jhshyphen

Culinary classes offer creative atmosphere to learn confidence, employment skills

by Ameerah Gbadamosi

The culinary class is not just a place of baking, it’s a place where students can feel free to fully express their creativity on the treats and desserts they make.

“Cooking makes me feel good, it puts me in a state of peace,” senior Coryon Cornet said.

Senior Jasmine McLeod scoops and bags Snickerdoodle cookies for the homecoming dance as part of her culinary class. Photo by Liliana Castellanos.

Some people choose culinary class in order to learn more about cooking and increase their culinary skills.

“I chose this pathway to learn more about cooking and the hospitality, I wanted to learn more about the backstory of cooking,” senior Liliana Castellanos said.

According to culinary teacher Amy Whitaker, the culinary class is also a place for her students to express their confidence through cooking.

“I really enjoy seeing the growth and confidence my students gain through cooking,” Whitaker said.

“I’m preparing students for a future in the hospitality industry while developing soft skills for employment.”
Culinary Arts Teacher Amy Whitaker

Whitaker makes sure that her students understand the process of cooking; she makes sure that she explains each step of cooking carefully and makes her class fun while also making sure that her students learn.

Castellanos said, “My favorite part of this class is the teacher because she is always willing to help you if you need it.”

The culinary class is more of a hands-on learning experience; it allows students to know more about cooking by making the treats themselves, so students can learn from their mistakes.

Senior Timothy Brown makes 100 fruit sticks for the homecoming dance As part of the homecoming preparations, the Jeff chefs prepared over 800 treats for the dance. Photo by Liliana Castellanos.

“The class itself is fun and entertaining, and it’s very hands-on learning. The teacher is very understanding about getting your work and making mistakes,” senior Jasmine Mcleod said.

She ensures that she expands her students’ cooking knowledge in order to prepare for the outside world.

“I make sure to build upon and improve each student’s culinary skill,” Whitaker said.

She makes sure to teach and prepare her students about cooking and what they can do or who they can become once they fully know all about cooking.

“I’m preparing students for a future in the hospitality industry while developing soft skills for employment,” Whitaker said.

24 Oct 2025 by jhshyphen

Tea Club provides a stress-free, relaxed atmosphere to socialize

by Rain Gresham

Everyday life is filled with stress, whether that be school, work, or responsibilities. A place to be yourself is desirable, a place like say, Tea Club.

Tea Club was founded in 2019 by dedicated student September Kaugchak when people were in most need of a relaxing social club — a place where people could come together, talk, and relax over their shared love of tea without the stress of the real world.

Stepping inside students could feel the difference, the stress of bustling hallways during school hours melting away as they stepped into the surreal welcomeness of Tea Club.

Tea Club members gather during their after-school meeting in the Media Center. Photo by Rain Gresham.

“Everybody talks to each other,” said German teacher and sponsor Lisa Stumler. She makes sure that everyone stays safe and has fun.

From the Blackberry citrus to Darjeeling, Tea Club is full of all kinds of tea fitted for all types of different students to come together and enjoy the simplicity.

“I realized being a part of something that can help students develop their social skills is one of the key elements to them being successful adults,” stated French teacher and sponsor Dana Schenk.

Everybody has their own ways of falling into the things they love, whether that be a friend, a student, or even just stumbling upon it.

“Ms Schenk, the French teacher, she mentioned she was asked to be the teacher sponsor and she thought it’d be great if we could be teacher sponsors together, and I thought it’d be a great idea as well,” said Stumler.

“I fell into it because one of my students (current president and senior Toby Wilder) asked me if I can sponsor it and I assisted to some of those last year,” Schenk shared.

“I saw them on eighth grade night; they had tea bags and rainbow flags together. I thought it was cute and welcoming,” reminisced Wilder, the current co-president of Tea Club. She takes care of the fundings.

“I joined the club because my friends invited me and I thought it was cool,” stated senior Marianna Bush, the other co-president. She plans events.

Tea Club is a social club and a successful one at that, as they rake in about 40-50 people at the beginning of each quarter. “First weeks of the quarter always have a lot more,” emphasized Wilder

First time Tea Club goer Lilly Wright thought that it was “pretty chill. I liked the snacks and tea.”

Visitors walking into the Media Center after school on an average Friday would be met with the sight of Wilder and Bush setting up the tea and snacks.

Making way to one of the tables, you could interact with any of the people in the club.

Once everyone has gathered and they have finished setting up the tables, Bush and Wilder come around telling people they could now go up to grab tea and snacks.

The selection of tea for members in the Media Center after school. Photo by Rain Gresham.

The selection of tea bags to choose from varies drastically, from sweet to savory to earthy.

Wilder and Bush make sure of that. The two cherish the club and think of it as home, away from home a place where they can relax from the stress of the week.

The club has been a big part of their life for the past four years and even after they graduate from high school, it will hold a place in their hearts.

“I want it to continue, as it was found as a safe space for people,” said Wilder.

24 Oct 202524 Oct 2025 by jhshyphen

Straight to the Point

Archery Club Teaches life lessons and boosts confidence

by Liddia Waterbury

Captain Tobey Wilder of the Archery Club walks up to the bow rack. Coach Robert Russell blows the whistle twice, and Wilder grabs a bow from the rack. They then walk to the line, standing in front of the quiver with the bow to their toe.

Archery Club captain Tobey Wilder shoots arrow during archery practice on Sept. 16 in the cheer room at JHS. “Trusting the process is ending up making you get better overall and accepting that you’re not going to do a fantastic job every single time,” said Wilder. Photo by Liddia Waterbury.

When Russell blows the whistle once, Wilder grabs an arrow, moves it up and over the bow, and nocks it onto the string. They then shoot at the target. After quickly shooting five arrows, Russell blows the whistle three times, and Wilder heads to the target to pull the arrows out.

Once a week, kids like Wilder from every grade, just starting or shooting for the last year, walk into the cheer room. They help the coaches set up the targets, and then they get out the bow rack along with the arrows.

“Back in 2022, I signed up for a grant, and it was about a $5,000 grant, through what is called the National Archery and Schools program,” said Russell. “It was something I’ve been wanting to do for a while…I thought it would be pretty cool to have an archery program here at the high school.”

The program has since grown, providing students with the opportunity to learn archery. Unlike many sports that focus on speed, strength, or teamwork, archery teaches players precision, patience, and focus.

“It’s all about consistency, it’s about perseverance,” said Russell. “Archery just takes a lot more discipline, and you can’t get frustrated; you’ve got to keep on doing it because the more you do it, the better you’re going to get.”

Russell’s advice highlights the importance of perseverance, as archery requires time to improve. Even advanced archers know that learning the harder skills means being patient.

“Trusting the process is ending up making you get better overall and accepting that you’re not going to do a fantastic job every single time, that you’re going to struggle through some parts and accepting that,” said Wilder.

“It’s all about consistency, it’s about perseverance. Archery just takes a lot more discipline, and you can’t get frustrated; you’ve got to keep on doing it because the more you do it, the better you’re going to get.”
Archery Club Coach Robert Russell

Archery isn’t about instant success; it’s about patience and steady progress. For beginners, that mindset makes it easier to enjoy, like one member who shared why they joined and how they’ve loved it for a long time.

“I’ve loved archery since I was really little, and literally for the first Christmas I can remember, I asked for a bow and arrow,” said beginner member and freshman Finch Schardine.

To make it better, beginners don’t need any special equipment to get started. They just need a standard Genesis bow, arrows, and a safe place to practice. Coaches also provide extra guidance to help archers build more confidence.

“When I’m working with beginners,” said coach Brian Cleveland, “there are about seven elements that they have to learn to do; they have to master each element at a time.”

Teaching archery involves breaking down the process into manageable steps, allowing new archers to focus on one skill at a time. By building confidence, he sees beginners start to see their own progress.

“The biggest motivator in the world is the discovery that you can do something,” said Cleveland. “If I can get you on the target and shooting a group, the discovery that you can do that will motivate you. Practice makes permanent. It doesn’t make perfect, you have to make it perfect.”

That sense of progress when practicing keeps the members motivated, and for some, it leads to trying out competitions. This is where they can test their skills in a new way, both inside and outside of school.

“NASP, the organization that regulates the competition, does competitions regionally, locally, or statewide. They usually take place at some other school, so like on a Saturday morning, someone who’s competing would train and prepare here but then go wherever they’re having a competition,” said Cleveland.

Competitions change the atmosphere of practice, moving from regular training to a more serious focus as the members prepare for the competition ahead.

“Near competitions, it’s very serious and all of us are really trying to get better before our final push before our competition,” said Wilder.

Wilder then explained that being close to a person while at a competition, having fatigue, and not being able to focus are big challenges.

For the archery team, it’s not just about hitting the target. It’s about patience, focus, and steady progress. From beginners to advanced members, each person learns that with practice, every shot brings improvement.

Click on Behind-the-Scenes photo essay on Archery Club below:

23 Oct 202524 Oct 2025 by jhshyphen

Faculty, students share their modern day heroes

by Gabriella Kraft

Everybody has a modern-day hero. Whether it be a family member, a famous artist, or a poet; they have one. For Spanish teacher Suzanne Padron, her modern-day hero is her daughter.

“My daughter is the hardest-working person I know. She works harder every day to grow her career, of which she has two, and never fails to stand up for what’s right,” said Padron.

She first realized her daughter was her hero in 2020, during the Black Lives Matter protests, because despite her not being in great physical condition, she kept going back to continue protesting.

“She continued to protest every day, even after she broke her foot, even after being hit with tear gas, even after being shot at with rubber bullets; she went back the next day to continue protesting,” Padron said.

Sophomore Kahlani Hunts modern-day hero, was very present in most of her childhood movies, Lin-Manuel Miranda.

“He is in a lot of my childhood movies, and his songs just bring me a lot of nostalgic memories. I first discovered him when I was nine years old in Moana, that’s when I first realized he was my hero,” said Hunt.

“His songs bring feelings of joy because his songs remind me of happy childhood memories, and sadness because the lyrics in his songs are so heartfelt they bring me to tears,” said Hunt.

Biomedical teacher Charles ‘Brian’ Patton’s modern-day hero is a bit more personal — it’s his father.

“He is my hero because he is everything I would want to be as a man, father, teacher, and person. He’s been my hero for as long as I can remember,” said Patton

For sophomore Rachel Ledbetter, her modern-day hero is the very famous author Kristin Hannah.

“She’s my hero because her books touch on important topics people should be more informed about. I was first introduced to her when I read her book ‘The Great Alone’ last year. I also read her book ‘“’The Nightingale’, which brought me to tears,” said Ledbetter

Chemistry teacher James Huffman’s modern-day hero is the ex-football player Dan Marino, whom he grew up watching.

“He is my hero because I loved the Miami Dolphins growing up, and I always wanted to be a quarterback even though I was a running back. I remember first watching him when I was 5 or 6 ‘til the time I turned 18,” said Huffman.

Sophomore Alia Griffith’s modern-day hero is a little closer to home, as it is her mother.

“She teaches me to be the person I aspire to be in the future. She’s who I looked up to my whole life. And that hasn’t changed as I’ve gotten older,” said Griffith.

For English teacher David Kummer, his modern-day hero is Greta Thunberg.

“For her to speak out about what she cares about, and not just environmental stuff, but also the genocide in Palestine, even when she put herself in danger, made me admire her,” said Kummer.

He first heard about her when he was in college and she was in high school because it was at that point that she started getting popular for how outspoken she was.

“I heard about her through social media, specifically about her environmentalism, and I thought it was cool that a high schooler was so outspoken about that,” said Kummer.

Everybody’s modern-day hero is different. They all carry various emotions, different people, and different goals. Our hero reflects on who we are as a person.

23 Oct 2025 by jhshyphen

Teen goal setting helps students prepare for their futures

by Kori Washington

Freshman Jonayzia Dickerson has known that she wanted to be a forensic tech ever since eighth grade, and right now, that is her main goal in life.

“This goal is important to me because I want to pursue a career in science and medical studies,” said Dickerson.

Teen goal setting is more talked about and more pushed on today’s teens, so they can have successful and better lives.

Also, today’s teens have more opportunities, which causes them to be more motivated, according to health academy counselor Amy Colangelo.

“I think students are more motivated because there are more resources and there are more opportunities as they get older,” said Colangelo.

“Find what interests you, come to school, set small goals; then, once you meet that goal, set a bigger one.”
Health Academy Counselor Amy Colangelo

For example, freshman Krislynn Hughes, who is pursuing her career goal of being a veterinarian, said, “My love for animals and not wanting to be broke when I’m older keeps me motivated to chase my goal.”

Also, according to Colangelo, it’s very important when setting goals for students to find something that interests them.

For example, Dickerson said, “My love for science is what keeps me motivated. I love science because it combines all subjects into one.”

Even though most teens have interests that keep them motivated, some teens have distractions that keep them unmotivated.

For example, business academy principal Matt Barker said, “Most teens have trouble with goal setting because of social media. It gets them distracted and not focusing on their goals.”

Despite these distractions, Colangelo still tries to give teens advice.

“Find what interests you, come to school, set small goals; then, once you meet that goal, set a bigger one,” she said.

Baker agreed. “Don’t set unrealistic goals; have short goals, then move on to bigger goals.”

22 Oct 202524 Oct 2025 by jhshyphen

Waves of Music

Music in the classroom can enhance student learning

by Dana Romero Regalado

Music is often viewed as a controversial topic; some question whether it should be included in the classroom or prohibited. Many see music as a distraction or unethical to have at a school, when it’s supposed to be a learning experience and environment for many students.

“I think it helps them, again, to improve their pronunciation. It widens their knowledge of vocabulary,” stated educator Megan Cortez.

Additionally, incorporating music into the classroom can further strengthen these skills. Music provides students with exposure to authentic language use, offering rhythm, tone, and repetition that aid in mastering correct pronunciation. It also introduces new vocabulary in meaningful and memorable contexts, allowing students to expand their language skills in an engaging way.

By integrating music into lessons, teachers can create a more dynamic learning environment that motivates students and supports long-term retention, according to Cortez.

“Yes, I do believe that music helps me strive to learn because it reduces stress as I listen to mostly calm songs, and it helps my brain process information more easily instead of shutting down under pressure,” stated sophomore Zihan Lin.

Music also serves as a powerful aid in reducing stress and enhancing students’ ability to process information. By creating a soothing and supportive atmosphere, music helps alleviate the pressure often associated with academic settings, allowing students to approach learning with a clearer and calmer mind. This lowered stress not only improves focus but also strengthens memory retention. Moreover, the rhythm and structure of music stimulate cognitive functions, enabling students to organize and internalize new information more effectively.

“Music has the potential to help students succeed in school, build self-confidence, and create leaders and well-rounded young people,” according to the Save the Music Foundation, a charity program that supports students by providing schools with instruments, training, and resources.

Music not only enriches academic performance but also strengthens essential life skills. When students engage with music, whether through playing an instrument, singing, or analyzing lyrics, they learn discipline, patience, and teamwork. These skills translate beyond the classroom, preparing them for real-world challenges and opportunities.

By fostering creativity and emotional expression, music also provides a healthy outlet for stress, allowing students to balance their mental and emotional well-being with their academic responsibilities.

“Yes, I believe music helps me strive to learn more because some songs just hit, and they make you study more, rather than just not listening to anything because I usually don’t like studying, but with music, it makes me want to study more,” said freshman Diego Hernandez.

Music can also serve as a powerful tool to enhance concentration and productivity while studying. The rhythm and melodies of certain songs can create a stimulating environment that keeps the mind engaged and reduces boredom. Instead of viewing studying as a tedious task, music transforms it into a more enjoyable experience, allowing students to remain focused for longer periods of time. This positive effect on motivation can ultimately improve both learning efficiency and academic performance.

“Music helps me express myself because it shows what kind of person I am without directly telling the other person. And it could also express my feelings. For example, if I’m listening to happy music or upbeat music, then you could assume I’m happy, and if I’m listening to sad music, then I could be sad. Music helps me in a lot of ways. I personally enjoy music. I can’t go a day without listening to music. Music soothes me, it helps me relax, and puts me in a good mood. Listening to your favorite music helps you calm down/relax, and the good thing now is that you can listen to music anywhere with a portable device,” said senior Luis Reb.

In addition to reflecting emotions, music also serves as a universal language that connects people across different backgrounds. It can communicate feelings and ideas that words sometimes cannot, creating a deeper understanding between individuals.

Whether through shared playlists, concerts, or simply enjoying the same song, music builds bonds and brings people together. This ability to both express individuality and foster connection makes music an important part of daily life and personal growth.

Musical interests connect teens, keep them in tune with emotions

by Noah Lopez Salazar

“It just makes me feel like I’m not alone or lets me know that people out there are also going through things in their lives.”

This is what sophomore Jayliana Burris thinks about music and what many other students consider about when listening to music. They agree that music gets them in tune with feelings and emotions.

“Music means a lot to me and without music I don’t think I could get through some days,” said sophomore Chimamanda Chidi-Okorie. “Music definitely changes my emotions, mostly in a positive way and it helps with my anger and distress, which has made me more of a calm person.”

Some students relate to specific artists, which makes them feel understood.

“Central Cee is British, so I like how he’s different from other artists, and both Sza and Frank make very relatable music that I can feel to,” said Burris.

Music means a lot to listeners, especially because of the artists that write lyrics in meaningful ways which help teens relate to the music they’re listening to.

“I listen to Ariana Grande, Sabrina and Laufey as well; the reason why is because it gives me a warm, comforting feeling when I listen to them,” Chidi-Okorie stated.

“Music takes me away from real life some times,” added senior Jezel Garcia.

Garcia agreed with Chidi-Okorie that music brings people together with artists they share in common, or as an icebreaker to help get closer with other people.

“I let people pick what songs they want to listen to while driving so I get to know them more,” said Garcia.

Even freshmen rely on music to cheer them up.

“It gives me somewhere to connect my feelings to so that I know I’m not the only one who has felt what I am feeling currently,” said freshmen Sanina Robinson. “Lyrics hit close to home and bring me memories.”

Robinson said lyrics and style of songs help connect people with similar musical interests.

“I listen to lots of popular and common artists; I feel like lots of people listen to my music,” added Robinson. “Music cancels out what I feel normally and it is kind of like a background thing to keep me grounded.”

No matter the age or grade, music will always affect and impact teenagers.

As Burris said, “Music is a kind of way of expressing yourself and it’s something that means a lot to some people, but it’s something that everyone can do or make.”

22 Oct 202523 Oct 2025 by jhshyphen

JHS defeats Jennings County 35-21

Friday’s win brings Red Devils to 4-5, 3-3 in Hoosier Hills Conference play

All photos by Malachi Conrad and Parker McCloskey.

The Red Devil student section poses, modeling the Pink Out clothes for Friday’s theme. Photo by Parker McCloskey.

21 Oct 202521 Oct 2025 by jhshyphen

New Albany defeats JHS in volleyball sectional

All photos by Malachi Conrad.

Senior Addison Fouts high-fives her team before the game during the sectional game against New Albany. The Bulldogs defeated JHS 3-0. Photo by Malachi Conrad.

20 Oct 2025 by jhshyphen

Red Devil soccer team advances to regional to face Evansville North

North defeats JHS in regional final; Red Devils win first sectional championship since 2012

All photos by Parker McCloskey.

The varsity Red Devil starting lineup line up before the national anthem. Photo by Parker McCloskey.

17 Oct 202517 Oct 2025 by jhshyphen

Column: From Farm to City — A Day That Changed Everything

by Gabrielle Watkins

I grew up on a farm surrounded by wide-open fields, dirt roads, and the sound of animals waking me up in the morning. Life felt simple there. I had my mom, my dad, my brother, and my dad’s side of the family all around me.

Most days were spent running the gator through the grass, feeding animals, or climbing trees. I remember the smell of hay in the barn, the rumble of tractors, and the way the sky glowed orange when the sun set behind the fields. At night, the stars looked close enough to touch, and the only sounds were crickets singing and the distant call of an owl.

That farm wasn’t just where I lived, it was my world. That farm felt like home, and I thought it always would be.

But one day, everything changed. My grandmother came and picked me up from the bus stop of my long rocky road from the farm and told me I was moving away from the farm. At first, I didn’t understand what it meant. Packing up my room felt strange, I was putting pieces of my childhood into boxes, not realizing I wouldn’t see that place again. I held onto little things like my favorite toy tractor, a picture of me with my dad by the barn and placed them carefully into boxes. It felt like I was putting pieces of my childhood away.

When the moving day finally came, I climbed into the car and pressed my face to the window. As we drove away, I watched the fields, the barn, and the trees getting smaller and smaller until they were gone. The farther we went, the smaller everything looked, until it was completely gone. I felt like a part of me was left behind.

Moving to the city was like stepping into another world. The first thing I noticed was the noise. Instead of birds and cows, I heard cars honking, people shouting, and sirens in the distance. The air didn’t smell fresh anymore, it smelled like pavement after rain, exhaust from cars, and food from restaurants we passed. The houses seemed squished together, side by side, with tiny yards that felt nothing like the acres of space I used to have. Even at night, the city wasn’t quiet. Lights from street lamps and buildings replaced the stars, and I missed looking up at the sky and seeing nothing but constellations.

Adjusting to life in the city was hard. I had grown up with so much space to run, but here I had to stay on sidewalks or in crowded parks. People dressed differently, talked differently, and even moved faster. I felt out of place, like a farm kid dropped into a world I didn’t belong to. My mom tried to make the new house feel like home, but I could feel the change in her too. My parents had split custody, and suddenly, my life felt divided.

For a while, I still saw my dad, but then one day, I didn’t anymore. At first, I thought it was temporary, that maybe he was just busy and would come around again. I kept waiting for the phone to ring or for him to show up. But weeks turned into months, and months turned into years, and he never did. Losing the farm was hard, but losing him was harder. It was confusing, painful, and something I didn’t know how to explain. I carried questions that never really had answers.

As time went on, I had to learn how to adjust. I had to learn the “city way” of living, walking down busy sidewalks, getting used to neighbors being so close, and not hearing crickets at night. I learned how to cross busy streets, how to sleep even when the city never seemed quiet, and how to find little comforts in a place that felt so different from what I knew. It wasn’t easy, but slowly, I figured out how to fit in. Over time, the sidewalks didn’t feel so strange, and I started making memories in the city too. The farm kid inside me still missed the country, but I learned to find pieces of comfort in my new life. But even as I adjusted, a part of me still missed the smell of fresh cut grass, the silence of the country, and the closeness of family on the farm.

Looking back, moving away from the farm was more than just changing houses. It was the moment everything shifted, my family, my home, and even the way I saw the world. It was painful, but it also taught me something important: how to adapt and be stronger, even when life feels unfair or doesn’t go the way you expect.

The city may never feel exactly like the farm, but it became part of who I am, and so did the lessons I learned along the way.

16 Oct 2025 by jhshyphen

Senior Riley Dobson and the Red Devils head into sectional play against New Albany

by Reese Dobson

Senior Riley Dobson takes her first serve of the season on the Jeff volleyball court. And tonight, she and her Red Devil teammates battle New Albany in sectionals.

Senior Riley Dobson heads into sectional play with the volleyball team tonight. Photo by Reese Dobson.

Dobson is in her ninth year of volleyball, this being her last. ¨My personal goal of the season would probably be to improve as a setter and be good at the serving line,¨ she said.

Dobson attends an IUS teaching program for the first half of her day, follows up with three classes at school, and then attends volleyball practice.

“I make sure I put school before sports and always make sure to represent the volleyball program highly while at school,” stated Dobson.

It’s important to come to practice with a good attitude even when youve had a long day, she explained.

Volleyball coach Wes Briscoe is in his fourth and last year of coaching Dobson. “She understands there is a certain way for things to be done, and she is always trying to evolve and be better as a player.”

Dobson has type 1 diabetes. This affects her everyday life, including volleyball. Dobson’s teammate, junior Mattie Barker, also has type 1 diabetes. This creates a shared bond between the two players.

“Both of us having diabetes is helpful because we can help each other with our blood sugar and look out for each other while playing,” said Barker.

Dobson balances a lot in her everyday life, but always puts her best foot forward when it comes to volleyball.

On the court, Dobson usually plays the libero or a backrow position. Recently, she has had to step up and play the setter position.

“The most challenging thing I have faced while playing high school volleyball is probably switching from libero position to setter position because that’s what the team needed,” Dobson explained.

Dobson has said that the team has a very good and close bond. “I am going to miss Riley so much when she graduates because she is one of my best friends on and off the court. She is my pepper partner and who I look up to and go to for help,” Barker said.

“Riley has improved throughout these four years, and she has learned to play every position. Libero, setter, and I think even accidentally a middle hitter one time,” Briscoe joked.

Dobson said she has learned that volleyball is always a team sport and you have to do what’s best for your team.

Dobson has played volleyball all her life, along with other sports. She said that she began playing volleyball in elementary school and just stuck with it because she had so much fun playing.

“I have learned that you really have to work for what you want and that not everything is handed to you; showing up does matter.”

Dobson said that being present at every practice, game, and tournament has helped her learn to be a better, reliable player.

“The most enjoyable thing about playing with Riley is having her push me and help me be my best on and off the court,” Barker said.

Dobson’s team goal for this season is to put a good game up with rival team New Albany and hopefully pull out a win.

“I really am proud of this team and hope that we can have a good season and show everyone how hard we have worked.”

16 Oct 2025 by jhshyphen

Volleyball coach Wes Briscoe focuses on making his players ‘the best version’ of themselves

by Addison Fouts

Head coach Wes Briscoe is making his mark as Jeff High’s volleyball coach, bringing energy and leadership to the Red Devils’ program.

This year marks Briscoe’s’ 25th year of coaching; he has coached in five state finals, and has also been awarded coach of the year honors for both girls’ and boys’ volleyball. His girls’ volleyball team heads into sectional play tonight against New Albany.

Volleyball head coach Wes Briscoe on the sidelines during a girls’ volleyball match. Briscoe coaches both the girls’ and boys’ teams. Photo by Haliun Otgonbayar.

Briscoe’s focus, however, is on his teams’ successes.

“I don’t ever have any personal goals in coaching, because it’s not about me. I’ve done just about all there is to do in coaching high school athletics,” he said.

There is no denying Briscoe’s success when it comes to coaching.

“I want everybody to become the best versions of themselves,” he said. “My job is to figure out how to get them to see that they are more than what they believe they are.”

Pushing his players to be the best versions of themselves is just a small part of what Briscoe does for his players as a coach.

“He made me realize that I can always be better, and that I always have room for growth,” stated varsity captain Anthony Ganchuluun, a senior. “I mean without him, I don’t think I’d be anywhere near as disciplined as I am.”

It’s a testament to the culture that Briscoe has built at Jeff High.

“I’ve learned a lot over the past years being a player for Coach Wes,” said varsity captain Riley Dobson, a senior. “He’s taught me that putting in the extra work does pay off and your time will come right when it is supposed to.”

Beyond the court, Briscoe’s influence is felt in the classroom and community. Players describe him as more than a coach, but as someone who encourages them to succeed in all aspects of life.

For him, though, his goal is to better all of his players.

“I just want to see people understand what it takes to play at the elite level that they think they want to be at, and just keep encouraging them to put in the work so they can get there.”

Briscoe has one goal in mind, and it is to grow his players. He cares more about his players’ integrity and leadership than how they play on the court.

Coach Wes Briscoe and the Red Devils break from a timeout using their signature hand sign during Senior Night against North Harrison. Photo by Malachi Conrad.

16 Oct 2025 by jhshyphen