Digital Dispatch August 26, 2026
Category: News
JHS defeats Jennings County 8-3 last night
All photos by Malachi Conrad and Isaiah Stewart.
Conrad.
Photo by Malachi Conrad.
hat trick. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
Louisville Eastern defeats Red Devils 3-2 last night
All photos by Parker McCloskey.
goal last night. Photo by Parker McCloskey.
Parker McCloskey.
Parker McCloskey.
Too many teachers forced to fund their own classrooms
by Jilliann Denbo
Teachers year-round struggle with providing for their students. They shouldn’t have to worry about whether or not their students are getting enough supplies for the whole school year.
“Many educators say their districts simply aren’t supplying everything their students need to be engaged, comfortable, and ready to learn,” stated an NEA Today article by Amanda Litvinov in 2023.
The lack of help or funding forces teachers to reach into their own pockets and pay for supplies they shouldn’t have to. No one really understands how much teachers pay for school supplies every year.
“I spend my own personal money on my classroom each and every year. I would say I spend more than 1,000 dollars per year,” said Northaven preschool teacher Michelle Denbo, my mom.
Teachers having to spend this much every year, and it being the bare minimum, is not okay. No one truly takes the time to think about how much support teachers need, and not just from principals or other teachers.
“Every donation turns our classrooms into more learning opportunities; every single donation, no matter how big or small, helps,” said Denbo.
Every teacher and parent knows that it is very hard to be able to pay for supplies, especially in today’s economy.
“Within the past two years, the annual inflation rate has spiked to its highest level in 40 years. That’s made back-to-school shopping hard on many families, and difficult for the educators who are expected to subsidize their classrooms to help their students reach learning benchmarks throughout the year,” stated Litvinov in her article, citing Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Teachers truly go the extra mile to make sure every student has exactly what they need no matter what.
“We didn’t get a budget last year, and I really tried not to spend my own money, but we quickly ran out of a lot of things. We do a ton of crafting and making cute food items, along with holiday celebrations; I normally end up having to come out of pocket,” said Denbo.
While the financial part of being a teacher is full of struggles, these purchases give children an opportunity to fully learn and have complete focus.
“Yes, buying things for my classroom is hard most of the time. But everything is always worth it when I get to see the smiles coming from my students’ faces,” said Denbo.
Support educators like Denbo by taking the time to think about donating and supporting each and every educator.
Staff, students navigate expectations of new school year
by Gabriella Kraft
The new school year is always nerve-racking — new classes, new people, and new teachers. The readjustment period is always a struggle after coming back from two months of summer, and it’s been even more so with Indiana’s new phone ban.
But students and faculty persevere and get through by talking to new people, catching up on late work, or reading a book.
Algebra II teacher Greg Bowen was a little intimidated at the beginning of the year, but he is slowly readjusting to all the changes.
“I was a little nervous about how kids would adjust to the new cell phone policy, and they’ve adjusted really well, so yes, now I’m excited,” said Bowen.
The new cell phone policy had all the teachers on the edge of their seats, but students adjusted better than they thought. It’s a different kind of year for everybody, including senior Leighla Perry.
“This is my last year of high school, and although I’ll miss it because of my friends, I can’t be more excited about graduating,” said Perry.
Perry’s also been involved in the JHS community since junior year by being a part of NHS, Anchor Club, and cheerleading.
“I love being involved; it looks good on applications, and it’s nice just helping people and knowing I’m doing a good thing,” said Perry.
Juniors are getting older and racking up college credits and AP classes.
“The year has been pretty good; it’s mostly just me waiting for IUS to start. I expected more out of my classes, especially from my AP U.S. history class,” said junior Kahlani Hunt.
It seems like everybody’s year has been great so far, including sophomore Savannah Valois.
“My favorite part of the school has been my math class; it’s been great. I thought it would be harder this year, so I wasn’t excited at first, but it’s been okay,” said Valois.
As one high schooler’s career ends, another begins.
“The year has been good so far; I’ve found my classes easily; I thought it would be harder navigating,” said freshman Harmony Staton.
Life this school year, although different, has been going better than anybody expected, and JHS is excited for what is to come.
Digital Dispatch August 25, 2026
Theatre Department previews two shows focused on teen experiences
by Natalie Creagh and Aurora Grisham
For years, the JHS Theatre Department has presented two shows per year. Each show is usually an opposing genre, but this season, they are similar. They’re both set in a high school setting around students and their experiences.
This season’s shows are Mean Girls, the Musical, a musical where a girl moves from Africa and attends a public high school and befriends the popular girls. Throughout the show, the main character, Cady, goes from an awkward new kid to hanging out with the most popular and powerful girls in school.
Our Play is about a group of high school kids from different backgrounds putting on Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, a new show, published in 2025 by Jessica Moss.
“I think that they are the right fit for our students,” said theatre director Derrick Ledbetter. “I think it’s shows they can relate to.”
Ledbetter said he chose these two shows with similar themes for a reason – the appeal they have for young audiences.
“I think it goes back to how the shows are in closer experiences to our students,” he stated.
Beyond the theme-related performances, Ledbetter said he has some more ambitions for this season, saying, “I hope we have a lot of people come out. I hope we get a lot of new experiences for people.”
Ledbetter also said these audiences will appreciate the performances of these two shows, stating, “I think it has to do with choosing authenticity over popularity.”
Theatre students are already preparing for the performances this season.
Junior Kahlani Hunt said she definitely has a favorite show this season.
“I’m most excited for Mean Girls. I’m hoping to do tech this year.”
Sophomore Lucas Dimmitt agreed, saying, “I’m hoping to get a bigger role. I’m most excited for Mean Girls.”
Senior Jalen Nifong said, “I want to accomplish something I’m proud of. I’m intrigued to see Our Play because it’s a lesser known show.”
The message for the Theatre Department is for teens to be their authentic selves and not to conform to social norms. Ledbetter said he selected these plays not only for entertainment, but also to send an important message to the audience.
Small team, big responsibilities
Girls’ soccer team recruits new players, uses positive energy to face the season
by Layney Derricott
The JHS girls’ soccer team has begun the new season with a smaller-than-normal roster, with barely enough players to fill the field or the bench.
However, coming off a long summer break and straight into practice, the team is keeping a positive mindset despite the challenges.
“We always make sure to always be uplifting and bring each other up — that’s important,” said senior midfielder Layana Cosby.
After the 2025-26 season, a variety of players graduated, leaving the team depleted; however, the game still goes on. With their first game on August 18, the team prepared hastily. To start the season, they held tryouts August 3-5, resulting in a roster of 19, just enough players to field a team.
Being on a team with fewer players can change experiences, including creating a different environment, demanding more responsibility with individual players and affecting gameplay.
Coach Emily Foster said, “It’s a struggle having to try out new positions, but they are rising well to the challenge of something new. It’s all a matter of time for the team.”
In addition to adjusting to new positions, the smaller roster has also learned the importance of teamwork and patience.
Sophomore center defender Haylee Alvaranga stated, “Having to have more patience helps with being a better team player by allowing you to listen, communicate, and work well with others.”
Smaller teams sometimes mean less help. Players said patience in waiting their turns, along with communicating, thinking of others, and listening, tends to be a key virtue in being a team player.
Senior team captain Abi Lemon stated, “facing tough opponents while staying optimistic” will be the Red Devils’ biggest challenge to overcome this season.
Meeting this challenge while struggling under pressure can be hard but effective, according to Lemon. The new players joining the team are both helpful and encouraged.
“It is a great experience to try something new; no matter how good someone is, their talent is needed. Everyone has unique talents and skills that can contribute to the team and make a lasting difference,” said Alvarenga.
The players described a welcoming environment as they prepare for their opponents, and they’re ready for just anyone to join the team. Hoping to be at their their peak by the time they play local rival Floyd Central, the Red Devils have the chance to turn their early challenges into motivation to prove what they can accomplish.
Lemon shared her ways of keeping a positive mindset for herself and the young team.
“Always put God first, making sure to keep your head up. While lifting up the people around you, also allowing them to lift you up.”
Red Devils compete in weekend tennis invitational
All photos by Malachi Conrad, Logan Vidt, and Mason Ridge.
winning one singles match out of three. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
win his singles match 2-0. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
Lawrence Central defeats JHS 67-20 in season opener
Red Devils will play at Seymour this Friday
All photos by Parker McCloskey.
Parker McCloskey.
McCloskey.
Digital Dispatch August 24, 2026
Head coach Nick Cotner leads Red Devils into new season
JHS will face off with Lawrence Central tonight
by Austin Bainbridge
New JHS football coach Nick Cotner came into the position in mid-July, five months later than every head coach in the area after former head coach Doug Preston resigned. However, he still feels ready for this season.
“We haven’t felt rushed since most of these guys have run spread before; they know the formations. It’s all just a different name. I feel like we’re ready,” said Cotner, who previously coached at Scottsburg.
Cotner knows that coming in so late means he still needs to find a connection with his players to lead to success.
“Players don’t care what you know until they know you care. So I make sure everybody knows I’m here to stay and I want what’s best for them,” he said.
Players said they feel how much Cotner cares and wants success for the Red Devils.
“He really wants to win here and not quit on Jeff. He really wants to build a program here where we can win every year,” said sophomore linebacker General McLain.
The players can also feel the trust their new coach has in them.
“Cotner really helps me to be the best player, he believes in me even though I’m undersized for my position,” said junior center Jacob Fifer.
Cotner wants to be a mainstay at JHS and the local community.
“I’m here to stay. I want to build a real program here. I’ve been to a couple of the middle school practices so they can know who I am. I’ve lived here since 2020, so I really feel like part of a community,” he said.
Even with most doubting the team with Cotner at the helm, the players still have confidence.
“He’s (Cotner) just such a great guy. He really keeps us in check, and I even think with him we could go 9-0 this year,” said junior tight end and defensive end Tristan Newby.
Even in his short tenure as head coach, Cotner has already gained respect from his team.
“He’s really stepped in like a good leader. Everyone has to earn reps, and he often says that small things lead to big things. I think that really helps us stay focused, especially at practice,” said freshman lineman Collin Kenedy.
Cotner still tries to relate to his players to understand what they are going through and how to get them to perform better.
“I think I’m a detail-oriented coach; we hold our players to standards. I think being a young coach – I’m only 36 – they can still see that I’ve played the game, and I feel like they know I care,” said Cotner.
The players don’t have blind confidence in their coach, but also because they’ve seen his success.
“Scottsburg has won sectionals, which we haven’t done. And he’s bringing a winning mentality. Along with giving everyone goals,” said McLain.
Even with all the expectations surrounding the team, Cotner still takes time to reflect on his success.
“Ever since I was 16, I’ve dreamed of being a head coach. So this is truly a dream come true, even if it’s an unconventional way of getting the job, I’m grateful,” said Cotner.
The Red Devils play at Lawrence Central tonight.
