Science teacher Francesca Hernandez works to make biology meaningful and fun for her students by connecting what they learn in her classroom to the outside world.
“I think science is important, and if I can help others to understand the world around them more, then that’s a win in my book,” said Hernandez.
Her interest in biology started when she was in high school and had a teacher who made learning fun for her.
“I loved biology in high school. I had a fun teacher who took us on a bunch of field trips, and I wanted to be just like her. Shout out Ms. Lyvers,” said Hernandez.
Because of her own experiences as a student, Hernandez believes students should be able to learn science in ways they can remember.
“I’m a hands-on person. If I hear something, I forget it; I try to make sure my lessons have some level of hands-on work so that it sticks in their brains.”
Science and biology teacher Francesca Hernandez helps a student on a map for the class assignment on Thursday. “I’ve been teaching for six years and I love getting everyone interested and involved in their environment and natural world,” she said. Photo by Kayleen Alvarado.
Her teaching also focuses on helping students understand the environment around them and their responsibility toward it.
“The hardest part is getting students to understand that everything is relative; every action we make influences our world in some way. It’s up to us to choose how we handle that responsibility.”
Her students learn this sense of responsibility during her lessons
“She makes biology interesting by applying some of the real-world experiences to the science she teaches,” said freshman Akiya Flynn. “She breaks down the topic and puts it into more understandable terms for her students.”
“I describe her teaching as she shows everything on her board and helps us understand things we need more help with by shortening it into easier forms for us to understand,” said freshman Rhaya Nord.
Environmental science is especially important to Hernandez because she believes students can better appreciate the world when they understand it
“People can’t care for the world if they don’t understand it, and they can’t understand it if they don’t know it exists.”
Hernandez also enjoys having a new classroom this year where she has more room to teach through activities and labs.
“I love my new classroom. I have windows, and I also have more space to do more labs.”
Hernandez wants her students to see that biology is more than just a class they have to take at school.
“I want the readers to pay attention to their science classes because I promise it applies to them in some way.”
Chemistry teacher James Huffman walks behind his desk, capturing everyone’s attention with his voice. He flips through the slides on the board until he stops at a conversion equation; the students focus on him, waiting expectantly for him to demonstrate how to convert the units.
For Huffman, problems like these are more than just a chemistry lesson. He enjoys working through problems himself, but he also enjoys helping others find their way through difficult questions.
“Yeah! I like solving problems, and I like to help other people solve problems, specifically in chemistry but life in general,” Huffman said.
His approach to problem-solving is something his students notice in the classroom. Rather than just giving students an answer, he encourages them to understand how to arrive at it step by step.
“He taught us to remember formulas and learn how to do problems by putting them into steps,” junior Danna Lopez, a former student, stated.
Junior Rachel Santos also remarked that Huffman encourages students to approach difficult problems in different ways, especially when working with stoichiometry or other smaller subjects where they can’t seem to grasp the idea.
“He taught us to break down problems and try different methods, especially with stoichiometry,” Santos said.
Being a teacher isn’t what he always wanted; it wasn’t his first goal. Being an engineer was his first goal, but he wanted his life to revolve around helping people, no matter the problem.
“I would probably be an engineer. That was my first goal as a student, or I would be going the exact opposite, like I do now and be a social worker, like helping people with their problems, like life, versus solving problems as an engineer, which you know is much different.”
Graphic by Zihan Lin.
Although engineering was once Huffman’s goal, his interest in chemistry led him towards working with chemicals rather than engines. His experiences in his chemistry class, particularly the hands-on labs, helped him realize what he enjoyed most about the subject.
“Had an awesome teacher; I loved the labs. I loved being able to prove something with chemicals. I wasn’t as much—I don’t like to work on engines. I like to work with individual chemicals. I found that out from my chemistry teacher from high school,” he said.
His high school teacher not only helped shape his interest in chemistry, but also influenced the way he approaches teaching with his own students.
“I would say mostly due to the awesome teachers I had as a student. I had some really good teachers, and because of those good teachers. I want to do the same thing as they did.”
In Huffman’s classroom, every problem has a solution—and sometimes, the solution is simply to keep trying.
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.”
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.
Photo by Raven Baker.
“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.”
Nursing assistant Frank Marshall has dedicated much of his life to helping other people. Even though he is already retired, Marshall continues to work as an assistant nurse at JHS.
Marshall decided to continue working because he enjoys helping people and building connections.
“Since I started to work with JHS, I really started to have good connections with students and staff here. I just really enjoy working here,” he said.
He said being a nursing assistant is more than taking care of someone’s physical needs — it’s about listening to people, understanding them, and making them feel comfortable when they need help.
“Listening to students more and actually listening to them makes a small difference in how you can help them,” he said.
Working at JHS allows Marshall to interact with many different students every day. Sometimes students come to the nurse’s office because they are sick, injured, or simply not feeling their best.
“I like being able to connect with students and help them, whether they’re sick, hurt, or just having a bad day,” said Marshall.
Marshall’s friendly attitude is one quality that makes students feel less nervous while visiting the nurse.
“Marshall helped me feel more comfortable speaking up and not being afraid to say what I’m thinking,” said freshman Noah Sparks.
Even though Marshall is retired, he does not see his job as something he has to do. Instead, he sees it as something he enjoys doing. He likes having a reason to get up and come to work, and he appreciates being able to stay involved in his community.
“I enjoy coming to school every day. It gives me a reason to get up, stay involved, and continue helping people,” said Marshall.
Nurse Frank Marshall. Photo by Eva Harbeson.
His experience as a nurse assistant also allows him to help students and staff in ways that come from years of working with people.
RN Julie Simones said that Marshall’s presence and work have added to the health office this year.
“He is amazing. I’m very happy to have him as part of our nurses’ staff here at Jeff. He is really good at what he does. He has been great from the beginning,” said Simones.
His dedication has not gone unnoticed, especially by those who work alongside him in the health office.
“He is very respectful. He always knows how to help me when I need it the most. He is very, very honest as well. He is a very good nurse, he belongs here,” said junior Harper Ward.
For many students, Marshall is more than just a member of the nursing staff; he is someone they know they can count on.
“He was very good at helping me whenever I was in pain. He was calm but very patient with me. Frank has always been there for the Football team at all times. He puts his needs aside for his students. He’s amazing,” said Senior Ke’Mari Smith.
Marshall’s passion for nursing is also something he shares with his wife, giving them something special in common.
“My wife is also a nurse, so we bond over being nurses,” he said.
Their careers give them something they can talk about and understand together. Marshall said, “We understand each other. We can talk about our experiences, share stories, and support each other.”
Having a wife who is also a nurse has helped Marshall appreciate his career even more. He said nursing can be challenging, but having someone at home who understands the job can make those challenges easier.
“My wife understands what it’s like to be in nursing, so when I have a tough day, she knows what I’m going through. We can relate to each other and help each other through it,” said Marshall.
Marshall’s decision to keep working after retirement shows how much he cares about helping others. He could have chosen to spend his retirement doing something completely different, but instead he decided to continue working with people.
“I enjoy helping students so they can become better and get help quickly,” he said.
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.
Photo by Ayianna Maddox.
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.
The classroom is filled with conversations about strategy, business, and the future as business teacher Laura Solomon pushes her students to think beyond the walls of JHS.
For Solomon, teaching is more than simply giving students information. Her goal is to show them how what they learn in class can be applied to their futures.
“I have a passion for what I’m trying to teach, and I hope that my students can see that passion,” said Solomon. “I can connect these topics to the real world, and I hope that helps you guys understand what we’re doing.”
Solomon teaches marketing fundamentals, strategic marketing, and finance and investments, as well as classes and programs connected to the Centra Credit Union and the Devil’s Den. Through these courses, she gives students opportunities to explore the business world while developing skills they can use after high school.
Her connection to JHS is also an important part of why she enjoys teaching.
“I think I have a pretty decent relationship with Jeff as a whole.” she said. “There is a community here because you can see students’ desire to be a Red Devil and what that means to them.”
Solomon said JHS gives students opportunities, especially through programs such as the academy system.
“This school gives you a foundation and helps you build on your future,” she said.
Business teacher Laura Solomon plans what to provide in the Devil’s Den with her finance and investment class. Photo by Isaiah Guzman.
Inside the classroom, Solomon describes herself as straightforward. She sets high expectations for her students but tries to make sure those expectations remain achievable.
“I try to set high expectations so the students are pushing themselves to be better, but not so high that they can’t do it and feel defeated,” she said. “I feel as if students don’t have enough expectations for themselves.”
She also holds her students to the same standards she would hold her own children to.
“I wouldn’t expect anything out of them that I don’t expect out of my own children,” said Solomon.
Junior Braelynn Leavell experiences those expectations firsthand. She said the class challenges her while preparing her for the future.
“It teaches me a lot about strategy and how I can apply these skills in the future,” Leavell said. “I feel as if this class is preparing me for the future.”
Leavell chose the class because she believes the skills she learns can help her achieve her goals in the real world.
“I feel like this class would help me build my business and improve my skills in the business world,” she said.
The challenging environment is something Leavell appreciates.
“I have high confidence and expectations for myself, and this class helps me challenge that,” she said. “My brain is always running in this class.”
For Solomon, keeping students engaged starts with helping them understand why the information matters.
“I think engagement is increased when the students can see the relevance in what they’re learning and why they’re learning it,” she said. “I show how these things can be helpful in the real world.”
Senior Darryl Cordova, another student in Solomon’s class, said that connection to the business world is one of the reasons he enjoys being there.
“I like this class,” Cordova said. “This is where I go to focus on the business world.”
Like Leavell, Cordova chose the class because of how he believes it will help him after graduation.
“I want a good-paying job in the future, and I think this class prepares you for that and more,” he said.
While the work can be challenging, Cordova said the class gives students opportunities to actively interact with what they are learning.
“I’m pretty confident in this class,” Cordova said. “I feel like the work isn’t stressful when you actually get to interact in a class.”
However, Solomon’s impact reaches beyond marketing and business. Both students described lessons they have learned from her that go beyond the curriculum.
“Mrs. Solomon has taught me that the real-life world isn’t scary,” Leavell said. “You just have to be willing and open-minded to it.”
Cordova said Solomon has helped him think differently about his own future and the effort he puts into achieving his goals.
“She taught me that I can either do the bare minimum for credit or do the most for my future,” he said.
Students also believe Solomon’s honesty is what separates her from other teachers. Leavell described her as realistic and willing to listen to different perspectives.
“Mrs. Solomon is real,” Leavell said. “She’s realistic. She’s able to take all opinions into consideration, and she makes points on all sides.”
Cordova shared a similar perspective.
“Mrs. Solomon is a great teacher, and she’s willing to be honest and real and raw,” he said.
Solomon’s honesty and high expectations come from her desire to help students become successful. Even when she disagrees or “bumps heads” with a student, she continues trying to build a relationship with them.
“I like being around you guys,” Solomon said. “The students I even bump heads with, I try to build relationships with and reach them. Sometimes I can’t, but I don’t stop trying.”
Before returning to education, Solomon worked in the business world. However, she eventually chose to come back to teaching because mentoring students was what she truly enjoyed.
“I left the business world to come back to teaching because this is what I enjoy,” she said. “I enjoy being a mentor and hearing from my students after they’ve graduated so I can see how they’re using my class in life after school.”
For Solomon, the lessons taught in her classroom are meant to last far beyond a grade or graduation. Through real-world experiences, high expectations and honesty, she hopes her students leave her classroom prepared not only for the business world, but for whatever future they choose to build.
Movies, music, and voice acting: Tim Curry was a multi-talented actor and singer who tragically passed away on August 25, 2026.
After suffering from a stroke in 2012, he was wheelchair-bound and slowly recovering over the next 14 years. Most people know him as the outlandish and cross-dressing mad scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter from The Rocky Horror Picture Show. But what was his life truly like?
Curry was born on April 19, 1946, in Grappenhall, Warrington, United Kingdom. His father was a chaplain in the Royal Navy, and his mother was a secretary for a school. As a child born into a military family, his childhood included many moves, including to Hong Kong.
He began his musical career in the church, where he sang as a boy soprano. During his young adult years, Curry studied drama and English literature at Birmingham University. His early-stage work included conventional classic roles in Shakespearean plays.
In 1978, Curry played Shakespeare in the British drama series Will Shakespeare, where Curry would fully disappear under the prosthetics and makeup, allowing him to play his startling and terrifying characters.
Curry would play the Lord of Darkness in the epic 1985 film Legend, starring Tom Cruise. In 1990, he was covered in white face paint to play the evil clown Pennywise in the horror movie IT.
Relocating to the USA in the 1980’s gave Curry many opportunities for movies, including Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and Scary Movie 2. He also kept his ability to terrify by playing the serial killer Billy Flynn in Criminal Minds.
Despite the major stroke he experienced in 2012, he still kept performing, voicing characters in a multitude of works like Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Transformers: Rescue Bots.
Though he died fairly recently, his works are still appreciated by people around the world. Through his cult classics and musical talents, people all over the world have appreciated his talents for decades. He may have died, but his legacy will forever live on.
Prosser is a Career Education Center where Southern Indiana students can go to receive additional education or a degree for free through high school without attending college. Those who apply and get accepted excel by learning skills in their desired field. Prosser offers many classes and pathways, and students apply because their high school doesn’t offer a specific class for that pathway, or it isn’t in-depth enough.
Business Academy counselor Shelby McCorkle said Prosser offers many different programs.
“They offer 20-21 different programs, and they each have dual credit attached to them. It’s a little different depending on what program you’re in. You can apply as a sophomore, you need a letter of recommendation, a goal statement, to be on track with your credits, and good attendance. It’s a great opportunity to get hands-on experience, but it’s not for everybody,” she said.
Graphic by Jessalyn Stolte.
Junior Graciela Sanchez studies Cosmetology and finds Prosser a great opportunity to better her education and get her life ready after high school.
“I can get my cosmetology license and go straight into work while I also still plan to go to college and study elementary education,” she said.
Life at Prosser isn’t the same for everybody. Most people love it, and some people do not, but the opportunities teens get while there exceed everything — the good and the bad, according to junior Jaylianah Burris.
“I love it. I like all of the different opportunities I am able to have. I plan to become an orthodontist, so Dental is a huge staple while at Prosser,” she said.
Prosser not only supports career choices; it also helps prepare students for higher education and real life. For example, junior Samantha Carillo studies Early Childhood Psychology.
“I’m going into early childhood psychology and not education because I want to help kids with their social-emotional learning more than their education. Prosser helps teach me how kids are affected in their early years and how to help/prevent certain childhood problems,” she said.
Prosser students prepare for a variety of careers; for example, junior Lorelei Darling studies Culinary Arts, junior Jacob Fifer studies Automotive Mechanical, and junior Brayden Bachman studies Constructional Electrical Trades.
“I love my Prosser class because I get to learn how to cook; it has exceeded my expectations. I want to be a private chef, so it’s very beneficial for my career choice,” Darling said.
“It’s very easy managing my time since I finish my homework in class,” added Fifer.
Additionally, Bachman said, “Prosser is great — I love how it’s hands-on, and you meet tons of people. It’s easy to manage your time as long as you stay on top of your work.”
Life at Prosser is a logical choice for students who want to stay ahead of the game. It may not be for everyone, but it is a great opportunity that prepares teens for careers after high school.
All photos by Malachi Conrad and Parker McCloskey.
Senior Sire Minggia sings at Gospelfest last Thursday. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Senior Sire Minggia performs the opening song last Thursday during Gospelfest in the auditorium. Gospelfest is a yearly event in which JHS musicians and singers perform gospel music for the community. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Junior Kendall Washington performs during the second song at last Thursday’s Gospelfest. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Choir members sing together before the intermission at least Thursday’s Gospelfest. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Senior Kylie Parsons performs alongside other members of the choir last Thursday. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Choir members sing together during last Thursday’s Gospelfest. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Dr. Roosevelt Escalante looks upon the crowd as the event ends at last Thursday’s Gospelfest. Photo by Parker McCloskey.The choir performs during Gospelfest last Thursday. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
Junior varsity soccer coach Drew Davis crouches down on to the ground to discuss the product of the half with his team. He describes how their Evansville Reitz opponents play and the weakness his players may leverage for their success and what they might improve on in the next half.
“He tells me what to do and we just win games and that’s what it’s all about,” said freshman Ryan McKinley, a JV soccer starter.
Not only does he help them on the field but he teaches them other lessons, especially off the field.
“It’s teaching them to work with others and learning that you won’t win everything, but if you stay the course with the right game plan you will be successful in life,” recounted Davis. “It teaches discipline and responsibility in that you sacrifice stuff for others.”
Coach Davis has been in the soccer program for 13 years. He has also coached at several other schools and played during his high school years.
“I would say when I started to get to high school and would watch games with friends it was more than anything I could really imagine,” remarked Davis.
Out of all the years, though, Coach Davis said that this year is different for the soccer program.
“I think that this team from top to bottom is the best team since I have been here. It’s a marriage of skill and belief,” stated Davis.
Junior varsity soccer coach Drew Davis instructs freshman Ryan McKinley during the Providence game. Photo by Louis Stifler.
This team seems to have something different to it that both the coaches and the players see.
“It is a lot more accepting and a lot more people have come out,” said sophomore JV player Ryland Prichard.
The atmosphere of the teams signifies that there is a different fire this year. Over the years it was building up. The coaches can feel it, and so can the players.
“My goal would one day to be fighting for a state title. You do that by not just winning games, but getting good grades, being a leader,on and off the field, and just being a role model,” stated Davis.
This soccer program has improved under all of those who support it.
Davis said the JHS soccer success has been special, especially in “the years when JV had an undefeated season — which I never thought I’d do — and the varsity season last year as we went as far as I did as a player.”
Coach Davis has brought this program back up higher than ever and he plans to bring it even higher as a teacher, a leader, but especially as a coach.
“I love coaching because I enjoy giving back to others and watching them enjoy the experience I got out of the sport and being a part of a building project, watching it grow and get.”
Freshman Camron Bell chases his soccer dreams
by Javian DeLa Luz Garcia
Freshman Camron Bell listens intently as head coach Drew Davis instructs the players on what to do during practice.
“I look forward to scoring a lot of goals and making it to sectionals and regionals,” said Bell. He is a part of the junior varsity JHS soccer team. He hopes to be a regular starter in junior varsity, and eventually be a part of the varsity soccer squad.
“I’m proud of how far I made it in soccer, because the level I am at is extremely difficult and hard,” said Bell.
He is a normal kid. He goes to school and he hangs out with his friends; however; one of his main aspects in life is playing soccer. His main passion in life is playing soccer.
“I strive to go pro because it is my dream. It is my passion, I love this sport and I want to go pro in it,” said Bell.
Though he strives to go pro now, he has always had a passion for soccer from an early age.
“When I was three years old, my mom wanted me to try out a sport, so I chose soccer.”
After choosing soccer Bell has fallen in love with the sport of soccer ever since. His coach, Davis, is the one who trains Bell and the JV team.
“I think that he is not someone who tiptoes into challenges. He throws himself into challenges. He puts 110% effort in all factors of the game,” said coach Davis.
Freshman Camron Bell. Photo by Mason McGuire.
Freshman Cayden Stolte, Bell’s teammate, agreed with Davis, describing him as a good goalscorer for the team.
Although his life mostly consists of sports he also gives effort into school. Bell has to be on top of his school work to be able to play in this soccer team. The school has requirements to be able to play in a school team.
“Nothing below a D and if you have a D you have to have no missing assignments,” said Bell.
Having to deal with both his school and athlete life, Bell finds himself sometimes being overwhelmed by the pressure.
“Balancing them both is hard… because you have to get good grades and study and sometimes they interfere. I study at home, get good grades, and go out and play on the field,” said Bell.
It’s this philosophy that drives Bell towards success in the sport of soccer.
“Never give up, chase your dreams no matter the setbacks. And that life will get hard, just never stop trying.”
For some students, getting through the school day isn’t just about worrying about grades and homework. They may worry about their next meal or if they even have decent clothes to wear the next day.
That’s where JHS Connor’s Closet and Food Pantry comes in, giving students the resources they need and minimizing some of their stress.
Though the school has offered these resources for many years, many students still don’t know they are available.
“I wish more students could have access to it. We tried to start a Google Form last year, where students could send in the food they needed, but not many students knew,” said food pantry sponsor Michelle Houchin.
Food pantry sponsor Michelle Houchin makes sure the pantry is well stocked during a sixth-hour inspection. The pantry serves all JHS students. Photo by Gabrielle Watkins.
For families facing financial challenges, these resources can give support when everyday necessities become hard to afford.
“If families face hardships and can’t afford clothes, this is an opportunity to help our students and their families. And the same goes for the food pantry, especially with prices going up; we just don’t ever want kids or their families to go hungry,” said principal Pam Hall.
But for many staff members, providing these resources isn’t just about feeding and clothing them; it’s about seeing the difference they can make in their lives when they just give them a little help.
“The most rewarding part is seeing the families that we helped supply food for a month or two while parents got back up on their feet come back and are usually the first to give back,” said Hall.
While having these resources can make a big difference for families having financial issues, not having them can affect students beyond their lives at home.
“Students may not have the time or resources to purchase items or receive basic needs. This closet can help alleviate daily stress, anxiety, or the uncertainty of challenges that present themselves without having to leave school,” said Connor’s Closet sponsor Jennifer Mitchell.
But having these resources doesn’t mean that students always feel comfortable asking for them. Some may feel ashamed or embarrassed, but the staff is here to make it as discreet and as comfortable as possible.
Food pantry sponsor Michelle Houchin stocks the shelves with ramen noodles and peanut butter. Photo by Gabrielle Watkins.
“I know a face-to-face conversation might be difficult for a lot of students. So they could email a trusted teacher or somebody that they have a connection with. Teachers are not going to judge you for not having access to food,” said Houchin.
These resources do more than just provide students and families with food and clothing — they help take away challenges that can make it hard for students to focus on school.
“If you’re hungry, you want to be able to concentrate. It can make you tired and can make you grouchy. It makes it even harder to be a student when you don’t have access to food or clean clothes,” said Houchin.
While these resources have already made a difference in many student’s lives, Hall plans to add more resources to give students even more support.
“One thing I would love for us to open is a laundromat here on campus that students could use sometimes. I would love to get that up and running because, you know, laundry is expensive, and not everybody’s home has a working washer and dryer,” said Hall.
