by Areli Hernandez Romero
The cast and crew of “Once Upon a Mattress” is excited to announce their grand opening night, which is Nov. 1. With the support of directors, cast, and crew members, they anticipate taking over the stage and bringing life to their roles.
Show dates are also performed Nov. 2, Nov. 3, Nov. 7, and Nov. 8.
All photos by Areli Hernandez Romero and Abygail Lawson.
by Abigail Hall
Broadcasting teacher David Callan waves his hands animatedly as he explains the basics of editing.
“Drag and drop your video onto the timeline.”
While he appears normal or a generic teacher to a passerby, he has quite a history. Very few people know that he was a producer and executive director at WDRB before he came to Jeffersonville.
“I did audio, graphics, technical directing, directing, and eventually became the boss. So I did every job you can do in production,” he recalled.
However, he started out as a courier.
“I started off as the station runner. So back then, they had people who went to different TV stations, radio stations,” Callan said. “I went to the movie houses to get what they called movie trailers.”
He tells his students about his time in the production world very fondly, but everyone around him is grateful he made the switch to high school teaching.
Senior broadcasting student Alyssa Jendrick said that Callan has positively impacted her school experience in many ways.
“I’d describe him as a great guide to help others,” she began. “After understanding what you need, it’s nice to help others and even inspire them if they’re willing to dream big and open their minds.”
Other students often speak highly of Callan, stating how great a teacher and mentor he is. However, it’s not just students; his colleagues also admire him.
Colleague and fellow broadcasting teacher Fred Cowgill said, “He is a great broadcaster, enormously talented, but he’s a better man. He spews integrity, he works hard, he has incredible standards and none higher than for himself.”
Callan and Cowgill work hard together to make the class a fun and educational place for students to be. In the future, they hope to improve the quality of the program in many ways.
“I’m hoping I’ll have some time and I can get into Adobe certification,” Callan stated. “I’m going to put myself through it, so I understand what you need to do as a student.”
Besides editing, broadcasting students work on many other things. They are involved with producing livestreams of sports games that go on here at the high school.
“We’re trying to elevate the production level of the game,” he added. “I don’t expect you guys to be at the level that I had when I was working at DRB early on. These people, these were professionals who knew how to do the jobs. But what we want to do is we want to get in a learning step.”
Regardless of what he decides to teach, students know that they will enjoy it, just as much as they enjoy his mentorship and presence. He continues to help others in their learning and life experiences, always putting them first.
“Our goal, Mr. Cowgill’s and I, and our goal is to make you better people, to get you more informed as a citizen.”
by Jaxon Sturgeon
When Fred Cowgill walked into Jeffersonville High School, his first impression was simple: “A place that was very … what’s the expression? Best kept secret in America.”
Cowgill, who spent nearly five decades in TV and radio, including more than 30 years at WLKY, now leads the WJHI broadcasting program. But for him, the goal has never just been about producing future broadcasters.
“We’d love it to be in broadcasting, but we believe what we’re trying to accomplish and teach goes well beyond that,” Cowgill explained. “Better people. Better people to function in society, better prepared for whatever they decide to do with their lives.”
Cowgill always reminds students that the studio isn’t just about lights, cameras, and editing software. It’s about building real world skills, responsibility, problem-solving, and collaboration that last far beyond high school. “We tell them we’re TV dads, and they’re stuck with us for life now,” he said with a laugh.
To him, what makes WJHI stand out is the family atmosphere they’ve built. “We tell them this is a safe place. If they’ve got a problem, come,” Cowgill said. “We’d like to make this a better program, a better school, a better community, and it takes time.”
Cowgill said he’s always looked at his time at WJHI through a “five-year window.” He knows he won’t be teaching forever, but in that time, his mission is to build something lasting, an operation that runs smoothly long after he’s gone.
“The goal has always been five years, because I’m not a kid,” Cowgill said with a laugh. “But in that time, we can make this a turnkey operation where we hand off to the next people, and they have a framework for what we’re trying to accomplish.”
That plan, he feels, is already beginning to take shape. Year one, he admits, was “flying blind.” But now, in year two, the vision is sharper. With the help of teacher Dave Callan, the program is really finding its rhythm.
“We’re establishing year one, we were flying blind,” Cowgill said. “But year two, we’re laying a foundation. The culture’s better.”
Students say they’ve noticed that shift, too. Robert Tucker, a sophomore in the program, said Cowgill has a way of pushing them without ever making the work feel overwhelming. “He’s tough in the best way.”
Tucker said. “When you know his background in broadcasting, you want to kind of rise to his level. It makes you work harder, but it also makes you care more.”
For him, though, it’s not the big projects that matter most. It’s the little things he sees in the classroom. “I see kids do something cool that I didn’t expect, didn’t see coming. Makes my month,” he said.
Kaden Westbay, another student in the program, said that encouragement sticks with him. “The smallest compliment from him feels like a huge deal,” Westbay said. “Because when he says you did something right or good, you know it’s legit coming from a guy who’s been doing this for what 50 years?”
What ultimately sets the program apart, Cowgill believes, is its connection to the real world.
“My 50th anniversary in broadcasting is Sept. 1. Forty-eight and a half of those, give or take, were in TV and radio. We know what works. We know what’s going on in the business. We know what to teach,” he said.
Cowgill’s mission is clear: build broadcasters, yes, but more importantly, build better people.
by Brennan Zoeller and Jilliann Denbo
Many fashion styles have changed over the years, some good, some bad. Teens’ fashion, specifically boys, however, changes the most, usually from social media impacting the way they dress. Seeing the way many people style and express themselves impacts how a lot of people dress, in many different ways.
When seeing other people on social media make outfits in different ways, it changes how students want to dress.
Class of 2025 graduate Shawn Boyd stated, “By seeing other types of clothes and styles, it gives me a broader imagination on the different types of styles I can mix and match.”
Many teens don’t necessarily get their outfits directly from social media, but they get inspiration from it.
“I get a lot of inspiration from different fashion influencers and wouldn’t know a lot of brands without advertisement on social media platforms,” sophomore Isaiah Valenzuela said about how much social media impacts his style.
Social media lets students express themselves in ways that they’ve wanted to do but couldn’t because of the pressure of it not looking good. Now with social media, they can express themselves in ways they want.
Boyd said,”Social media really allowed the things I wear to be more acceptable and accessible,” while Valenzuela said,”I wouldn’t really think to put some things on without seeing it on social media first.”
Sophomore Ryder Lott also stated, “The things I wear are meant to express myself.”
The way that students dress isn’t entirely changed, but it’s inspired and blossomed out because of what they see on social media.
“The way I dress really comes from how I feel within. I’ve gotten to a point where I just use social media to see the different types of clothing that are available, rather than following the latest trend,” Boyd said
Most girls sit in front of their closets and wonder what they are wearing for the day, while others scroll on their phones trying to pick out outfits. Social media helps most girls pick out their outfits; it also can influence them to change their styles all the time. But others don’t use social media at all to pick their outfits.
“I don’t feel pressure to change what I wear. But the way I keep up with fashion trends is normally when I think a style is cute I’ll look up inspiration. But I normally don’t rush to change my style every couple of months,” said sophomore Cheyanne Bogan
Despite some girls not using social media for their outfits, others typically rely heavily on social media for those reasons.
“Social media definitely affects what I wear because I constantly see new styles and outfits when getting on Tik Tok or Instagram. It makes me feel like I need to buy new items and wear what that person is wearing to feel confident and to feel like I look good,” said sophomore Miaa Caporale
Most girls also like to have many different outfits and styles, but a lot of the time they need help figuring out which ones to choose from.
“Influencers definitely affect what I wear. If I like what they are wearing, I buy outfits off of that. I normally use different influencers to choose from multiple different styles,” said sophomore Malloree Fletcher
While a lot of girls think it is a positive influence, changing styles when trends change is hard to keep up with, along with most girls thinking they have to change styles when others do.
“I do feel pressure to wear what I do because I don’t want to be left out or not fit in a trend. With Tik Tok and many other social platforms, there’s so many new trends that it’s hard to keep up with. These trends make me feel like I need to adjust my style to fit in,” said Caporale.
While it’s tempting to jump on every little trend, always know that a style is about a person’s personality and lifestyle. And not always about the latest trends and looks.
by Ameerah Gbadamosi
The culinary class is not just a place of baking, it’s a place where students can feel free to fully express their creativity on the treats and desserts they make.
“Cooking makes me feel good, it puts me in a state of peace,” senior Coryon Cornet said.
Some people choose culinary class in order to learn more about cooking and increase their culinary skills.
“I chose this pathway to learn more about cooking and the hospitality, I wanted to learn more about the backstory of cooking,” senior Liliana Castellanos said.
According to culinary teacher Amy Whitaker, the culinary class is also a place for her students to express their confidence through cooking.
“I really enjoy seeing the growth and confidence my students gain through cooking,” Whitaker said.
“I’m preparing students for a future in the hospitality industry while developing soft skills for employment.”
Culinary Arts Teacher Amy Whitaker
Whitaker makes sure that her students understand the process of cooking; she makes sure that she explains each step of cooking carefully and makes her class fun while also making sure that her students learn.
Castellanos said, “My favorite part of this class is the teacher because she is always willing to help you if you need it.”
The culinary class is more of a hands-on learning experience; it allows students to know more about cooking by making the treats themselves, so students can learn from their mistakes.
“The class itself is fun and entertaining, and it’s very hands-on learning. The teacher is very understanding about getting your work and making mistakes,” senior Jasmine Mcleod said.
She ensures that she expands her students’ cooking knowledge in order to prepare for the outside world.
“I make sure to build upon and improve each student’s culinary skill,” Whitaker said.
She makes sure to teach and prepare her students about cooking and what they can do or who they can become once they fully know all about cooking.
“I’m preparing students for a future in the hospitality industry while developing soft skills for employment,” Whitaker said.
by Rain Gresham
Everyday life is filled with stress, whether that be school, work, or responsibilities. A place to be yourself is desirable, a place like say, Tea Club.
Tea Club was founded in 2019 by dedicated student September Kaugchak when people were in most need of a relaxing social club — a place where people could come together, talk, and relax over their shared love of tea without the stress of the real world.
Stepping inside students could feel the difference, the stress of bustling hallways during school hours melting away as they stepped into the surreal welcomeness of Tea Club.
“Everybody talks to each other,” said German teacher and sponsor Lisa Stumler. She makes sure that everyone stays safe and has fun.
From the Blackberry citrus to Darjeeling, Tea Club is full of all kinds of tea fitted for all types of different students to come together and enjoy the simplicity.
“I realized being a part of something that can help students develop their social skills is one of the key elements to them being successful adults,” stated French teacher and sponsor Dana Schenk.
Everybody has their own ways of falling into the things they love, whether that be a friend, a student, or even just stumbling upon it.
“Ms Schenk, the French teacher, she mentioned she was asked to be the teacher sponsor and she thought it’d be great if we could be teacher sponsors together, and I thought it’d be a great idea as well,” said Stumler.
“I fell into it because one of my students (current president and senior Toby Wilder) asked me if I can sponsor it and I assisted to some of those last year,” Schenk shared.
“I saw them on eighth grade night; they had tea bags and rainbow flags together. I thought it was cute and welcoming,” reminisced Wilder, the current co-president of Tea Club. She takes care of the fundings.
“I joined the club because my friends invited me and I thought it was cool,” stated senior Marianna Bush, the other co-president. She plans events.
Tea Club is a social club and a successful one at that, as they rake in about 40-50 people at the beginning of each quarter. “First weeks of the quarter always have a lot more,” emphasized Wilder
First time Tea Club goer Lilly Wright thought that it was “pretty chill. I liked the snacks and tea.”
Visitors walking into the Media Center after school on an average Friday would be met with the sight of Wilder and Bush setting up the tea and snacks.
Making way to one of the tables, you could interact with any of the people in the club.
Once everyone has gathered and they have finished setting up the tables, Bush and Wilder come around telling people they could now go up to grab tea and snacks.
The selection of tea bags to choose from varies drastically, from sweet to savory to earthy.
Wilder and Bush make sure of that. The two cherish the club and think of it as home, away from home a place where they can relax from the stress of the week.
The club has been a big part of their life for the past four years and even after they graduate from high school, it will hold a place in their hearts.
“I want it to continue, as it was found as a safe space for people,” said Wilder.
by Liddia Waterbury
Captain Tobey Wilder of the Archery Club walks up to the bow rack. Coach Robert Russell blows the whistle twice, and Wilder grabs a bow from the rack. They then walk to the line, standing in front of the quiver with the bow to their toe.
When Russell blows the whistle once, Wilder grabs an arrow, moves it up and over the bow, and nocks it onto the string. They then shoot at the target. After quickly shooting five arrows, Russell blows the whistle three times, and Wilder heads to the target to pull the arrows out.
Once a week, kids like Wilder from every grade, just starting or shooting for the last year, walk into the cheer room. They help the coaches set up the targets, and then they get out the bow rack along with the arrows.
“Back in 2022, I signed up for a grant, and it was about a $5,000 grant, through what is called the National Archery and Schools program,” said Russell. “It was something I’ve been wanting to do for a while…I thought it would be pretty cool to have an archery program here at the high school.”
The program has since grown, providing students with the opportunity to learn archery. Unlike many sports that focus on speed, strength, or teamwork, archery teaches players precision, patience, and focus.
“It’s all about consistency, it’s about perseverance,” said Russell. “Archery just takes a lot more discipline, and you can’t get frustrated; you’ve got to keep on doing it because the more you do it, the better you’re going to get.”
Russell’s advice highlights the importance of perseverance, as archery requires time to improve. Even advanced archers know that learning the harder skills means being patient.
“Trusting the process is ending up making you get better overall and accepting that you’re not going to do a fantastic job every single time, that you’re going to struggle through some parts and accepting that,” said Wilder.
“It’s all about consistency, it’s about perseverance. Archery just takes a lot more discipline, and you can’t get frustrated; you’ve got to keep on doing it because the more you do it, the better you’re going to get.”
Archery Club Coach Robert Russell
Archery isn’t about instant success; it’s about patience and steady progress. For beginners, that mindset makes it easier to enjoy, like one member who shared why they joined and how they’ve loved it for a long time.
“I’ve loved archery since I was really little, and literally for the first Christmas I can remember, I asked for a bow and arrow,” said beginner member and freshman Finch Schardine.
To make it better, beginners don’t need any special equipment to get started. They just need a standard Genesis bow, arrows, and a safe place to practice. Coaches also provide extra guidance to help archers build more confidence.
“When I’m working with beginners,” said coach Brian Cleveland, “there are about seven elements that they have to learn to do; they have to master each element at a time.”
Teaching archery involves breaking down the process into manageable steps, allowing new archers to focus on one skill at a time. By building confidence, he sees beginners start to see their own progress.
“The biggest motivator in the world is the discovery that you can do something,” said Cleveland. “If I can get you on the target and shooting a group, the discovery that you can do that will motivate you. Practice makes permanent. It doesn’t make perfect, you have to make it perfect.”
That sense of progress when practicing keeps the members motivated, and for some, it leads to trying out competitions. This is where they can test their skills in a new way, both inside and outside of school.
“NASP, the organization that regulates the competition, does competitions regionally, locally, or statewide. They usually take place at some other school, so like on a Saturday morning, someone who’s competing would train and prepare here but then go wherever they’re having a competition,” said Cleveland.
Competitions change the atmosphere of practice, moving from regular training to a more serious focus as the members prepare for the competition ahead.
“Near competitions, it’s very serious and all of us are really trying to get better before our final push before our competition,” said Wilder.
Wilder then explained that being close to a person while at a competition, having fatigue, and not being able to focus are big challenges.
For the archery team, it’s not just about hitting the target. It’s about patience, focus, and steady progress. From beginners to advanced members, each person learns that with practice, every shot brings improvement.
Click on Behind-the-Scenes photo essay on Archery Club below:
by Gabriella Kraft
Everybody has a modern-day hero. Whether it be a family member, a famous artist, or a poet; they have one. For Spanish teacher Suzanne Padron, her modern-day hero is her daughter.
“My daughter is the hardest-working person I know. She works harder every day to grow her career, of which she has two, and never fails to stand up for what’s right,” said Padron.
She first realized her daughter was her hero in 2020, during the Black Lives Matter protests, because despite her not being in great physical condition, she kept going back to continue protesting.
“She continued to protest every day, even after she broke her foot, even after being hit with tear gas, even after being shot at with rubber bullets; she went back the next day to continue protesting,” Padron said.
Sophomore Kahlani Hunts modern-day hero, was very present in most of her childhood movies, Lin-Manuel Miranda.
“He is in a lot of my childhood movies, and his songs just bring me a lot of nostalgic memories. I first discovered him when I was nine years old in Moana, that’s when I first realized he was my hero,” said Hunt.
“His songs bring feelings of joy because his songs remind me of happy childhood memories, and sadness because the lyrics in his songs are so heartfelt they bring me to tears,” said Hunt.
Biomedical teacher Charles ‘Brian’ Patton’s modern-day hero is a bit more personal — it’s his father.
“He is my hero because he is everything I would want to be as a man, father, teacher, and person. He’s been my hero for as long as I can remember,” said Patton
For sophomore Rachel Ledbetter, her modern-day hero is the very famous author Kristin Hannah.
“She’s my hero because her books touch on important topics people should be more informed about. I was first introduced to her when I read her book ‘The Great Alone’ last year. I also read her book ‘“’The Nightingale’, which brought me to tears,” said Ledbetter
Chemistry teacher James Huffman’s modern-day hero is the ex-football player Dan Marino, whom he grew up watching.
“He is my hero because I loved the Miami Dolphins growing up, and I always wanted to be a quarterback even though I was a running back. I remember first watching him when I was 5 or 6 ‘til the time I turned 18,” said Huffman.
Sophomore Alia Griffith’s modern-day hero is a little closer to home, as it is her mother.
“She teaches me to be the person I aspire to be in the future. She’s who I looked up to my whole life. And that hasn’t changed as I’ve gotten older,” said Griffith.
For English teacher David Kummer, his modern-day hero is Greta Thunberg.
“For her to speak out about what she cares about, and not just environmental stuff, but also the genocide in Palestine, even when she put herself in danger, made me admire her,” said Kummer.
He first heard about her when he was in college and she was in high school because it was at that point that she started getting popular for how outspoken she was.
“I heard about her through social media, specifically about her environmentalism, and I thought it was cool that a high schooler was so outspoken about that,” said Kummer.
Everybody’s modern-day hero is different. They all carry various emotions, different people, and different goals. Our hero reflects on who we are as a person.
by Kori Washington
Freshman Jonayzia Dickerson has known that she wanted to be a forensic tech ever since eighth grade, and right now, that is her main goal in life.
“This goal is important to me because I want to pursue a career in science and medical studies,” said Dickerson.
Teen goal setting is more talked about and more pushed on today’s teens, so they can have successful and better lives.
Also, today’s teens have more opportunities, which causes them to be more motivated, according to health academy counselor Amy Colangelo.
“I think students are more motivated because there are more resources and there are more opportunities as they get older,” said Colangelo.
“Find what interests you, come to school, set small goals; then, once you meet that goal, set a bigger one.”
Health Academy Counselor Amy Colangelo
For example, freshman Krislynn Hughes, who is pursuing her career goal of being a veterinarian, said, “My love for animals and not wanting to be broke when I’m older keeps me motivated to chase my goal.”
Also, according to Colangelo, it’s very important when setting goals for students to find something that interests them.
For example, Dickerson said, “My love for science is what keeps me motivated. I love science because it combines all subjects into one.”
Even though most teens have interests that keep them motivated, some teens have distractions that keep them unmotivated.
For example, business academy principal Matt Barker said, “Most teens have trouble with goal setting because of social media. It gets them distracted and not focusing on their goals.”
Despite these distractions, Colangelo still tries to give teens advice.
“Find what interests you, come to school, set small goals; then, once you meet that goal, set a bigger one,” she said.
Baker agreed. “Don’t set unrealistic goals; have short goals, then move on to bigger goals.”
by Dana Romero Regalado
Music is often viewed as a controversial topic; some question whether it should be included in the classroom or prohibited. Many see music as a distraction or unethical to have at a school, when it’s supposed to be a learning experience and environment for many students.
“I think it helps them, again, to improve their pronunciation. It widens their knowledge of vocabulary,” stated educator Megan Cortez.
Additionally, incorporating music into the classroom can further strengthen these skills. Music provides students with exposure to authentic language use, offering rhythm, tone, and repetition that aid in mastering correct pronunciation. It also introduces new vocabulary in meaningful and memorable contexts, allowing students to expand their language skills in an engaging way.
By integrating music into lessons, teachers can create a more dynamic learning environment that motivates students and supports long-term retention, according to Cortez.
“Yes, I do believe that music helps me strive to learn because it reduces stress as I listen to mostly calm songs, and it helps my brain process information more easily instead of shutting down under pressure,” stated sophomore Zihan Lin.
Music also serves as a powerful aid in reducing stress and enhancing students’ ability to process information. By creating a soothing and supportive atmosphere, music helps alleviate the pressure often associated with academic settings, allowing students to approach learning with a clearer and calmer mind. This lowered stress not only improves focus but also strengthens memory retention. Moreover, the rhythm and structure of music stimulate cognitive functions, enabling students to organize and internalize new information more effectively.
“Music has the potential to help students succeed in school, build self-confidence, and create leaders and well-rounded young people,” according to the Save the Music Foundation, a charity program that supports students by providing schools with instruments, training, and resources.
Music not only enriches academic performance but also strengthens essential life skills. When students engage with music, whether through playing an instrument, singing, or analyzing lyrics, they learn discipline, patience, and teamwork. These skills translate beyond the classroom, preparing them for real-world challenges and opportunities.
By fostering creativity and emotional expression, music also provides a healthy outlet for stress, allowing students to balance their mental and emotional well-being with their academic responsibilities.
“Yes, I believe music helps me strive to learn more because some songs just hit, and they make you study more, rather than just not listening to anything because I usually don’t like studying, but with music, it makes me want to study more,” said freshman Diego Hernandez.
Music can also serve as a powerful tool to enhance concentration and productivity while studying. The rhythm and melodies of certain songs can create a stimulating environment that keeps the mind engaged and reduces boredom. Instead of viewing studying as a tedious task, music transforms it into a more enjoyable experience, allowing students to remain focused for longer periods of time. This positive effect on motivation can ultimately improve both learning efficiency and academic performance.
“Music helps me express myself because it shows what kind of person I am without directly telling the other person. And it could also express my feelings. For example, if I’m listening to happy music or upbeat music, then you could assume I’m happy, and if I’m listening to sad music, then I could be sad. Music helps me in a lot of ways. I personally enjoy music. I can’t go a day without listening to music. Music soothes me, it helps me relax, and puts me in a good mood. Listening to your favorite music helps you calm down/relax, and the good thing now is that you can listen to music anywhere with a portable device,” said senior Luis Reb.
In addition to reflecting emotions, music also serves as a universal language that connects people across different backgrounds. It can communicate feelings and ideas that words sometimes cannot, creating a deeper understanding between individuals.
Whether through shared playlists, concerts, or simply enjoying the same song, music builds bonds and brings people together. This ability to both express individuality and foster connection makes music an important part of daily life and personal growth.
by Noah Lopez Salazar
“It just makes me feel like I’m not alone or lets me know that people out there are also going through things in their lives.”
This is what sophomore Jayliana Burris thinks about music and what many other students consider about when listening to music. They agree that music gets them in tune with feelings and emotions.
“Music means a lot to me and without music I don’t think I could get through some days,” said sophomore Chimamanda Chidi-Okorie. “Music definitely changes my emotions, mostly in a positive way and it helps with my anger and distress, which has made me more of a calm person.”
Some students relate to specific artists, which makes them feel understood.
“Central Cee is British, so I like how he’s different from other artists, and both Sza and Frank make very relatable music that I can feel to,” said Burris.
Music means a lot to listeners, especially because of the artists that write lyrics in meaningful ways which help teens relate to the music they’re listening to.
“I listen to Ariana Grande, Sabrina and Laufey as well; the reason why is because it gives me a warm, comforting feeling when I listen to them,” Chidi-Okorie stated.
“Music takes me away from real life some times,” added senior Jezel Garcia.
Garcia agreed with Chidi-Okorie that music brings people together with artists they share in common, or as an icebreaker to help get closer with other people.
“I let people pick what songs they want to listen to while driving so I get to know them more,” said Garcia.
Even freshmen rely on music to cheer them up.
“It gives me somewhere to connect my feelings to so that I know I’m not the only one who has felt what I am feeling currently,” said freshmen Sanina Robinson. “Lyrics hit close to home and bring me memories.”
Robinson said lyrics and style of songs help connect people with similar musical interests.
“I listen to lots of popular and common artists; I feel like lots of people listen to my music,” added Robinson. “Music cancels out what I feel normally and it is kind of like a background thing to keep me grounded.”
No matter the age or grade, music will always affect and impact teenagers.
As Burris said, “Music is a kind of way of expressing yourself and it’s something that means a lot to some people, but it’s something that everyone can do or make.”
by Breslyn Dozal
Sara Nord — JHS alumna, Indiana Miss Basketball (2000), former WNBA player for the Washington Mystics, elected to the UofL Hall of Fame in 2015 — loves to give back to her community.
Nord is the manager for the Spring Hill EnVision Center and Jeffersonville Fieldhouse. She does all that while training kids and giving back to Jeffersonville.
Hayden and Jazmin Doogarsingh, who have known Nord for five years, commented on how caring and how good of a role model she is to the people around her and great with kids.
Nord has always been a team player when it comes to sports or overall life.
“Being a team is important because you have to work with a lot of people throughout life. Have to be a team even when you’re your own boss,” she said.
Nord strives to make basketball mean a lot to people of all ages. She does a lot for a whole little and would do more if she could.
“Personable, outgoing, loyal, hotheaded. I feel like that’s who I am as a person. I meet people easily and I’m loyal to them,” Nord stated on how she thinks people would describe her.
Those who know Nord well describe her as humble despite her accomplishments.
“Very humble, very grateful. I think she knew she deserved it. She is a very gracious winner,” said close friend Greg Manor on how she was when she won Indiana Miss Basketball.
Nord always wants to make the best of people, especially when training with kids. ¨She’s selfless, she’s caring. And loves kids, she loves to help them,” said Manor.
Despite her selflessness, Nord will do whatever it takes to come out first. Whether it’s during a sport or a simple game of Uno, Nord is willing to do anything just for that game-winning feeling.
“Sara’s path to success is a true JHS story; she will be the first to open up and admit that she can identify with kids because Sara wasn’t handed everything on a silver platter. She had to fight for everything she got,” said principal Pam Hall.
She will help everyone get that feeling as well. Nord used to coach at JHS and Rock Creek Community Academy. Now she runs clinics at the Jeffersonville Fieldhouse.
“I think that her dedication on giving back to the community. She helps elementary, middle, and high school students. She is widely known — you can just say ‘Sara’ and people know who you’re talking about,” commented Hall.
Sara Nord, a strong, goodwill, selfless person. She has truly left a mark on everyone she met, and touched many lives. As Hall said, “Sara is kind to people… friendly to everyone in the area.”
“Live life with a purpose.” Sara Nord.
Click on photographs in the gallery below.
thehyphennews.com 