All photos by Malachi Conrad, Isaiah Stewart, Mason Ridge, and Reilly Davis.
JHS defeats Seymour in soccer Tuesday night
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Educators adjust to new Indiana cell phone ban
by Parker Vibbert and Kaylee Borelli
July 30, 2026 ushered in a new school year at JHS. Along with hundreds of new students, there is a new policy here and in all Indiana high schools: no cell phones.
The Indiana State Senate passed Senate Bill 78 in February, instituting a statewide bell-to-bell cell phone ban in every public and charter school in the state.
Before SB 78, the Indiana Legislature passed Senate Enrolled Act 185 in 2024, which banned cell phone use during instructional time during the 2025-26 School year, but set clear exceptions for education, emergency, health care needs, and disability-related accommodations. However, it did not address how schools were to enforce the bans, nor did it address lunchtime or passing periods.
Under SB 78, cell phones are banned bell-to-bell, with minimal exceptions for health reasons. At JHS, teachers and staff confiscate student phones and turn them into the front office in yellow envelopes; students and eventually parents must pick confiscated phones up at the end of the school day or after school.
German Teacher Lisa Stumler said the ban is necessary and beneficial.
“I’ve noticed people looking each other in the eye more now, and in the hallway, they’re paying attention to where they’re going, and they’re not all looking down,” Stumler said.
“It’s easier in class to not be paranoid, ‘Are they just on TikTok?’ I don’t have to think about that at all,” she added.
Previously, the policy regarding phones at JHS was largely at each teacher’s discretion, with most simply forbidding phones during instruction, but allowing them after.
Stumler allowed students to use their phones during non-instructional time, or as a substitute for a Chromebook. Unfortunately, Stumler said they would often become distracted.
“They’d just want to scroll.”
English teacher Justin Linde is “not during instruction” policy worked for a short time, he said, but it ultimately fizzled when students stopped putting their phones in calculator pouches.
“After a couple of weeks, it became ‘I don’t have a phone,’ and I couldn’t accuse someone of not having a phone. It got to the point where everybody was on their phones. Regardless of it being an honors class or a regular class or AP,” Linde said.
The new legislation has significantly impacted media classes, designed to train future journalists to properly use technology.
Radio and broadcasting teacher Fred Cowgill said the statewide ban has heavily affected WJHI’s operations.
“The entire business of broadcast and communications and information, every major news organization is using smartphones. Our entire workflow from the moment we took over two years ago was using our students’ personal cellphones,” Cowgill said.
Cowgill said WJHI was unprepared for the outright ban.
“When we got wind of it this summer that the state was going to implement this bell-to-bell ban of phones in schools, we were told we’d get a ‘hall pass’ to still use them, but around July 1, we were told ‘No’.”
Cowgill’s words were echoed by principal Pam Hall, who said she was unaware the ban would be outright.
“When they were still talking about putting it into law, they talked about giving schools the autonomy to come up with their own plan on how to do it, whether that would be to allow phones in curricular classes. When the law was enacted, they took that away,” Hall explained.
Cowgill, Hall, Linde, Stumler, and freshman counselor Andrea Schedler all agreed the ban was necessary, but differed on the scope of exceptions.
Stumler, Schedler, and Linde said students should be allowed to have phones during lunch.
“If they can handle it, I think lunch should be a time when they can have it. It gives you downtime,” Schedler said.
Linde agreed. “I think the bill went from one extreme to the other. I don’t understand how you could regulate them in the hallway, or at lunch, and I think students should have access to their phones at those parts of the day.”
Cowgill said student journalism should have been exempt from the ban for curricular reasons.
“The State of Indiana barring smartphone use from its high school communication classes sends the wrong message. We were using them as tools, not as an entertainment device. What better way to teach the correct use of personal smartphones than by giving us the opportunity to do that?”
Hall added that the ban puts an unnecessary burden on emergencies and worried parents.
“I’m one of those parents; my advice to kids is to put it in your purse or in your pocket, turned off or silent at all times, in case something happens, and you have to get out. But don’t have it out. I think it’s important that students, in case of an emergency, have a way to communicate.”
Wrestling celebrates its 70th season this year
by Bryce Treat
As JHS wrestling enters its 70th season, the program continues to demonstrate why it has remained a cornerstone of the school’s athletic tradition. Through decades of change, the sport has endured and continues to shape the lives of student-athletes both on and off the mat.
Head Coach Daniel Struck, who also serves as a middle school football coach and teaches Sports Performance, reflected on the impact wrestling has had on his life.
“Wrestling and coaches in general made me who I am today,” Struck said. “Wrestling literally means ‘to struggle’, and learning to wrestle teaches you how to handle all the struggles of life.”
The program’s 70th anniversary carries special significance. While many sports have rich traditions, Struck emphasized wrestling’s unique place in history.
“Anything that can last this long, through wars, different presidents, different administrations, depressions, and more is special,” he said. “Wrestling is 3,500 years old. It is the world’s oldest sport and the only sport mentioned in the Bible. It has lasted millennia.”
The impact of wrestling extends beyond the mat. Assistant coach and English teacher Evan Myers credits the sport with shaping nearly every aspect of his life.
“It has improved every single area of my life because many of the lessons I’ve learned have carried over to my personal and professional life,” Myers said. “The discipline you learn in wrestling helps you everywhere.”
“Wrestling literally means ‘to struggle’, and learning to wrestle teaches you how to handle all the struggles of life.”
Head Wrestling Coach Danny Struck
As the program prepares for a new season, coaches have spent the offseason developing themselves as leaders. Myers attended coaching conferences, read books on leadership, and networked with other coaches and mentors to gain new perspectives. Struck similarly invested in his growth, reading nearly 30 books, attending six conferences, and recently visiting the Olympic Training Center.
This year’s team will look much different than last season’s. According to Struck, the program has grown significantly, featuring 12 seniors compared to just three a year ago, along with more than 20 incoming freshmen.
“Every year is different,” noted Struck. “Every team brings a different look and dynamic to the struggle.”
The increased experience has coaches optimistic. Last season, JHS surprised many by advancing further than expected despite being a relatively young team.
“None of us thought sectionals would be as close as they were,” Myers recalled. “We were young, despite having experience and intensity. Now we have more experience, and I think our varsity teams could be great this year.”
One of the program’s proudest accomplishments last season was having all 14 varsity starters qualify for regionals, a milestone that reflected the team’s depth and dedication.
Senior wrestler Jak Rose knows firsthand how much effort goes into reaching that level. Wrestling has taught him lessons that extend beyond competition.
“It’s taught me discipline, how to deal with losing, and the value of work ethic,” Rose explained. “If you want something, you’ve got to work for it.”
Rose’s offseason looked different than most. After dealing with injuries, he focused more on learning and refining technique than chasing victories.
“My offseason was mainly about learning rather than winning,” he said. “Getting back from injury helped me focus on technique.”
The lessons learned from adversity have fueled his motivation entering his final season.
“Last season was very humbling,” Rose said. “It was my first year on varsity and my first year dealing with injury during the season. It gave me motivation to give everything I’ve got this year.”
As he begins his senior campaign, Rose has ambitious goals.
“I planned to get in the best physical condition I can,” he stated. “I’m really set on being a sectional champion and making it to state this year. I’m going to leave it all on the mat.”
Among the program’s other senior leaders is Abi Lemon, who is looking forward to enjoying every moment of her final year as a student-athlete.
“I’m very excited to see how sports will go,” Lemon said. “All my clubs with my friends and teammates, especially this being my last time.”
Lemon said wrestling and other extracurricular activities have helped build her confidence and character.
“Participating in all these clubs has made me better as a person,” she explained. “I feel more confident because I did them.”
Like Rose, Lemon has both competitive and personal goals for the season.
Having previously competed at the state level, Lemon understands the challenge that comes with wrestling against Indiana’s best athletes.
“My goal for this season is to go far, obviously,” she said. “As a girl, I want to have as much fun with my teammates and coaches as I’ve known since freshman year.”
“Competition is definitely a lot tougher at state and more serious,” recalled Lemon. “It was a bunch of hard-working girls, and I felt very honored to be a part of that group.”
Balancing athletics, academics, and extracurricular activities remains one of the biggest challenges for student-athletes, but Lemon credits her support system for helping her succeed.
“It’s definitely difficult,” she said. “It’s great to have friends in both because even when I struggle in one, I have a great support system to help me.”
Looking back on her experience, Lemon encourages younger students to make the most of every opportunity available to them.
“Do as much as you can while you can,” advised Lemon. “Experience is very valuable because you can learn a lot of things and have fun.”
The coaching staff also has ambitious goals for the future. Myers hopes the team can contend for sectional titles while continuing to strengthen the growing girls wrestling program.
“I hope we push for sectional titles this year,” Myers said. “I also hope to see the women’s wrestling program continue to grow. I think it has developed a legacy, and I’d like to see that continue.”
As JHS wrestling celebrates its 70th season, the common theme among coaches and athletes remains clear: success is built through hard work, resilience, and a willingness to embrace struggle. Whether it is a coach learning new leadership skills, a wrestler overcoming injury, or a senior preparing for one final season, the lessons of wrestling continue to shape those who are part of the program and ensure its tradition will carry forward for years to come.
Digital Dispatch August 31, 2026
Junior varsity, freshman Red Devils played Seymour last Saturday
Photos by Mason Ridge.
Digital Dispatch August 31, 2026
JHS defeats Franklin on Saturday to improve to 5-1
All photos by Parker McCloskey.
Red Devils defeat Seymour on Friday for first win of the season
JHS (1-1) hosts Bedford North Lawrence this Friday
All photos by Parker McCloskey and Isaiah Stewart.
to tackle him. Photo by Parker McCloskey.
Parker McCloskey.
JHS plays at Seymour tonight
by Austin Bainbridge
The football team takes on Seymour on the road after getting defeated 67-20 by Lawrence Central in their first contest of the season last Friday.
The Red Devils go into tonight’s contest at Seymour expecting a tough match-up.
“Seymour’s a good team in my opinion. We’re going to have to play good football to win. If we go there and don’t play our best, we will lose,” said head coach Nick Cotner.
A new face on the varsity team, junior running back Jaylen Howard, picked up steam against Lawrence Central in his first varsity start and looks forward to more against Seymour.
“For my first varsity start, I thought it was really good. I had like 80 yards with a touchdown, so pretty good. I’m ready to do even better against Seymour, though,” said Howard.
One of the main components of the loss to Lawrence Central was special teams giving up 21 points, and Cotner isn’t ready to let it happen again.
“This loss is on me. Twenty-one points on kickoff alone is unacceptable, and that’s on me for not preparing us. Even with me coming into the job late, we need to be better. We’re going to be more in-depth in practice to be ready for Seymour,” said Cotner.
The team has identified some other parts of their game that need to improve as well.
“The d-line and special need to be better; along with that linebackers just couldn’t fill holes,” said sophomore linebacker General McLain.
The Red Devils have spent the week preparing for the Owls.
“We need to watch a lot of film and get better so we know exactly what we’re doing out there,” said junior Brayden Bachman.
The theme of better practices throughout the week is echoed by other players.
“Staying focused in practice is essential. If we do that, we’ll come out with the win,” said junior linebacker Cooper Spaulding.
The team has addressed their faults against Lawrence Central and are ready to take on the rest of the season, starting with Seymour.
“I think we did a lot of good stuff on offense through the air and ground game,” said Cotner. “If we could be a little more consistent, we definitely would’ve had a closer game. I think we can take a good week of practice and come out with a win.”
Red Devils defeat Rock Creek Academy 3-0 last night
All photos by Malachi Conrad, Shelby Keesee, Isaiah Stewart, and Logan Vidt.
Counselors begin their first year at JHS
by Areli Hernandez Romero
A new school year has begun, and while many students are continuing to adjust themselves to a new routine and environment, JHS staff are doing so as well. This includes Health Service Academy counselor Austin Caswell and Public Service Academy counselor Megan Snyder, who began their first year at JHS with a set of goals and responsibilities.
Art classes create expressive communities
by Micah Nef and Cella Hutton
Art has been around since 30,000 BP. It has been a stepping stone to the development of the human race and the world around us. When language failed to tell the story, art was there to turn the page. Today, art plays an important role in how society functions, as well as in the way people express their beliefs as individuals and as a whole.
Art is essential to communities because it allows for expression in the school system. It allows for growth within the mind. Whether it’s poetry or digital design, it is vital to the development of high school students. It must be introduced; it is very important to their development, as it allows them to express themselves and helps them create new ideas and creations. And sometimes, the people behind the scenes help with this creative expression.
Art teacher Hayleigh Gnagie is new this year at JHS; she’s been teaching for about a year and really loves her job. Before teaching at JHS, she was an art specialist at Franklin Square Elementary. She believes that art classes give students a break from busy school days.
“At Franklin it was a space to calm down and find peace of mind, and I want to bring that here,” she said.
Art is a great influence on students around the school and can help with real-life problems. Gnagie explained that art has helped her students improve problem-solving skills and creative thinking.
Sophomore artist Estella Young agreed.
“Art that takes a long time can improve patience. Not only that, but it can help with attention span and not giving up if you keep making mistakes,” said Young.
Young enjoys digital art. While she isn’t taking any art classes at school, she believes that art is important for high school students.
“Art can be a good creative outlet in case of stress. Lots of teens feel stress, and art is one of the Number 1 ways to get it all out,” she said.
In a world full of high stress, creative activities can also give students a way to escape or take a break. Similar to Gnagie’s peaceful elementary classroom, Young described art as providing a break from stress or bad moods.
“Making art can help give distractions for a bad day. You can draw things that make you happy, and/or you can use it to express yourself,” she stated.
Art is often about emotion, too. Art teacher Jennifer Beckman proves that. She has taught art for 23 years, with genuine love for her students. Beckman doesn’t hesitate to get her hands dirty or to work alongside her class.
Beckman explained that she wants to show her students that art isn’t about being perfect. While technique is important, the process of learning hands-on is the true takeaway.
In order to accomplish great things, artists have to work hard, said Beckman. She said wanted to be an artist since she was young. She got a degree in photography and later got a degree in art and began teaching.
“Art was one of three things I wanted to do as a kid. I wanted to be a photographer, artist, or a farmer,” she said.
Beckman shows that if you put your mind to something, you can do it. She hopes to leave her students in a creative place with open minds; she knows that it will be important for every student to see what art can be when the opportunities to create art are endless and always ready to begin anew.
