Student Life – Page 2

Students prepare for Thanksgiving traditions

by Sophia Waldridge

When Thanksgiving starts rolling around every student gets excited; it’s the time to eat, go on a week long break from school, and see family.

Many families have traditions for this time of year, and it’s different for many families across Indiana.

Senior Kaeleb Hayes said that he and his family go to some type of sports game before he goes on fall break as a tradition, and that they don’t decorate but that he helps his mom cook and they prepare a big meal.

“For Thanksgiving we watch the NFL games and my mom makes a lot of food for my brother and sister to come in from out of town.”

He said that they also prepare a meal for their chickens as a tradition and he is excited for the extra days off school and to see his siblings.

Junior Billy Wibbels is similar to Hayes and for Thanksgiving he hangs out with his family and friends.

“We don’t really decorate, we just make a huge dinner and all hang out. My grandpa comes to town from Florida and we all just reminisce.”

But some have very different traditions and don’t do anything for Thanksgiving, like sophomore Gracie Harder. She said she just spends Thanksgiving break cleaning her room and doing a self care reset, and spends most of the break alone until later into Thanksgiving day and she goes to her grandma’s.

“For break I always spend it all alone until I go to my grandma’s late on Thanksgiving day and we eat a big dinner, and we decorate the Christmas tree; everyone who comes brings a dish and I like to bake sweets and bring them, but other than that my family doesn’t do anything special.”

Freshman Harper Gordon said that her and her family just treat it like another day — they watch Christmas movies together and make a meal together but other than that they have no traditions and the plans change every year.

“My family sometimes makes a little turkey and we turn on Christmas movies but there are some years that we just don’t do anything, a few of my family members come over but only three or four.”

So many families eat together, spend time together, but not all decorate or have traditions. There are some that don’t do anything and just spend the day alone, or just eat a regular dinner like every other day.

19 Nov 202519 Nov 2025 by jhshyphen

Red Devils embrace Halloween spirit

Students and faculty wore their spookiest Halloween costumes last Friday, and Hyphen photographers and journalists captured some of the scary moments through portrait photography. Click on the images below to see photos in the gallery.

Aaliyah Flowers. Photo by Isaiah Stewart.

4 Nov 20254 Nov 2025 by jhshyphen

Freshmen plan now for their futures

by Hailey Craynon

In 10 years from now, everyone will be off doing their own thing. What are you going to do? What makes you want to do this? How committed are you? Where do you see yourself?

Freshman Kyra Gibson said, “I want to be a criminal investigator. I want to be a criminal investigator because I want to understand why criminals do the things they do, and I’m planning to achieve this by staying focused in school and graduating from a good college.”

Gibson has been passionate about being a criminal investigator since she was in sixth grade, as she found it exciting and interesting.

“I have always watched documentaries with my mom and tried to solve them, and it got me into criminal investigations.”

Some students are interested in nursing.

Freshman Makhia Hall said, “In 10 years, I see myself figuring out what college I want to go to so that I can study for a nursing degree, and I’ve always been good with kids and just people in general. I’m going to achieve this by getting good grades, making sure my GPA is high, and paying attention more in classes.”

Some think nursing is maybe too hard and they give up on a dream, but Hall said to “focus on the impact you will have on patients’ lives and never give up.”

And while some freshmen do not know exactly what they’d like to do in the future yet, they still plan to make the most of high school.

Freshman Serenity Dees said, “In 10 years, I would probably be either in or graduating college, hopefully with a job of some sort and living with a friend or on my own. To achieve that, I’ll need to keep my grades up and graduate from high school in the pathway I plan to pursue.”

Some people are uncertain what they want to do with their lives when they’re older, and that’s okay. They still plan to have a fun and sustainable life.

Freshman Tryston Looney said, “I see myself in 10 years in a nice house, and I’m planning to be a police officer because I have always wanted to be one. I plan to achieve this by saving up money and working hard. I want to do this so I can live a happy and decent life in the future.”

Some may have a dream and think it’s too hard, or that they will never make it, but “fight strong and never give up on your dreams,” said Looney.

No matter how challenging their dreams are, most freshmen plan to never give up on their dreams.

31 Oct 2025 by jhshyphen

Social media impacts fashion in teens

by Brennan Zoeller and Jilliann Denbo

Men’s Fashion

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

Women’s Fashion

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.

24 Oct 2025 by jhshyphen

Tea Club provides a stress-free, relaxed atmosphere to socialize

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.

Tea Club members gather during their after-school meeting in the Media Center. Photo by Rain Gresham.

“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 for members in the Media Center after school. Photo by Rain Gresham.

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.

24 Oct 202524 Oct 2025 by jhshyphen

Teen goal setting helps students prepare for their futures

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.”

22 Oct 202524 Oct 2025 by jhshyphen

Seniors decorate parking lot spaces to reveal interests and personalities

All photos by Kaleb Baker. Interviews by Abbigail Hollins.

Senior Litzy Rubio: “I’ve always had the idea of minions making it to my parking spot because I think they’re cute and wanted to incorporate them.” Photo by Kaleb Baker.

12 Sep 2025 by jhshyphen

Red Devils welcome new school year with annual Community Pep Rally

Students, Community come together to collect school supplies and display school spirit

All photos by Magdalene Conrad.

The Jeff High Step Team represents the school at Thursday’s Community Pep Rally. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.

11 Aug 2025 by jhshyphen

International Showcase gives students the chance to share their cultures

Senior Sarah Baloucoune and freshman Yanda Mafoua explain the South African and Senegalese cultures to interested students at the International Showcase during third hour. Photo by Emelyn Gantulga.

19 May 2025 by jhshyphen

The Last Word: Innocence to Reality

Editor’s Note: Journalism I students who have published on the Hyphen website this school year were given the opportunity to write and publish a final message to readers on a topic and with a style of their choice.

by Ayianna Maddox

To be naive once again.

The world out here is cruel.

To not see crystal clear, but to see a cartoon.

To see the world bright and colorful again, instead of bland and dull.

How I miss hearing the ice cream truck’s tune.

Now I wake to a snooze alarm.

To not have a care in the world.

To yearn for the newest toy, not an extra 5 minutes.

The years passed by, believing they’d last forever.

The memories slip away, but small fragments of nostalgia remain.

Excavated memories and treasures.

Innocence to reality.

The world has never looked the same.

Looking back is realizing that every day that naive child is still present.

That naive child lives in my heart, where she’s always been since the start.

14 May 202515 May 2025 by jhshyphen

Review: The Doors’ debut album achieves perfection from top to bottom

by Tyler Conley

Before the release of the first album, way before the legacy and creation that The Doors became, no one, not even the band themselves, would realize the lasting impact they would have on the music industry and rock and roll as we know it today.

The Doors first got their kicks of being a band in 1965, playing small venues, with nervous frontman Jim Morrison turning his back on the audience as he sang to avoid stage fright. Also included were Ray Manzarek at the helm of keyboard bass and organ, Robby Krieger laying down chords and bluesy solos, and John Densmore putting down rhythms unmatched and unheard of at the time. This lineup would stick together until the eventual breakup of the band.

When 1967 struck, it was time to record the first record. For 10 thousand dollars a 4- track recorder was purchased. With the help of Paul A. Rothchild, the band began their sessions for their self-titled debut. Rehearsal outtakes were recorded of songs that would appear on later records, but the first actual songs recorded were “I Looked at You” and “Take It as It Comes.”

With the combined power and input of all band members, the band completed recording. “Light My Fire” became an instant success, reaching #1 on Billboard charts, along with “Break on Through (To the Other Side.)” At the time The Doors arrived, rock was in absolute infancy, especially when compared to today’s standards for what “rock” is. With a mixture of blues, soul, rock, and everything in between, this album is a gem for anyone a fan of those genres.

Morrison’s lyricism is a big factor in what makes the music magical. His outlook on life, his expressions of feelings and ideas are perfect. The final song on the record, an 11-minute epic, details fighting past trauma and getting over the past. Most of the love songs the Doors would write on this record and many more are about Morrison’s longtime girlfriend, Pamela.

Over Morrison’s life, controversy has played a big part in how people perceive him. People label the singer as a drunk, and stupid. But behind those bad, vulnerable moments is a person who was caring and compassionate. Back in the 60s, mental help wasn’t as easily accessible as it is now.

This album changed my life when I first heard it. The beautifulness of “The Crystal Ship” And “End of The Night,” and the killer tunes of “Break on through (To the Other Side)” and “Twentieth Century Fox.” These songs, and much more, make up one of the best debut albums of all time.

And if that alone isn’t enough to pique your interest, artists like Jay-Z and Lauryn Hill have sampled The Doors’ music in their works. The Doors are respected by every genre, and heavily influential.

The Doors are engraved into the heart of rock and roll, and the music industry as a whole. Jim Morrison, and all members respectively, are like cosmic brothers, and their music is there for the listener whenever they need it. When people are strange, music will always be waiting with open arms, and this album is no exception. Top to bottom, perfection.

12 May 2025 by jhshyphen

Music calms students, teachers as they complete academic work

by Sophia Waldridge

In the world of music there are many different genres; many favor R&B or hip hop, while others strive to have the emotional connection with music that will make them relate to the artist, a song where they feel the lyrics on a whole new level.

English 9 teacher Eric Watson said music always resonates emotionally when it expresses situations the listener has been through, and a lot when it has an “inherently empathetic expression.”

Watson’s co-teacher, Michelle Houchin, agreed and said emotional music helps connect people and relate them to each other, it can help someone feel happy when they’re sad or they can express themselves through having a good cry over a breakup while listening to sad music.

“I listen to emotional music when I am upset. It helps me feel seen and I can have a personal concert and sing what I relate to the most. As an adult I think this music is more popular than before but it does help some people.”

Some students feel the benefits of this music, too. They just want to put their headphones in and relax at school, as not only adults have bad days and need an escape from reality with some jams.

Freshman Mahalia Smith said emotional music could help people realize what emotion they’re genuinely feeling if they’re confused.

“Sometimes being alone is all you need when you’re feeling down and music can always help,” she said. It can be a good distraction to just help people feel safe enough to let out a good cry or even a happy song that they can sing along to in private and make themselves feel better.

Freshman Gracie Harder listens to her favorite R&B song by Alicia Keys, “Empire State of Mind,” in her car on the way home on March 31. She was listening to this song to calm her anxiety after a long day working and learning. “I love this song because I can really listen to the lyrics and feel relaxed after a long wild day.” Photo by Sophia Waldridge.

“Finding a song that you relate to by an artist you know is a very cathartic experience,” said Algebra Honors Teacher Cory Densford, He listens to music with emotion, but between happy or sad depending on his mood. If it’s been a bad day he uses happy music to turn his day around.

“The main thing I feel while listening to music I relate to is that it helps me feel like I’m not alone with my feelings, and I’m grateful I have an outlet for some of my negative emotions,” said Densford.

Freshman Gracie Harder thinks R&B music is more soothing and gives people the opportunity to have calm background music like slow blues or a good rhythm. She listens to hits in her free time when she needs to think or she’s doing homework.

“I listen to R&B mostly because it gives me a calming feeling and a quiet place to think when I’m stressed.”

8 May 2025 by jhshyphen