base on the varsity comp
obstacle. -Junior star Lecue hard to achieve that goal, team. Shanholtz hopes to make it past
“During preseason we and there’s just been a round one of regionals.
mainly focus on conditioning so that we different kind of fight behind everybody “This year everyone has a better attitude
are able to do a full out during the season. this season. It was tiring at times, and we toward practices and overall we have better
A full out is when we do our entire routine dragged ourselves into the gym some days skills on the mat. I hope we make it past
like we are at a competition. When we are but everybody was always positive and up- round one of regionals and get to show off
first learning a new routine they are very lifting, no matter what,” Nelson said. all of our hard work,” Shanholtz said.
difficult and exhausting,” Wightman said. The previous season shapes how presea- See more on hhsmdia.com
“[Preseason] was hot because there was son will be run. After claiming the district
no AC during the summer. We faced many
challenges, but the heat was
the worst by far.”
Senior Tzeviya Mor-
ris-Dean begins her third
year as a back on varsity
comp team. Morris-Dean ex-
presses preseason isn’t just
about productivity.
“I think preseason was
productive but also fun, we
got a lot of things figured
out and remained positive,”
Morris-Dean said.
Junior Star Lecue has
been a top girl on varsity
comp since her freshman
year. Lecue explains why
preseason is so important.
She also thinks the team
became closer over the sum-
mer.
“Preseason is for staying
in shape, building strength
and flexibility and improving POPSICLES Members of the cheer team eat popsicles together at a football game. PHOTO BY MIGUEL
LOPEZ

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY MIGUEL LOPEZ


D6 SPORTS

Boys soccer team start preseason early


for HHS than he does playing the team prepare for the sea-
club soccer. son. He hopes for a really pro-
“Getting to play again with ductive preseason.
my high school teammates and “I am going to take this pre-
making sure the team improves season seriously and make sure
from last year,” Carranza said. I can do everything I possibly
Carranza is excited about get- can to give my best to all of my
ting back onto the field again teammates,” Carranza said.
with his high school team- Carranza is going to use this
mates. Carranza wants the team preseason to improve himself
to improve even more from last in the best way possible. He is
year’s soccer season. also trying to make sure that
“I’m hoping that a lot of the he will do anything to give his
guys will take it seriously and best self to the team and all his
that way we can start strong teammates.
and not finish the season early “To connect with the team,
like last year,” Miller said. and make sure we’re all on the
Miller wants the guys to start same page so we play well to-
taking these preseasons seri- gether,” Miller said.
ously as this will help them Miller is going to use this
when the soccer season starts. preseason to connect more
FINAL YEARS Senior Steve Carranza and junior Tyler Miller prepares This way they can have a real- with his high school teammates.
for the corner kick during the home soccer game. “I feel excited and ly good start He would like
anxious and this is going to be my senior year and I want to start off to the season to be on the
well,” said Carranza. PHOTO BY JOSH SALDANA and Miller I am going to take this same page
would like the preseason seriously and with every-
JOSHUA SALDANA well,” Carranza said. season to be make sure I can do every- one so that
page editor Steve Carranza is a senior longer than it thing I possibly can to give they can play

A
s the school year starts and he was on the Varsity team did last year. my best to all of my team- well together
up again that means pre- last year and Carranza plays “I think throughout
center midfielder. Carranza is
mates.”
season for soccer is also everyone will -Senior Steve Carranza the season.
starting up. The Varsity and JV really excited about preseason be a lot more “Yes I think
soccer teams both ended last starting up once again but he’s focused and it’s a good way
season as district champions also feeling anxious as this is serious since there are a lot of to come back and connect with
with Varsity unfortunately los- his senior year and he wants seniors leaving the team this my teammates because it helps
ing in the first round of region- this season to be a good season year and they know what’s on us build off the mistakes that
als in penalties. With preseason to end on. the line,” Carranza said. happened last year and improve
starting up this lets everyone “I’m excited, it’s always fun Carranza feels as though be- upon them,” Carranza said.
who wants a shot on the soc- to get back into soccer for HHS. ing more serious and focused Carranza thinks that presea-
cer team to come out and show It’s just a different feeling than will be very important this year son is a great way to stay close to
themselves to the players and club soccer,” Miller said. as there will be quite a few se- your teammates at high school.
coaches. Steve Carranza is a Tyler Miller is a junior and niors graduating this year. As Carranza says that it helps them
senior and Tyler Miller is a Ju- he was also on the Varsity soc- this will be Carranza senior build off their mistakes that
nior and they were both on the cer team last year. Miller’s po- year he wants to end it on a happened during the season
soccer Varsity team last season sition for the soccer team is a good note last year and this way they can
and are excited for preseason to center back. Miller is also ex- “I think it’s going to be pro- improve on it for the upcoming
start once again. cited about preseason starting ductive and we’ll prepare well season.
“I feel excited and anxious up once again. Miller says that for the year,” Miller said. See more on hhsmedia.com
and this is going to be my se- playing for HHS is fun since he Miller feels like preseason
nior year and I want to start off gets a different feeling playing will go well and that it will help

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY FARRAH KING-HUGHES


D7 SPORTS

Summer practices prepare athletes for current season


MIGUEL LOPEZ
copy editor

J
une 19, summer of 2023, the cross
country team started their season early
with summer practices and came back
with a bond closer than ever
Senior Lena Blagg has been running
since the fifth grade. She is a co-captain on
the team along with the other senior girls,
Anna Campillo, Annie Poirot and Olivia
Eberly.
“I think summer practices went well this
year. It helped us prepare for the season,
making our first meets and workouts easier.
I think they definitely helped our team to
improve as a whole because most years our
summer training isn’t as strong as it was
this year,” Blagg said.
Sophomore Sophie Kauffman also be-
lieves the summer practices brought the
team closer together. HUDDLE DOWN Harrisonburg High School varsity football team goes against Millbrook to
“We spent the day tie-dying t-shirts, start off the official football season. Senior Jonathan Biller is a right tackle, linebacker and kick-
swimming, playing capture the flag, hav- er for the team. PHOTO BY MIGUEL LOPEZ
ing a potluck and watching a movie. Cross
country camp was just a fun way to start
the season and bond as a team. I felt like had some quarterbacks, some people who other, we were getting together good and
our team got to know each other more, came out to play line. We had a good de- still are. We’d just go over basic stuff at first
especially the new freshmen. I appreciate fense and won most of our seven on sev- and get back into the groove of football and
the welcoming and re- ens, so it looked like we were going to have we started going over plays on offense and
laxed team environment,” a really good year,” Biller defense,” Rodgers-Davis said.
Kauffman said. said. Like Rodgers-Davis, many of the play-
We just need to have the Biller believes the team ers feel the bonds improved with summer
The boys team practic- focus and effort but we
es with the girls team at has a shot at success, with practices. However, for junior Fllipo Toe-
could be really good this the skill and heart to win lau, who moved from Miami, he used the
these summer meetings.
year if we put in the work.” it. practices to meet the team.
Senior Matthew Rush is
one of the boys team cap- -Senior Jonathan Biller “We just need to have “The football practices were really fun. I
tains this year. This will the focus and effort but got the attention of all the coaches with my
be his eighth year running. we could be really good speed, strength and athleticism. I’m start-
“These practices gave us a jump start on this year if we put in the work. We thought ing for the team as a receiver and defensive
the season so now we can hit practices even we were gonna do better than we have so back. At first I felt nervous because I was
harder. Throughout the whole summer I far; we’ve been missing a couple people and new and didn’t know anyone but one per-
have been gaining more confidence for the a couple people left after the first couple of son. It was hard to get the attention of the
team with every practice,” Rush said. weeks, so it was a bit shocking and we had coaches because I was new and they didn’t
The football team also did summer to switch some people in, but I think once know what I could do, but when I started
workouts. Senior Jonathan Biller is a right we get in rolling and get it going we’ll be to show what I could do, the environment
tackle, linebacker and kicker for the team good,” Biller said. changed. Teammates and coaches treated
and has been playing since junior year. Senior Cadrian Rodgers-Davis, a wide me differently in a good way. They gave me
“Summer practices went well, we had receiver for the team, thinks the team’s more opportunities in practice and overall
a lot of people show up. It looked like we bond has gotten stronger this year because it was a good experience,” Toelau said.
were going to be really good, we had a of the summer practices. See more on hhsmedia.com
bunch of wide receivers, running backs; we “We weren’t arguing and fighting each

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY FARRAH KING-HUGHES


D8 SPORTS

Volleyball, cheer prepare for upcoming season


MCKENNA DAYTON While athletes like Lecue look up to
staff reporter the seniors on her team, senior Thanei-

W
hile summer break for many sha Cedeno was the mentor for her new-
students consists of a period of er volleyball teammates.
relaxation and time away from “We’re all super supportive of each
the school, many fall athletes still find other at practices, at our open gyms and
themselves spending countless hours of our workouts. We’re always trying to give
their summer days in the school building. each other tips trying to just give each
For most fall sports, offseason work- other advice,” Cedeno said.
outs begin soon after the previous school LaJack, instead of confiding in her
year ends. Student athletes use their teammates, found support in her coach,
summer break as a time to work and im- who always showed up for their team. La-
prove in their sport in hopes to see posi- Jack believes that their coach helped the
tive outcomes in their upcoming season. cheerleader’s stay focused on their goals
There are variety of reasons why student throughout the summer.
athletes choose to participate in offsea- “I looked up to our coach, Danny, the
son workouts. Junior most. She comes to
Aubree Ringwald used practice when she’s not
volleyball workouts as a “We had some fun through feeling well. She could
way to improve on her it all. Workouts definitely have a sickness and
skills. brought us closer because we she’ll come in just be-
“I participated in were all just struggling and cause she wants us to
the workouts to stay in do good. She also puts
working it all out together.”
shape in the offseason trust and faith in us,”
-Junior Abby LaJack LaJack said. “She can
of volleyball and so I
can be better when we sometimes yell and be
come back,” Ringwald said. strict, but overall she encourages us. We
Varsity competition cheerleader, junior have big team talks whenever we’re not
Abby LaJack, focused more on her stami- doing so good. We talk about regionals
na and preparation for routines. and states and what our goals are and
“Cheer comes with a lot of condition- how we are going to get there.”
ing, working out and building up your After weeks of work and team bonding,
endurance and strength. It’s a big part of many student athletes got the chance to
cheer. You need to have the endurance to improve in different areas of their sports.
go through a two or three minute routine Anywhere from their leadership abilities
without dying and losing your energy,” to their physical attributes, many student
LaJack said. athletes gained new skills over the offsea-
Throughout the offseason workouts son that they weren’t confident in before.
and practices, many student athletes find Ringwald felt confident in both the vol-
teammates and mentors who help push leyball team and herself because of their
them along the way. During cheer work- discipline during summer workouts.
outs, Junior Star Lecue confided in her “I feel great about this season because
senior team captains for encouragement most of the team went to offseason work-
and success. outs, so I feel like we’ll be a really good GET LOUD Sophomore Mollie Balmer, junior
“We have our team captains, they were team this year. I also improved a lot be- Aubree Ringwald and senior Logaan Whiting
probably our biggest motivators, along cause we would get to work out a lot. celebrate a point during a volleyball match. “I
with all of the rising seniors. They all re- Working out is something we don’t usu- feel great about this season because most of the
ally motivated us to put in the work so ally get to do in-season for volleyball, es- team went to offseason workouts, so I feel like
that we can have a great season this up- pecially working on our arms,” Ringwald we’ll be a really good team this year,” Ringwald
coming year,” Lecue said. said. said. PHOTO BY ADRIAN KAVAZOVIC
See more on hhsmedia.com
SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY CLARE KIRWAN
D9 NEWS

Freshmen rising to varsity


Von Rotz, Harriston speak to experience on varsity volleyball team
MAKAYLA SUFFECOOL didn’t go my way. My mom helped me
page editor find opportunities to help me train

V
arsity volleyball mainly consists without being on an actual team. When
of upperclassmen. Nora Von Rotz I look back now, I don’t think I would
and Sarah Harriston were the be where I am today without having
only two freshmen to make the team to work so hard to learn the sport. My
this year. experience had made me more deter-
“[When I first made the team] I was mined to make the next team and to
nervous because the players were all my surprise that was varsity,” Von Rotz
experienced, and it was my first year said.
at HHS. However, all of my teammates Building a community within her
were friendly and welcoming, and I had team has made Harriston’s volleyball
a blast at the team bonding events,” Von experience better.
Rotz said. “The community we have is great.
Playing since fifth grade, Harriston We always cheer each other on and are
began her volleyball career participat- there for each other when we need it.
ing in volleyball camps. I feel comfortable with my teammates
“I started doing camps at Horizons and enjoy playing with them. Being loud
Edge in fifth grade. I made the Sky- off and on the court is one of the
line Middle School volleyball team in things we are good at, and I love
6th grade and made the team again that ev- eryone participates, even
in seventh grade. I also started travel the Red Sea,” Harriston said.
volleyball my seventh grade year. Throughout her vol-
In eighth grade, I made leyball career, Von Rotz feels
the JV volley- ball being on the varsity team has
team at HHS helped her grow as an in-
and contin- di- vidual and as a player.
ued play- ing “Varsity is the most ad-
travel vol- vanced team I have ever
played on. I have learned more
about strategizing against other
teams and players. I have learned
leyball all of this from my coaches and team-
as well,” Har- r i s - mates which has helped me to grow
ton said. more as a person and a player,” Von
Despite the rough Rotz said.
start of her volleyball Being surrounded by upperclass- ALL TOGETHER The volleyball teams hur-
career, Von Rotz was men has made it easier to talk to new
people Harriston has met in high dle around each other, getting excited together.
determined to make school. PHOTO BY EDISON RATTANA
the team even after not “Being on a team has definitely
making it in seventh helped me feel more comfortable in CELEBRATING The volleyball teams high
grade. high school, and less nervous to talk fives each other at a game, Aug. 31. PHOTO BY
“Even though I had to upperclassmen and other high BRADY SHIFFLETT
not played much vol- schoolers in general. Volleyball has
leyball, I still thought I also helped me stay motivated in ONE OF TWO Freshman Nora Von Rotz play-
had a good chance school to keep my grades up, so I
of making the team. ing in a game, Aug. 24. PHOTO BY ADRIAN
I was surprised and can make it to practice at the end KAVAZOVIC
crushed when it of the day,” Harriston said.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY JUMANA ALSAADOON


D10 SPORTS

RAISED UP HIGH Stu-


dents in the Red Sea raise
the number one while
waiting for the last point
in the setto be scored.
PHOTO BY EVELYN
LEWIS

Red Sea makes noise for the volleyball team


ELSIE CORRISTON Thornton are among the many people able to support your fellow peers and
page editor in the Red Sea who love cheering for your school.”


AAAAAHHHHHH… BOOM!” their friends on the court. There is never a dull moment in this
The Red Sea is back this year and “Everybody knows each other, so student section. Whether there is a
ready to scream and shout as the we’re all hyping each other up,” King cheer going on or people are engaged
volleyball players serve. Whether peo- said. “We’re having a great time.” in what’s happening in the game, ev-
ple love the themes, the atmosphere, Having a sense of connection to eryone is always on their feet making
watching the game, or just being there friends and noise.
to hang out with their friends, our stu- peers outside “The student section loves
dent section is all set to cheer on vol- of the class- Everybody knows each other, coming together to cheer
leyball. Junior Davis Bert has stepped room set- so we’re all hyping each other for our volleyball team, no
up and helped this section bring en- ting brings a
ergy, volume, and hype to these games. up. We’re having such a great matter what is happening,
strong com- time .” they just love to be loud. I’ve
“I’ve really enjoyed leading the Red munity of been told by many of the
Sea. I get really great suggestions support to -Junior Lydia King parents that they love it too,
from our seniors, and everyone is su- these volley- so I’m glad we can have fun
per into all the chants,” Bert said. “The ball games. Thornton hasn’t missed and bring a smile to other people’s
first night I led the section, I was just a game and is excited to be there for faces,” Bert said.
trying to get a group of students to be everyone. It has even been overflowing with
loud and supportive, but it has con- “I love the Red Sea because it is so people sitting and standing on the
tinued, and I hope we can continue to fun to connect with everybody and stairs.
build on this spirit that we have going socialize with people you don’t have See more on hhsmedia.com
right now.” classes with,” Thornton said. “You also
Juniors Lydia King and Aiyana just feel a great sense of unity being
SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY CAMRYN JOHNSON
D11 SPORTS

JV sideline cheer brings energy to the side of


football games
JUMANA ALSAADOON panakhone, who doesn’t mind standing
managing editor around for hours as much.

“M
“It goes by pretty fast because it’s some-
ove from side to side and show thing that I love to do. Time flies, so there’s
that Bluestreak pride,” the JV nothing much, just standing there, but we
sideline cheerleaders yelled do cheers,” Sychampanakhone said.
out to the crowd of supporters coming to Due to the intertwining of football and
watch the football game. cheer, when football loses or wins the cheer
Every football game, the sideline cheer team also reflects similar emotions.
team will stand on the sideline and cheer “We stand out there for two hours so
throughout the whole game. Their main when we lose I feel bad, but I can’t do any-
rest time is during halftime when they are thing about it,” De Los Santos Medina said.
able to get food, walk around and take a Castro and Sychampanakhone share a
break. Before and after that they are stand- similar outlook when it comes to the out-
ing in a formation, watching the game and come of the football games.
cheering for the football “I do my best to sup-
team. Periodically, they will port them either way,”
also do stunts, pyramids Sychampanakhone said.
and organized cheers. The coaches are really Something that helps
Sophomore Jenifer Tay- nice and supportive, the the cheer team be stron-
lor Castro has been cheer- whole team is really sup- ger according to Castro
ing since her seventh grade portive and it just gives is the support between
year. Castro spoke about
the routine of practices,
you a lot of new friends.” teammates.
-Sophomore Jenifer Taylor “The coaches are re-
which are held weekly. ally nice and supportive,
“We’ll go after school to Castro
the whole team is really
the aux gym, and we don’t supportive and it just
practice everyday. We just practice on gives you a lot of new friends,” Castro said.
Wednesdays, we go over cheers and work Cheer can mean so many different things
on new pyramids,” Castro said. for the cheerleaders but for De Los Santos
Freshman Kaylee Sychampanakhone Medina it means trying new things.
has done sideline cheer since eighth grade “It pulls me out of my comfort zone, I
and describes the details of practice for the yell a lot in it so my voice is out there,” De
games. Los Santos Medina said.
“We practice all of our cheers, and we De Los Santos Medina also does cheer
practice our pyramids and other stunts, competition, which is different from side-
that’s about it. We practice to make sure we line cheer, with the main difference being
know everything and that we have every- the purpose of competing against other
thing tight and together,” Sychampanak- teams instead of cheering for sports.
hone said. Practice for competition cheer is longer
Standing around for long periods of time and more extensive than sideline cheer.
is common for sideline cheer. This part can “I practice every day for two hours after
be painful for some while easier for others. school, it’s really fun though and I real-
For freshman Kaylen De Los Santos Medi- ly like it. We stretch and then we do a full
na, it’s not her favorite. out with our whole entire team then fix the
“I just hate it, the bottom of my feet al- little things,” De Los Santos Medina said.
ways hurt,” De Los Santos Medina said. STAND TALL members of the JV cheer team
See more on hhsmedia.com create a stunt during the JV football game.
The experience is different for Sycham- PHOTO BY EMELI ESCALANTE

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 PAGE DESIGN BY CAMRYN JOHNSON

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