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Tearing up the House with Bill 1608

By: Savannah Ottinger

On May 4th, 2023, Governor Eric Holcomb signed the House Bill 1608 into law; this was after the bill got a vote of 65 to 29. Once 1608 was signed, it was put into effect on July 1st of the same year. Some may hear this and think that it isn’t important to mention this specific bill, but to those it directly attacks, well, they would beg to differ. House Bill 1608 was originally written as Indiana’s version of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill, yet it was changed once in court and dropped most of its parts that closely aligned with Florida’s original version, specifically changing the necessary consent for a name change. Sadly, that doesn’t mean that members of the LGBTQ community are safe from attack. For now, this bill specifically targets trans youth and their right to a private identity. It has now put children in possible danger, though the publishing group would like to say they only care about keeping the kids ‘safe’, and has even gotten rid of many people’s only public safe space. To numerous individuals, this is a ridiculously unnecessary law which ultimately does more harm than any possible good. And the problem isn’t just for trans individuals, but also people who just prefer to be called a shortened name.

The passage of House Bill 1608 truly shines light on a frustrating pattern of hits against LGBTQ rights and individual autonomy. While the advocates might try and argue that this bill is about child protection and prioritizing their safety, yet a slightly closer look, or even an interaction between these groups of people, reveals a thinly veiled attempt to undermine the personal rights of a vulnerable demographic. When interviewing someone, who would like to remain unnamed, they echoed the same sentiments of many, that since this law was put in place, they have felt more in danger than before because of how the notification of their chosen name being revealed could lead to harmful reactions from their parents (going against the entire supposed purpose of this bill). The publishing group’s claims of ‘protecting kids” ring hollow as their actions take away an essential lifeline for many. By stripping away this seemingly minor act of personal preference, the legislation highlights a bigger concern – the intrusion of the state into the private matters of their citizens.

By targeting trans youth and their right to a private identity, the legislation inadvertently perpetuates an environment of fear and discrimination, thus pushing these young individuals further into the shadows. The impact goes beyond just hypothetical issues, but it directly affects the sense of safety and community for LGBTQ youth in every aspect. The bill’s passage effectively erases what was once a sanctuary of self-expression – a public safe space where these individuals could seek refuge and affirmation, for once one section of the community is forced to take a step back, the others will surely be dragged behind as well. All of the people who were interviewed all stand against what they see as an unjust and harmful measure. The battle line has been drawn, and the discourse with the legislation, heard from people around our school, will undoubtedly shape the future of LGBTQ rights within schools and the state.

In the end, House Bill 1608 stands as a stark reminder that even in an era of progress, there are those who would willingly turn back the clock on personal freedom and equality. The consequences of this bill go far beyond its original intent, sparking debates about individual autonomy, safe spaces, and the fight for justice in a society that should be moving forward, not backwards.

by jhshyphen

Guide to Surviving Freshman Year 

By: Ifrah Daber 

How sweet was 8th grade? You used to be a big fish in a small pond. You were at the top of the food chain, and now? You have been thrown into the ocean with the sharks. Welcome to Freshman Year! The school, the number of classes, the number of students— everything is vast, and now you are forced to swim. But don’t stress yet, because I, your wise upperclassman, am here to help! With my survival guide for freshman year, I will give you tips and tricks to help you get through it, so let’s get to it! 

First, you must understand the difference between quarter and semester grades. Your quarter grade is the sum of your assessments and assignments. Assessments take up 70% of your grade, while assignments take up the other 30%. So each quarter you will get a final grade, and that affects your semester grade. You have four quarters and two semesters (two quarters per semester). So if you get an A in your first quarter and a C in your second quarter, then you will likely get a B as your semester grade. Simple, right? Well, your grades determine your GPA, and depending on that, they will give you a number between 0 and 4. 0.0 GPA means you have done zero work, getting Fs across the board, and the numbers go up, representing the letter grades. 3.0 GPA means you get mostly B’s, and 4.0 means mostly A’s. I know that all sounds extremely boring, but it’s important to know. 

I could go on for many pages, but who wants to read that? Plus, there is more to school than work. One of the joys of attending a high school like Jeff’s is the number of clubs they offer. From my experience as a young freshman, my biggest problem was just being too scared to join clubs or not knowing where they were. The latter is easier to solve since a lot of clubs promote themselves on the pride slides. These are slides that should be shown to you during impact, but just in case your teachers don’t show them, don’t panic. A lot of clubs also promote themselves during morning announcements. So in the morning after the pledge, you will hear about all the essential information for the day. Also keep in mind how clubs will greatly affect your schedule. High school is the perfect time to branch out and try new things. So don’t miss out on the new opportunities that Jeff High has to offer!

Freshman year can feel overwhelming. It may feel like it will never end, but it’s shorter than you think. Many have survived the torture of freshman year, and so will you. I have put together a list of advice from different groups of people, including graduates, mental health specialists, and upperclassmen. 

The first list of advice is from your upperclassmen; some of them have been kind enough to pass down their logic to you. 

1. Don’t Date Upperclassmen. Just remember the classic rule! If the grades don’t touch, neither should you. 

2. Develop Good Study Habits. You have a decent amount of work to do and tests to complete. So developing a solid study habit now can help you in the future. If you don’t wanna fail, STUDY! STUDY! STUDY! 

3. Don’t Stand In Big Groups. It may seem like no big deal, but once you have experienced the stress of rushing to class only to end up being blocked by a sea of kids moving as fast as morning traffic, you will understand the frustration. You try to go left, you try to go right, but alas, there is no way around them. It’s annoying; If needed try to stay near the sides. don’t be those kids; no one likes traffic. 

4. Stay Caught Up! You get a lot of schoolwork during the school year, so it’s a pain for both you and your teachers to have a lot of missing assignments. So make sure to stay caught up! 

The second list of advice is from a mental health specialist; high school is a hard time for most people mentally. It is hard for a lot of people to deal with the stresses of school, so here is some advice and some resources for you. 

1. Develop a Routine With Your Mental Health In Mind. Just like your study habits, your mental health needs routine; doing certain activities every week or day can help with this. Either exercise, meditate, or do anything that works for you.

2. Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help! Whether it’s schoolwork or something more personal, don’t stop yourself from getting help if you need it. I have added some mental health resources at the end of the article in case you ever need someone safe to reach out to. 

The third list of advice is given by previous students, long past their freshman year. These graduates were kind enough to take their years of wisdom and pass it down to you, naive young folk. 

1. Figure Out Your Interest. High school is a great opportunity to explore your interests with a sense of security because you are likely not paying for them. So try new things; don’t be afraid to explore your interests. One of the joys of attending a high school like Jeff’s is the number of clubs they offer. From chess to archery, Jeff is filled with different opportunities to broaden your horizons. 

2. Don’t Go Exploring The Hallways During Passing Periods.You only have five minutes in the hallway. Don’t waste it on unnecessary exploration. You ain’t Dora the Explorer, so just go to class. 

Well that is all I have for you. I wish you the best of luck in your journey of discovery and hope you have a fun and exhilarating freshman year. 

Mental Health Resources: 

Suicide and Crisis Helpline: 1-800-784-2433 

National Eating Disorder Association: 1-800-931-2237 

For LGBTQ Youth: TrevorLifeline at 1-866-488-7386, TrevorText -Text START to 678-678 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Treatment Referral Helpline: 1-877-726-4727

by jhshyphen

Student Jobs 101

By. Juan Carrillo, Lola Mays, Wesley Lanham, Rhianna Ledbetter

Getting your first job is something all parents and guardians dread, but it’s also  something teenagers can’t wait for. Getting a job means you gain more responsibility and freedom, but there are so many questions one might have about picking that one special place to work: How much do they pay? How do I apply? What’s the work like? In this, we will be discussing answers to all of these questions, as well as some tips for that first day on the job! 

Some may say it is bad for teenagers to get a job because it could add stress to the ever changing balance of school and social life. Having to balance school, work, and other activities builds your resume and helps one to develop time management skills. Speaking of resumes, that might be one thing you need for that first job. Most places hiring highschool aged people don’t require a resume, but it might be wise to offer one to show previous credentials. Points that you can add to your resume include the sports you play, hobbies, or extracurriculars. Employers like to see what you have to offer, so having a resume can show them your character and teamwork skills. 

Applying for a job may sound daunting but it’s a lot easier than you would think. A lot of businesses have online applications that you can fill out by looking up the website or by typing certain keywords into your browser. For example, if you wanted to work at a pizza place in Jeffersonville, Indiana you could type, “Pizza place hiring in Jeffersonville, IN”. You can also ask for an application in person, just by asking an employee if their job is hiring; the worst they can say is no.

One location that is perfect for a first job is Chick-fil-A, typically they begin hiring at 16 years old. The Hyphen interviewed a tenth grader who goes to JHS about her experience working there. “I like my job most of the time, customers and co-workers can be exhausting and not worth it, but it can be said the same vice versa.” The pay may vary based on location, experience, and age. That is why we recommend asking your interviewer about wages like how often you will get paid and what your pay will be. A majority of employers pay every two weeks, but some pay once a week or by the shift as well. 

Another local employer is Stone Cold Creamery, an ice cream shop located near Kroger on Tenth Street. They hire aged 16 and up. We interviewed a few students who said the hours can be demanding at times, and would not recommend working there if you are focused on school but that doesn’t take away from the friendly environment. The employee also said “It’s chill and I love basically playing Papa’s Freezeria in real life.”

Other businesses hiring 16-year-olds around Jeffersonville are Kroger, Meijer, and Rural King. These are great options if you are looking for a retail position, and if you like talking to people and enjoy walking around this job might be for you. In most cases, you will be stocking shelves and helping people with their questions. Some days you might be in different departments or working the cash register. Their paying range is around $12-16 depending on the location.

Other things you will need to know while entering the workforce is how income taxes, state and federal, will affect your paychecks. It is also important to know your rights at your job to make sure you are not being taken advantage of by your employer. Depending on your age you can only work a certain amount of hours a week. Make sure to do your proper research about federal and state labor laws concerning minors before you get a job.

Getting a job is something that can bring responsibility to any teenager. It’s part of becoming who you are and shaping your life. It’s always necessary to make sure you’re going through the correct steps of applying for a job. It is also important to have someone who is experienced to check things over on your application like your grammar and spelling and the correct information you want to be known. We hope you take in consideration the considerable amount of jobs in our article and get inspired to try to make some money.

by jhshyphen

The Newly Implemented Halo Sensors

What are they?

By: Teagan Cofie

As the teen vaping rates rise once again, High schools across the nation (including ours) have been trying to eliminate the usage of nicotine by its students. To accomplish this, schools have turned to HALO smart sensors to solve their nicotine predicament. As stated on the HALO Smart Detector’s website, HALOs have won over 60 awards and can detect flammables, hazardous chemicals, and air quality changes such as vaping and smoking and changes in temperature and humidity but will it truly help prevent vaping in schools altogether? 

One could definitely say that vaping is a large problem that our school faces in the 21st century, but it’s not just us. As of 2022, about 1 in 10 high school students currently use e-cigarettes. An Oct. 25, 2021 study found that the number of vaping teens doubled between 2013 and 2020, and the number of minors who stated they’d vaped in the past 30 days rose from 1.6% to 8.4% in the same time. But because of the implementation of HALO sensors, this number could potentially decrease and improve the well-being of our school. One review available on their website claims that prior to the installation they had over 20 EMS calls for students that they believed were suffering from effects of vaping and they said that since the devices had been in place they have not had to make any. According to feedback from our staff, they said that overall there are probably fewer kids vaping as often so they think there’s been improvement post installation. When asked about the environment before the sensors “it was so bad that there were times I would walk in the bathroom and it would look like I was in a sauna, it was literally like hazy air…it was crazy, ” said Mr. Henderson, 9th grade English and bathroom monitor. 

Based on these opinions alone it seems as though in the short amount of time the sensors have been put in place they’ve been improving the vaping issue to a certain degree, and will hopefully make a larger impact on vape use in our school. If all goes well the HALOs, the #1 vape detector worldwide that is in over 1,500 school districts throughout the country, will make this year healthier and potentially form Jeff into a smoke free campus.

by jhshyphen

How Do We Deal With Subconscious Trauma?

By: Lacy Blanton

Image: “Mind Vomit” by Saira-Jayne Jones, the Perspective Project

Imagine this: you’re mindfully strolling through life in a cheery manner. All is well until you are met with an unwelcoming memory, a memory from the past that you look back on with regret, cringe, or even resentment. 

The negative memory can be a variety of events. Was it about you saying some hurtful things to someone when you were in the heat of anger? Or was it that bitter time of feeling socially rejected by your fellow classmates at school? No matter the situation, it’s something that seems to follow you like a shadow. Frequently, the image pops into your mind and leaves you emotionally defeated.

This incident is, what I call, subconscious trauma, and from personal experience, it’s definitely not an enjoyable time when having its discouraging episodes. Fortunately, through time, I’ve found a solution in how to cope with these negative thoughts.

When feeling an episode starting to come on – i.e. thinking about a memory and sensing my emotions toward the subject: I seclude myself to a quieter room, sit down and close my eyes, turn on meditation music through my phone, and begin talking to myself.

Firstly, I admit the negative emotions I’m feeling and the trauma I’m having. Then, I focus on navigating myself through the situation by talking about a potential solution to the problem and remind the positives about myself. 

The sessions of mine are usually a tremendous success with moving forward.

Of course, there are other plentiful methods in coping through such a problem, and this is evident through the several students of Jeffersonville High School I had the chance to interview.

The following Q & A is from my interview with a Jeff High Senior:

Q: Do you have any bad memories that haunt you? If so, would you mind sharing?

A: Honestly, when my dog passed away. It really affected me.

Q: I’m sorry for your loss. What was your dog’s name?

A: His name was Shadrach. It’s a biblical name. He was the best dog I’ve ever had.

Q: How does it make you feel when the memory pops up?

A: It makes me upset and reminisce on the good times we had together.

Q: How do you cope with this bad memory?

A: Whenever I’m upset about the memory, I write. It’s very peaceful and relaxing. Whenever you write, it’s like being in your own world.

In my interview with a Jeff High Junior, the student expressed how there was indeed a negative memory that haunts them in life, and how they feel upset and even humiliated when reflecting back on the moment. In their copings, they found journaling and communicating with another person to be the most therapeutic.

 These different techniques of different students show how there is no official “right” way to cope through a personal crisis. Everyone is unique, but we struggle similarly at the same time, and that should be a comforting fact to know of.

Another helpful mechanism that many also look to is seeking mental evaluation through a professional (counselors, therapists, psychologists, etcetera). 

If one’s subconscious trauma appears more severely dire, or struggling with unhealthy coping habits, this solution is the most appropriate for that situation. 

Mental health still carries a plethora of stigma. It isn’t easy for one to reveal their vulnerability to others or even themselves. 

However, today’s climate has become more accepting in acknowledging such problems, and its door is something that will most likely continue to open as time progresses.

by jhshyphen

Barbie (2023) Review

By: London Williams

Barbie has been loved for many generations. She’s the plastic doll we’ve all grown to love. She’s fantastic, and so is this film! ‘Barbie’ came out this past Summer on July 21, 2023. Competing alongside “Oppenheimer” as one of the year’s most anticipated movies. This movie has made over 1.34 billion at the Box Office (for the US) just so far! Barbie jumped out of her box and has been crushing it at the box office ever since the release of this film! The feeling after watching ‘Barbie’ is unlike any movie I’ve ever seen. This movie is so charming and nostalgic. It has you thinking about it long after watching. It manages to have a perfect balance of relatable, real-life issues while keeping its innocent, humorous, and lighthearted approach. 

The plot of Barbie is pretty simple; Barbie has an existential crisis and goes to the real world to figure out why her perfect life seems to be falling apart. Ken tags along, and they both go their separate ways in self-discovery. Barbie runs into the mother-daughter duo that has the answers to all her problems, while Ken is convinced that the real world is run by men. (Which of course, makes him go back to Barbieland to make a world full of Mojo Dojo Casa houses and horses.) This movie perfectly handles the topic of equality. After Barbie goes back to Barbieland and sees what Ken has done she is torn and devastated, things didn’t go well in the real world, and now Barbieland is falling apart too. It feels like the “man vs. woman” situation Barbie felt in the real world. The way Barbie feels is clear and relatable for women while being easy to understand and empathize with for someone who couldn’t personally relate. 

I believe that the casting for the movie was perfect. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling did a fantastic job capturing their roles. It felt like Barbie and Ken came to life by how their humanization was portrayed. Robbie and Gosling took one-dimensional characters and gave them more depth and life. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling are already extremely beloved actors. That’s another reason I think the casting is perfect. Who wouldn’t want to see the latest Margot Robbie or Ryan Gosling film? ‘Barbie’ also features many other well-known actors, including; Will Ferrel (as Mattel CEO), Michael Cera (as Alan), Dua Lipa (as Mermaid Barbie), and John Cena (as Male Mermaid), and that’s just to name a few! The casting for all the Barbies and Kens was epic, to say the least. It felt like every time I blinked there was an actor that I recognized. They even got Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice to create the song “Barbie World”! After that song came out, it was everywhere. I found myself having the song stuck in my head before and after finishing the movie. The release of “Barbie World” was one of the perfect buildups for the premiere of this film. Some would say it was also a “full circle” moment for Nicki Minaj since she frequently associates herself with the character. The song is also great as a standalone track that worked great with the end credits of the film. Who wouldn’t want to see this exceptional movie?  

I found the maturity rating for this movie very interesting. It’s definitely PG-13, but I noticed people being confused that a Barbie movie would be rated PG-13 instead of just PG. When I went to see this movie, there was an abundance of very small children walking in. This made me wonder about its advertising approach. This could just be parents assuming it was PG or just not caring if their 7-year-old sees a PG-13 movie; which definitely isn’t abnormal, but I thought it was worth noting. When I mentioned Barbie to a few adults in my life, they actually made comments about how they were surprised about the rating. After actually watching Barbie, it’s clear why it’s rated how it is; one very subtle sex joke, its mentions of death, and its topics of womens rights and equality. It feels like Barbie was in between PG-13 and PG, and they went with PG-13 to be safe. 

This movie has many beautiful moments. A notable one is when Barbie is sitting on a bench in the park by an older woman. She tells the woman that she is beautiful, as she is crying. Barbie realizes how beautiful people and the world are. Barbie is seen by a lot of people as a vision of the “perfect woman” who lives a “perfect life”. When Barbie sees the real world it makes it clear that it isn’t true. Nothing is perfect and that is what is beautiful. Things aren’t as simple as Barbie had originally thought. Beauty is all around us, and Barbie makes us realize that. Barbie truly is a beautiful experience you don’t want to miss! 

Tim Curry: The Life and Legacy of an Icon

by Aurora Grisham

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.

jhshyphen's avatar by jhshyphen

Prosser offers real world experiences

by Gabriella Kraft

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. 

jhshyphen's avatar by jhshyphen

Digital Dispatch Sept. 23,2026

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.
jhshyphen's avatar by jhshyphen

Choir entertains community during annual Gospelfest

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 Kylee 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.
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Championship Victory

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.
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Behind the Scenes

Drew Davis uses soccer to teach life lessons

by Louis Stifler

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.”

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Organizations help raise awareness during National Suicide Prevention Month

by Harper Gordon and Jilliann Denbo

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.

Art by Cella Hutton.
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Floyd Central defeats Red Devils 42-0 on Friday

JHS to face Connersville this Friday

All photos by Malachi Conrad and Eva Harbeson.

Senior Darryal’ron Guy catches the football with one hand during pregame warmups before the Floyd Central game. Photo by Eva Harbeson.
Senior Darryal’ron Guy practices the plays before the game at Floyd Central. Photo by Eva Harbeson.
Sophomore Antonio Sutton, senior TJ Knight, senior Malakhi Monts pray on the sidelines before the game starts at Floyd Central on Friday. Photo by Eva Harbeson.
Senior Ke’Mari Smith and junior Kegan Cabbell come back to the team after winning the coin flip at the beginning of Friday’s game at Floyd Central. The Highlanders (5-0) won 42-0. The Red Devils are currently 1-4. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
Sophomore Devaughn Walker checks his arm after playing good defense to just barely stop the touchdown at Floyd Central. The Highlanders’ ground game led them to a 42-0 victory over the Red Devils. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
Junior Larry Sherman celebrates his good defense during the rain at Floyd Central on Friday. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
Sophomore Robert McFadden and senior Michael Hockersmith tackle a Floyd Central player in the third quarter. A delay of game was caused by weather at the end of the first quarter, which lasted for 85 minutes before the game resumed. The Highlanders defeated the Red Devils 42-0; JHS will play at Connersville this Friday night at 7:30. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
Head coach Nick Cotner talks to senior Malachi Monts during Friday’s Hoosier Hills Conference game at Floyd Central. FC beat Jeff 42-0. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
Senior Braylon Gray celebrates his defense, deflecting the ball during Friday’s game against Floyd Central. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
Junior Antonio Sutton talks to defense coach James Caradine getting advice on the game at Floyd Central. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
The Red Devils look at a play drawn up in the fourth quarter at Floyd Central on Friday. The Highlanders won 42-0 for their 11th straight Hoosier Hills Conference victory. The Red Devils travel to Connersville this Friday. Photo by Malachi Conrad.

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Food pantry provides important resources to students

by Kori Washington

For some students, getting through the school day isn’t just about worrying about grades and homework. They may worry about their next meal or if they even have decent clothes to wear the next day. 

That’s where JHS Connor’s Closet and Food Pantry comes in, giving students the resources they need and minimizing some of their stress.

Though the school has offered these resources for many years, many students still don’t know they are available.

“I wish more students could have access to it. We tried to start a Google Form last year, where students could send in the food they needed, but not many students knew,” said food pantry sponsor Michelle Houchin.

Food pantry sponsor Michelle Houchin makes sure the pantry is well stocked during a sixth-hour inspection. The pantry serves all JHS students. Photo by Gabrielle Watkins.

For families facing financial challenges, these resources can give support when everyday necessities become hard to afford. 

“If families face hardships and can’t afford clothes, this is an opportunity to help our students and their families. And the same goes for the food pantry, especially with prices going up; we just don’t ever want kids or their families to go hungry,” said principal Pam Hall.

But for many staff members, providing these resources isn’t just about feeding and clothing them; it’s about seeing the difference they can make in their lives when they just give them a little help.

“The most rewarding part is seeing the families that we helped supply food for a month or two while parents got back up on their feet come back and are usually the first to give back,” said Hall.

While having these resources can make a big difference for families having financial issues, not having them can affect students beyond their lives at home.

“Students may not have the time or resources to purchase items or receive basic needs. This closet can help alleviate daily stress, anxiety, or the uncertainty of challenges that present themselves without having to leave school,” said Connor’s Closet sponsor Jennifer Mitchell.

But having these resources doesn’t mean that students always feel comfortable asking for them. Some may feel ashamed or embarrassed, but the staff is here to make it as discreet and as comfortable as possible.

Food pantry sponsor Michelle Houchin stocks the shelves with ramen noodles and peanut butter. Photo by Gabrielle Watkins.

“I know a face-to-face conversation might be difficult for a lot of students. So they could email a trusted teacher or somebody that they have a connection with. Teachers are not going to judge you for not having access to food,” said Houchin.

These resources do more than just provide students and families with food and clothing — they help take away challenges that can make it hard for students to focus on school.

“If you’re hungry, you want to be able to concentrate. It can make you tired and can make you grouchy. It makes it even harder to be a student when you don’t have access to food or clean clothes,” said Houchin.

While these resources have already made a difference in many student’s lives, Hall plans to add more resources to give students even more support.

“One thing I would love for us to open is a laundromat here on campus that students could use sometimes. I would love to get that up and running because, you know, laundry is expensive, and not everybody’s home has a working washer and dryer,” said Hall.

Graphic by Abbigail Hollins.

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Digital Dispatch Sept. 17, 2026

Biology teacher Austyn Merkle explains the work in his fourth-period class. “I’ve been teaching for four years, and I love teaching because every day, it’s something different,” said Merkle. Photo by Kayleen Alvarado.
Biology teacher Austyn Merkle. Photo by Kayleen Alvarado.
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Digital Dispatch Sept. 17, 2026

Science and biology teacher Francesca Hernandez helps a student on a map for the class assignment on Thursday. “I’ve been teaching for six years and I love getting everyone interested and involved in their environment and natural world,” she said. Photo by Kayleen Alvarado.
Science and biology teacher Francesca Hernandez.
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Briscoe’s influence reaches beyond the court

Volleyball coach uses athletics to teach life lessons

by Bryce Treat 

For coach Wes Briscoe, volleyball is about more than winning games. As the JHS head boys’ and girls’ volleyball coach, he focuses on helping athletes grow through challenges, build confidence, and become the best versions of themselves.

Now in his ninth season coaching the girls’ volleyball program, Briscoe believes growth happens when athletes push beyond their comfort zones. His philosophy is reflected in one phrase that players across the program immediately recognize: “Be a jungle tiger.”

Coach Wes Briscoe talks to the team after the first set against New Albany Tuesday night. Photo by Logan Vidt.

His coaching journey began long before arriving at JHS. As a high school student, Briscoe helped coach youth sports before taking his first official coaching position at Corydon Central. Through those experiences, he learned that no two athletes are exactly alike.

“It’s more about knowing what the specific athlete needs and coaching them to be the best version of themselves,” he said.

Briscoe often encourages athletes to embrace difficult situations rather than avoid them. He believes the most growth occurs when players are willing to challenge themselves and learn from mistakes.

That message has stuck with many of his athletes. Junior Samantha Dues explained that one of Briscoe’s most important lessons is that mistakes are part of the learning process.

“He reiterates how we all make mistakes, but we know how to learn from them,” Dues said.

Briscoe’s focus on growth extends beyond volleyball skills. One of the most important lessons he shares with athletes is simple:

“Doing the right thing is never the wrong thing.” He hopes players carry that lesson with them long after their playing days are over.

Junior Ryder Lott described Briscoe’s coaching style as a balance between giving players independence and helping them improve when needed. More importantly, Lott said Briscoe stands out because of the connections he builds with athletes.

“He has a relationship with all the players. He cares about all his players,” Lott said.

The culture Briscoe has created within the volleyball program extends beyond practices and matches. Dues noted that after every match, players are encouraged to compliment a teammate, even after a loss. The tradition helps build team chemistry and reminds players to support one another regardless of the outcome.

Junior Caeley McDaniel described practices as strict but encouraging. She credits Briscoe with helping her stay motivated and encouraging her to be kinder to others. She describes Briscoe in three words: “loud, determined, and spunky.”

When adversity strikes, Briscoe encourages athletes to persevere rather than give up. His influence can also be seen in the confidence he gives his players. Dues recalled a memorable moment during her sophomore season when he trusted her to contribute during sectionals despite having less experience than some of her teammates.

“He had the confidence in me to perform for my team during sectionals, even when I had less experience than the others,” she said.

For junior Caleb Solmon, Briscoe’s success is evident in the growth of the program itself. Watching varsity players develop has motivated him to improve his own game, and he said Briscoe has helped transform inexperienced athletes into successful competitors.

“He’s made people who have never played volleyball become state contenders,” Solmon said.

Of course, players also remember Briscoe’s lighter moments. Solmon recalled one memorable incident when a player had to run 35 laps after catching the volleyball twice during a game, a story that has become part of team lore.

Whether he’s reminding athletes to be a “jungle tiger,” encouraging teammates to support one another, or helping players develop confidence in themselves, Briscoe’s impact extends far beyond volleyball. Through his leadership, Red Devil athletes continue to grow not only as players, but as people.

Junior Jaylianah Burris waves goodbye as the Red Devils and coach Wes Briscoe celebrate their win against Rock Creek. The Red Devils defeated the Lions 3-0. Photo by Shelby Keesee.

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New Albany defeats JHS in volleyball 3-0 last night

Photos by Isaiah Stewart and Logan Vidt.

Junior Haliun Otgonbayar warms up with the team before the game on Tuesday night. Photo by Isaiah Stewart.
Junior Kylee Doehrman spikes the ball before the game against New Albany. Photo by Isaiah Stewart.
The Red Devils line up for the national anthem before the game against New Albany last night. New Albany won 3-0. Photo by Logan Vidt.
The Red Devils celebrate after scoring against New Albany. The Bulldogs won 3-0. Photo by Logan Vidt.
Junior Haliun Otgonbayar prepares for the serve at the start of the second set. Photo by Isaiah Stewart.
Coach Wes Briscoe talks to the team after the first set last night. Photo by Logan Vidt.
The Red Devils huddle up before the second set during last night’s game against New Albany. Photo by Logan Vidt.
Sophomore Audrey Cheshire listens to the head coach during a team huddle. Photo by Logan Vidt.
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Dolly Parton’s legacy inspires her fans

by Natalie Creagh

Country music singer and songwriter Dolly Parton sadly passed away on August 25, 2026. She was 80 years old. Parton was so much more than a music icon; she was a philanthropist, an inspiration, and a true treasure to the world. 

Dolly Parton’s Life

Born Dec. 19, 1946 as one of 12 children, Dolly Rebecca Parton lived in the Smoky Mountains in a one-room cabin in Locust Ridge, Tennessee. The family lived in poverty. Throughout the 1950s Parton starred on different radio stations and television programs as well as publishing her first single “Puppy Love” and making her debut at the Grand Ole Opry at just 13 years old. 

Into the 60s Parton signed her first record deal with Monument Records. In 1966 she married her husband Carl Thomas Dean, and the two were together for six decades. A year later Parton released her first album, “Hello, I’m Dolly,” with her country single, “Dumb Blonde.” 

In 1970 Parton was nominated for Best Country Performance in Duo or Group with Porter Wagoner for “Just Someone I Used to Know.” In November of that same year “The Best of Dolly,” Parton’s first Greatest Hits album, was released. Throughout the rest of the decade Parton earned her first Solo Grammy Nomination, as well as releasing some of her most iconic songs, including “Coat of Many Colors,” “Jolene,” and “I Will Always Love You.”

Into the 1980s, Parton released the album “9 to 5 and other Odd Jobs,” as well as starring in her first film “9 to 5” as Doralee Rhodes. The film was later turned into a musical in 2009. She also starred in “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” “Steel Magnolias,” and “ Rhinestone,” where she starred alongside Sylvester Stallone. Parton also starred on Saturday Night Live as both host and musical guest. On June 14, 1984, Parton earned her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. On May 3, 1986 Parton’s theme park, Dollywood, opened in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The park was a huge hit and is still around today.  

In 1988, Parton started the Dollywood Foundation, which initially was to offer scholarships to high school students. She also created the Imagination Library, where children up until past the age of 5 could receive a free book monthly. The library expanded and is available to children across America, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. She was also a huge advocate for human rights throughout her life. 

Parton’s Influence

The news of Parton’s passing affected the community, and fans discussed her music and contributions.

AP U.S History teacher David Russell said he was introduced to Parton’s music as a child.

 “I think she’s an all around good person who wanted to do good things; I like her music.” 

Senior Wyatt Clements agreed that Parton was an icon. 

“As an ex-Kentuckian, you can’t escape her music. I never got to visit her park when she was alive,” he said. 

Sophomore Bella Roman described Parton as inspiring, adding, “My whole family listens to her.” 

And after hearing of Parton’s passing, junior Kristopher Bonilla said, “I didn’t believe it at first, but the more I heard about it I was pretty upset.” 

Principal Pam Hall said Parton’s legacy extends beyond her music. 

“I love everything she stood for,” said Hall. “She was an advocate for women’s rights and human rights. She also donated millions quietly, I think that really speaks to her character.”

It is safe to say that Parton’s legacy has inspired many people of different generations. Her kindness and creativity were truly unforgettable. She was a music icon and continues to make people happy through her music, style, and positivity. 

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Youth not an obstacle for volleyball team

Red Devils face New Albany tonight

by Carter Glotzbach 

This past year JHS girls’ volleyball had one of their best seasons yet, and with a solid start to this year’s season and rival New Albany visiting tonight, it’s clear that the young team is ready to grow up.

Head coach Wes Briscoe sees new potential for growth in this year’s team. 

“This year’s team is one of my favorites, but it’s really hard to say how they stack up to last year considering how young they are. I also think that you’ll see some breakout seasons from new key players because they’re not having to wait behind older ones,” said Briscoe. 

Managers like junior Ryder Lott agree with the head coach’s sentiment. 

“I think the team is really young, but working with them I see a lot of potential in them,” said Lott.

While a younger team is usually viewed as a disadvantage, some see an opportunity. Assistant coach Mackenzie Wilkins said a younger team often provides best opportunity to teach new skills.  

“A younger team is a gift, in my opinion, because they are much more willing to learn and try new things,” she said. 

Junior Kaylee McDaniel states the team is unified despite the youth. 

“I think our team is definitely younger, but we have a much stronger bond and are more willing to play as a team,” she said. 

Junior Haliun Otgonbayar serves an ace during the JHS game against Rock Creek Academy. Photo by Isaiah Stewart.

Junior Haliun Otgonbayar agrees that the Red Devils have an exceptionally strong connection this year.

“We definitely are a tighter knit group and have a closer bond with each other. I think that definitely makes us more dedicated to the team,” said Otgonbayar.

Coach Briscoe recognizes the team’s unity, stating, “I’ve seen it a lot during practice. This year’s team has a much stronger bond than last year’s, and they are definitely more willing to play as a team.”

Players will rely on these bonds as they face local competition this season.

“Some of our biggest competitors are always at the Providence tournament, and last year they gave us some great competition. This year I hope we can make it further than last year’s team, but we’re still really young,” said Briscoe.

The Red Devils understand the strength of their schedule. 

“Providence is definitely a team to look out, for as well as New Albany, Charlestown and Floyd Central,” said McDaniel.

“I think that Floyd Central and New Albany are definitely the biggest competition that we have this year,” added Otgonbayar. 

Coach Briscoe sees the possibility of break-out performances this season. 

“I would keep an eye out for Kaylie Fuller,” he said. “She has shown a lot of potential in practice and could definitely be a high-level player with a few years of work. She’s a great practice player.”

Leadership from team veterans is expected as the volleyball team continues to play in the coming weeks.

“Jordyn Miller is a player I expect to do well this year. She’s a multi-sport athlete, but she’s definitely been working hard to earn her place on the team. Another player with good work ethic is Charlotte Hatfield — she has shown a lot of potential and worked hard in the off-season,” said Briscoe  

The Red Devils huddle up before the game against Christian Academy. Photo by Logan Vidt.

Lott said consistent play will be important as the season continues.

“I see a lot of potential in the team offensively, but I think they need to work on their consistency. If they can keep it up throughout the sets then I think they could have a top tier offense.”

JHS faces New Albany at home tonight, and will visit North Harrison on Sept. 21 before hosting Floyd Central Sept. 29.

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JROTC uniforms reflect discipline, pride of cadets

by Raven Baker

The JHS Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program has its own sense of community and discipline. 

Students train and test on military-related activities to help with starting a future in the military. Cadets also proudly wear their uniforms every Wednesday for a grade – they begin with the blues and can earn their ABU uniforms.

Cadets learn valuable life skills, teamwork, and leadership, which prepare them for both future military service and civilian life.

Junior Angel Siana, Cadet Second Lieutenant; Junior Wendy Rubio, Senior Master Sergeant; Col. Robert Benning; Junior Jocelyn Zarate, Junior Cadet Major; Junior Kameron Hayden, Cadet Second Lieutenant. Photo by Ashton Walcott.

Col. Robert Benning said uniforms are important to the tradition of the program.

“The purpose of school-issued uniforms for Junior Air Force cadets is to instill customs and courtesies, ensuring they learn to properly and proudly adhere to military standards,” said Benning. “The uniforms serve as a tool for education, preparing students for potential military careers by getting them familiar with regulations and expectations.”

Benning described several different uniform types.

“Students learn different uniform types like the OCP, which replicate active-duty wear. They also have their ABUs, which you earn with hard work put into the class.”

In addition, Benning said uniforms are tied to the grading system, “where older students grade younger ones on their uniform based on standards, which shows the importance of precision and regulation. The uniform is a key component in developing discipline and a sense of belonging within the JROTC program.”

Junior Angel Siana, Cadet Second Lieutenant

“I feel okay about the uniforms now that I’m more comfortable, though I was a bit self-conscious at first. It’s important for uniforms to be correct to set a good example for others. The uniform check is a bit lenient, but it’s preparing me for discipline.”

Junior Kameron Hayden, Cadet Second Lieutenant

“I find the uniforms comfortable, and they help me feel ready. It’s important to wear them correctly to show respect and be a good example. The uniform check is pretty simple, and it’s preparing me to be organized and disciplined.”

Junior Wendy Rubio, Senior Master Sergeant

“The uniforms aren’t bad, and I’m getting used to them; they help me with responsibility. It’s important to have them correct to show respect for the uniform and follow the rules. The uniform check requires a decent effort, and it’s preparing me for military experience and neatness.”

Junior Jocelyn Zarate, Junior Cadet Major

“The uniforms are not too bad, and I feel a bit competitive about them. Having them correct is important for assignment grades and helps me weekly. It prepares me for the future in the Air Force, and I’m part of JROTC for community service and field trips.”

Junior Angel Siana, Cadet Second Lieutenant
Junior Kameron Hayden, Cadet Second Lieutenant
Junior Wendy Rubio, Senior Master Sergeant
Junior Jocelyn Zarate, Junior Cadet Major

Benning said the JROTC program is a class to build up discipline and physically prepare students to be ready for the military, or help them start their future. The uniforms serve the purpose of giving encouragement to students on learning discipline and how to be neater, which are positive traits to obtain. 

Benning wants his students to wear their uniform with pride, but also properly. The uniforms also serve as an educational tool. Students enjoy their uniforms knowing they’re the example for the underclassmen. They show respect to the purpose while also being comfortable.

All photos by Ashton Walcott.

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Cross country program seeks support as athletes continue to excel

Editor’s Note: This story was completed before recent coaching changes with the cross country team.

by Isaiah Gatton and Elijah Lahrman

As the cross country season continues, the growing team hopes for increased support and recognition.

Former head coach Sam Mull spent 21 years involved with the program, first as an assistant before eventually becoming head coach. As a former JHS runner himself, Mull experienced the challenges of the sport firsthand.

“So when I was here, I did every sport possible, but I was mainly a runner. I did football, did basketball, wrestled, swam, cross-country, and track, but I was a track runner, mainly,” said Mull.

Mull said cross country presents a unique mental challenge because runners are constantly competing against some of the best athletes in the state and the daunting fact that it’s running.

“This is probably the toughest mental sport that you’ll ever participate in,” he said.

He explained that unlike team sports, athletes advance as individuals, and ultimately how well they do depends on them. 

“If you’re a 100-meter runner, you’re not competing against 475 other teams in the state; you’re competing against a 1000 other kids in the state. And you’ve got to advance against those thousand each week and get knocked out and knocked out until you make it to the final, final level. It’s a very, very difficult sport to advance in,” said Mull.

While the sport itself presents challenges, Mull said the Jeffersonville cross country program faces another problem: a lack of recognition and funding compared with other sports.

“We don’t get recognized as much as other team sports, such as basketball and football. Results are often overlooked or discredited. And when it comes to funding for equipment, it’s often overlooked. And I’ve had to go outside the school on many occasions to get basic equipment that schools should provide for both sports,” said Mull.

Members of the 2026-27 cross-country team pose for a photo before their first meet on August 15. Photo by Aby Lawson.

The lack of support is something athletes have noticed as well. Senior cross country runner Lizette Gonzalez said the team needs more support from the school and community in order to grow.

“The team needs more girls, more support from school, parents, friends, and others so we can thrive as a team. ‘Cause right now, our backbone is basically Mull. He’s the one that’s been getting us everything, either funding or fundraisers, or just paying out of pocket,” said Gonzalez.

Mull also had problems getting funding for his other sport, track and field, saying that the condition of the equipment isn’t up to the standard needed due to having the same hurdles for 30 years, and how the track itself is not up to the condition of other schools, suggesting that it may need to be updated to 8 to 10 lanes.

Athletic director AJ Moye said the JHS athletic programs often have to generate their own funding rather than relying on a large yearly athletic budget.

“We have to generate a lot of our own revenue. We have to generate a lot of our own funds to help out our students and help our student-athletes get better facilities, get better things,” he said.

Moye said the athletic department works to form partnerships with businesses and promote student-athletes both on and off the field.

“We show them our student-athletes; we show them not only what they do in terms of their athletic fields, but man, we show them in the classroom,” said Moye. “It’s not like every year I’m getting $250,000. So I have to go out and form partnerships, go out, market our student-athletes.”

Despite these challenges, Mull said there are positive signs for the cross country team this year. The girls’ team has grown, with Mull saying the program has more athletes this year than in any of his previous four seasons. The boys’ team, however, remains at around eight runners, a number that has stayed relatively consistent over the past few years.

“We have a lot of girls. Most girls I’ve had in the four years I’ve had the team. Boys, looks like we’re sitting at eight, which we’ve stayed at for the past couple of years, and I would like to see that grow, but we just continue to truck along with what we’ve got, keep encouraging people to come out,” said Mull.

For students who might want to try running, Mull encourages them not to discount themselves.

“It’s one of those things that you got to come out, and you just got to prove yourself day in and day out, and a lot of people find that maybe it’s not for them, but there’s another handful of those kids that also find out that it is very rewarding and they find out being much better than they thought they were,” he said.

With more students joining the team and greater support from the school and community, the cross country program has an opportunity to continue growing both on and off the course.

Junior Marcus Baker runs in the cross country team’s first meet of the season on August 15. Photo by Aby Lawson.

Junior Marcus Baker has been part of the cross-country team for three years and has contributed a lot of his efforts to the team, motivating everyone, showing up to practice, and overall being a figurehead. 

“I think cross country is a mental sport for everybody. I think it is good for people to go out and run. Get out all your personal stuff at home,” said Baker. “For me, running helps with my mental stuff, getting all my stress out.”

Baker looks past the fact that cross country can be a difficult and physical sport. Instead, he sees it as a way to decompress and hang out with friends. For him and many other runners, cross country is more than just a sport; it is also a way to improve their mental well-being and build relationships with their teammates. 

Funding is important for the continued growth of the cross country program, providing better equipment, uniforms, and transportation for the team.

“It would be cool to get some new uniforms,” said Baker. 

With more financial support from the school and community, the team could have more opportunities to improve, compete, and attract new runners. As the cross country team continues to grow each year, support from the community could play an important role in helping the program reach its full potential.

“The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare,” stated Mull.

jhshyphen's avatar by jhshyphen

JHS defeats Jennings County 4-0 on Saturday

Red Devils improve to 8-1-1 this season

Photos by Reilly Davis.

Senior Adrian Turner and Senior Alan Lopez fight for the ball during warm-ups in their 4-0 win over Jennings County. The shut-out win helped the Red Devils improve their season record to 8-1-1. Photo by Reilly Davis.
Senior Jaxon Parker puts on the captain’s armband in Jeff’s 4-0 win over Jennings County on Saturday. Photo by Reilly Davis.
Senior Alan Lopez breaks the team down during Jeff’s 4-0 win over Jennings County. Photo by Reilly Davis.
Senior Oscar Arredondo lines up a shot in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Jennings County. Photo by Reilly Davis.
Senior Bryan Juarez looks for a pass in Jeff’s 4-0 win over Jennings County. Photo by Reilly Davis.
Senior Jaxon Parker scores his first of two goals during Jeff’s 4-0 win over Jennings County on Saturday. Photo by Reilly Davis.
Sophomore Austin Spears dribbles up the line during Jeff’s 4-0 win over Jennings County. Photo by Reilly Davis.
Senior Alan Lopez takes a free kick in Jeff’s 4-0 win over Jennings County. Photo by Reilly Davis.
Sophomore Joao Beya dribbles through Jennings County’s defense in Jeff’s 4-0 win over Jennings County. Photo by Reilly Davis.
Freshman Ryan McKinley makes a defender jump during Jeff’s 4-0 win over Jennings County. Photo by Reilly Davis.
jhshyphen's avatar by jhshyphen
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by jhshyphen

“Elemental” Is a Mix of Vibrancy and Heart

By Lacy Blanton

“Elemental” (2023) is the newest animated film produced by Disney and Pixar. Although marketed for young viewers, the film has two adult stories to share: one of romance and the other of immigration.

In a world where the four natural elements (Fire, Water, Air, and Earth) are the anthropomorphic inhabitants comes Ember Lumen: A young Fire woman who’s the daughter of “Fireland”-immigrants, living tucked away in Firetown, a district of Element City. Her family and culture mean everything to her – evident through her goal of becoming the next owner of her aging father’s convenience store. Just when she believes her future life is all figured out, Ember meets an unlikely friend (and her very unlikely Prince Charming), Wade Ripple: a young Water man, through certain circumstances. Their relationship may appear to look doomed from the start as the societal belief of Element City is that “elements don’t mix”, but that idea may be challenged as Ember and Wade grow closer as friends, and even a little more than that. 

One of the main highlights that can draw any person into watching the film is its animation. Almost every scene was beautifully colorful; from the backgrounds, locations, and character designs. The greatest comparison of its style is of a watercolor painting – vibrant, fresh, yet so calming. Its shimmering flair never grew too overwhelming for the eyes to see and multiple scenes had something new for viewers to see, such as the Lumen’s bustling convenience shop, the ‘Cyclone Stadium’ and Brook Ripple’s (Wade’s mother) aquatic luxury penthouse.

The character designs were remarkably impressive by how much their movements were reminiscent of their real-life counterparts. The artists and animators truly embraced the concept of the characters being their respective elements in scenes of having them display their own unique abilities, to how they can struggle or benefit from another elemental force. 

Both stories of Ember’s family, and the love story between her and Wade balance with each other. Impressively, they even intertwine at times. The Lumen family’s struggles and resiliency as Fire people residing in Element City is a reflection of what many real-life immigrants in our everyday world experience. It’s something insightful and inspiring to see. 

As an animated movie: was it a rom-com, and was it romantic? Very much so! Wade and Ember had an adorably wholesome relationship thanks to their chemistry, appreciation for each other, and willingness to help lift one another up. Wade intuitively goes out of his way to make Ember happy, and the latter is always attempting to protect him from her parents’ distrust toward Water people. Being of different elements: the couple is a perfect metaphor of an interracial couple – It has its difficulties, but they make it work out of means of true love. 

The film had a way of making the audience feel for the main characters. All you wanted was for Wade and Ember to be happily together without any challenges, and for Ember to have the best of both worlds with her parents, career, and her newly found love.

Peter Sohn, the director, was inspired to create “Elemental” based on his own personal experience of being born to Korean-immigrant parents in 1970’s New York City. To hear such an inspiration that originated from childhood is a highly vulnerable yet special thing. When watching the film, you could feel the love that Sohn had poured into it with scenes or background information on the Lumen’s being native to Fireland. 

Around the time of its release, “Elemental” received generally positive reception, with merely a few mixed reviews from critics; praising the picture for its visuals but pointing out how the storytelling felt underwhelming – a very unusual detriment for a “Pixar” flick. While it doesn’t live up to the sheer masterpieces of “Wall-E”, the “Toy Story” franchise, “Finding Nemo”, or even “Soul”: “Elemental” is still an enjoyable, heartfelt picture that tells a mixed but balanced story of an opposites-attract romance, the importance of family and their sacrifices they make. No matter any accusations of “underwhelming” storytelling from critics: the vibrant animation, endearing lead characters and their bond, and the director’s inspiration outway such criticism.

As a self-declared “Pixar” fan: this wasn’t a definite favorite film from the company’s collection, but nonetheless, a charming picture that one can hold dear to them for a long time, and that can be most likely said the same for Peter Sohn. 

    

by jhshyphen

Abortion: A Woman’s Choice or In the Hands of Our Government?

  By: Lacy Blanton, Guest Journalist

June 2022: It was a dark time for many Americans across the nation, as on the 24th of that month, the Supreme Court had issued a decision concerning the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health bill, overturning Roe v. Wade. The protection to the legal right to abortion was eliminated; with this, numerous states had begun to ban the rights and access to abortion. 

On September 15th, 2022: The state of Indiana, my home-state, fell victim to this deadly decision of a bill. The mere exceptions of legal access in Indiana are in the the cases of rape, incest, fatal fetal abnormalities, or to preserve the life and physical health of the person who is pregnant before 10 weeks after conceivement. 

I vividly remember the time it had all occurred. Ads, social media posts, news segments, and YouTube videos capturing images of those fighting in protest, or in support of this controversial bill. I recall many clinics being ushered to shut down in response, and the unwavering sound of victory at my evangelistic church. In addition, my church has recently implemented a drive to donate infant products and necessities to a pro-life organization for “mothers in desperate need”. 

I am here to express my anguish and disgust at such passing of a bill, how morally wrong it is in many ways, and how this option in mind must be the pregnant woman’s decision, not the government’s.

Many opposers will try to express how abortion is the murderous hunting of innocent unborn children. How the women who are proceeding with abortion are selfish, cold-hearted vipers. How clinics such as “Planned Parenthood” are greedy corporations who are unapologetically open about eliminating unborn life.

According to “KFF’s ‘Key Facts on Abortion in the United States’”, data before the Dobbs decision had gathered that a vast 92% of abortions occur during the first trimester of pregnancy. With this knowledge: we know that in the first trimester in a woman’s pregnancy, the embryo or fetus is a clump of biological molecules undergoing chemical reactions. Therefore, this leads us to the idea that this “baby” is not considered truly living.

Those who seek abortion as an option are a whole spectrum. They go through the procedures all for differing reasons. It is an immense injustice to label them and envision them in a negative light. “Planned Parenthood’s ‘Our Abortions, Our Stories’” shares the anecdotes of women from around the US, giving their reasons as to why they chose the path they did. One woman said in the article, “My stepfather abused me from age 8 to 17. At 15 I became pregnant and lied to my mother that it was my boyfriend’s. I had an abortion because the mental and physical abuse continued afterwards…”. Another lady said, “When I was 20 I had an abortion. Being so young and barely getting by financially, I was in no position whatsoever to have a child…”. A third said, “…At age 31, I had a 3 ½ year old son and was pregnant with my second child… My husband and I found that the baby had several heart defects. We went to see several specialists to see if his heart could be fixed after he was born. They told us that he would live and grow in utero, but would die after birth… We decided to spare him the suffering and interrupted the pregnancy at 22 weeks.”

“Planned Parenthood” is a health organization that has a 3% abortion service, with the majority of their work consisting of STD testing and treatment, cancer screenings, infertility services, and offering sex education. To get an abortion through them, the organization has you meet with your doctor, nurse, or health counselor to discuss whether abortion is the best decision for you. Even if one is adamant about going through the procedure, they emphasize that they will halt everything if you change your mind, even as far as the surgical removal. With these facts, it shows how precise and supportive Planned Parenthood is, and always looks to the best interest no matter what one decides. 

“Capital B”’s Kenya Hunter gave insight on a reproductive rights group launching a campaign, and also gave how they advocate that abortion bans are racist against the Black community in America. The group, known as “Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity” or “URGE”, had its Georgia organizer say, “We aren’t just strictly coming from a lens of what’s happening with our wombs or with our uterus,.. [Abortion bans] have a trickle-down effect. People with low income have to bring in another child that they can’t afford. The point of the ‘Abortion Bans Are Racist’ campaign is to make sure the conversation isn’t just about abortion… but how does this further create disparities within our communities?”. Additionally, their campaign had researchers who predicted to them that with more people forced to carry out their pregnancy, this will result in increased risks in bad maternal health. As a Georgia-based news organization: Hunter points out how the state’s Black women are already three-times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than White women.

As of 2023, only three US states have the right to abortion in full status. These states being California, Michigan, and Vermont. 

I, like many others, find this decision from our Supreme Court to be disappointing and discouraging. This is a reminder that our country still has room for improvement regarding a human’s right. 

We cannot change the mind’s of every individual, but if we can show the Supreme Court the dangers to this passed bill, perhaps they can reconsider this injustice. 

Fortunately, we are not alone in this protest. As Kenya Hunter had discussed, URGE’s ‘Abortion Bans Are Racist’ campaign is just one of many groups fighting against this ban. 

 This isn’t based on a viewpoint that is politically-motivated, and with the harms that this ban is capable of as mentioned: it is unavoidable to point out its concerning flaws. Kaelea Lucas, the Georgia organizer for URGE, said it best; “The decision of what somebody does with their body and whether or not they are going to get an abortion ultimately should be between that person, family, and maybe a medical provider if that’s what feels comfortable to them,… But who should not be involved is the government. There should be no political reasoning for anything like abortion bans.” Banning the right to abortion sends the wrong message to so many. It silences voices, gives misinformation about clinics like “Planned Parenthood”, gives ignorance to the idea that “babies” are being “killed”, and drastically affects the Black community in health and finances. With this ban and absurd claims continuing to be established, we are going to do more harm than good toward women and their overall health. 

by jhshyphen

The Creativity in Restrictions

By Sam Ottinger

Getting into the arts can be a challenging quest, whether it’s getting the ideas or actually putting said ideas into the world. In this time of confusion, I believe that having a rubric of restrictions can be the support that lifts creativity to its highest form. Having a set of rules to follow can help ideas flow, it can be a more relieving position, and help the artist try new things.

Many can agree that one of the most difficult parts of the arts is creating the idea, yet when you have to work your way around certain things, then it can be an easier way to find the path that will lead you to a fall of ideas. Restrictions put in the building blocks, then the artist can complete the designed task, and after they are able to push certain aspects (that aren’t restricted) to make the piece their own. It can also help cut down on decisions that are put in the artist’s hands, so they don’t get overwhelmed and burned out as quickly by the overflow of creative ideas. As stated by Thomas Oppong in his article about creativity, on Inc., “With constraints, you dedicate your mental energy to acting more resourcefully. When challenged, you figure out new ways to be better.” Having a specific direction for where your energy can go can help you get more ideas and thus the artist goes through a slower decline in their rate of ideas.

Instead of having total freedom and being surrounded by stress from blankness in the creative department, you are able to get a new point of view which can help you get a better understanding of different techniques for a new set of tools. Some may say that with restrictions, it can be difficult to fully shine because of the choices being so limited, and they aren’t entirely wrong. When creative rubrics are too restricting, it can lead to the same amount of problems that having too much freedom contains, extra stress to stay in the lines and lack of related ideas. It’s just like everything else, too much of anything is bad. Yet when these placements are done right, it can be extraordinarily beneficial for the artist. As said by Jason Bell, an Associate Professor of Marketing at Saïd Business School, “When well placed, constraints can force us to step out of our mental comfort zone and connect a schema to something new. This can very often lead to innovative ideas”.

Unclear directions and the fear of experimentation can hold many people back, including the need for near perfection is a craving that many artists, whether new or old, chase after for years. When using restrictions in your craft, it will give you clearer directions, help you be forced to try something new, and it can push you to slowly become ok with not reaching the status of perfect perfection. A batch of restraints can not only force you to try something new, it can also help you focus and create better ideas then you would have before. An article published by the official Harvard Business Review helps to support this claim by stating, “Constraints, in contrast, provide focus and a creative challenge that motivates people to search for and connect information from different sources to generate novel ideas for new products, services, or business processes”.

With all these reasons, it is clear that adding in restrictions can be extremely beneficial. From how it helps increase idea flow, how it leads to less pressure, and finally how it can help artists try new ideas that the artist normally wouldn’t try otherwise. So if you are ever stuck, try adding in some restrictions, and don’t be afraid to try something new.

by savannahottinger

Women’s History Month 2023: Celebrating Storytellers 

By Lacy Blanton, Guest Journalist

March is upon us once again. With this, the annual events of this month include the highly-anticipated March Madness, the mournful (or celebratory) ending of winter, and the welcoming of spring.

Another special event arises during this time: Women’s History Month, an annual declared month that highlights the honorable contributions of women from our society. Each year within the United States, a distinctive theme is chosen by “The Women’s History Alliance”. Recognizing the diversity and different roles that women have played throughout history. 

This year’s theme is a very special one. That theme being “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories”. Highlighting those who have dedicated their lives and been active through press, broadcasting, blogs, podcasts, playwrights, scholars, and much more.

I wish to recognize and honor the trailblazing female journalists, from yesterday and today, who have made and continue to create a potent bridge between women and the world of journalism.

Barbara Walters – (1929-2022)

Legendary broadcast journalist and television personality, Barbara Walters has been in the journalism world for remarkably over sixty years.    

After receiving a bachelor’s degree in English from Sarah Lawerence College, Walters would land a position in writing press releases for NBC network’s flagship station “WNTB-TV”, now known as “WNBC”. In 1961, she joined “The Today Show” as a researcher and writer, and later became the program’s ‘Today Girl’. Only handling light stories and discussing the weather. A time Walters herself described, when a woman discussing “hard news” wasn’t an idea that many took seriously. She broke that mold however in 1974 by being the first female co-host of a US news program.

By 1979, Walters had teamed up with Hugh Downs for “ABC”’s program “20/20” as correspondent and later co-host. Where she flourished until her eventual retirement in 2004. Seven years prior, she became the co-creator, co-executive producer, and co-host for daytime talk show “The View”, and later retired from her career as a noteworthy anchor and journalist in 2014.

Throughout the course of Walters’ career: she was most eminent for her interviews involving high-profiled individuals. Such as former US president Jimmy Carter and wife Rosalyn Carter, current Russian president Vladimir Putin, actress icon Lucille Ball, and ‘King of Pop’ Michael Jackson. She was also well-known in asking the most brutal of questions amidst interviews.

Barbara Walters passed away peacefully in her Manhattan home on December 30th, 2022. She was 93 years old. In death, she leaves behind a daughter, close friends, and a legacy of helping pave the way for future female journalists.

Belva Davis – 

Born in 1932, Belvagene “Belva” Melton-Davis is another phenomenal example of shaping the world of storytelling. She was the first ever African-American woman to be a television reporter for the US west coast, and worked as a radio broadcaster and news anchor for multiple stations.

Upon performing a freelance assignment for African-American magazine “Jet”, and receiving a mere $5 with no byline from it: Davis found herself writing pieces for other minority publications such as the “Sun Reporter”. 

Throughout the 1960’s, Davis worked radio stations across radio stations with “KSAN”, “KDIA”, and “KNEW”. She then ultimately landed a spot for “KPIX-TV” in San Francisco, where she was positioned for thirty years. 

Davis made herself recognizable for her coverages involving politics, race, and gender. As well as her calm, collected disposition. She has gone on to win eight “Emmy Award”’s and has been recognized by the “American Women in Radio and Television” and the “National Association of Black Journalists”.

Belva Davis is still alive and well today; having been retired since 2012. She cheerily lives in Petaluma, California with husband Bill Moore. She has two children with ex-husband Frank Davis. Despite her current age and reported diminishing memory, the journalism community still sees the versatile, talented woman who has ‘opened the heavy doors’ for so many. 

Juju Chang – 

Korean-born television journalist, Hyunju “Juju” Chang has created an impressive career for herself with backgrounds in “ABC News” and “Nightline”.

From Stanford University, Chang graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Communications. After school, she began working for “ABC” as a desk assistant in 1984, and would later work for “ABC World News Tonight” as a producer and off-air reporter.

By 2009, Chang had made history in becoming the first Korean-American with an essential role in US morning news television through being a part of “Good Morning America”; where she was the news anchor and helped contribute news stories. She would eventually leave to work full-time for the program “Nightline”.

With her work-ethic and dedication, Chang has received numerous awards throughout the course of her career. Some of her achievements include the “Alfred I. DuPont”, multiple “Gracie’s” and “Emmy’s”, and a “Freddie” award.

Chang now lives on the west side of lavish Manhattan with husband Neal Shapiro (whom she has three children with), proudly continuing to serve as anchor for “Nightline”. She is an involved member of the Asian-American community as she is a founding board member of the “Korean American Community Foundation” and member of the “Council on Foreign Relations”.

Akoto Ofori-Atta – 

Proud co-founder and chief audience officer for the Black-led national news organization “Capital B”: Akoto Ofori-Atta is one of a kind in her work.

In her early life, Ofori-Atta earned her bachelor’s degree in Print Journalism from Hampton University, and received a master’s in Communication, and Culture and Technology from Georgetown University.

She would go on to become the associate editor and social media manager for “The Root” and hold the position of senior editor at “Essence Magazine”.

Before leaving to pursue further development of “Capital B”, Ofori-Atta was previously the managing editor for “The Trace”, where she took full accountability for partnerships, special projects, and editorial operations. She had also completed a John S. Knight Journalism Fellowship at Stanford University in 2015, focusing on issues regarding the Black press and diversity.

Today, Akoto Ofori-Atta continues to help “Capital B” flourish. Her “Instagram” account showcases the vibrant life she lives. Through promoting “Capital B”, sharing past heartfelt memories of friends and family, and pictures of her and the love of her life. She and her husband also share a beautiful baby girl together.

Shahrnaz Javid – 

Woman of words, wearer of all hats, vivid photographer, and traveling-dreamer: Shahrnaz Javid is no doubt a soul many people should aspire to be.

Born in Louisville, Kentucky and graduated from Jeffersonville High School in 2011, Javid’s background and story is one that touches many of us.

Upon graduation, Javid attended Columbia College Chicago to major in magazine writing and was under a scholarship when attending. In 2016, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism.

Since then she has been involved in a number of enterprises as a writer and/or content creator. Several of her works include being an intern submissions editor for “Toksick Magazine”, a content creator for “The Times”, and currently holding the positions as a creative writer for “Unsaid” and contributing writer for “SVRN”. On top of that, Javid is her own boss as she is self-employed as a freelance writer and photographer.

Residing in Antwerp, Belgium with her husband and their beautiful little daughter, Shahrnaz Javid is very open about her career and life through her “Instagram” page. Upon reading and catching glimpses of her page, one can say it’s like a storybook come to life. Shots of urban European landscapes, eccentricities, lovely colors, and captions with words belonging to a poetry book. 

Shahrnaz Javid, like the rest of these outstanding storytellers, is someone who is beyond influential.

Reading and/or listening to all of their professional work is an absolute must. They are all a mix of talent, truth, and devotion combined. These five journalists did more than merely write. They created a story of their own that many more female storytellers will look up to.

by jhshyphen

The Repetition of Star Wars

by Sam Broady

Star Wars has been releasing a lot of content lately. You can watch it all on Disney Plus. But will you enjoy it? Do you like repetitive spinoffs that keep you attached to the past? Or do you like refreshing stories with new characters and expansive lore? I believe the writers should focus more on originality than formula. This was the great mistake of the Disney purchase in 2012. They continue to show their desperate merchandise intentions through all these films, series, games, and more. But Star Wars isn’t the only cash-grab franchise; that term applies to Marvel, Pixar, and the rest of Disney as well.

Let’s start with the sequel trilogy. Whether you enjoy it or not, there’s no denying its similarity to the original trilogy and its reliance on fan service. Disney didn’t plan a storyline, their writing was based on the audience’s reactions to each installment. For example, the amount of backlash that “The Last Jedi” received led to a retcon of everything in “The Rise of Skywalker”. Rey is a Palpatine instead of a nobody; Anakin’s lightsaber is fixed; Kylo has his mask back; and Rose is heavily sidelined. Fast forward to season 2 of “The Mandalorian”. The first season is its own story, but the next one is a festival of cameos from well-known franchise characters including Cobb Vanth, Bo Katan, Ahsoka Tano, Luke Skywalker, and R2-D2. Then there’s an animated series entitled “The Bad Batch”, a prime example of one cliche after the other. There are some good episodes, but most of them have no stakes and old characters are thrown into the story on occasion to keep us engaged. Next we have “The Book of Boba Fett” which is literally living in the past. There are cameos everywhere and Tatooine is an overused location that loves smashing familiar sites in your face. Which is one of the problems with the series “Obi-Wan Kenobi”. It’s nothing new; it uses shaky cam too often; and it’s the third time we’ve seen the protagonist care for a child.

There’s a pattern to be noticed here. Disney is relying too much on our familiarity with the franchise in order to get viewers. I think plenty of people would still watch their content if they took a new approach. “The Mandalorian” was the first Star Wars series on Disney Plus and it succeeded because it’s a standalone story with a completely different tone. But people don’t realize that. The final arc of “The Clone Wars” is in the top tier of television. “Andor” is such a bold take on the lore and it doesn’t feel like Star Wars at all. Clearly, Disney isn’t always lazy. “Rogue One” is a great film that tells its own engaging story without the Skywalkers. “Rebels” is a fun series with many meaningful moments such as Ahsoka’s duel with Vader and Kenobi’s confrontation with Maul. The point is that Star Wars needs to be more consistent with its quality. One day, it’s the same old content. The next day, it’s the best we’ve seen in a long time. The reason Star Wars became popular in the first place is because it was something no one has ever seen before. It’s an exploratory adventure with memorable characters and iconic imagery that blew everyone’s minds with the ambition of its filmmaking. Now, they need to continue building off of that.

The other Disney projects have the same issues. The Marvel Cinematic Universe is even more formulaic and I cannot stand how unoriginal the majority of its installments are. They’re typical superhero stories with an overuse of poor CGI. Again, not all of them are like that. It mostly applies to Phase 4 and the amount of content released isn’t helping. They need more time to craft thoughtful and passionate projects. Pixar isn’t necessarily in the same boat, but even their films have a tiring formula at this point. Sure, each installment has its own creative premise and execution. But they all have very similar messages. Whether they’re about life, family, or friendship.

The moral is that people don’t like seeing the same thing over and over. We only pay to do so because we expect something from franchises that we fell in love with. Writers like Dave Filoni, Jon Favreau, and Rian Johnson need to stay in the business because they have bold takes on storytelling in Star Wars. Dave Filoni dove so deep into the lore of the universe; Jon Favreau crafted an original and immersive western story; and Rian Johnson wasn’t afraid to take a trilogy into a new direction. I believe techniques like those are what’s most important.

by jhshyphen