As the second Sunday in May approaches, so does one of the most cherished holidays of the year: Mother’s Day. Set for May 11 in 2025, it’s a time to pause our busy lives and reflect on the women who raised us, guided us, and sacrificed for us in countless quiet ways.
Mother’s Day isn’t just about flowers, cards, or brunch reservations (although those are always appreciated). At its core, it’s about appreciation—real, deep, and personal. It’s about taking a step back and recognizing everything our mothers and mother-figures have done, often without thanks or fanfare. From sleepless nights to being our biggest cheerleaders, mothers show up in ways big and small every day.
This year, maybe it’s worth asking ourselves how we can make the day more meaningful. A phone call or a thoughtful letter might matter more than an expensive gift. Recreating a childhood memory, cooking her favorite meal, or simply spending time together without distraction can be just as powerful.
For those who no longer have their mothers with them, this day can carry a quieter, more emotional weight. Lighting a candle, sharing stories, or visiting a special place can be ways to honor their memory. Grief and gratitude often live side by side on Mother’s Day.
It’s easy to take for granted the steady love of a mother, but this day reminds us to hold it a little closer. No matter how old we get, there’s something grounding about a mother’s voice, her advice, or just her presence.
As the saying goes: “A mother is she who can take the place of all others, but whose place no one else can take.” – Cardinal Mermillod
Let’s make this Mother’s Day count—not just with gifts, but with genuine love and time.
Freshman Kaleb Baker dusts in the Pearson Funeral Home in Louisville. Baker works for a cleaning company that services local businesses. Photo by Abbigail Hollins.
Teenagers today are stepping into the workforce earlier than ever, taking on part-time jobs in retail, food service, and internships. Many are driven by the desire to earn money for items like clothes, food, and saving for college. These jobs not only provide a paycheck but also valuable skills like teamwork and time management.
They juggle work with school and social life, and they learn important lessons about responsibility and independence that will shape their future.
“I manage school and a job mainly by focusing on getting all my schoolwork done in school. I try to never have homework and stay on top of all work,” said senior Elliot Buschman.
Parents observe their teens growing more responsible, encouraging their children to get a job.
“Teenagers should get jobs to learn responsibility and to get them ready for the world after you are out of school,” said JHS parent Carl Divine.
As the summer approaches, many teens have begun seeking employment opportunities. The question they all find themselves asking is ¨Where should I apply?”.
“ Fast food restaurants, maybe some retail stores, depending on how old you are, like in Home Depot you have to be 18. But retail and fast food are probably in teenages workforce,” said Lead Business Academy Teacher Michael Pepa.
As they navigate the application process many face unexpected challenges due to lack of knowledge of how to set up a resume or find an application.
School counselor Shelby McCorkle said to find a business that is hiring and follow their application process.
Once hired, they quickly learn the importance of teamwork and communication.
“As soon as I got hired I learned that I must get along with my coworkers and respect them,” said freshman Kris Ortiz who works at Derby City Pizza.
When settled into their roles, the teens discover valuable lessons.
Buschman said having a job helps better the concept of time management.
“Getting a job helped me learn independence to hold myself accountable,” said freshman Brayden Maxie who works at Dominos.
Workers are usually expected to bring fresh energy to the team.
McCorkle said to always be confident in your skills and always be prepared for potential tasks.
People note possible challenges of scheduling multiple teenagers all at once.
McCorkle said a technique businesses use is making a calendar based on when people aren’t available then schedule students around those times. Businesses also have teenagers work on certain days, which makes it easier for teens to remember their schedule.
Peers such as teachers give advice to potential teenagers going into the workforce.
Math teacher Scott Lowe said the key to succeed in life is to always be on time, make decisions on your own, and do the right thing without being hounded.
In the world of music there are many different genres; many favor R&B or hip hop, while others strive to have the emotional connection with music that will make them relate to the artist, a song where they feel the lyrics on a whole new level.
English 9 teacher Eric Watson said music always resonates emotionally when it expresses situations the listener has been through, and a lot when it has an “inherently empathetic expression.”
Watson’s co-teacher, Michelle Houchin, agreed and said emotional music helps connect people and relate them to each other, it can help someone feel happy when they’re sad or they can express themselves through having a good cry over a breakup while listening to sad music.
“I listen to emotional music when I am upset. It helps me feel seen and I can have a personal concert and sing what I relate to the most. As an adult I think this music is more popular than before but it does help some people.”
Some students feel the benefits of this music, too. They just want to put their headphones in and relax at school, as not only adults have bad days and need an escape from reality with some jams.
Freshman Mahalia Smith said emotional music could help people realize what emotion they’re genuinely feeling if they’re confused.
“Sometimes being alone is all you need when you’re feeling down and music can always help,” she said. It can be a good distraction to just help people feel safe enough to let out a good cry or even a happy song that they can sing along to in private and make themselves feel better.
Freshman Gracie Harder listens to her favorite R&B song by Alicia Keys, “Empire State of Mind,” in her car on the way home on March 31. She was listening to this song to calm her anxiety after a long day working and learning. “I love this song because I can really listen to the lyrics and feel relaxed after a long wild day.” Photo by Sophia Waldridge.
“Finding a song that you relate to by an artist you know is a very cathartic experience,” said Algebra Honors Teacher Cory Densford, He listens to music with emotion, but between happy or sad depending on his mood. If it’s been a bad day he uses happy music to turn his day around.
“The main thing I feel while listening to music I relate to is that it helps me feel like I’m not alone with my feelings, and I’m grateful I have an outlet for some of my negative emotions,” said Densford.
Freshman Gracie Harder thinks R&B music is more soothing and gives people the opportunity to have calm background music like slow blues or a good rhythm. She listens to hits in her free time when she needs to think or she’s doing homework.
“I listen to R&B mostly because it gives me a calming feeling and a quiet place to think when I’m stressed.”
Hypothetically, open a book. Read a few sentences. Did it benefit the brain?
We all know that reading is good for people in general and helps us understand words and different scenarios, but how does it positively affect our brains?
Reading is the process of looking at written symbols and letters and understanding their meaning. It exposes us to new knowledge and vocabulary in our minds. It introduces us to a new world, sparking creativity and fostering cognitive thinking.
Taking out 15 minutes of the day to read at least 25 pages a day strengthens our brains and critical thinking skills. According to the Boston Children’s Hospital, reading can rewire the brain, create new neural networks, and strengthen the white matter in the corpus callosum, which enhances communication between the two brain hemispheres. This allows us to process information more efficiently, allowing us to learn faster.
Here are 5 tips for how we can better our reading:
Problematic people are the most annoying people you will ever meet and hear from in this world.
What is a problematic person? According to the Dictionary, problematic is when someone is tending or likely to elicit objections or disapproval, or offensive. It can come from other people, for example, your friends, influencers, or a president. Being problematic is being a toxic person, especially when there are people out there who tell you that you are but you don’t care.
These people can be easily marked as the most common trait, negativity. But most of them don’t make it obvious. Of course, when you’re having a conversation with someone, you would want to make your first impression with positive vibes, but the more you build your relationship with the person, the more it starts to crumble.
Problematic people mostly come from being manipulative. They see the relationship we build with them as a waste of time, so they’ll just play a selfish action and start to use us. They are lying, feeling dry whenever they’re near, tricking our minds, and blaming us for things they did.
You may not have experienced this but you can see it through TV and movies and how it is portrayed through characters. For example, Angelica Charlotte from the cartoon show, “Rugrats.” She is a 3-year-old spoiled brat who’s rude to the main characters and manipulates them into bad behavior but acts like an angel in front of the adults. Edward Cullen, from the movie, “Twilight,” doesn’t take the main character’s feelings seriously or set boundaries.
Being problematic doesn’t have a specific place or time, it can happen whenever we go. If we’re going to work, school, a restaurant, or inside a store, someone could be seen as problematic by their actions. Since there are billions of people around the world, there is no chance that we will avoid these types of situations. But we can solve it.
How can we treat people better? We can try to be nicer and kinder. Being rude is going to cause more problems and make you similar to the person of this topic.
This special issue tells the story of the championship season through the photographs of Hyphen photographers Madison Pritchard and Magdalene Conrad, and through the reporting of Hyphen basketball reporter Austin Bainbridge.
Printed copies are available at the front office and the athletic office of Jeff High from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. — they are free.
Feel free to download the pdf free of charge as well from here to get the full color impact of this special issue.
The Hyphen Staff will publish a 16-page special state championship issue next week. Printed copies will be available at JHS — more details soon — and the pdf will be posted here on the Hyphen website.
The special issue tells the story of the championship season through the photographs of Hyphen photographers Madison Pritchard and Magdalene Conrad, and through the reporting of Hyphen basketball reporter Austin Bainbridge.
More information coming soon, so watch this space. In the meantime, enjoy this brief preview of the cover, featuring a photo by senior Madison Pritchard and design work by JHS media arts students.
Cover — special championship issue of The Hyphen student newspaper. Photo by Madison Pritchard. Cover design by JHS multimedia students.
JHS is home to 2,130 students. Within those 2,130 students is a diverse community, each with different perspectives of a regular day at JHS.
Sophomore David Perez explains that his school day is “rather boring, but it gets me out of my house.” During lunch, he “pops into Radio and Broadcasting” to do any project he has.
“Radio and Broadcasting is, in fact, one of the most engaging classes because it’s hands-on, and it puts you out there. If you’re a talent, it gives you airtime. If you’re behind the scenes, it puts you to work on the technical side of most of our events,” Perez said confidently.
JHS is like a community itself. Social interactions are at an all-time high and are never dull.
“JHS’s hallways depend on the day. Most of the time, they’re chill, sometimes crowded, but chill. I meet up with friends quite frequently throughout the day, whether it’s before a period or after a period,” freshman Izzy Wemes explained.
Students move towards their destinations for dismissal. Photo by Ayianna Maddox.
“The halls are crowded. It sucks because people sort of just stand there or group together, or walk right where I’m going to walk. It’s pretty hard because they walk slowly, and there’s no opening,” said sophomore Cary Anderson Rospigliosi.
Engagement levels in classes can fluctuate throughout the day.
According to a study made by Gellis in 2011, as cited on the National Library of Medicine, “As school engagement declines during adolescence, sleep quality and duration decrease.”
With a decline in engagement at school, followed by sleep deprivation, academic skills could be next.
In fact, according to junior Siri Murphy, “It can definitely fluctuate a lot. I think some teachers tend to talk at students more than they teach, per se, but I do think that a lot of times, if the subject materials at least have something interesting, then it can really make a difference.”
In middle school teachers will tell students that high school will be a lot harder and feel longer because of how much work is assigned; and they are not wrong. JHS students are starting to feel the pressure and are realizing how hard school really gets towards the end of the year.
Freshman Mahalia Smith said the work is getting so hard that she is far behind. “Teachers assign so much work all at once with such a short amount of time to do it before the due date, and it causes students to panic and give up with getting work done; it’s too much.”
However, English teacher Eric Watson disagreed, saying, “Having many assignments all at once allows the students to practice essential skills like time management, multitasking, and prioritization; students should test their limits. It’s good for the mind.”
With personal experience I can agree with both sides of this argument, but I myself am stressed with the workload that the teachers have put on students the last couple of weeks left in school. I feel teachers should have meetings where they agree to do a week-long project in each class until the very last week of school; not all at once.
Another freshman, Calob Somoro, agreed with Watson. “All the assignments the teachers have assigned are easy. Most of them are just slideshow projects that take no longer than a day to complete.”
English co-teacher Michelle Houchin is one of the teachers that sees the situation from a student’s point of view, but since she is also a teacher like Watson, she thinks that a student should never give up on getting assignments done.
“I understand that students receive numerous projects and homework assignments daily. Knowing this and the fact that many students have after-school obligations, I do not assign big projects or any homework, and I communicate with my classes,” said Houchin.
In my honest opinion, I do not think that teachers assign too much work, but I do think that they make the work a little too hard sometimes and they expect students to get it done in less than a week.
I struggle with keeping up with work a lot of the time, so I can truly relate to these students and their concerns, but I also try my hardest and know that students should trust their teachers and remember that they’re not here to hurt us, but just to make us better and help us learn more for when we’re older.
Health Academy Services teacher Charles Patton demonstrates a dissection lab to his students on April 9 during his Human Body System’s class. Photo by Viviana Chavez Gonzalez.
by Viviana Chavez Gonzalez
“If you’d like to head to the lab area, we can get started,” begins health academy teacher Charles Patton.
After being in the health services industry for many years, a job opportunity came up for Patton — teaching high school students different health classes. This was a big change for Patton, having no personal experience teaching students before.
“I never really saw myself becoming a teacher, but I have many role models growing up, making me believe that I could do things above what I felt I could,” he said. “In college I had professors that also helped me see that there’s a lot of different ways to think about things than just what you read and interpret and take them to the next step further and do some other research and see what other people say about a certain subject.”
While it may not have been planned, Patton illuminates his newfound care for the education profession and his classes.
“I’m not a huge believer in divine intervention, or things happening for a particular reason, but I think this particular job did happen for a particular reason. It put me where I was supposed to be.”
Even though becoming a teacher wasn’t exactly what Patton envisioned, students have grown fond of their new health teacher, boasting over the comfortability of the classroom environment.
“One of my favorite memories was the week before break and he had bought us all popcorn and he made us laugh the entire class,” said sophomore Laela Rudicel. “We just got to tell stories, talk, watch movies and do whatever. We got to draw on the walls with paint markers. Everytime I see those drawings it’s a cute reminder of how much fun and comfortable the environment is. I just feel like every day in that class is my favorite.”
Another classmate, junior Amaree Smith, also described the classroom atmosphere as a close knit relationship between the students and Patton. She illustrated the family-like relationship they have grown over the year, shining a light on how important he has become in the students’ day-to-day lives.
As time continues more students have grown to love his class and enjoy learning with him, much like Smith and Rudicel.
Sophomore Kaniyah Woodley demonstrated how she feels in her third- period class with Patton, describing how inclusion and attention from teachers is important for students.
“He’s a great teacher. I’m not afraid to ask Mr. Patton questions in his class because he’s very kind and doesn’t make you feel uncomfortable or bothersome I guess. Like when we’re doing a lab or something similar, you can ask him and he’ll demonstrate it for you. He’s very good at making you feel comfortable and it’s not like you’re being left behind.”
Continuing the notion, sophomore Camden White detailed the importance of student-teacher relationships, stating, “I feel like compared to other teachers, Mr. Patton just understands on a deeper level, and he understands that the connections are really important. He wants to be involved and really help us understand our subjects. There’s some teachers who don’t really explain much and who aren’t very into it. They don’t understand us and what we need or how we need to learn.”
Moments like these with a welcoming environment and engaging activities can be critical for students and their learning pathways. All students are different and they may require unique conditions in order to be successful in the classroom. This may come as a difficulty for some teachers, especially with the new generation and their views.
Despite this, Patton enjoys the challenge. He described how interesting it is to see how sometimes the most unexpected events lead to something even greater.
“To be able to impact a whole classroom of students that are locked in and interested in what you’re saying. It’s a different feeling than I’d ever really experienced. And I think it’s those moments that keep me centered in and knowing that this is the right choice for me.”
With a new look on life and new experiences, it’s exciting to see how as people we can grow. A huge part of students’ lives is meeting new people and making connections, and for the students of Patton this is a key part of building a healthy learning environment.
Sophomore Arianna Adams shared her personal experience as well, illustrating the guidance she is able to receive from Patton.
“I really like his teaching style because I feel like I could ask any questions and he explains it to me in a way I can really get it. Usually if I have a problem teachers kind of want me to figure it out by myself but he understands and helps me figure it out instead of just sending me out lost.”
It’s Patton’s teaching style that helps him connect with his students.
“The best part of teaching is when you all lock in, you get to actually see what you’re trying to teach, take hold and make sense. That really is it, when I can stand up here and see what I’m saying, connect with you guys, that’s the best part of teaching.”
Students believe Patton’s personality is what makes their connections with him so powerful.
“He’s himself which I feel like being himself and being funny and natural is what helps us connect with him so well. It helps us have an understanding of each other. We get to have a lot of fun doing nice sections in different labs, and those are always a good time working together, laughing, and joking around,” continued White.
Being a teacher is difficult, but isn’t it worth the hard work when it’s for the students? To be able to see lessons come to life and inspire those around you.
Rudicel illuminated the relationship between Patton and his students.
“He truly cares for us as we are his own children. He all makes us happy. I like how understanding and kind he is. Most teachers could care less about what’s going on or what’s happening to make you feel bad or upset but Mr. Patton cares. Today I was super tired and drained and he came up to me and I ended up laughing. He just makes the day better, I believe he is a true teacher.”
From the rhythm of a heartbeat to the melodies of a symphony, music is fed into the very souls of human existence. Music impacts our language, culture, emotions, shaping memories and influencing our behavior in ways we often don’t realize.
But how exactly does this seemingly art have such a profound influence on us?
“Music is my life. I listen to music everywhere I go no matter how I feel. I never thought about how the lyrics can affect me as a student. I tend to listen to rap and the words aren’t the best, but they are very catchy,” said sophomore Josiah Whisenat.
These catchy beats and rhythms in music can overpower lyrics.
“As a person who loves music and even got into playing an instrument myself, it does have an influence on my everyday life. I’m constantly listening to music, whether it be while working during class, in the car on my way home, or just while practicing playing the guitar. Music is all around the world and one of the most popular forms of entertainment and escape. Music has always been my favorite hobby to do,” said junior Ubaldo Pille Jaremillo.
Music is a part of people’s lives and has a hold on them.
“As a teen, I usually listen to worship. Not many people, let alone teenagers, listen to worship, but it gives me peace. The words are always so powerful and meaningful. It makes me better as a whole,” said freshman Chelsie Jean.
Listening to music with meaningful lyrics can impact people as a whole, especially since music taps into people’s memories.
“Music is a memory reminder for me. There have always been songs that remind me of special times of life. My family loves to listen to music everyday in our house. Music transports me back to specific times and places in my life. It rekindles memories and emotions that might otherwise be lost,” said junior Ashly West.
Music has always been art in some way; it just depends on how the artist makes it.
“I listen to Rap and RnB on a daily basis. I don’t really listen to the lyrics, but the way it sounds is what I like about it. Now that I think about it, when I sing my music it’s not so good,” said freshman Marcus Baker.
Paying attention to the lyrics in the music we listen to could change our perspectives. So, the next time you listen to your favorite song, take a moment to appreciate the profound impact it’s having on your mind, body, and soul.
Music is more than just entertainment; it’s the soundtrack of our lives, shaping who we are and how we experience the world.
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