Red Devils face Floyd Central Tuesday in Hoosier Hills Conference showdown
by Layney Derricott
The Red Devils soccer team enters an important Hoosier Hills Conference match with Floyd Central tonight at 4-5-1 (1-3-1 in the HHC). Both teams look to add another win to their resumes, making this an exciting matchup.
Coach Rachel Foster shared that challenges are something the team will have to face and overcome while battling the Highlanders, currently 9-5-1 and 5-0 in the HHC.
“We will need to keep up our speed of play. Floyd is a fast team, and they move quickly. We will need to move just as quickly as them, beat them to the ball, and be ready when they’re attacking,” Foster stated.
Floyd Central is a high-speed team. JHS will not only have to keep up with their speed, but their attitudes as well. Senior and team captain Abi Lemon said tomorrow’s game will be a mental challenge.
Senior Abi Lemon keeps control of the ball against Jennings County. The Red Devils won 8-3. They battle Floyd Central tonight at 7 p.m. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
“Our team will have to overcome the stigma. Have the ability to deal with people commenting on the differences between the two teams, not letting negative words knock us down. Holding our heads up high with good morale,” Lemon said.
Foster said preparation for a team in an intense rivalry game is important.
“We’ve been getting the formation down, being sure to move the ball quickly. Move just as fast as Floyd will. Every year we have a new team, new people to work with, and get accustomed to.”
As the Red Devils prepare for the pace of the game, staying focused, and counting on each other, their focus now shifts to executing that preparation.
Sophomore Haylee Alvarenga said once the game starts this focus must include “making sure to stay on defense for the first half. Along with keeping up a positive attitude, to not get discouraged early on. Keeping a defensive team.”
This defensive mentality affects the team as a whole, but leadership from individual players can make just as much of an impact.
Sophomore Jacqueline Escobar mentioned one person who can be trusted to hold everybody accountable while displaying a positive attitude.
“Abi Lemon knows how to work well with everyone. She’s always available when needed, gives good advice, and knows how to bring you back down when things get intense,” Escobar stated.
Senior Laela Rudicel celebrates her third goal of the night against Jennings County, achieving a hat trick. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
Senior and team captain Laela Rudicel said the Red Devils are prepared mentally and physically for the challenging game with the Highlanders.
Being mentally and physically ready is only one part of the challenge; the team will mainly rely on its communication throughout the game, according to senior defender Alianna Brown.
“Communicating, along with being there for each other,”said Brown. “Being able to call on anyone; specifically sophomore Sonnie Darku, to switch positions with me. Letting others know when there’s someone approaching or coming for the ball.”
Red Devils soccer takes on the Highlanders tonight at 7 p.m at the JHS soccer field.
For Coach Daniel Struck, coaching is about more than sports. Struck has said, ¨It is about helping students become stronger, more confident, and better versions of themselves.”
Struck has spent many years working with athletes and coaching different sports. He spent 28 years as a teacher and 30 years as a coach. During his time as a coach, he has worked with wrestling and football. His experience has allowed him to work with many students and help them reach their goals.
Sophomore sports performance athlete Braylen Martin said, “Coach has helped me reach my goals in track and field, allowing me to become such a stronger version of myself, and I thank him for taking that time with me.¨
Head wrestling coach Danny Struck. Photo by Isabella Stewart.
One of the main reasons Struck coaches is that he wants to see kids become stronger and healthier. He said that training can help athletes both physically and mentally. His goal is not simply to make students better at their sport, but to teach them lessons they can use outside of athletics as well.
Junior wrestler John Steele said, “Struck is serious but very caring and is determined to help. Struck has helped redirect me when I’ve needed it and always reminds me to focus on myself.¨
Student athletes who have worked with Struck describe him as someone who cares about the people around him. Martin, for example, sees him as someone who is encouraging.
¨Struck’s humor helps make training more enjoyable and motivates me to be more active. His willingness to help students learn their rhythm shows that he focuses on individual athletes instead of treating everyone the same,” he said.
Other athletes have noticed the same qualities. Sophomore swimmer Charlie Frakes described the coach as someone who cares about his students. He added that working with him through sports has helped him become stronger and overcome challenges.
Sophomore sports performance athlete Rylan Humphreys described Struck as welcoming, understanding, and supportive. According to Humphreys, “Struck’s guidance has helped me become faster and stronger while also showing me I can accomplish difficult things when I put my mind to them.”
For Struck, the relationships he builds with his athletes appear to be just as important as the training itself. His years of coaching have given him the opportunity to influence athletes and help them develop confidence, discipline, and perseverance.
The classroom is filled with conversations about strategy, business, and the future as business teacher Laura Solomon pushes her students to think beyond the walls of JHS.
For Solomon, teaching is more than simply giving students information. Her goal is to show them how what they learn in class can be applied to their futures.
“I have a passion for what I’m trying to teach, and I hope that my students can see that passion,” said Solomon. “I can connect these topics to the real world, and I hope that helps you guys understand what we’re doing.”
Solomon teaches marketing fundamentals, strategic marketing, and finance and investments, as well as classes and programs connected to the Centra Credit Union and the Devil’s Den. Through these courses, she gives students opportunities to explore the business world while developing skills they can use after high school.
Her connection to JHS is also an important part of why she enjoys teaching.
“I think I have a pretty decent relationship with Jeff as a whole.” she said. “There is a community here because you can see students’ desire to be a Red Devil and what that means to them.”
Solomon said JHS gives students opportunities, especially through programs such as the academy system.
“This school gives you a foundation and helps you build on your future,” she said.
Business teacher Laura Solomon plans what to provide in the Devil’s Den with her finance and investment class. Photo by Isaiah Guzman.
Inside the classroom, Solomon describes herself as straightforward. She sets high expectations for her students but tries to make sure those expectations remain achievable.
“I try to set high expectations so the students are pushing themselves to be better, but not so high that they can’t do it and feel defeated,” she said. “I feel as if students don’t have enough expectations for themselves.”
She also holds her students to the same standards she would hold her own children to.
“I wouldn’t expect anything out of them that I don’t expect out of my own children,” said Solomon.
Junior Braelynn Leavell experiences those expectations firsthand. She said the class challenges her while preparing her for the future.
“It teaches me a lot about strategy and how I can apply these skills in the future,” Leavell said. “I feel as if this class is preparing me for the future.”
Leavell chose the class because she believes the skills she learns can help her achieve her goals in the real world.
“I feel like this class would help me build my business and improve my skills in the business world,” she said.
The challenging environment is something Leavell appreciates.
“I have high confidence and expectations for myself, and this class helps me challenge that,” she said. “My brain is always running in this class.”
For Solomon, keeping students engaged starts with helping them understand why the information matters.
“I think engagement is increased when the students can see the relevance in what they’re learning and why they’re learning it,” she said. “I show how these things can be helpful in the real world.”
Senior Darryl Cordova, another student in Solomon’s class, said that connection to the business world is one of the reasons he enjoys being there.
“I like this class,” Cordova said. “This is where I go to focus on the business world.”
Like Leavell, Cordova chose the class because of how he believes it will help him after graduation.
“I want a good-paying job in the future, and I think this class prepares you for that and more,” he said.
While the work can be challenging, Cordova said the class gives students opportunities to actively interact with what they are learning.
“I’m pretty confident in this class,” Cordova said. “I feel like the work isn’t stressful when you actually get to interact in a class.”
However, Solomon’s impact reaches beyond marketing and business. Both students described lessons they have learned from her that go beyond the curriculum.
“Mrs. Solomon has taught me that the real-life world isn’t scary,” Leavell said. “You just have to be willing and open-minded to it.”
Cordova said Solomon has helped him think differently about his own future and the effort he puts into achieving his goals.
“She taught me that I can either do the bare minimum for credit or do the most for my future,” he said.
Students also believe Solomon’s honesty is what separates her from other teachers. Leavell described her as realistic and willing to listen to different perspectives.
“Mrs. Solomon is real,” Leavell said. “She’s realistic. She’s able to take all opinions into consideration, and she makes points on all sides.”
Cordova shared a similar perspective.
“Mrs. Solomon is a great teacher, and she’s willing to be honest and real and raw,” he said.
Solomon’s honesty and high expectations come from her desire to help students become successful. Even when she disagrees or “bumps heads” with a student, she continues trying to build a relationship with them.
“I like being around you guys,” Solomon said. “The students I even bump heads with, I try to build relationships with and reach them. Sometimes I can’t, but I don’t stop trying.”
Before returning to education, Solomon worked in the business world. However, she eventually chose to come back to teaching because mentoring students was what she truly enjoyed.
“I left the business world to come back to teaching because this is what I enjoy,” she said. “I enjoy being a mentor and hearing from my students after they’ve graduated so I can see how they’re using my class in life after school.”
For Solomon, the lessons taught in her classroom are meant to last far beyond a grade or graduation. Through real-world experiences, high expectations and honesty, she hopes her students leave her classroom prepared not only for the business world, but for whatever future they choose to build.
Senior boys’ tennis player Camden White gets out of his car while grabbing his supplies for the first tennis match of the season. As he grabs his racket and water, he waves over to his friends that are calling him over. He realizes that this is going to be the first match to start off his last year playing tennis.
“I think after my full four years I am just done with the sport. It takes a lot of time and I want to be able to focus on my education more,” said White.
Even though White will not continue playing tennis after high school, he still has his senior year to play.
“I am most excited for overnight tournaments, because it is good team bonding and the tournaments are very competitive, so it makes them a lot of fun.”
However to White, tennis is more than about fun times.
“Although tennis is a team sport it comes down to you individually and how you win and how you play reflects on the whole team. You have to rely on yourself mentally to handle the situations.”
He’s been handling these situations since his freshman year when he started playing and has continued to rely on his mentality during tough times of the sport.
A teammate of White’s, senior KJ Westbay, said, “Camden brings good energy every day and is always positive, like always brings my attitude up when I’m feeling down.”
This shows not just how good of a tennis player White is, but a contribution to the JHS tennis team. Even with all of White’s tennis practices throughout the week he tries to make some time in his free time or hanging out with his friends. During these times, White will play pickleball with friends, and loves to golf. Though his schedule may be very busy, White loves the sport and has grown from when he started playing.
“Camden is a good leader; he’s a good leader of the sportsmanship we want to see on the team and he’s a good leader on the off season. Like I mentioned earlier he puts a lot of time in the offseason working on his game, it is a good example to the underclassmen,” said assistant coach Emma Ellis.
White has loved playing tennis for his high school career and even though he won’t be playing when he goes to college, he will always remember the skills and mindsets that the sport has given him.
“People can learn how to handle their emotions more because it puts you under a lot of pressure by yourself and it shows how you handle certain situations.”
Seniors begin planning, facing responsibility, and making decisions for their futures after high school, but throughout it all, anticipation for exciting plans continue as this school year progresses. With the help of class officers and sponsors, they hope the year will be memorable for everyone.
Class and Vice Presidents
Fourth-year class officer Camden White lists his goals that encouraged him to run for class president.
Class President Camden White reflects on personal goals. “I want to live in the moment and enjoy my high school experience as much as possible. It makes me feel very nervous that I’m graduating and that I will be stepping out into the real world,” he said. Photo by Areli Hernandez.
“I wanted to be able to take charge and make sure we had good things going on for us. I also wanted to come up with ideas for events that students would be excited about and be involved in,” he said.
As class president, White will represent the class of 2027 during graduation. He finds this responsibility both exciting and intimidating.
“I’m excited and I also think it’s kind of scary. I think it is scary having to talk in front of a lot of people but I will also like to share my experience with everyone,” he said.
Senior vice president Blessing James finds leadership in her involvement as a class officer. Her goal is to make this year exciting for all of her peers.
“I think it’s fun to be a leader of something and I also want to have a positive impact on the class and make sure everyone enjoys the things we do,” she explained. “I want people to walk away from senior year and be able to say they enjoyed it.”
James gives her advice to students who are looking to be leaders like her. She explained that it’s important to be confident and just “go for it.”
“Don’t be scared to do it. You get to know a lot more people and it’s cool to have a say in things your class will be involved with. Don’t think that the events we plan don’t matter, because they do make an impact on the class,” she advised.
Class Officer Sponsors
Through it all, commitment doesn’t only come from students but also from the contribution of sponsors. Class officer sponsor Michell Densford explained the connection she has with the students. Together, they brainstorm ideas and decide on events.
“I like planning the activities with the class officers and I get to know different students every time. We help set up events like Powderpuff and Homecoming. Students get to decide the themes for certain things and I’m the facilitator,” said Densford.
2027 Class Officers: Maddie Chandler, Camden White, Blessing James Vonsenden, and Linette Vega Sanchez. Row 2: Mattie Barker, Yanqi Liang, Macyn Jackson, and Katie Nord. Row 3: Grace Lantrip, Cort Merkley, Stella Siewert, and Lily Morrill. Sponsors, Michell Densford and Stephanie Niemi. Photo by Areli Hernandez.
Densford’s involvement also includes sharing responsibilities with her class officer partner, Stephanie Niemi. With their involvement, they’re able to facilitate a flexible schedule for events.
“Stephanie Niemi and I have been class officer sponsors before, and she encouraged me to join her. We are really good at splitting the responsibilities and we share who is responsible for each event. That way we make sure to get things done,” she said.
Niemi agreed with Densford’s view on managing students’ ideas during the school year. She explained how the students plan the events and the sponsors take care of paperwork.
“A lot of times we have to help with coming up with themes. Sometimes we have to step in with what they want to do. Densford and I do the behind the scenes stuff like: DJ, food, setups, venues, and contracts. We handle the money aspect and make sure we are staying on budget,” she said.
Niemi said she enjoys helping the class officers plan events and allows them to take the lead when planning activities.
“I like getting to help with the senior activities like Senior Sunrise and Senior Formal, and I’m excited for Powderpuff since we last did it four years ago. I like to give the officers freedom to choose those things,” she said.
Class Officers
The class officers enjoy planning events and having the freedom to make decisions, especially class secretary Linnette Vega, who voices her and her peers’ opinions.
“I wanted to have the opportunity and have a say on certain topics. I wanted to make decisions that affect the class as a whole and also wanted people’s opinions to be voiced,” she explained.
Vega anticipates future events of her senior year. She’s excited to attend high school activities and see where her friends end up.
“I am looking forward to finding out where we will be going. Seeing my friends become the people I think they can be, enjoying band events like Winter Fantasy, Anchor Club, and Prom. Overall, enjoying our youthfulness before graduation,” she said.
Class Treasurer Maddie Chandler, Class President Camden White, Vice President Blessing James Vonsenden, and Class Secretary Linette Vega Sanchez. Photo by Areli Hernandez.
Executive board member Lily Morrill intends to make this senior year fun by working hard with her fellow class officers.
“We really want to make senior year as fun as possible, so we already did the work to plan Senior Sunrise, and we’re going to work hard on other events like Senior Formal,” she said.
Morrill looks forward to the events of senior year. She values having fun and spending time with her friends.
“I’m really excited for Prom, because it is our senior prom so it’s even better than last year. I’m just excited to spend as much time as I can with friends before we all go in different directions.”
Niemi is proud of her graduated students and who they’ve become after high school. She has high expectations for this year’s class officers as well. She hopes that they give back to their community and continue to be leaders.
“I’m very pleased with where many past students are now. I’ve had a lot of interaction with the Class of 2024. I like seeing them give back to the community and coming back to the community,” said Niemi.
Niemi hopes White follows the important values and responsibilities of being a class president in his future.
“Speaking out and having communication skills are very important. People who are dependable, work ethical, and responsible are great traits that embodies the characteristics of a good leader. I hope Camden White is a demonstration of those qualities in the future,” she said.
White said that persistence is an important trait for someone in a leadership position and gives his advice to underclassmen:
“I would say to apply yourself, be involved, speak out your ideas, and keep fighting for what you want, be persistent,” he said.
Movies, music, and voice acting: Tim Curry was a multi-talented actor and singer who tragically passed away on August 25, 2026.
After suffering from a stroke in 2012, he was wheelchair-bound and slowly recovering over the next 14 years. Most people know him as the outlandish and cross-dressing mad scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter from The Rocky Horror Picture Show. But what was his life truly like?
Curry was born on April 19, 1946, in Grappenhall, Warrington, United Kingdom. His father was a chaplain in the Royal Navy, and his mother was a secretary for a school. As a child born into a military family, his childhood included many moves, including to Hong Kong.
He began his musical career in the church, where he sang as a boy soprano. During his young adult years, Curry studied drama and English literature at Birmingham University. His early-stage work included conventional classic roles in Shakespearean plays.
In 1978, Curry played Shakespeare in the British drama series Will Shakespeare, where Curry would fully disappear under the prosthetics and makeup, allowing him to play his startling and terrifying characters.
Curry would play the Lord of Darkness in the epic 1985 film Legend, starring Tom Cruise. In 1990, he was covered in white face paint to play the evil clown Pennywise in the horror movie IT.
Relocating to the USA in the 1980’s gave Curry many opportunities for movies, including Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and Scary Movie 2. He also kept his ability to terrify by playing the serial killer Billy Flynn in Criminal Minds.
Despite the major stroke he experienced in 2012, he still kept performing, voicing characters in a multitude of works like Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Transformers: Rescue Bots.
Though he died fairly recently, his works are still appreciated by people around the world. Through his cult classics and musical talents, people all over the world have appreciated his talents for decades. He may have died, but his legacy will forever live on.
Prosser is a Career Education Center where Southern Indiana students can go to receive additional education or a degree for free through high school without attending college. Those who apply and get accepted excel by learning skills in their desired field. Prosser offers many classes and pathways, and students apply because their high school doesn’t offer a specific class for that pathway, or it isn’t in-depth enough.
Business Academy counselor Shelby McCorkle said Prosser offers many different programs.
“They offer 20-21 different programs, and they each have dual credit attached to them. It’s a little different depending on what program you’re in. You can apply as a sophomore, you need a letter of recommendation, a goal statement, to be on track with your credits, and good attendance. It’s a great opportunity to get hands-on experience, but it’s not for everybody,” she said.
Graphic by Jessalyn Stolte.
Junior Graciela Sanchez studies Cosmetology and finds Prosser a great opportunity to better her education and get her life ready after high school.
“I can get my cosmetology license and go straight into work while I also still plan to go to college and study elementary education,” she said.
Life at Prosser isn’t the same for everybody. Most people love it, and some people do not, but the opportunities teens get while there exceed everything — the good and the bad, according to junior Jaylianah Burris.
“I love it. I like all of the different opportunities I am able to have. I plan to become an orthodontist, so Dental is a huge staple while at Prosser,” she said.
Prosser not only supports career choices; it also helps prepare students for higher education and real life. For example, junior Samantha Carillo studies Early Childhood Psychology.
“I’m going into early childhood psychology and not education because I want to help kids with their social-emotional learning more than their education. Prosser helps teach me how kids are affected in their early years and how to help/prevent certain childhood problems,” she said.
Prosser students prepare for a variety of careers; for example, junior Lorelei Darling studies Culinary Arts, junior Jacob Fifer studies Automotive Mechanical, and junior Brayden Bachman studies Constructional Electrical Trades.
“I love my Prosser class because I get to learn how to cook; it has exceeded my expectations. I want to be a private chef, so it’s very beneficial for my career choice,” Darling said.
“It’s very easy managing my time since I finish my homework in class,” added Fifer.
Additionally, Bachman said, “Prosser is great — I love how it’s hands-on, and you meet tons of people. It’s easy to manage your time as long as you stay on top of your work.”
Life at Prosser is a logical choice for students who want to stay ahead of the game. It may not be for everyone, but it is a great opportunity that prepares teens for careers after high school.
Spanish teacher Margarita Mackle teaches pronouns to the class. “I’ve been teaching for 10 years and I like teaching because when the student understands and being able to say it back to me, that makes me feel happy,” she said. Photo by Kayleen Alvarado.Spanish teacher Margarita Mackle. Photo by Kayleen Alvarado.
All photos by Malachi Conrad and Parker McCloskey.
Senior Sire Minggia sings at Gospelfest last Thursday. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Senior Sire Minggia performs the opening song last Thursday during Gospelfest in the auditorium. Gospelfest is a yearly event in which JHS musicians and singers perform gospel music for the community. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Junior Kendall Washington performs during the second song at last Thursday’s Gospelfest. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Choir members sing together before the intermission at least Thursday’s Gospelfest. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Senior Kylie Parsons performs alongside other members of the choir last Thursday. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Choir members sing together during last Thursday’s Gospelfest. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Dr. Roosevelt Escalante looks upon the crowd as the event ends at last Thursday’s Gospelfest. Photo by Parker McCloskey.The choir performs during Gospelfest last Thursday. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
Red Devils defeat New Albany 2-1 last night to win Hoosier Hills Conference
Photos by Malachi Conrad and Parker McCloskey. Additional reporting by Austin Bainbridge.
Junior Dylan Ortiz listens to Coach Colin Bell’s speech before the first half. Photo by Parker McCloskey. Junior Angel Juarez-Lira huddles with teammates during Coach Colin Bell’s speech last night. The Red Devils were scoreless in the first half but scored two goals in the closing minutes of the name to defeat New Albany 2-1. Photo by Parker McCloskey. The starting Red Devils lineup prepares to face New Albany last night. Photo by Parker McCloskey.The Red Devils huddle before the start of the last night’s match with rival New Albany. JHS beat New Albany 2-1 for the Hoosier Hill Conference championship, scoring both points with less than three minutes left in the match. Photo by Malachi Conrad. The JHS student section cheers on their team in the first half of last night’s game against New Albany. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Senior Xavier Santiago Cortes rushes the ball toward the goal during last night’s game against New Albany. Photo by Parker McCloskey. Senior Alan Solorzano Lopez basks in the light. Photo by Parker McCloskey.The JHS student section yells after a foul. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Head coach Colin Bell gives his team a halftime speech, trying to push for a goal, as no Red Devil scored in the first half. JHS scored twice in the final three minutes of the game to defeat New Albany 2-1 last night. Photo by Malachi Conrad. Senior Xavier Santiago Cortes performs a corner kick. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Senior Alan Lopez scores the first of the team’s two goals against New Albany last night. There was a foul called, giving him the kick. Assistant coach Drew Davis described Lopez’s goal as a key moment in the game. “I knew as soon as we got that kick we would win,” said Davis. “All it took was a little spark and we were good to go.” Photo by Malachi Conrad. Sophomore Joao Beya breaks down the goalie and shoots in between a defender to win last night’s game against New Albany less than two minutes after Lopez scored the first goal for JHS. Beya said, “I was very confident — I knew I was going to score.” The Red Devils won 2-1, winning the Hoosier Hills Conference. Photo by Malachi Conrad. Sophomore Joao Beya, junior Kevyn Santiago Cortes, and senior Xavier Santiago Cortes rush to the student section after scoring the second goal of the game last night against New Albany. Beya said, “This was a really big win, and now we’re looking forward to sectionals and regionals.” The Red Devils won 2-1 to win the Hoosier Hills Conference. Photo by Malachi Conrad. Sophomore Joao Beya and senior Xavier Santiago Cortes celebrate with JHS students with under two minutes on the clock. “It was very exciting,” said Beya, “and I was so happy to celebrate with the team.” Photo by Malachi Conrad. The Red Devils celebrate after Joao Beyas’s goal, making the score 2-1 and leading the Red Devils to the Hoosier Hills Conference title last night against New Albany. Photo by Parker McCloskey. The Red Devil players and fans posted up after the 2-1 win against New Albany last night. Photo by Parker McCloskey. Senior Alan Solorzano Lopez celebrates last night’s win while players and fans chant. Photo by Parker McCloskey. Principal Pam Hall poses with players after their 2-1 victory over New Albany last night. The Red Devils won the Hoosier Hills Conference title and improved their record to 10-1-1. Photo by Parker McCloskey.JHS students lift senior Alan Lopez in the air after winning last night’s game against New Albany 2-1. After the game the students rushed the field and celebrated with the coaches and players, as the victory secured the Hoosier Hills Conference championship. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
Junior varsity soccer coach Drew Davis crouches down on to the ground to discuss the product of the half with his team. He describes how their Evansville Reitz opponents play and the weakness his players may leverage for their success and what they might improve on in the next half.
“He tells me what to do and we just win games and that’s what it’s all about,” said freshman Ryan McKinley, a JV soccer starter.
Not only does he help them on the field but he teaches them other lessons, especially off the field.
“It’s teaching them to work with others and learning that you won’t win everything, but if you stay the course with the right game plan you will be successful in life,” recounted Davis. “It teaches discipline and responsibility in that you sacrifice stuff for others.”
Coach Davis has been in the soccer program for 13 years. He has also coached at several other schools and played during his high school years.
“I would say when I started to get to high school and would watch games with friends it was more than anything I could really imagine,” remarked Davis.
Out of all the years, though, Coach Davis said that this year is different for the soccer program.
“I think that this team from top to bottom is the best team since I have been here. It’s a marriage of skill and belief,” stated Davis.
Junior varsity soccer coach Drew Davis instructs freshman Ryan McKinley during the Providence game. Photo by Louis Stifler.
This team seems to have something different to it that both the coaches and the players see.
“It is a lot more accepting and a lot more people have come out,” said sophomore JV player Ryland Prichard.
The atmosphere of the teams signifies that there is a different fire this year. Over the years it was building up. The coaches can feel it, and so can the players.
“My goal would one day to be fighting for a state title. You do that by not just winning games, but getting good grades, being a leader,on and off the field, and just being a role model,” stated Davis.
This soccer program has improved under all of those who support it.
Davis said the JHS soccer success has been special, especially in “the years when JV had an undefeated season — which I never thought I’d do — and the varsity season last year as we went as far as I did as a player.”
Coach Davis has brought this program back up higher than ever and he plans to bring it even higher as a teacher, a leader, but especially as a coach.
“I love coaching because I enjoy giving back to others and watching them enjoy the experience I got out of the sport and being a part of a building project, watching it grow and get.”
Freshman Camron Bell chases his soccer dreams
by Javian DeLa Luz Garcia
Freshman Camron Bell listens intently as head coach Drew Davis instructs the players on what to do during practice.
“I look forward to scoring a lot of goals and making it to sectionals and regionals,” said Bell. He is a part of the junior varsity JHS soccer team. He hopes to be a regular starter in junior varsity, and eventually be a part of the varsity soccer squad.
“I’m proud of how far I made it in soccer, because the level I am at is extremely difficult and hard,” said Bell.
He is a normal kid. He goes to school and he hangs out with his friends; however; one of his main aspects in life is playing soccer. His main passion in life is playing soccer.
“I strive to go pro because it is my dream. It is my passion, I love this sport and I want to go pro in it,” said Bell.
Though he strives to go pro now, he has always had a passion for soccer from an early age.
“When I was three years old, my mom wanted me to try out a sport, so I chose soccer.”
After choosing soccer Bell has fallen in love with the sport of soccer ever since. His coach, Davis, is the one who trains Bell and the JV team.
“I think that he is not someone who tiptoes into challenges. He throws himself into challenges. He puts 110% effort in all factors of the game,” said coach Davis.
Freshman Camron Bell. Photo by Mason McGuire.
Freshman Cayden Stolte, Bell’s teammate, agreed with Davis, describing him as a good goalscorer for the team.
Although his life mostly consists of sports he also gives effort into school. Bell has to be on top of his school work to be able to play in this soccer team. The school has requirements to be able to play in a school team.
“Nothing below a D and if you have a D you have to have no missing assignments,” said Bell.
Having to deal with both his school and athlete life, Bell finds himself sometimes being overwhelmed by the pressure.
“Balancing them both is hard… because you have to get good grades and study and sometimes they interfere. I study at home, get good grades, and go out and play on the field,” said Bell.
It’s this philosophy that drives Bell towards success in the sport of soccer.
“Never give up, chase your dreams no matter the setbacks. And that life will get hard, just never stop trying.”
September is designated as National Suicide Prevention Month to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and share life-saving mental health resources. Statistics from the CDC show that over 49,000 people die by suicide annually in the United States. Suicidal thoughts appear more often than most think; we all need to look out for and help others no matter what. Luckily, many help lines and organizations are available whenever we need them.
¨Organizations like SAMHSA and NAMI use September to teach warning signs, promote evidence-based treatment, and remind people that support is available 24/7,¨ stated the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Mental health is something that is treated as such a taboo subject, but it shouldn’t be. It’s something people struggle with every day, and it should be normalized to talk about it.
“Suicide is still too often met with silence, stigma, or shame. At NAMI, we believe that silence should never be the response to someone’s pain. That’s why we’re working tirelessly to change that. This September, you can be the difference,” stated the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Sources for help can remain completely anonymous, meaning the people helping will not need to know names unless the caller is in complete danger.
¨The purpose of 988 is to provide a free, confidential, 24/7 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress, emotional crisis, or substance use issues,¨ stated SAMHSA.
We must never be afraid to ask for or get help when we need it most. Always look out for people struggling; they’re most likely a lot closer than we think.
My name is Jilliann Denbo, and I used to struggle with many thoughts of suicide. I never felt like I belonged anywhere and that every single person was against me; even my parents.
I never understood what reaching out for help would mean; I always thought I was weak or not worthy of life if I actually asked for help. When my mental health started to get noticeably bad, my parents asked if I was okay. I denied it until I couldn’t anymore, which made almost everything much worse. But when I finally accepted help, the weight lifted off my chest; I could talk to people who could help me get back on the right path. With the help I received, I could breathe again. I will forever be grateful for the people who were right by my side to make sure everything was okay.
While talking to someone may seem awful, it truly is the right thing to do, no matter what it is. There is always someone to reach out to.
My name is Harper Gordon. I used to struggle heavily with suicidal ideation. I thought I had no belonging anywhere, and I constantly felt alone. In eighth grade, my best friend Dorothy unexpectedly passed away.
After that, I thought there was no getting better; I lost my person, and I constantly felt disconnected from everything. I always tried to act okay and act like I wasn’t struggling. I didn’t want anyone to worry about me; I always felt like everyone else had bigger problems. My family and friends eventually started noticing how much I was struggling. They all tried to help, but I pushed them away because I thought I’d be better without their help.
I wasn’t ready to admit I needed help; I didn’t want to admit it. But in the end, when I realized we can’t get better without help. When I needed them, they were all still there.
Never be scared to reach out and ask for help; someone’s always there.
¨If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the United States and Canada,¨ stated News Center.
