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A quick look at this week’s Winter Fantasy

by Sam Ottinger

As Christmas approaches, another wonderful music opportunity comes with it.

This opportunity is Jeff High’s Winter Fantasy, playing in the auditorium on Tuesday, Dec. 10 and Thursday, Dec. 12 of this week, starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are sold at the door for a flat cost of $5 dollars per person.

Winter Fantasy is a grand spectacle of all the performing ensembles in the JHS music department, for this event is a joint effort between choir and band, taught by Kyle Broady and Briston Hatchell respectively.

This Christmas event was first started out in the early 2000’s by Scott Cooksey, the band director at the time, and this has continued on since.

It is now an annual event that strives to bring holiday joy to our community, even when Christmas Day is still weeks away.

Yet this concert isn’t just to bring the holiday spirit; it’s also an important way to showcase some real talent of students from both musical departments.

This commitment to giving these musical gifts isn’t just for show. When Broady first joined this event in the Covid-run year of 2020, he worked hard with many others in order to put on a Virtual Winter Fantasy. He wanted to and succeeded in finding a way to show off the his skills of choir and band students.

The program will involve many new and old, but nevertheless. festive pieces. And even with the inclusion of some classic holiday songs, the band and choir are performing it like no other, adding uniqueness and new life into these classics.

Through tough preparations, such as scheduling auditorium use, having students taken out of classes to go practice, and the multiple matinees that must be prepared for in order to show off a sneak peek of the full event, the thing that keeps this whole program going is the feeling of joy that is brought by being involved in an event like this.

As Broady stated, “There’s nothing more fun than making music with the people you enjoy being around.”

9 Dec 20249 Dec 2024 by jhshyphen

Column: Populism vs Policy — Why Bernie was the only chance against Trump

by Tyler Johnson

With another Donald Trump presidency on the horizon, many Democrats and even establishment Republicans are finding themselves asking how this could happen. To find the answer to this we must go back eight years to the 2016 election cycle and examine the monumental paradigm shift in American politics that was the Trump campaign.

Trump’s rise to public favor was heavily supported by his debate tactics. Gone were the days of Obama-Romney era civil arguments. Trump would usher in the age of personal insults and populist rhetoric. In the Republican primaries there was a now-iconic moment in which Trump addressed the audience of lobbyists, calling them out, insisting he did not need their help. This is, of course, completely false as he has taken from a plethora of bourgeois donors like Elon Musk, the McMahons, and Timothy Mellon.

It wasn’t about the facts. It was about the appeal to the American public. By the time Trump secured the Republican nomination he was in full attack mode. He repeatedly called on Hillary Clinton to be arrested. He infamously brought the many sexual assault accusers of Bill Clinton to the presidential debate. He was not running on policy; he was running on populism. He was able to convince millions of hard working Americans that immigrants were stealing their jobs. He was going to build a wall between America and Mexico with Mexico’s money. Does it matter that the wall just abruptly ends and has been proven scalable? Does it matter that American taxpayer money is what funded it? No, it doesn’t. What mattered was that someone was “fighting the system.”

The Democratic Party has refused to acknowledge the growing resentment of the upper class in this country. They continuously fight on behalf of the establishment. Politicians like Bill Clinton condemn working class Democrats for supporting Palestine. These politicians can act as if they are for the people, but actions show otherwise. Kamala Harris can say she’s for the legalisation of marijuana, but in her stint as district attorney she won more than 1900 marijuana prosecutions. It is precisely this hypocrisy that repeatedly costs Democrats these elections.

There is one man who could have posed a challenge to Trump in the 2024 election. Bernie Sanders is the Vermont senator who has fought on behalf of the working class of America for half a century at this point. Politicians of the Democratic Party have repeatedly torn this man down for years. But as you can see in the 2016 debate his rhetoric is very similar to Trump’s. He wants to fight for the American people. He wants to tax business owners. He wants to raise the minimum wage. The key difference in the two candidates lies in policy. Sanders had very clearly defined policy and plans for the American people, whereas Trump merely had, in his own words, “Concepts of a plan” and left many of his policies such as the repeal of Obamacare and the unfinished border wall, unfulfilled.

Even in the 2024 election Sanders did all he could to support the Democratic Party, which wouldn’t support him back. Sanders released a video in which he empathized with voters who were against Harris for her support of the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza. He fought for what he thought was best for the American people, even when it meant supporting those who tore him down.

Both Bernie and Trump shared a base of support predicated on rhetoric as opposed to policy, including Joe Rogan who was an outspoken Bernie supporter before moving to the right and even platforming Donald Trump. Other podcasters such as Theo Von have platformed both of them and expressed the sentiment that they are the only two who fight for the working class.

The only way Democrats can win back this growing voting block is by opposing the upper class. If there’s one lesson Democrats could learn from this loss it is that they must not only appropriate the populist rhetoric of Donald Trump, but have the policy to back it up. They must appeal to the people of this country. They must not lecture the public. They must empathize.

9 Dec 202417 Jan 2025 by jhshyphen

Review: Creed’s Top 5 songs reveal why the band connects with fans

by Emma Parker

Creed’s music has long been defined by its unique blend of hard rock, introspective lyrics, and themes of hope, resilience, and redemption. Since emerging in the late 1990s, the band has produced hits that delve into universal struggles—relationships, purpose, and spirituality—resonating deeply with fans worldwide.

Each of the top five Creed songs captures a different aspect of this journey, showcasing the band’s signature sound and reflective lyrics. In exploring these tracks, we gain insight into why Creed’s music continues to connect with listeners personally, offering both powerful anthems and soulful introspection.

1. “With Arms Wide Open”

This song is a tender exploration of fatherhood, reflecting Scott Stapp’s experiences with his son’s birth. Its lyrics convey a mix of hope, awe, and vulnerability, capturing the universal anticipation and responsibility of being a new parent. Known for its emotional depth, it earned Creed a Grammy Award, helping the song become one of the band’s most recognized and cherished works.

2. “My Sacrifice”

“My Sacrifice” became a staple of Creed’s discography, offering an anthemic quality that resonates with themes of redemption and self-reflection. Its lyrics convey the sense of reconnecting with one’s best self or mending a relationship after difficult times. The song’s powerful guitar riffs and passionate vocals have made it a favorite among fans who appreciate Creed’s raw, honest approach to rock.

3. “Higher”

Known for its memorable chorus, “Higher” taps into a longing for peace and escape from life’s trials, inspired by lucid dreaming. The dynamic progression of this song mirrors the aspiration for transcendence, while its upbeat tempo offers an empowering feel. This song played a key role in defining Creed’s sound and expanded their reach, contributing to the album Human Clay’s massive success.

4. “One Last Breath”

In this reflective ballad, Creed delves into themes of regret and survival. “One Last Breath” is hauntingly emotional, with Stapp singing about hanging onto life amid despair. The acoustic intro and emotionally charged lyrics create a reflective, somber mood, making it one of Creed’s most impactful songs for fans who relate to its message of resilience

5. “What’s This Life For”

Written after the death of a close friend, this song tackles themes of purpose and loss. It’s raw and reflective, with Creed’s signature grunge rock edge, offering a deep exploration of life’s meaning. The song became an anthem for those seeking solace during hard times and stands as a testament to the band’s ability to confront serious themes with honesty and empathy.

6 Dec 20246 Dec 2024 by jhshyphen

Review: Animated fantasy ‘Coco’ emphasizes importance of love, memories

by Areli Hernandez Romero

It’s that time of year again: “Dia De Los Muertos” Day Of The Day, celebrated on Nov. 1 and 2. My family is excited to set up our altar to bring back the memory of our loved ones once more. All memories come rushing back, the sweet scent of cempasuchil flowers and sweet bread being placed at our altar. All this excitement brings my family back and it only takes a few seconds to teleport to “The Land of the Dead” in the movie “Coco.”

The animated fantasy “Coco” was released on Nov. 22, 2017, and has been an ultimate favorite. The animated fantasy, a blend of comedy and drama, was produced by Pixar Animated Studios for Walt Disney Pictures.

Twelve-year-old Miguel’s passion for music is well beyond his family’s expectations. His curiosity leads him on a journey to find his Idol, Ernesto De La Cruz. He is transported to ‘The Land of the Dead,’ where he awaits the acceptance of his passion, but little does he know of what he will be encountering instead.

As you click play, a story is being told by Miguel, which explains the history of the “Rivera Family” and the history they have with music that plays a big role in the life of Miguel. Something unique is, how the story is told throughout “Enrramadas” or (Banners), which are used as a decor on altars. They include a variety of images and colors that represent different meanings.

Throughout the movie, we can notice different types of cultural references, which is perfect for young audiences. Miguel spends the first half of the movie in a pueblo (small town). We can immediately notice a variation of traditional and colorful objects. For example, stands where people sell foods, toys, and decorations; traditional dishes like sweet bread, tamales, and mole, which are also placed on altars. The dressing style is very much casual and simple, which is really accurate to what we see in real life.

Whenever Miguel is teleported to ‘The Land Of The Dead,’ it’s a different universe where he reunites with his past ancestors. ‘The Land Of The Dead’ is a beautiful place where we get to learn about how the dead live in the after life. It can be described as vibrant and full of life even though the name might make us think otherwise. It’s very much interesting how the story flows and how every setting carries a memory. One important detail is ‘The Marigold Bridge,’ which carries a significant meaning to the dead that only can be crossed when a frame of a loved one is placed on an altar. Once Miguel stays in ‘The Land Of The Dead,’ he is able to experience the life of the dead and different challenges later on.

Miguel is able to give us an important lesson like the importance of chasing our dreams. His character is loving, authentic, and easy to understand throughout the film. Miguel, apart from being determined to be heard for his passion of music, also has a loving heart and continues to show it throughout the movie.

For me this movie has brought many memories, and I loved how the mood of the story changed throughout the film. It not only develops humor but also conveys to sadness and strong emotions that touch the viewer’s heart. I loved how the movie brings out many cultural references. The 3D effects are really interesting, and fun fact — Easter eggs are found throughout the film — which makes it even more exciting.

“Coco” reminds us that those whom we lose will live in our memory and hearts forever. Not only that, but it also tells us the importance of the love we should have for our families and the importance of the memories we hold of one another. I cannot wait to sit back and enjoy this movie once more.

6 Dec 20249 Dec 2024 by jhshyphen

Red Devils beat Cathedral Saturday night as Homecoming royalty is crowned

Photos by Madison Pritchard, Kirk Owen and Stella Siewert

Freshman MaKenna Taylor eyes the net during the girls’ basketball game against Cathedral on Nov. 30. The game kicked off an afternoon of basketball last Saturday, as both the girls’ and boys’ varsity teams played and defeated Cathedral. Photo by Madison Pritchard.

2 Dec 20245 Dec 2024 by jhshyphen

Hyphen Top 5 Most Viewed Stories in November, 2024

Online readership grew for the fourth consecutive month, thanks to Hyphen readers:

August, 2024: 523 total views
September, 2024: 1744 total views
October, 2024: 2672 total views
November, 2024: 3397 total views

1 Dec 2024 by jhshyphen

Red Devils begin season of high expectations this weekend

by Austin Bainbridge

Head coach Sherron Wilkerson sits at his desk, planning practices and workouts and developing ways to help players improve. During the offseason, Wilkerson has to put in a lot of effort to maintain one of Indiana’s best high school teams.

“To win a state championship as a team we must be disciplined and mentally tough,” said Wilkerson.

JHS has a tough schedule and has high expectations from players and coaches alike this season, but the players aren’t concerned about the pressure.

“I’m not worried about the competition; our coaches have given us everything we need to win,” said freshman Cornelius Weobong.

The coaches help the players improve, but the players know to get better they have to work on their own time to meet the expectations they’ll face this season.

“I work out with the team, but I also do pushups every night. I also jump a lot to improve my vertical,” said varsity player and senior PJ Douglas.

“To win a state championship as a team we must be disciplined and mentally tough.”
Basketball Coach Sherron Wilkerson

This commitment is essential for the Red Devils, who are expected to contend for a state championship.

“This season is different because we are in contention for a state championship, and that’s huge for this team,” said Wilkerson.

The players have a good reason to believe in their skills, as they train intensely. The players know what’s at stake.

“I train hard seven days a week so that we can make and win a state championship,” said Weobong.

The confidence of everyone surrounding JHS, especially the fans, is high.

“I think they are going to win a state championship, and I’m excited to see it,” said English teacher David Kummer.

The hype for this team has very good reason, too. The coaches have helped the players get better since the final game of last year’s 20-8 season that ended in a 52-51 semi-state finals loss to Ben Davis.

“My coaches have really helped me improve my game by showing me what I need to work on,” said Weobong.

These players feel that confidence. They worked hard all summer and fall getting ready for the first game.

“Practice is a big part of what we do. It translates directly into games,” said Douglas.

The fans are also hoping to help this team out on the court

Kummer said, “Fans contribute to the team during the games with big crowds that can motivate this team to play better.”

This team’s hope for the season is sky-high, and they are ready to get on the court and meet those expectations.

“As a team, we put in the work, and are ready to back up the expectations,” said Douglas.

JHS faces Cathedral High School at home this Saturday; the boys’ and girls’ teams will play. The theme is “White Out,” and the fall Homecoming crowning postponed due to weather will take place at halftime of the boys’ varsity game.

27 Nov 20241 Dec 2024 by jhshyphen

Homecoming celebrated this weekend after several weeks of delays due to weather

by Shelby Keesee

At long last, after weeks of deferral, Jeff High’s long awaited Homecoming is set to take place this weekend.

Yet what is Homecoming – and why are we thrilled?

Homecoming is the celebration of school traditions and the highlighting of certain students whose goals are to become Homecoming King and Queen. Others may attend to commemorate JHS, dress fancily, or simply to socialize with peers while showing Red Devil spirit.

Poor weather conditions several weeks ago are to blame for the event’s delay. Storms producing heavy rains and weather warnings were present in the area prior to the original date.

After discussions with Student Council sponsor Natalie Woods, principal Pam Hall and the administrative team decided to postpone Homecoming to the first boys’ and girls’ basketball home game to give the courts their deserving recognition.

“We did not want to have our Homecoming court out there in their dresses or in their nice suits getting drenched, so we made the decision to look for an alternative date,” stated Hall.

Although Homecoming has been delayed, voter decisions have remained intact and up-to-date.

“The student population has already voted, so the first round of votes are for all those people who signed up that want to be on court or candidates, and then they are chosen by vote by their class,” stated Woods. “The second round of votes are just for the King and Queen, so the whole school gets to vote for the King and Queen of their choice.”

Results from the voting window have stayed exceptionally quiet, but the royalty and court members will be announced this Saturday night.

“We have 20 Homecoming court members. We have four duos of seniors – so we have four boys and four girls for seniors, and then we have two boys and two girls for each junior, sophomore and freshman classes,” said Woods. “Our seniors come make up the King and Queen candidates, and then our juniors, sophomores and freshmen make up what’s known as the Homecoming court.”

While attending Homecoming, JROTC Saber Team presentations are expected, along with a more formal ceremony where students are presented to JHS community members, staff and other students.

Both the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams will play this Saturday; the theme is “White Out.”

26 Nov 202427 Nov 2024 by jhshyphen

Cheerleaders secure their bid to Nationals in Orlando

by Madison Pritchard

Jeff High Cheer has done it again. This marks the fourth year in a row that the team has gotten a bid to make their way to Nationals. They competed at the UCA Hoosier Hills Regional competition on Nov. 17 and received their bid to attend.

“I feel grateful and fortunate that we have been able to make it to Nationals for four years straight. I’m proud of my teammates for working hard the past six months. And I’m excited to make some more memories in Orlando,” stated senior cheerleader Violet Fondrisi, who competed at the regional.

The work doesn’t stop there, though. The cheerleading team still has a long season ahead of them.

“I take it one day at a time, and I think about how our hardest practices will only make us better,” Fondrisi said about their intense preparation.

The moment they received their bid was bittersweet, especially for the seniors on the team.

When asked about her goals for the season and Nationals, Fondrisi stated that she hopes the seniors are able to “enjoy one of (their) last experiences being a Jeff High cheerleader.”

Jeff High Cheer is hopeful for their season, and they plan to win big once they hit the mat in Orlando.

25 Nov 2024 by jhshyphen

Column: The Untold Feelings of Traveling

by Emelyn Gantulga

When I was younger, I yelled at my parents for not getting me what I wanted. Now, looking back at it, one can realize how much time has passed since then. Traveling to a new foreign place is tough, but going through it alone is even tougher. That’s why people should cherish the time they have, although they may not get along with someone else. Moreover, as a student who had to travel to a new continent, there are many key elements to be aware of. These key elements include being homesick, being safe, and getting used to the new environment.

A home is considered a safe place, or the people that make a person feel safe. And when a person travels somewhere else, they’ll miss their home and culture. Home is what makes a person feel warm and happy because they’ll always know that they have somewhere to go.

However, moving somewhere new takes that feeling away because a person will find out that it’s never going feel the same way it did. Additionally, that’s why most people get homesick the minute they step into a new place because they know it will never replace the feeling of home, which is why when a person travels to somewhere new, they need to be aware of getting homesick and being safe and getting used to what’s around them.

It’s important to be safe. An article by the United Nations states, “More than 50,000 migrants die in search of a better life.” From this article, we know that even though people travel for new opportunities, they should still consider the myriad amount of risks that come along the way.

Furthermore, people should also be aware when traveling, because it’s hard to predict what will happen that day. This is only to ensure the safety of people that travel somewhere new because it’s hard to get somewhere far away. This is why people should prioritize their safety when it comes to traveling and getting used to somewhere new.

Despite getting older, people still keep familiar habits. The National Library of Medicine states, “Creating a healthy home environment in infancy is critical, as home characteristics in early infancy (six months) may remain constant into toddlerhood.”

This could signify that traveling and living somewhere new can be compared to a baby getting used to their home. Additionally, when people travel somewhere new, there can be new experiences they haven’t felt before, which will give opportunities for people to erudite in new places. Because, in some places, there could be certain foods that aren’t the same as back home, and temperature and culture may be different. This is a feeling many travelers feel when they travel somewhere new to live in because in most cases they either travel to experience a new feeling or to do it for the benefit they desire.

In conclusion, traveling can be a tough experience. This is because traveling can make a person feel a thrill, along with many other feelings as well. On the other hand, key elements to look out for when it comes to traveling include being homesick, being safe, and getting used to the new environment. Additionally, moving somewhere completely new can be fun, but one should always be cautious no matter the circumstance.

22 Nov 2024 by jhshyphen

Girls’ swim and dive team competes at first meet of season

All photos by Romier Hunter-Lawrence and Maggie Nifong.

The Red Devil girls’ swimming and diving team pose before they swim at the New Albany Relays Girls’ Swim Meet on Tuesday, Nov. 19. JHS placed second to Floyd Central, beating out several local teams., winning the 200 butterfly relay and the 200 backstroke relay. Photo by Romier Hunter-Lawrence.

21 Nov 202422 Nov 2024 by jhshyphen

Column: We must stop censoring teen voices

by Tyler Conley

Censorship, the most complex and confusing matter of the modern day. All of our life, we’re told that we have a voice. But in reality, do we?

In the past millennium, so much has changed. In this new day and age, the media has changed so much. Over 5 billion people are on the internet at any given time, no matter the time of day. Ever since the internet was created in 1983, it has been monitored heavily, just like all other forms of media at that time.

All forms of media are under watch. And to a certain extent, it makes perfect sense, Freedom of speech and expression does not condone illegal activities. But, is it illegal to have the freedom of creativity and expression?

Youth have less and less of a voice everyday. The only way to change is to make people realize that our voices are just as important as anyone else’s.

In 1985, a group called the PMRC (Parents’ Music Resource Center) was created to monitor music and educate parents on what their children listen to. But, it wasn’t just a suggestion. It seemed more like a law. Headed by former First Lady Tipper Gore, all of the music coming out at the time had to pass through them.

Bands like WASP, Def Leppard, Prince, and Twisted Sister were no match for this organization. And to combat the oppression, some of these artists took to the stand to try and sway their opinion.

Twisted Sister singer Dee Snider was one of the most important and famous cases of the artists trying to take back their music. Twisted Sister’s song “Under The Blade” was the song in question that was going to have his album banned, for allegedly having topics the PMRC thought kids should not know about.

And sadly, all of the fighting was for nothing. They had all decided beforehand their final verdict. The music of the accused wouldn’t be banned, but parental advisory stickers were added to every CD deemed “Nasty” by the PMRC. This is an instance of censorship terribly backfiring.

Kids all over the United States were going out and purposefully buying albums with Parental Advisory stickers. Being a part of the youth today, I would agree that the advisory sticker is eye-catching; it makes me very curious about the material of the album.

Ironically, this almost 40-year-old incident still has relevance because it has not changed.

In March of 2023 in Boise, Idaho, an art exhibit was censored, and teens were told they could not testify in some legislative hearings.

Adults silence teenagers and young adults, telling them what they can or cannot see and listen to. And when young people try to say something about it, we are ignored and told we do know what we’re talking about.

I think there’s a stereotype that teenagers are not knowledgeable enough to speak up. Adults have lived longer than us, but we have the right to live our own lives. No one should have to conform to a certain idea or belief, yet censorship is a growing problem.

“We are seeing tremendous attacks on First Amendment freedoms across the country right now, at all levels of government. Censorship is proliferating, and it’s deeply troubling,” said Joe Cohn, legislative and policy director with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression.

And now, we can even be censored for being ourselves.

“This year, we’re seeing a wave of bills targeting drag performances where simply being gender nonconforming is enough to trigger the penalty,” Cohn said.

It’s understandable to dislike or disagree with someone’s idea, but being censored for being ourselves is becoming a serious issue, and it should not be. It’s no one’s business what I wear, what I say or who I am.

We have changed in the United States over the years. Youth have less and less of a voice everyday. The only way to change is to make people realize that our voices are just as important as anyone else’s.

No matter who you are, you have a voice. No one can tell you differently.

20 Nov 202422 Nov 2024 by jhshyphen