Arts & Culture

Art teacher Hayleigh Gnagie celebrates importance of art with her students

by Maryam Qahhar

New art teacher Hayleigh Gnagie instructs her fourth-hour class on shading and showing value in their artwork.

She has been making art her whole life and has always wanted to teach and help other students express their creativity and emotions through art.

“Yes, art is something I have been passionate about since elementary school, and I want to share it with everyone else,” said Gnagie.

Because of Gnagie’s strong passion for art, she intends to share it with her students.

For example, junior William Ponsford shared what he has learned in art because of Gnagie, specifically, “how shading and hue can give art more depth perception and detail.”

Gnagie’s background includes experience with children of various age groups.

She substitute taught for several months, including for GCCS at Jonathan Jennings and Charlestown Elementary before working at Franklin Square Elementary as a specialist. Now she teaches at JHS.

“Elementary kids don’t know how to handle their feelings as well as high school kids know how to communicate their feelings well and show if they don’t understand the assignment and how I can help them understand it more,” she stated.

“By passing down art to future generations, we help ensure the human creativity, history, and ability to imagine a better world are preserved and celebrated.”
Art Teacher Hayleigh Gnagie

Gnagie also had influences growing up who helped her pursue her career and motivated her to pursue art.

“My high school art teacher made me see that I can pursue my career.”

Her students have also had a positive impact on her life.

“They make my day better by showing me different perspectives of life,” she said.

However, Gnagie has also had an influence on her student artists.

Junior Danna Lopez, an artist in Gnagie’s fourth-hour class, appreciates “the way she explains techniques, like how to grab a pencil correctly for shading.”

Art is not just a subject in school; it is a way to express and understand the world. It allows people to share their feelings, ideas, and experiences without always needing words. It can bring people together, tell stories, show different cultures, and inspire others. Gnagie said makes art more than just drawing or painting — it is a way of communicating and connecting with others.

“It’s the easiest way to express yourself without talking; also, you can use color to express your emotion,” she stated.

Since Gnagie is new this year, students shared their first impressions and what they think of her as a teacher.

“The energy I got when I first met her was that she was going to be a very creative and calm teacher,” said Ponsford.

Lopez added, “She seemed outgoing and chill.”

Gnagie feels that art is dying, so she wants to teach it to the youth so it does not.

“By passing down art to future generations, we help ensure the human creativity, history, and ability to imagine a better world are preserved and celebrated.”

Gnagie has been creating art her entire life and hopes to inspire future generations on how important art is.

“If I could give young artists one piece of advice, I would say each artist’s journey is unique – embrace yours and keep growing.”

Birthday: July 7, 2003

Favorite color: Yellow

Favorite movie: Urban Cowboy

Favorite food: Mac and cheese

Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky

29 Sep 202630 Sep 2026 by jhshyphen

Tech crew adds life to each theatrical performance

by Natalie Creagh

From the lights, to the set, to the props, to the costumes. The technical aspects of any performance are extremely important, and take time. There are so many parts and pieces that go into a theatrical performance.

At JHS, there are many opportunities for arts to shine. Under the stage lights lit by the crew, performances benefit from the tech department, which is student led and full of different ways to help light up the stage.

“I see it as a way to supplement what actors do on stage. They’ve done all their prep work leading up to the show and then tech comes in that last week to make sure all their work is seen and heard,” said senior Tristan Cooley, who has done tech for shows both at JHS and in the community.

Cooley said his favorite show he’s worked as a tech for is “All Shook Up” performed at Clarksville Little Theatre.

“It was my first show I got to design lights for, and I was really proud of that,” said Cooley.

Cooley said his favorite moments of a show are often when the set is completed prior to the performance.

“After all the set is made and everything is ready, I love walking into an empty theatre and feeling the space, it’s peaceful and magical,” he said.

Junior Lindsay Austin, who has worked as part of the tech crew since her freshman year, said a lot of work goes into building the sets.

“You have to be a very dependable person in tech because every rehearsal counts,” she said, explaining her favorite show to work on was “The Ballad of Little Jo.”

“I also enjoyed making the bed for ‘Once Upon a Mattress,’ said Austin. “That’s when I first met some of the now sophomores and became friends with some of them. It was also one of the last shows I got to do with a former senior, Cheyenne.”

Senior Blessing James Vonsenden, who has worked tech and acted on stage, said she enjoyed being the stage manager for “The Ballad of Little Jo” “because I was so involved — I got to know a lot more people and see the whole scope.”

Lighting is an important part of any performance. “I did the light board for “Once Upon a Mattress” last year and I really enjoyed that,” said sophomore Nataly Barragan.

Theatre teacher and director Derrick Ledbetter said tech work brings shows to life on stage.

“I think it’s like the backbone of a live show. It brings the story to life. It’s often invisible when done right,” he said. “Tech also can help build self confidence. Sometimes there are students that don’t shine physically or academically, but tech gives them that chance to shine. I think it creates a diverse extracurricular ecosystem, and it’s a place where people can explore, make friends, and feel welcome.”

29 Sep 2026 by jhshyphen

Minecraft provides creative fun for the whole family

by Ayianna Maddox

Minecraft is a game full of creativity and wonder. Released on May 17, 2009 and fully released on Nov. 18, 2011, Minecraft records show that there are “212.32 million monthly active players in early 2026, with more than 350 million copies sold across all platforms since its 2011 launch. The daily active users average 31.96 million,” according to QuantumRun Foresight.

My family and I are among those statistics.

I’ve been playing Minecraft for as long as I can remember, and it holds a deep place in my heart. Growing up, I played it with cousins — when I got a turn, of course. Before I knew it, I had a copy to call my own, and I was playing with my mom.

As the years went on, we both got better at the game: designing buildings, coming up with creative ideas, and creating furniture. Each time we played, we figured out our style and evolved from it. Eventually, it became routine that I’d come home from school, find my mom playing, talk about the buildings she built, and the ideas she had while I was away. One time, I made a world for us, and I woke up to a village she built overnight.

Throughout the years, Minecraft has always been a factor. I taught my little siblings at a young age, and they started teaching each other. Now, after I’m done with school-related work, I’ll come upstairs and find them building incredible things. My brother even built an airplane.

With each update, movie, mini TV series, and add-on, I became more obsessed.

Villager News is a comedic animated series created by Element Animation that I watched on Amazon Prime Video, and eventually on YouTube. Recently, Minecraft added Villager News as an add-on feature, making villager interactions more comedic.

When I discovered this, I squealed, “Finally!”

Minecraft is a wholesome, family-fun game for all ages, whether to express creativity, obtain all trophies, or to battle and see who’s the strongest in survival.

Minecraft

Released: Nov. 18, 2011

My grade: 100%/A+

29 Sep 2026 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.

23 Sep 202629 Sep 2026 by jhshyphen

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.

15 Sep 2026 by jhshyphen

Music fans review ‘Dancing Queen’

by Natalie Creagh and Aurora Grisham

Whether it’s on the radio, on their phones, or live right in front of them, music is a part of people’s lives. It’s been around for centuries, entertaining and teaching people.

There is such a large variety of styles of music. The Swedish band ABBA just celebrated the 50th anniversary of one of their most popular songs, “Dancing Queen.” The song has become such an iconic tune with its high energy and catchy lyrics.

What do the students of Jeff High think of “Dancing Queen,” and what type of music do they enjoy?

Senior Lily Morrill gave “Dancing Queen” an 8.2 rating: “I love this song; it reminds me of being carefree and spending time with friends.” When asked, her favorite song right now is “The One” by Taylor Swift.

“I like how the melody was layered to create a peaceful vibe,” said junior Jose Silva Garcia when asked about “Dancing Queen”, who said his favorite song right now is “Øutro” by Tezzus.

“It’s (“Dancing Queen”) very groovy; I give it an 8.5,” said sophomore Roberto Castro. His favorite song right now is “100 Sleepless Nights” by Pierce the Veil.

Freshman Evan Austin, whose favorite song right now is Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” gave “Dancing Queen” an 8.5, saying, “I like the start and rhythm as well as the notes.”

Resource Officer Tyler Robinson said, “I’m going to have to give it (“Dancing Queen”) a solid 6; it doesn’t excite me as much as others.” He added that his favorite song right now is “God I’m Just Grateful” by Chandler Moore.

Basketball coach Sherron Wilkerson said he thinks “Dancing Queen” is a classic and gave it a 7. His favorite song right now is “Faith Under Construction” by Holy Disciples.

It’s easy to say that the people of Jeff High have quite the taste for tunes.

We want to hear from you!

In the survey below, please choose which song you want to see reviewed next!

4 Sep 2026 by jhshyphen

New dance class emphasizes creative expression

by Raven Baker

JHS students can now participate in dance class for 2026-27. This class offers an open learning experience for students of all backgrounds. Whether students have been dancing for years or are completely new to it, they will find a welcoming time in this class.

Dance class helps students have a brain break throughout their day and be more physically active. The class is designed to teach fundamental dance styles and build a strong foundation in choreography. Beyond learning routines, dancers also have opportunities to join the color guard.

Dance instructor Sidney McDonald teaches her dance class. The class was added to the curriculum this year to provide a creative outlet for students. Photo by Raven Baker.

Senior McKenzie Stubblefield said the opportunity to express herself led to taking the new class.

“I love the dance class so far this year,” she said. “I decided to join because dance is a good way to express your feelings and it’s fun. So far, we’ve learned a lot of the basics.”

Stubblefield described the class as a creative environment.

“By the end of the year, I hope to be able to create my own dance and help others who struggle with it,” she said.

Dance instructor Sidney McDonald personally requested the class because she has experience in the subject. She hopes to connect her dancers to color guard and teach the building steps to dance.

Bringing 17 years of personal experience to the subject, she has a well-rounded outlook on what students need to learn. By the end of the year, she wants her students to be able to give a confident performance and create strong choreography.

McDonald said her dancers will develop and present original dance pieces. This allows students to experiment with their own ideas and build confidence in their abilities, explore movement without the pressure of competition and to learn more about dance as an art form.

3 Sep 2026 by jhshyphen

Theatre Department previews two shows focused on teen experiences

by Natalie Creagh and Aurora Grisham

For years, the JHS Theatre Department has presented two shows per year. Each show is usually an opposing genre, but this season, they are similar. They’re both set in a high school setting around students and their experiences.

This season’s shows are Mean Girls, the Musical, a musical where a girl moves from Africa and attends a public high school and befriends the popular girls. Throughout the show, the main character, Cady, goes from an awkward new kid to hanging out with the most popular and powerful girls in school.

Our Play is about a group of high school kids from different backgrounds putting on Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, a new show, published in 2025 by Jessica Moss.

Theatre director Derrick Ledbetter. Photo by Ashton Walcott.

“I think that they are the right fit for our students,” said theatre director Derrick Ledbetter. “I think it’s shows they can relate to.”

Ledbetter said he chose these two shows with similar themes for a reason – the appeal they have for young audiences.

“I think it goes back to how the shows are in closer experiences to our students,” he stated.

Beyond the theme-related performances, Ledbetter said he has some more ambitions for this season, saying, “I hope we have a lot of people come out. I hope we get a lot of new experiences for people.”

Ledbetter also said these audiences will appreciate the performances of these two shows, stating, “I think it has to do with choosing authenticity over popularity.”

Theatre students are already preparing for the performances this season.

Junior Kahlani Hunt said she definitely has a favorite show this season.

“I’m most excited for Mean Girls. I’m hoping to do tech this year.”

Sophomore Lucas Dimmitt agreed, saying, “I’m hoping to get a bigger role. I’m most excited for Mean Girls.”

Senior Jalen Nifong said, “I want to accomplish something I’m proud of. I’m intrigued to see Our Play because it’s a lesser known show.”

The message for the Theatre Department is for teens to be their authentic selves and not to conform to social norms. Ledbetter said he selected these plays not only for entertainment, but also to send an important message to the audience.

Seniors Jalen Nifong and Wyatt Clements act during Derrick Ledbetter’s fourth-period black box theatre class. Photo by Ashton Walcott.

25 Aug 2026 by jhshyphen

Spring brings JHS musicians to the stage to perform annual concert

All photographs by Malachi Conrad. Click on each image below to view the entire gallery.

Band director Briston Hatchell addresses the audience before the show begins. Photo by Malachi Conrad.

20 Apr 2026 by jhshyphen

JHS theatre presents ‘Cerano de Bergerac’ during the next two weekends

by Aurora Grisham

Cyrano de Bergerac will take to the Jeff High stage this weekend to try to romance Roxane.

Show dates include:

Friday, March 27 — 7 p.m.

Saturday, March 28 — 7 p.m.

Sunday, March 29 — 2 p.m.

Friday, April 3 — 7 p.m.

Saturday, April 4 — 7 p.m.

On-stage performers include Blessing James, Finn Matzek, Jayden Trevell, Jackson Fried, Sarah Proctor, Jalen Nifong, Tristan Cooley, Lucas Dimmit, Wyatt Clements, Sophie Ellis, Jude Polete, Roberto Castro, and Natalie Creagh.

Behind-the-scenes crew members include McKayla Hannan, Parker Grubbs, Kira Timberlake, Elianna McCurdy, Shiann Spalding, Nataly Barragan, Lindsay Austin, Ada Morrill, Hailey Littrell, Bella Roman, Chloe Kallbreier, Zoe Schwieman, Kenzie Stone, and Sage Mace.

Sophomore actress Natalie Creagh said, “We take a more modern take on the original story of ‘Cyrano de Bergerac’.”

The advice Creagh has for those who want to take theater is to keep believing in themselves even though it’s a lot of hard work.

Theatre arts teacher Derrick Ledbetter said, “The story behind Cyrano de Bergerac is, in a war-ridden France, there is a love story that takes place that is very complicated.”

Ledbetter said he’s most excited to see the students act out the script, since it’s his most complicated one yet.

Tickets are free for staff — and general admission tickets are $10, according to Ledbetter.

Tickets can be purchased through the Jeff High Theatre website.

27 Mar 202627 Mar 2026 by jhshyphen

Annual showcase allows students to share highlight their cultures

JHS students participated in the annual Multicultural Showcase on Thursday, March 12, sharing their cultures through presentations, dance, food, and dress with their fellow students and staff in the auxiliary gym.

Click on each photo in the gallery below.

A proud group of dancers performs a traditional Honduran dance. Photo by Areli Hernandez.

24 Mar 2026 by jhshyphen

Review: Influence of ‘Twin Peaks’ lives on

by Abigail Hall

Twin Peaks (directed by David Lynch) – an eerie, surreal show about Agent Dale Cooper working to solve the murder of Laura Palmer, a high school girl in the logging town of Twin Peaks.

The show is considered groundbreaking and it is still world renowned for its impact on the television industry. It brought a cinematic and supernatural program to TVs in the 1990s. Twin Peaks combines themes of supernatural activity, police and crime, and horror to create its iconic status.

It continuously asks the question of “Who killed Laura Palmer?” while incorporating the town’s stories. The show is known for diving deep into the world of traumatic evil in the form of Laura’s tragedy. It starts out as a straightforward, typical murder mystery, but it quickly transitions into something deeper psychologically.

Twin Peaks moves slower than other shows being aired, but its pace allows the town to settle into the viewer, making it seem more suspenseful and dreamlike.

Laura Palmer and her story has stuck with many watchers of the show, integrating herself into the fanbase like no other. Her youth and experiences reflect that of her viewers, making her an important character to millions of people. Her complexity adds many layers, including her loveability because of her trauma and the way she handles it. She is not painted to be a saint like many victims in horror shows.

She is not the first loveable character that David Lynch has brought to life, though. Lynch is known for his directing style, mixing themes of surrealism and horror with a unique charm. He has directed many other iconic films and television shows, including Mulholland Drive, Blue Velvet, and Eraserhead.

While all of his work is widely regarded as memorable and fascinating, Twin Peaks seems to have latched itself into his fans’ lives, as well as other directors and film-makers.

The series has influenced many other famous shows, including the likes of X-Files, Stranger Things, and Lost. The show proved that fans would follow complex characters and dark storylines, allowing these other shows to follow suit.

Lynch introduced genre blending through Twin Peaks, mixing a sense of comedy with the small town’s uniqueness with the horror of Laura’s mystery.

Twin Peaks sparked some controversy with its mixture of comedy and heavy themes, like drug abuse, assault, and murder, without romanticizing the trauma. However, this creates an air of surrealism that drags people in.

Lynch has a specific style of cinematography that many people link with Twin Peaks, as well. Featuring wide shots, darker colors, muted lighting, and unconventional camera angles to make his episodes feel more like a hand-crafted masterpiece than anything.

Twin Peaks has wormed its way into many people’s hearts, as well as the film industry. Television and films will never be the same, whether they’re inspired subconsciously or not.

24 Mar 202624 Mar 2026 by jhshyphen