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A DIY Christmas

By: Amber Smith, Carley Calabro, Kelsey Luce

 

The holidays are right around the corner and we know that budgets are tight; so here at The Hyphen we have given you some ideas for holiday gifts and treats. In ten minutes or less and for ten dollars or less, you can make the ideal present for friends, family and loved ones.

Cocoa in a Jar

What you’ll need:

-Mason jar (Michaels $1.00)

-hot cocoa mix (Meijer/Kroger $2.00)

-marshmallows (Meijer/Kroger $2.00)

-candy canes (Dollar Tree $1.00)

-ribbon (Michaels $1.99)

Step 1: Pour cocoa mix into jar.

Step 2: Put marshmallows, crushed candy canes or any other preferred candy in the jar.

Step 3: Hot glue ribbon around the lid of the mason jar and decorate the jar however you please.

“Ugly” Holiday Sweater

What you’ll need:

-An old sweater from around your home — or from Goodwill ($0.00-$5.00)

-At least two feet of garland of any color (Michaels $2.00-$5.00)

-Two packages of 15 green and red small pom poms (Michaels $1.50 each)

-One piece of 8 ½ x 11 black felt (Michaels $0.20)

-Hot glue gun

-Scissors

Step 1: Start by laying out your garland in the shape of a Christmas tree. You’ll want to lay the top of the garland straight up to make the point of the tree and the wrap the rest underneath it, making it bigger as it goes down. Cut the excess off the remaining garland.

Step 2: After you have your garland set to your desired length, hot glue the garland onto the piece of black felt.

Step 3: Cut the excess felt off to where it fits the shape of the tree.

Step 4: Hot glue the felt onto the sweater.

Step 5: Once your tree is glued to your sweater, glue the red and green pom poms in various spots on the tree to make ornaments.

Step 6: Glue the rest of the pom poms that are left over around the tree on the rest of the sweater.

Step 7: Make sure everything is secure and you have a new holiday sweater in ten minutes or less!

Candy Sleigh

What you’ll need:

-Candy canes- dollar tree(1.00)

-King size kit kat- dollar tree (1.00)

-2 Mini size Snickers- dollar tree

-2 Mini size milky ways- dollar tree

-1 starburst- dollar tree

-1 green or red pom pom

-Hot glue gun

Step 1: Start with the base, which is the king size Kit Kat.

Step2: Start stacking, and hot gluing other candies on top biggest to smallest.

Step 3: Top the sleigh with a green or red pom pom.

Step 4: Hot glue 2 candy canes to the bottom of the King size Kit Kat.

Grinch Kabobs

What you’ll need:

-strawberries- Kroger

-bananas- Kroger

-mini marshmallows- Kroger

-green grapes- Kroger

-red, green, or white kabob sticks- Kroger

Step 1: Cut the bananas in thin slices and cut the stems off of the strawberries

Step 2: Place one grape on the kabob.

Step 3: Put one banana slice on top of the grape making the base of the hat.

Step 4: Put the strawberry over the banana with the tip of the strawberry facing upwards.

Step 5: Top the hat off with a mini marshmallow.

by carleycalabro

Commentary: College Football Playoff Expansion

By Adrian Blair

The College Football Playoff debuted shortly following the 2014 regular season, and has only grown since. From Larry Culpepper, the Dr. Pepper guy, to the weekly release of the new College Football Playoff rankings, college football owns November and December.

However, there is one area where improvement is needed. We, as college football fans, want an expanded playoff bracket, preferably to eight teams.

With eight teams, it is likely that no Power Five conference champion is left out, like in years past (sorry 2014 Baylor and TCU). Eight teams also gives an opportunity for two teams in the same conference to be in the playoff, via Michigan and Ohio State from the Big Ten.

Sports and money go hand in hand, and it honestly confuses me why they haven’t expanded already. Behind its “big brother” in the National Football league, college football is the No. 2 viewed sport in the American television market. TV equals money, so why not? Giving the fans what they want and making even more money doing it sounds pretty great to me.

Another area worth looking at is the media exposure. Last season, the final College Football Playoff rankings were released on Dec. 6, 2015, with the National Championship on Jan. 11, 2016.

During that 37-day span, media outlets across the country absolutely devour the College Football Playoff. Media coverage equals money. If it wasn’t already brought to your attention, money is the main root of why the College Football Playoff is even in existence.

Having great players in great games is really what fans watch for. Players such as Clemson’s Deshaun Watson, Ohio State’s J.T. Barrett, and  Michigan’s Jabrill Peppers all have their respective teams in the Playoff mix. The two most recent Heisman trophy winners have participated in the College Football Playoff, and have failed to disappoint.

With more teams, there is more dynamic and electric players on the field, making for a more exciting viewing experience.

While the newly created College Football Playoff doesn’t show any signs of expanding following this year, it is a strong possibility in the years to come.


by adrianblair99

Janitors having issues cleaning up the mess

By Phillip Steinmetz & Kyle Sanders

 

A dozen pieces of Tuesday’s homework balled up, a few spots of crushed cheddar Goldfish from two days ago and a milk carton from first period’s breakfast on Monday.

That’s what the floor might look like in an average Jeff High classroom at the end of the week.

However the mess is not the fault of the janitors slacking on their job. Instead, it’s a culmination of being understaffed, and not having enough qualified applicants to fill those positions.

“We are just trying to get the stuff done that needs to get done,” said janitor Chris Schwinn. “It all comes down to time management, working extra hours on the weekend and overtime to get stuff that must be completed done. We can’t pay attention to things like washing every window in the school. We’ve got to take care of other things that are more important: cleaning the bathrooms, taking out the trash, sweeping up the hallways, stuff like that.”

On a normal school year, JHS would expect to have three day-shift and eight night-shift janitors each weekday. This year, it has gotten as low as two in the day, and only two at night.

Also adding to the chaos is the illness of veteran custodian William (Willie) Thornton, who has been out since the beginning of the school year. Thornton, who has worked within Jeff High for over 29 years, has experienced health issues that has prevented him from attending work, where he is the lead custodian.

“We had our two-day custodians, Chris and Bridget, step up and have done everything we asked them to do and more in Willie’s absence,” said assistant principal Timothy LaGrange. “The building is in great shape. At times, we’ve had a sub for that third spot, but not consistently. I don’t know when we will get that third position filled. In Willie’s situation, if he came back, we want what’s best for Willie.”

According to LaGrange, there are a few obstacles that have made it challenging to hire custodians this year. The biggest challenge is that other businesses, like Amazon and the newly-erected River Ridge, are offering more money for employment, which is cutting the application pool.

“The pay is probably more important than anything else and that’s one thing we can’t compete with Amazon,” said math teacher Jim Spears. “The school corporation could spend more money on that or anyone’s position. Everyone deserves to make more than they are making, so how do you do that? Right now, we are in dire need of custodians, so how do you do that? It’s not an easily solvable work problem.”

Despite the hiring difficulties, the school isn’t far away from being back to full staff. At the time of print, LaGrange says JHS is two custodians away from full strength.

To make up for the less hands on board, some weekends or long breaks require JHS to bring in multiple custodians from other schools for a “blitz.” The blitz lasts one or two days, and the entire school is cleaned.

“It’s a challenge to meet our standards,” LaGrange said. “(It’s) not because of the people we have aren’t doing a great job because they are doing a great job. They are great workers, dedicated and do a great job.

“But we are understaffed and some of that is a larger, economic issue,” LaGrange continued. “There are a lot of jobs available, like River Ridge, (which) has created a little bit of competition for us.”

A creative way in which Greater Clark County Schools has tackled this challenge is by offering custodial job opportunities to high school students. The position offers $9 per hour to work up to three hours after school, everyday.

The hope for the hires is to give the custodians an extra hand while they are still filling in the other main positions.

“We’ve had a few people who have applied, we are going to hire a pool of high school students very soon to fill in and help us out as well,” said LaGrange. “I am excited for that and we’ve got some good candidates by the people I’ve talked to, we could use some more good people and high school students that want to work. It’s a very good part-time job for high school kids.”

by kylesanders5308

Rape Culture Explained

“Y is for your sister. O is for oh-so-tight. U is for underage. N is for no consent. G is for grab that a–” (Freshman Week chant caught on social media at St. Mary’s University in Halifax, Canada.)

“Grab ’em by the (female genital). You can do anything.” (United States of America’s president-elect Donald Trump).

In today’s world and society, things like this are said and done all too often.

According to the Women’s Center at Marshall University, rape culture is defined as an environment in which rape is prevalent, and in which sexual violence against women (or men) is normalized and excused in the media and popular culture.

Everyday in our world, millions of women and men are raped, sexually assaulted and violated.

To anyone who doesn’t think that the normalization and allowing of rape, or any other form of sexual violence happens, look at college campuses. Heck, you can even just turn on the news.

Take the Brock Turner case, for example.

Turner, a 20-year-old male attending Stanford University, assaulted an unconscious girl by a dumpster following a night of partying. To boast, there were even multiple witnesses. Based off of the evidence, one would assume his punishment would be a couple years in jail at least, right?

Well, if you guessed anything more than six months, you’re completely wrong.

Because Turner was a talented athlete (swimmer) at a prestigious school (Stanford), the ruling judge in the case didn’t think he was a threat to society. Instead, he got six months in jail, and served only three months due to good behavior.

Take a minute and imagine how furious you’d be if that was your mother, sister, or daughter. Isn’t it nice to know that in this country, you can get more time for the possession of drugs than taking away another human being’s dignity, intimacy, and right to privacy?

If that sickening example of rape culture in our world today isn’t enough for you, then look at Florida State University. The school and administrators covered up sexual assault allegations against Jameis Winston — not once, but twice. And why would any person with at least a twinge of decency, or moral, do such a thing?

Because Winston was the star athlete in a town focused around football, not the girls he violated. So according to authority at Florida State, and around Tallahassee, those girls don’t mean anything.

Even in pop culture today, things like this happen. In 2014, popular singer Ke$ha was forced by a judge to continue working with her producer, Lukasz Sebastian Gottwald (Dr. Luke)  who also sexually abused her for an extensive amount of time.  

The culture of rape and sexual violence in this generation has gone too far.

The crimes don’t just happen against women, but they do happen more. One in five women in the United States will get raped at some point in their lifetime, while one in 71 men will face the same fate.

The most staggering number? Out of those crimes, more than 90-percent don’t report them. Yes, you could blame the victim for not reporting. But in this world, would you report the crime if it happened to you?

Whether it’s not being believed or being blamed, the victim has a lot of good reasons not to report.

And when it comes to college campus assaults, the numbers aren’t getting any better. Even prestigious colleges like Harvard and Notre Dame have been investigated by the U.S Department of Education for the failure to investigate sexual violence.

Rape culture isn’t only the act of rape or assault, but it is also the derogatory terms thrown at females. You can hear those explicit words hundreds of times in the hallway of a high school.

The double standards make it seems as if when a woman has multiple partners, she is one of these words. But when a man has more than one girl, he’s praised by his buddies for it.

You may not know it, but that is all rape culture too.

Let me preach this one thing to any man (or even woman) that has been angered over rejection: you are not, ever, entitled to another human being’s body. Ever.

I took the time to ask a victim of rape (a student at JHS) how she felt afterwards: “I didn’t know what I felt at first. Then I started feeling ashamed and embarrassed, like you don’t want anyone to know.”

For more information and awareness on sexual violence go to http://www.nsvrc.org/. For more information and awareness on college campus sexual violence, watch the documentary “The Hunting Ground” on Netflix.

The feeling of shame, and as if the assault was the victim’s fault, is common. As a society based on prejudice and mostly negativity, it is our responsibility to end this culture of sexual violence.

If not for you, then for your mothers, sisters, or even daughters.

by chloetreat

Ward’s Chamber

By Simone Brady

Aaron Ward sits in a desk, strategizing with his partner for a game in his history class. He’s all business, his normally-smiling face straight as the two of them agonize over the costs of an imaginary voyage on the Oregon Trail.

Ward is a junior, and he knows he’ll be graduating soon, so he’s been working harder than ever to excel in the classroom. Despite his concentration, he grins and answers honestly as questions are snuck in between calculations and discussions over which items will be the wisest purchases. He has a deep voice which carries, so he has to speak quietly, but he tends to keep to himself unless he’s in a group of his friends, so volume control isn’t too difficult for him.

Remarkably, he doesn’t let a mini-interview distract him from his schoolwork; after each response, he bows his head and scratches some more numbers onto the paper in front of him. That kind of determination is impressive, but it’s par for the course when it comes to him.

Ward was born Feb. 6, 2000, in Jeffersonville, Ind. He grew up with a sister, Allie, who is six years older than him. In his words, he grew up in a decent neighborhood and was a “very happy kid.” He attended Northhaven Elementary, Thomas Jefferson Elementary, and River Valley Middle School before arriving here at Jeff High.

He’s passionate about theater and choir, and he plays ultimate frisbee from time to time. Ward is also a low bass in Jeff High’s chamber choir. Additionally, he’s been in four productions in his time here, including Footloose, Rehearsal for Murder, the Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon, and Bring It On.

According to Ward, what makes him unique is how easily he can get along with so many different types of people, his ability to form bonds with others and his ability to do various activities.

“I had a lot of good friends,” he said, when talking about his childhood. That seems to be true today, too, as he socializes easily with his friends from choir, theater, and ultimate frisbee. It’s rare to see him completely alone.

Ward is most proud of “the friendships [he’s] made, and how [he’s] keeping up with [his] schoolwork, and [his] faith, and just… keeping going in life.”

His plans for the future include getting a steady job to hopefully pay for his own college, then being able to financially support himself and maybe eventually a family. He hasn’t settled on a major, but is strongly considering studying criminal justice at the University of Louisville.

Aaron Ward is an easygoing guy whose life is focused mainly on schoolwork, his faith, his friends and his extracurriculars. He’s working hard to make sure he meets all of his goals for the future.

After all, you have to be dedicated and industrious in order to tackle the Oregon Trail, even a fictional version of it, and he started planning with no hesitation. With his determination and persistence, the sky’s the limit.

by Simone

Undaunted Underclassman

Story by Carlos Molina

With high school basketball starting back into play, Jeffersonville fans will be looking forward to watching old names, such as returning juniors Bailey Falkenstein and Gerrin Moore, with the leadership of senior Michael Minton.

But few know much of the young, talented freshmen players this year’s team will carry.

Jacob Jones, a freshman point guard, will be one of the two freshmen expected to get playing time on Varsity. Tre’ Coleman, a power/small forward, is also expected to see minutes.

As for Jones, the 5-9 guard has been playing basketball ever since he started grade school at Maple Elementary. During the offseason, he joins his AAU basketball teams, the ‘Ville and the Eric Gordon All-Stars, which has helped the guard out with his ball skills.

“I’ve been playing basketball since pre-school, and I play AAU all year, and school basketball. So I have a lot of experience,” Jones said.

img_0404
Jones looking for an open teammate in the home opener against the 7th ranked Southport Cardinals       Photo By Braxton Troutman

As a freshman, the expectations for Jones are set high; not only by his coach, but as well as his teammates. Junior Gerrin Moore, who was the last freshman to start in a JHS varsity game in 2014, sees talent in the 15-year-old.

“He’s young but a lot is expected from him,” Moore said, “He’s going to do well setting up the offense and I think he’ll be able to add some points to the board.”

Jones did exactly that in the home opener, recording 13 points in a season-opening win against No. 7 Southport on Nov. 23.

“I am just expected to help my team win games,” Jones said. “Contributing however I can, whether it’s scoring, rebounding or playing defense.”

With the upcoming season, head coach Joe Luce expects Jones to contribute to his new system by starting him and giving him more playing time in games. His confidence in what Jones can bring to the table has given him a more relaxed player on the court.

“The biggest thing with Jacob is to just relax and play his game,” head coach Joe Luce said. “He’s had the chance to experience a lot of different basketball games as far as AAU, junior high and travel ball. It’s a lot different playing at eight o’clock on the Varsity level. And with him, we want him to relax and play his game.”

Jones’ unique and vast skill set has been what has made him stand out the most of all the other freshman. In the Red Devils scrimmage against Charlestown on Nov. 15, Jones showed what kind of talent he can bring to this year’s squad, tallying no turnovers and leading the team with 16 points.

“He brings a lot of energy. He’s very quick with the ball, gets it up and down the floor, finds open men and he’s very unselfish,” Luce said. “The one thing he did in our scrimmage against Charlestown is shoot the ball very well. He’s a good decision-maker that plays very hard and brings lots of energy to this team.”    

Jones, and the rest of the Red Devils, will be back in action at home on Friday, Dec. 9 in a HHC conference matchup against Seymour. JV tip off to begin at 6 p.m., followed by Varsity at 7:30 p.m.

by BraxtonTroutman

Pride Cafe

 

When walking the JHS halls in the morning, there’s a sense of grogginess among the students, and even some teachers. There has been desire to resolve the problem with a cafe shop at Jeff for quite some time now.

On Nov. 18, that dream became a reality.

Jeff’s new cafe, which is located on the right-hand side of the Pride Store, is known as the Pride Cafe. The cafe will be selling cups of coffee, and hot chocolate with marshmallows, for $1 per cup on Fridays from 7:10 – 7:45 a.m.

Inside the store, there are three coffee makers, and four flavors to choose from: hazelnut, caramel, pumpkin spice, french vanilla. The Pride Cafe is also having a holiday special in December, so students will have the chance to get peppermint flavored coffee as a choice to choose from.

Social studies teacher Steve Cooley, who was a major help in making the cafe a possibility, was in charge of getting the Pride Cafe ready the day before the grand opening. Cooley was excited about the opening, and equally excited for the students to enjoy the cafe for themselves.

“Hopefully we will have a line of kids out there waiting to get in,” Cooley said.

Inside the Cafe

The cafe is a PBIS (Protective Behavioral Intervention and Supports) rewards fundraiser. So when students buy a cup of coffee, the money earned will go towards rewards and prizes that JHS will then give back out to students who win them. Some of these prizes include gift cards, trips during school days, and more.

“What we’re trying to do is find a way to generate a revenue stream to pay back the kids,” Cooley said.

So how did the idea of the Pride Cafe become a reality? According to Cooley, a student-teacher at another school had a Keurig in the classroom, and would reward her students with coffee for good behavior.

That, along with cooling weather, is what prompted JHS staff to implement a cafe at the school.

The expectations for the cafe is that students at Jeff High will enjoy a nice cup of coffee or hot chocolate in the morning to feel more awake, while also being responsible with it and throwing their trash away once they’re done.

“We want to encourage our kids (students) to be smart with the coffee,” Cooley said.

There has been talk among staff of a lounge being the next step for the cafe so students can go in, relax and watch some television while enjoying a nice cup of coffee. The Pride Cafe could be the start of a Pride Lounge, potentially becoming the next addition to the many improvements added to JHS recently.

As Cooley wished, the opening of the cafe was a hit, with roughly 60 students waiting in line to get their cup of coffee and hot chocolate.

Unfortunately the cafe was forced to close before everyone could get a cup due to the overwhelming response. If the Pride Cafe continues with the success it has shown, it could become a well-known tradition at Jeff High.

by Cameron Njuguna

Top 5 Festive Places in Jeff

story by Tomi Clark

photo by Evan Petty

5: Walnut Ridge: 2108 Hamburg Pike

Glowing gold and red bows line the garden, ornate wreaths hang over the opening. Walnut Ridge is known for flowers and gardening items — but not just. What distinguishes Walnut Ridge from others is they have exclusive, unlit trees for you to purchase and enjoy. During this time of year, they offer Christmas trees, decorations, and gifts; perfect for the season!

4: Horner Novelty: 310 Spring St

A shop filled with wreaths, tinsel, and trees. Lights, ornaments, and garland. A place to visit just to admire the Christmas decorations. A perfect place to buy gifts, gather holiday party supplies, and gaze upon the lights to get you into the festive spirit.

3: Ice Skating Rink: 200 Spring St

Majestically skating across the frozen ice, spinning and twirling. And after the skate, warm up by sipping on some sweet, steaming hot chocolate. It’s only open during the winter season so make sure to visit atleast once! Visit to get yourself into the season’s spirit.

2: Hallmark: 2784 Meijers Drive

A tree, adorned with shimmering ornaments, greets your eyes. Cards, jewelry, books, candies, and toys line the displays awaiting to be given. Unique because they have the special Keepsake Christmas ornaments. Hallmark is always decorated for the season’s festivity, and a great place to buy memorable gifts that show you care.

1: Schimpff’s Confectionery: 347 Spring St

Savory red hots, delicate little chocolates wrapped up in a festive holiday box, and pure white chocolate snowflakes falling right into your mouth. Schimpff’s is special because you can tour the candy museum, and they are expanding the shop. Can’t you taste the exquisite confectioneries melting on your tongue?

by Tomi Clark

JHS: Still Going Strong After Four “Straight” Years

Four years play a big role in our society.
It takes four years for high a school student to go from the “newbie” freshman to the ruling senior. The Olympics, made to test an athlete’s true expertise, happens once every four years. The United States presidential election, voting for the face of our country, occurs every four years.
Around Jeffersonville, a big moment happened four years ago: Julie Straight was named the principal at Jeff High School.
Before Straight was tabbed with leading the school, the Jeffersonville native spent over 20 years in the English classroom, coached gymnastics, girls track and field, cross country and cheerleading teams, and sponsored clubs, such as Renaissance and the Class of 1994.
“I’ve always been very involved and I’ve always loved kids and students,” Straight said. “This is where I wanted my professional career to be.”

The beginnings…
“When I first stepped in as interim principal, it was very challenging because we ended up down a few administrators (and I) had to bring in some extra help,” Straight said. “The structures were what worked for someone else, (but) weren’t what would fit my style the best.”
In 2012, there were changes that Straight had to devise, such as organizing structure throughout the building.
“When I was named principal at the end of (the 2012) school year, that was a whirlwind of a summer,” Straight said. “Hiring people, re-establishing some leadership, and the way we would just do business here.”
Once she got the ball rolling as principal, she set her sights on several educational improvements, including honing in on higher test scores.
“If you look at data, all of our main metrics moved up,” Straight said of the improvements since her take over. “ECAs continue to go up, our graduation rate (is) up, our P.R.I.D.E. program has flourished. I think that being a part of the Jeff High family is something that a lot of people have pride in.”

What others are saying
Greater Clark County Schools Superintendent Dr. Andrew Melin, who is Straight’s direct boss, has been impressed with the new principal.
“I believe all of Mrs. Straight’s efforts have resulted in the improvement of many important metrics like graduation rate, post-secondary acceptance, dual credit attainment, etc,” Melin said. “As a result, I believe the image of JHS in our community and region is the best it has ever been.”
Melin also praised Straight’s progress of bettering JHS’ culture.
“Perhaps the most significant change I have seen in JHS since Mrs. Straight was named principal is the establishment of a positive school culture with the students, parents, staff, and community,” Melin said. “She has also been integral in expanding our College and Career Readiness initiative, which includes enhancing our counseling program and our efforts to join the Ford Next Generation Learning Network.”
Assistant principal Tim LaGrange agrees with Melin, saying that Straight became principal at a grueling time, and that he was impressed on how she took on the challenge.
“I think first of all she took over the building in a difficult situation, meaning she was the third principal in a matter of a few days,” LaGrange said. “She calmed the waters (and) she steadied the ship.
“I think one of her most positive attributes is that she bleeds Jeff Red Devils,” LaGrange continued. “She loves Jeff High and all of our kids. That is apparent in all of her decisions. I think that from a personal standpoint, she’s a great boss. She’s the kind of boss that you want to work hard for and that you don’t want to disappoint. On a daily basis, she is a very positive leader who cares about the kids.”.
Despite the kind words, Straight commends the teamwork that her, and her apt-called JHS family, have had throughout the last four years.
“We really work together: students, teachers, and faculty,” Straight said. “I’m very proud of that, and how far we’ve come. It’s hard to believe it’s not really that long.”

The future of JHS
Although principals are considered the ‘top dog’ of the school building, Straight explains that to get the full picture, one must include all of the moving parts. She says the staff and faculty go into making JHS such a great school just as much as she does.
One way to see the improvement would be looking at all of the clubs that have popped up, which are student-run, but also teacher-sponsored.
“We have blown up club-wise: we have our debate team, chess club, key club,” Straight said. “Now we have Optimist club, and so many other things that are growing that we’re taking pride in.”
She explains that all of these various clubs give the school a more community and family feel. She would like to think that this feeling within the school has increased since she has been principal.
In four years time, Straight has said to have brought a young atmosphere to the school, increased the positive culture of the building, positively impacted test scores/graduation rates, and implemented P.R.I.D.E throughout JHS.
So what are Straight’s plan over the next four years? According to the principal, it’s seeing continued improvement. Straight said that she doesn’t plan on going anywhere and is content with being a Jeff Red Devil.
“I’m very happy doing what I do,” Straight said. “I like being in a school where I’m supposed to be, and that’s where I want to be.”

by hayleehedrick

Where’s Willie?

For over 29 years, William “Willie” Thornton has strolled the halls of Jeff High, cleaning up messes along the way. However despite being at JHS for nearly three decades, Thornton hasn’t been seen in months.

Willie is battling health issues, which have kept him from coming in to do the job he loves.

“I like my job and I like the people I work with,” Thornton said. “It’s up to the doctors on if I can return or not. I really want to come back.”

The impact of his absence can be noticed around the janitorial staff, as every one of them who has worked with Thornton mentioned his dedication to the school.

“We miss Willie’s leadership,” said Michelle Grut, a day janitor at JHS. “He has put lots of years into this school, and we truly, truly miss him.”

As for a possible return to work, Thornton (and his doctors) have until March to decide on whether he will be able to return to the janitorial staff.

“He’s been an anchor for our custodial staff for years. He’s a tremendous worker,” said assistant principal Timothy LaGrange. “He’s had some health issues, so losing him was a big blow to us during the day. I personally miss him alot, he had a great sense of humor and I just enjoyed being around him. In his situation if he came back, we want what’s best for Willie.”

by cpolk99

Tully and Treat’s High School Help

Chloe’s answer

Q: How do I keep loving the thing that makes me happiest in life, even when everyone else judges me for it?

A: Being different and loving different things is something I’ve always struggled with myself. I think the most important thing is to remember why you’re doing that thing, because it makes you happy.

Not everything you do in life will please others, and that is okay!! Don’t let society’s definitions and labels affect you…ever. You should surround yourself with the people who love you for who you are no matter what.

Your family and real friends should be supportive because they’re the ones that  love you most and should support you through it all. If they don’t support you, then they aren’t worth it, and remember that there isn’t anything wrong with cutting out the toxic people in your life.

Emily’s answer

Q: My group of friends are constantly putting me down and draining me emotionally. I want to find new friends, but I don’t know how to leave the ones I have now.

A: It sounds like your friends aren’t really friends to you at all, that you’re in a toxic friendship- and that’s not good for your mental health.

An important thing to remember is that the most beneficial thing in life is to make yourself happy before anyone else! It sounds like you don’t want to upset your ‘friends’; but if they were good friends, they wouldn’t be putting you down. Why worry about people who don’t show you the same courtesy?

Now, that being said, they may not be being the best of friends now and it probably is time to move on. But that doesn’t mean they weren’t good company, ever. Let them know how thankful you are for the time you spent together, and that you will always respect and be there for them if needed, but the best thing for you right now is to find new friends that don’t drain you emotionally.

It’s important to not leave things unsaid or have any hard feelings. That opens doors to bitterness, nostalgia, and possibly regret, which is a whole other story in itself.

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by emtully