In 10 years from now, everyone will be off doing their own thing. What are you going to do? What makes you want to do this? How committed are you? Where do you see yourself?
Freshman Kyra Gibson said, “I want to be a criminal investigator. I want to be a criminal investigator because I want to understand why criminals do the things they do, and I’m planning to achieve this by staying focused in school and graduating from a good college.”
Gibson has been passionate about being a criminal investigator since she was in sixth grade, as she found it exciting and interesting.
“I have always watched documentaries with my mom and tried to solve them, and it got me into criminal investigations.”
Some students are interested in nursing.
Freshman Makhia Hall said, “In 10 years, I see myself figuring out what college I want to go to so that I can study for a nursing degree, and I’ve always been good with kids and just people in general. I’m going to achieve this by getting good grades, making sure my GPA is high, and paying attention more in classes.”
Some think nursing is maybe too hard and they give up on a dream, but Hall said to “focus on the impact you will have on patients’ lives and never give up.”
And while some freshmen do not know exactly what they’d like to do in the future yet, they still plan to make the most of high school.
Freshman Serenity Dees said, “In 10 years, I would probably be either in or graduating college, hopefully with a job of some sort and living with a friend or on my own. To achieve that, I’ll need to keep my grades up and graduate from high school in the pathway I plan to pursue.”
Some people are uncertain what they want to do with their lives when they’re older, and that’s okay. They still plan to have a fun and sustainable life.
Freshman Tryston Looney said, “I see myself in 10 years in a nice house, and I’m planning to be a police officer because I have always wanted to be one. I plan to achieve this by saving up money and working hard. I want to do this so I can live a happy and decent life in the future.”
Some may have a dream and think it’s too hard, or that they will never make it, but “fight strong and never give up on your dreams,” said Looney.
No matter how challenging their dreams are, most freshmen plan to never give up on their dreams.
Club members hope their work makes a difference at JHS and in the community
by Chloe Newton
Before the recycling bins are rolled down the hallway, or a single piece of trash is picked up, the Eco Club is already planning its next activity to help keep JHS a cleaner place.
Every Monday after school, the members gather in a classroom that smells faintly of dry-erase markers and recycling ideas. The meeting begins with updates on who is recycling this week, which community event requires volunteers, and whether the tree planting partnership with the local tree board is ready to commence.
What most people don’t see is the planning. Students check their schedules, sort donated containers, and brainstorm new projects. Sponsor and Spanish teacher Jenna Felix moves between groups, answering questions and encouraging the nervous freshmen who are still finding their voices.
“Leadership is about reminders and organization,” Felix stated as a student leader snapped a photo of the new recycling chart for the club’s group chat.
On Mondays, students might spot a few members quietly collecting bottles and paper from classrooms. They joke and laugh while hauling bags, but they’re also very careful, ensuring that all recyclables are sorted and clean.
Sophomore Rachel Ledbetter said, “It’s simple, but it feels good to know we’re making a difference and helping our school stay cleaner.”
Sophomore Monserratt Gonzalez added that “Eco Club is a place where I can go after school to feel better about myself because no matter the grades, I know I am making the world a stronger place.”
Sometimes opportunities drop in unexpectedly. For instance, recently a local river sweep needed volunteers, or a new idea for upcycling plastic into benches popped up mid-meeting. The club thrives on these moments, turning small sparks into action.
Sophomore Vivianna Hill shared that this is one of the things that made her want to be a part of the Eco Club.
“I joined because I wanted to help the environment, but I’ve learned so much more about how even small changes can inspire our whole community.”
Their biggest challenge? Convincing the wider school to reduce single-use plastics and see recycling as a last resort instead of a first.
By the end of the week, the bins are emptied, plans are made, and the hallways look just a little better. Most students never notice the effort that the Eco Club puts into keeping JHS clean. The behind-the-scenes work is not about the attention, though; it is about creating a cleaner, more sustainable school and inspiring others to care for the planet, one small act at a time.
CLub members develop their sense of purpose through small, sustainable acts
by Miaa Caporale and Kenshawn Schilling
When most people hear about an eco club, they picture recycling bins and posters about how to save the planet. But there’s so much more going on behind the scenes. The Eco Club is characterized by team work, sharing ideas, and taking steps to improve the school’s environment.
“It gives me a sense of purpose by joining the Eco Club and helping our community,” sophomore Ellyana Chattin stated.
Sophomores Ellyana Chattin and Kenzie Myers pick up recycling from classrooms for the Eco Club. Photo by Miaa Caporale.
From clean-up days to starting new recycling projects, members stay busy making a difference on school grounds.
“I joined the Eco Club because I wanted to learn more about the environment and help out the community in every way I can,” said sophomore Jordyn Jaggers.
Her motivation reflects the club’s spirit; students come together not just to learn, but also to take action that makes a difference.
“The club encourages students to recycle not just at school, but also at home,” said sophomore Zoey Breeden.
This shows how Eco Club’s influence reaches further than the hallways of JHS, reminding students that even small actions can make a big difference in the world.
“We are all passionate about the same cause, and it feels good knowing that all of us just want to make a difference,” said sophomore Graciela Sanchez.
Her words reflect the sense of community the Eco Club has built for students, bringing students together who share the same passion.
“Small actions matter. Just because we are a high school club doesn’t mean we aren’t making a difference. If everyone does one eco-friendly thing every day, together we can make a huge difference,” Chattin said.
Sophomores Ellyana Chattin and Kenzie Myers pick up recycling from classrooms for the Eco Club. Photo by Miaa Caporale.
That belief is what pushes the Eco Club’s mission, reminding students that small steps added together can create a real change at JHS.
“Being in the Eco Club makes me more mindful about my choices, like recycling and saving energy by turning off a light when it’s not being used,” Breeden said.
This mindfulness is what the Eco Club wants to inspire students to do. Even a simple change like flipping a light switch can help save energy. By encouraging these small habits, the club hopes more students will become aware of their impact and choose to live more eco-friendly at home and at school.
“My message to my classmates would be to become friendly; you don’t have to change your whole life. Small changes really matter, and if every student works together, the difference could be a huge impact on our community,” said Chattin.
The Sabers team prepares for the ceremony during the JROTC Dining Out in the JHS cafeteria. The annual event allows cadets to gather and celebrate together. Photo by Malachi Conrad.JROTC cadets and family grab food from the line during the annual Dining Out event. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Sophomore cadet Tyler Braitling shows off one of the ingredients in the “grog bowl.” Photo by Malachi Conrad.Freshman cadet Thomas Loving-Meyer drinks a cup from the “grog bowl” for his conduct during the dine out activity, trying to finish it off. The grog bowls included ranch dressing, Coca Cola, peppermint extract, and chocolate syrup. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Senior cadet Blake Russel calls out someone in the crowd raising his hand during the JROTC Dining Out last week. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Freshman cadet Eva Harbeson and junior cadet Oswald Kaeden salute each other before swapping out for the flight jodie. The “jodie” is a military call out phrase or song sung in cadence to promote unity. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Freshman cadet Jayden Payne passionately performs his jodie during the JROTC Dining Out. Photo by Malachi Conrad.The drill team performs their jodie for the dining out crowd. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Senior cadet Jordin Hibbard salutes his flight commander, senior cadet Mason Bentley to take control of his flight. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Master Sergeant Christopher Manley smiles, proud of his young cadets who performed excellent jodies during the JROTC Dining Out event. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
The cast and crew of “Once Upon a Mattress” is excited to announce their grand opening night, which is Nov. 1. With the support of directors, cast, and crew members, they anticipate taking over the stage and bringing life to their roles.
Show dates are also performed Nov. 2, Nov. 3, Nov. 7, and Nov. 8.
Graphic by Areli Hernandez Romero.
All photos by Areli Hernandez Romero and Abygail Lawson.
Before rehearsal, cast members convene in a circle and discuss their concerns before performing on Oct 20. Senior Nola Wheatley feels encouraged through the strong relationship of the cast. “I really like when the cast gets together and has a bond. I know that before opening night everyone will be nervous and I like that we can rely on each other. I’m excited to see us be able to do that.” Photo by Areli Hernandez.Wheatley expresses great passion and confidence while performing on Oct 20. Wheatley, who plays Winnifred, enjoys the unique presence of her character as it reflects who she is. “I like that she’s loud and energetic. It’s fun because I’m also loud and energetic.” Photo by Areli Hernandez. Junior Cruz Martinez looks to his left and prepares for his upcoming scene on Oct 20. Martinez is excited to perform on stage along with junior Presley Inzer. “I have fun songs and duets with Inzer. My whole character is really full of himself and likes to show off —He thinks he’s the best in the world, it’s funny.” Photo by Areli Hernandez. Director Derrick Ledbetter stands beside senior Finn Matzek and guides him through his upcoming scene on Oct 20. Photo by Areli Hernandez.Matzek and senior Jackson Fried break into their characters on Oct 20. “Once Upon a Mattress” opens this weekend. Photo by Areli Hernandez. The group ensemble hold their scripts, glance over to their right, and jump straight into action on Oct 20. Photo by Areli Hernandez.Stage manager and junior Tristen Cooley helps fix a backdrop pole that will be used in opening night and more of “Once Upon A Mattress.” Opening night is on Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. Photo by Aby Lawson. Ledbetter along with senior Sarah Proctor smile while the cast performs their choreography on Oct 20. With opening night approaching, Proctor has goals and plans after her performance. “I’m looking forward to having all my lines memorized. Definitely more dancing; more partner dances. I’m really excited to see the turn out for opening night and going out to eat with my friends afterwards.” Photo by Areli Hernandez.Ledbetter and Proctor direct the cast during their dance routine on Oct 20. Inzer, who plays Lady Larken, looks forward to the costumes, the orchestra, and doing her makeup before the show because, “ It’s something you can never feel with the same people in the same cast ever again.” Photo by Areli Hernandez. Sophomore Parker Grubbs and Wheatley sit down on stage and go over their scene on Oct 20. Photo by Areli Hernandez.A group of cast members eagerly smile while striking a heart pose on Oct 20. Wheatley recalls memories of her previous years in the arts and the impact it has created. “It’s kind of bittersweet. It’s a great opportunity and also sad to see all my people go. It makes me really think about my seniors that I had when I was a freshman here. You just really reflect on that, it’s different.” Photo by Areli Hernandez.
Annual Halloween field trip provides plenty of scary thrills, props, and characters
by Ricky Cummins
If you are looking for an extreme haunted experience, the Haunted Hotel in Louisville pulls no punches.
The moment that hotel visitors arrive it is clear that you are in for a roller coaster ride of fright and fear. The actors have no beliefs in personal space or boundaries and they can and WILL touch, grab, throw, and pull you around as you move through the hotel. I got pinned up against a wall, pushed down, and pulled by the hair. This haunted house is not for the faint of heart.
From narrow corridors to open rooms, the Haunted Hotel has everything that you would look for in a haunted house. If it’s not the flashing lights, fog and chainsaws or the makeup, props and atmosphere, there will be something that would at least startle you.
“Zizzle,” an actor who interacts with the crowd, looks on as JHS students and teachers prepare to “check into” the Haunted Hotel in Louisville on Sunday night, Oct. 26. Photo by Ricky Cummins.
The wait is the worst and best part. The long lines and loud surroundings can be a little much for younger or older people, or just people who are impatient. But my favorite part of the waiting line was Zizzle, an actor who engages and has fun with the people in line. He is well known for his “sparky” performance and his iconic yellow smiley mask.
When it comes to accommodation they could do a little bit better, but overall is still pretty good. If you don’t want to get thrown around or pushed, they will give you a glowstick to show to the actors or to wear so you don’t get the full ride of what’s to come. The actors will still touch you, though.
My overall verdict would be a 4.5/5 star review. The only reason I don’t give it a 5 is because they send in people too quickly. Multiple times my group had to stop and wait for the group in front of us to get ahead so we could go. Other than that, I had a great time. I would highly recommend it.
During school every student struggles and worries, but when October comes around everyone gets a little more worried because of yearly PSAT or ASVAB. Teachers have to prepare, and the counselors have to make a list of where students are for testing rooms. This was the case last Wednesday when JHS administered the PSAT and ASVAB.
Sophomore Christine Ruiz said she is nervous about the SATS because she wants to do well so she can get college scholarship opportunities and make a living for herself once she graduates.
“I always want to do well on the yearly SATS because I want to get a good score, teachers always tell us that our scores don’t matter but I know when it comes to college if they see bad SAT scores they won’t want me.”
Ruiz said she always does the practice tests and studies all her notes before the day comes, she even quizzes herself.
English 9 teacher Eric Watson said that to prepare his students he has a list of things he needs to get done.
“To prepare the students, us teachers have a list of different assignments, slide shows, or talks that we can give to students so they at least understand the materials that are going to be on the PSAT.”
He said it stresses everyone out but that it’s a simple system JHS has to do, and the faster students get it done the faster they can get home early. Most underclassmen who tested last Wednesday could sign out early after the completion of all testing.
His advice to any students taking either the PSAT or ASVAB is that it is complicated and “I know this is real cliche advice” but do your best, study, and try not to worry.
Principles of Human Services teacher Kyle Keplinger is one of the teachers that had to sit in a testing room with students and he said that in order to do that there is a course teachers had to complete first.
To prepare students on his end he has to complete the course, share guidelines in class that will help students prepare, and get his log-in papers passed out.
“We have a training that us teachers have to do, all teachers do; as well as some onboarding stuff to make sure all information on the college board is correct so the test can go as smoothly as possible.”
Red Devils perform in JHS games with Columbus East and Jennings County; compete in state finals for first time since 2019
All photos by Malachi Conrad, Magdalene Conrad, Kyra Gibson, and Sophia Goforth.
The Jeffersonville color guard tosses their flags as they perform during halftime behind the brass section at the JHS-Columbus East football game. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.The Jeffersonville marching band brass section plays during the halftime show of the JHS-Columbus East game. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.Drum major and senior Alice Haynes starts to conduct the Jeffersonville marching band during the JHS-Columbus East football game. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.The JHS marching band brass section performs during football halftime at the JHS-Jennings County game. Photo by Malachi Conrad.JHS marching band trumpet section performs during halftime at the Jennings County game on Oct. 17. Photo by Malachi Conrad. Senior Brayden Rice performs for the JHS marching band during halftime of the JHS-Jennings County football game on Oct. 17. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Freshman woodwind Kyra Gibson plays her flute during the JHS marching band performance at the JHS-Jennings County football game. Photo by Sophia Goforth.Senior conductor Alice Haynes takes a moment before conducting the JHS marching band during the JHS-Jennings County football game. In addition to their performances during games, the band competes around Indiana. This weekend they placed 15th at the ISSMA finals. Photo by Sophia Goforth.Senior flagbearer Brianna Bobo waves her flag at halftime of the JHS-Jennings County football game. Photo by Malachi Conrad.The JHS Red Devils marching band woodwinds perform at the ISSMA state finals at Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis on Saturday. The Red Devils placed 15th in their first appearance at state finals since 2019. Photo by Kyra Gibson.
Broadcasting teacher David Callan waves his hands animatedly as he explains the basics of editing.
“Drag and drop your video onto the timeline.”
While he appears normal or a generic teacher to a passerby, he has quite a history. Very few people know that he was a producer and executive director at WDRB before he came to Jeffersonville.
“I did audio, graphics, technical directing, directing, and eventually became the boss. So I did every job you can do in production,” he recalled.
David Callan assists WJHI student journalists with projects in the broadcast production lab. Photo by Abigail Hall.
However, he started out as a courier.
“I started off as the station runner. So back then, they had people who went to different TV stations, radio stations,” Callan said. “I went to the movie houses to get what they called movie trailers.”
He tells his students about his time in the production world very fondly, but everyone around him is grateful he made the switch to high school teaching.
Senior broadcasting student Alyssa Jendrick said that Callan has positively impacted her school experience in many ways.
“I’d describe him as a great guide to help others,” she began. “After understanding what you need, it’s nice to help others and even inspire them if they’re willing to dream big and open their minds.”
Other students often speak highly of Callan, stating how great a teacher and mentor he is. However, it’s not just students; his colleagues also admire him.
Colleague and fellow broadcasting teacher Fred Cowgill said, “He is a great broadcaster, enormously talented, but he’s a better man. He spews integrity, he works hard, he has incredible standards and none higher than for himself.”
Callan and Cowgill work hard together to make the class a fun and educational place for students to be. In the future, they hope to improve the quality of the program in many ways.
“I’m hoping I’ll have some time and I can get into Adobe certification,” Callan stated. “I’m going to put myself through it, so I understand what you need to do as a student.”
Besides editing, broadcasting students work on many other things. They are involved with producing livestreams of sports games that go on here at the high school.
“We’re trying to elevate the production level of the game,” he added. “I don’t expect you guys to be at the level that I had when I was working at DRB early on. These people, these were professionals who knew how to do the jobs. But what we want to do is we want to get in a learning step.”
Regardless of what he decides to teach, students know that they will enjoy it, just as much as they enjoy his mentorship and presence. He continues to help others in their learning and life experiences, always putting them first.
“Our goal, Mr. Cowgill’s and I, and our goal is to make you better people, to get you more informed as a citizen.”
When Fred Cowgill walked into Jeffersonville High School, his first impression was simple: “A place that was very … what’s the expression? Best kept secret in America.”
Cowgill, who spent nearly five decades in TV and radio, including more than 30 years at WLKY, now leads the WJHI broadcasting program. But for him, the goal has never just been about producing future broadcasters.
The JHS broadcasting team Dave Callan and Fred Cowgill in the WJHI studio soon after they were hired last school year. Cowgill brings nearly five decades of broadcast experience to the job. Photo by Bruno Diaz Cerro.
“We’d love it to be in broadcasting, but we believe what we’re trying to accomplish and teach goes well beyond that,” Cowgill explained. “Better people. Better people to function in society, better prepared for whatever they decide to do with their lives.”
Cowgill always reminds students that the studio isn’t just about lights, cameras, and editing software. It’s about building real world skills, responsibility, problem-solving, and collaboration that last far beyond high school. “We tell them we’re TV dads, and they’re stuck with us for life now,” he said with a laugh.
To him, what makes WJHI stand out is the family atmosphere they’ve built. “We tell them this is a safe place. If they’ve got a problem, come,” Cowgill said. “We’d like to make this a better program, a better school, a better community, and it takes time.”
Cowgill said he’s always looked at his time at WJHI through a “five-year window.” He knows he won’t be teaching forever, but in that time, his mission is to build something lasting, an operation that runs smoothly long after he’s gone.
“The goal has always been five years, because I’m not a kid,” Cowgill said with a laugh. “But in that time, we can make this a turnkey operation where we hand off to the next people, and they have a framework for what we’re trying to accomplish.”
That plan, he feels, is already beginning to take shape. Year one, he admits, was “flying blind.” But now, in year two, the vision is sharper. With the help of teacher Dave Callan, the program is really finding its rhythm.
“We’re establishing year one, we were flying blind,” Cowgill said. “But year two, we’re laying a foundation. The culture’s better.”
Students say they’ve noticed that shift, too. Robert Tucker, a sophomore in the program, said Cowgill has a way of pushing them without ever making the work feel overwhelming. “He’s tough in the best way.”
Tucker said. “When you know his background in broadcasting, you want to kind of rise to his level. It makes you work harder, but it also makes you care more.”
For him, though, it’s not the big projects that matter most. It’s the little things he sees in the classroom. “I see kids do something cool that I didn’t expect, didn’t see coming. Makes my month,” he said.
Kaden Westbay, another student in the program, said that encouragement sticks with him. “The smallest compliment from him feels like a huge deal,” Westbay said. “Because when he says you did something right or good, you know it’s legit coming from a guy who’s been doing this for what 50 years?”
What ultimately sets the program apart, Cowgill believes, is its connection to the real world.
“My 50th anniversary in broadcasting is Sept. 1. Forty-eight and a half of those, give or take, were in TV and radio. We know what works. We know what’s going on in the business. We know what to teach,” he said.
Cowgill’s mission is clear: build broadcasters, yes, but more importantly, build better people.
Many fashion styles have changed over the years, some good, some bad. Teens’ fashion, specifically boys, however, changes the most, usually from social media impacting the way they dress. Seeing the way many people style and express themselves impacts how a lot of people dress, in many different ways.
When seeing other people on social media make outfits in different ways, it changes how students want to dress.
Class of 2025 graduate Shawn Boyd stated, “By seeing other types of clothes and styles, it gives me a broader imagination on the different types of styles I can mix and match.”
Many teens don’t necessarily get their outfits directly from social media, but they get inspiration from it.
“I get a lot of inspiration from different fashion influencers and wouldn’t know a lot of brands without advertisement on social media platforms,” sophomore Isaiah Valenzuela said about how much social media impacts his style.
Social media lets students express themselves in ways that they’ve wanted to do but couldn’t because of the pressure of it not looking good. Now with social media, they can express themselves in ways they want.
Boyd said,”Social media really allowed the things I wear to be more acceptable and accessible,” while Valenzuela said,”I wouldn’t really think to put some things on without seeing it on social media first.”
Sophomore Ryder Lott also stated, “The things I wear are meant to express myself.”
The way that students dress isn’t entirely changed, but it’s inspired and blossomed out because of what they see on social media.
“The way I dress really comes from how I feel within. I’ve gotten to a point where I just use social media to see the different types of clothing that are available, rather than following the latest trend,” Boyd said
Women’s Fashion
Most girls sit in front of their closets and wonder what they are wearing for the day, while others scroll on their phones trying to pick out outfits. Social media helps most girls pick out their outfits; it also can influence them to change their styles all the time. But others don’t use social media at all to pick their outfits.
“I don’t feel pressure to change what I wear. But the way I keep up with fashion trends is normally when I think a style is cute I’ll look up inspiration. But I normally don’t rush to change my style every couple of months,” said sophomore Cheyanne Bogan
Despite some girls not using social media for their outfits, others typically rely heavily on social media for those reasons.
“Social media definitely affects what I wear because I constantly see new styles and outfits when getting on Tik Tok or Instagram. It makes me feel like I need to buy new items and wear what that person is wearing to feel confident and to feel like I look good,” said sophomore Miaa Caporale
Most girls also like to have many different outfits and styles, but a lot of the time they need help figuring out which ones to choose from.
“Influencers definitely affect what I wear. If I like what they are wearing, I buy outfits off of that. I normally use different influencers to choose from multiple different styles,” said sophomore Malloree Fletcher
While a lot of girls think it is a positive influence, changing styles when trends change is hard to keep up with, along with most girls thinking they have to change styles when others do.
“I do feel pressure to wear what I do because I don’t want to be left out or not fit in a trend. With Tik Tok and many other social platforms, there’s so many new trends that it’s hard to keep up with. These trends make me feel like I need to adjust my style to fit in,” said Caporale.
While it’s tempting to jump on every little trend, always know that a style is about a person’s personality and lifestyle. And not always about the latest trends and looks.
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