By: Sam Broady
2022 was a good year for movies. With “Top Gun: Maverick,” “The Batman,” “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” “Bullet Train,” “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” cinema was back. Oddly enough, there was one other film in theaters that nobody asked for, nobody expected it to be good, and nobody hated it. That film is “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.” Out of all the possibilities for a sequel, “Puss in Boots” turned out to have one and it happened to be amazing. I was blown away in theaters. I have a good memory of it and I look forward to re-watching it because it may be my favorite Dreamworks film. “How to Train Your Dragon” held that title for a long time.
The best thing about this film is by far the animation. In all honesty, it is the best animation I have ever seen. “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is well known for its top notch animation, but while its visuals have the highest highlights, I think this film has better visuals overall. The action looks especially good. I love how the frame rate slows down in all the fight scenes. My favorite scene is the fight between Puss in Boots and Death because the color scheme looks amazing. I adore the use of colors and lighting in this film.
Another thing I love about this movie is the characters. I think it’s really important for a film to prioritize its characters if it wants to be memorable; luckily, that’s what happened. I highly enjoy Puss in Boots in this film. I don’t remember anything about the prequel but it doesn’t matter. Antonio Banderas gives the character such energy and he keeps his vibrant personality among the challenges he faces. I like his reunion with Kitty: she gets the job done. Perrito the dog is a funny addition. He brings love and comfort to the story. Goldilocks and the three bears are a delight to see and I didn’t expect them to be so fun. However, my favorite character is the wolf. His name is Death and he is the coolest character in fiction. Every time he’s on screen, he gives me the creeps.
Surprisingly, the themes are conveyed with more depth than I expected. This film explores the fear of dying, which many can relate to. With Puss in Boots being on one out of nine lives, he is running for his life for the first time. His objective in the story is to make a wish for more lives so he can be the legend everyone knows him as. But, in the end, he realizes one life is enough when he gets to spend it with the people he loves. Or should I say animals. Everyone else cancels their wish as well when they learn to appreciate what they have. Having someone to trust, having a family, having friends; there’s a heartfelt message about sticking with what you have in life and it’s done in a rather subtle manner that complements the characterization of our protagonist.
Extra aspects that I enjoyed are the voice acting, the humor, and the music. I don’t know why Dreamworks went so hard on this film, but I am so glad they did. We need more animated masterpieces like these; films that specialize in the telling of a story and the style of animation rather than serving as a formulaic cash grab that intends to sell merchandise and teach kids nothing. You can feel the passion that went into every frame of this film. I cannot feel anything when watching films produced by Illumination like “Minions”. The difference in quality between Illumination and Dreamworks is unreal. By all means, I think it’s safe to say that “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” is the best animated film of 2022 and I am very thankful for its release.
Digital Dispatch Oct. 16, 2026
Red Devils face sectional challenge on Saturday
Volleyball team places New Albany for chance to play for sectional title
by Austin Bainbridge
The Jeff girls’ volleyball team has a chance to win the sectional championship by just winning two games today. They will play a 8-23 New Albany squad, which has been 2-14 since Sept. 22. Then, if Jeff wins they will take on the winner of a Seymour (10-18) and Floyd Central (26-5) contest.
“Only being two wins away (from the championship) is really exciting, and I think we have a good shot to go all the way,” said coach Wes Briscoe.
Players like junior outside hitter Jayli Burris feel the excitement around this team for an opportunity like this after finishing the regular season 10-20.
“We’re all feeling really hyped right now and we’re really excited about being able to get out there against New Albany and giving them a good game,” said Burris.
Burris boasts the second most kills for the Red Devils with 136 on the year, and she’s ready to keep the momentum going in this weekend’s playoffs.
“I know personally and as a team, we’ve been swinging harder than we have all season, and we’re going to hit well against New Albany,” said Burris.
Jeff has had a week to prepare and watch film on their opponents on Saturday and are ready to use that knowledge.
“We’ve been watching film all week, and I think we’re really prepared — we know their defense, Floyd also I’m feeling pretty good and prepared,” said sophomore Jordyn Miller.
Briscoe hopes that with the extra preparation the term “prepared” will be understatement for this team.
“The greatest coach of all time, John Wooden, said he wants his team to be so prepared he could be a spectator while they play and not have to coach. I’m hoping we can have something like that on Saturday,” Briscoe said.
Red Devil fans can listen to the game on 98.5 Jeff FM this Saturday at 11 a.m. and then 6 p.m. if Jeff advances.
Cheers!
Junior Reese Dobson displays leadership on the mat and in the classroom
by Eliza Wooden
As cheerleader and junior Reese Dobson steps onto the mat, she yells out to her teammates, “You’ve got this! Let’s go, Jeff,” and steps into position.
The music begins, and Dobson is prepared. She is tight, supportive, and ready to do whatever it takes to end this routine on a high note.
“I make sure I come to practice with a good attitude and a good work ethic, and make sure that I am here to be positive, happy, help others, and work as hard as I can,” said Dobson.
Dobson is a leader and a strong representative for JHS, often friendly, extroverted, and compassionate, especially toward underclassmen.
Freshman Jamie Hatton said, “Reese is very kind, outgoing, smart, and positive. I have known Reese for about one year, and she has helped me be more confident in myself.”
Dobson is not just involved in cheerleading; she is also a student ambassador. That’s where she gets most of her leadership experience.
Senior Averi Burdette said, “Reese improves the cheer team by always having an outstanding attitude and being a great team leader. She encourages everyone and helps keep the team motivated, even when things get stressful or difficult.”
Dobson cares a lot about her school work, which is why she works to balance her student ambassador work, classes, and cheerleading with her roles as Junior Class president and Student Council.
Dobson said, “The most important thing is remembering to take a break sometimes and relax. Something that I struggle with is doing too many things at a time and letting it affect how I do those things and letting it get in my head.”
Adding to her busy schedule, Dobson takes Advanced Placement classes, which can be very hard for a student-athlete.
“My AP classes require a lot of studying, and I make sure to set off time aside each night to go over what I learned or what I need to prepare for a test,” she said.
That discipline shows up everywhere. Whether she’s in class, at a student ambassador event, or leading a Student Council meeting, teachers and teammates say Dobson brings the same energy she brings to the mat.
While some athletes focus only on the routine, Dobson checks in on teammates and runs through the cheer again with anyone who might have missed a count.
That mindset has made her a role model and leader. For underclassmen, she isn’t just the upperclassman who can hit a stunt; she’s the person who will help with homework or hype them up before their next varsity game.
Dobson said, “Something that I do is take a second and remember that everything is going to work out and that it’s okay if things get stressful or hard. I always want to do everything with my best intent, so sometimes the best thing for you to do is to take breaks and come back to it.”
When the music stops and Dobson steps off the mat, her job as a leader isn’t over. She immediately high-fives her teammates and tells them how well they did. Tight, ready, and positive, just like she started.
Freshman Cora Holt brings positive work ethic to cheerleading
by Evelyn Speedy
Freshman cheerleader Cora Holt walks in to practice, adjusts her backpack on her shoulder, and then sits down to warm up, preparing herself for a successful, productive practice.
On first thought, you might think that she is just there to cheer on the football and basketball players.
However, what some people don’t know is that she is much more than that.
Not only does Holt cheer on the sidelines, but she also competes with her team and puts in the work to get better everyday, all while being on four separate teams at JHS.
“Cheerleading is not just a club; it’s way harder than it looks,” said Holt.
Even when Holt was a little kid joining Jeff High’s cheer kiddie clinic, she has seen herself being a cheerleader in the future.
“High school cheer is something I’ve looked forward to for years, and now I finally get to be a part of it,” she said.
Even though this is Holt’s first time cheering for JHS, she still feels like she is where she should be and that she belongs both in and out of the gym.
“I enjoy being a cheerleader because it feels like my environment, it’s what I’m good at, and I truly feel like I belong there and it’s what I’m meant to do.”
Not only do her coaches feel as if she is a good teammate and cheerleader, but so do her teammates.
“She is a very good athlete with an amazing work ethic. She is always trying to get help from people and do what she can for her team,” said freshman cheerleader Adeline Bainbridge. “She brings a positive attitude everyday, even on hard practices she is always there and trying to uplift everyone.”
However, Holt did not get to where she is without putting in a massive amount of effort.
“Cora gives 110% effort in everything she does. She always makes sure she is doing her best, giving it her all, and she is always the first person to be willing to try something new,” said freshman cheerleader Jamie Hatton.
The work that she puts into her sport does not go unnoticed.
“I have seen her become a much stronger athlete this season and a lot more confident in herself and her skills,” said Bainbridge.
Holt also has many qualities and features that help her in the sport she loves.
“I feel as if my very loud and deep voice helps me cheer because we have to be very sharp with our voices and I think that it is something I have naturally, so it helps me be the best cheerleader I can be.”
She provided an “inside look” at the unique cheerleading experience.
“You can describe what cheer is, but you can’t describe what it feels like. That’s something you have to experience for yourself.”
At A Glance
Birthday: Feb. 11, 2012
Hometown: Jeffersonville, Indiana
Favorite Food: Caesar salad
Favorite Color: Baby blue
Favorite Movie: “Tangled“
Cheerleading provides opportunity and friendships to freshman Chloe Wyatt
by Gabriella Linares
Freshman Chloe Wyatt has just started her first year as a JHS cheerleader, but she has already begun to make an impact on all the people around her.
She may seem like just an ordinary girl who wants to cheer for the players of the school. However, there is more to her cheerleading story than it seems.
Most people wouldn’t think that she has been cheering almost all her life.
“When I was little, my mom put me into the kiddie clinic at JHS in 2018, and ever since then I fell in love with it,” stated Wyatt.
Cheer has been different for her almost everywhere she goes, but so far at JHS, it has treated her well.
“It has been fun and has helped me get to know the people and the school.”
JHS cheer has helped her in so many ways other than just getting out of her comfort zone. She has learned a lot about herself during the time she has been a cheerleader.
“Cheer helps me be myself and express my feelings and emotions. It has helped me become a better person and it’s also taught me about myself.”
Wyatt has a dream after she leaves high school, and this dream of hers still involves cheerleading.
“My dream after high school is to be a cheerleader at the University of Kentucky, be a pediatrician, and or to be on a Worlds cheerleading team.”
Outside of cheer, she is a role model to others and in general a genuine person. She strives to be understanding and helpful for others, even if she isn’t in that situation.
“I try to always be there for my friends and understand what they’re going through.”
Wyatt’s friends have learned a lot from her, like learning to be better people. They say she brings out the best in the people she is around and makes whatever room she walks in brighter.
“Chloe has taught me to just be myself no matter what others think. She brings out a different side of me. Being around Chloe makes me feel happy and safe. Every time I’m with her, I feel like I can be myself,” freshman Lailah Miller stated.
She brings a passionate smile to everyone she is around, in and out of cheer. She is filled with a bright and bubbly personality, according to her friends.
“She is a very passionate person in anything she believes. She carries a smile through everything and is confident in what she does. When I’m around her, it is constant laughter and smiles,” said freshman Willow Williams.
Cheer is always seen as an extracurricular activity, but to Wyatt, it has given her lifelong friends and mentors.
“My coaches and teammates are always there for me and show up when I need them.”
At A Glance
Birthday: Feb. 9, 2012
Favorite Color: Pink
Dream College: IU
Favorite Drink: Cotton Candy Alani
Favorite Subject: Math
Seniors decorate their parking spots during fall break
Photos by Gabrielle Watkins and Shelby Keesee.
Deep Dive
Junior Clara Theriault uses discipline to balance swimming and academics
by Lorelei Bingham
With each stroke, junior Clara Theriault makes her way across the pool.
Students might see Theriault in the hallway and assume she’s just like any other student. However, that’s not quite the full picture.
“Being a student-athlete is more challenging mentally than physically. You have to balance everything. You have to have time to swim and time to work. If you can’t find the time, you have to make it,” said Theriault
Despite the challenges of being a student-athlete, Theriault continues to stay motivated.
“Just knowing how hard the practice is on paper, I know I’m going to get something out of it. We can always laugh about it later,” she shared. “The girls on the swim team also help me stay motivated. The environment the team has is just so positive.”
Beyond her dedication to swimming, Theriault is also known for her personality.
Theriault’s former teammate and 2026 graduate Adelaide Bingham describes her as “encouraging, cheerful, inclusive, and always looking out for others.”
Her kindness also has a positive impact on those around her.
“Clara makes me feel like I don’t have to worry about anything. She also taught me to look out for others,” stated freshman Bristol Cain.
Outside of the pool, Theriault faces another important responsibility being a student ambassador.
“I’m a student ambassador because I believe every school should have representation. Having students who are considered some of the best at Jeff shows that we aren’t just a fight school. Yes, there are fights, but having a group of leaders to really show what JHS stands for is important.”
Theriault uses her leadership skills in and out of school. She positively impacts all of her teammates’ lives.
Bingham stated, “Clara has taught me to look out for others and show empathy. She also taught me to be selfless and help others when they are in need. When you are kind to Clara, she never fails to pass it on to another person. She’s like a bubble of joy.”
Theriault’s dedication to her team reflects the life lessons she has learned through swimming, which extend far beyond the pool.
“Swimming has taught me lots of discipline,” said Theriault. “No matter how hard something looks, you can always beat the challenge. It’s just a mental game and stepping out of your comfort zone.”
Through swimming, leadership, and her relationship with others, Theriault is someone who strives to make a positive difference both in and out of the pool.
Persistence and personality helps freshman swimmer Lily Eaves adjust to high school
by Evangeline Hertweck
As the buzzer goes off, freshman Lily Eaves dives into the pool confidently.
“I love swimming because of how weightless I feel in the water,” Eaves said.
Eaves is ready to jump from the diving board. She looks persistent. She looks excited. She looks ready. She is used to this; however, there are new swimmers at the pool.
“Start slow and practice a lot. You need practice to perfect your moves,” she advised.
Eaves swims through the water effortlessly, making it look easy to beginners. Everyone cheers, but the swimmer’s mother’s voice cuts through the crowd.
“My mom is my biggest supporter because I can talk to her about anything, and she cheers me on the most,” Eaves stated.
Even though Eaves isn’t new to swimming, she is definitely new to JHS. Freshmen must get used to a drastically new schedule, making new friends, and showing up to class on time. For Eaves, this is a change.
“There is definitely a difference in maturity, as people connect in unique ways at different life stages. Maturity influences how we communicate and support one another, affecting the quality of our relationships,” she said.
As the school days go by, Eaves starts to see that JHS isn’t all that different from Parkview Middle School. The familiar dynamics of friendships and social groups make her feel more at ease as she adjusts to this new environment.
“High school made me realize that no one really cares what you do. Be your own person; a good one,” she said.
Eaves enjoys high school, especially social studies. The subject’s focus on history and cultures makes learning exciting and fun.
“I love social studies because if you have a good teacher, they make learning more interesting and more fun.”
Freshman Carlee Solomon is one of Eaves’ closest and best friends.
“Lily has always been an amazing friend to me; we’ve been close since we met in first grade,” Solomon said, looking back on their long friendship.
Even on her tough days, Eaves has a special way of making everyone smile. Her cheerful laugh and friendly personality brighten the mood in any room, making people feel welcome.
“Lily is a really good person and a sweet friend. She knows how to make me happy, especially when I’m feeling sad,” Solomon said.
The two friends have shared many laughs and great times together, both at school and outside of it.
“I remember one night I went to her house. We baked a big batch of cookies, and afterward, we danced and sang our favorite songs in her kitchen. It was such a fun night, and it’s a memory I’ll always hold dear,” Solomon recalled.
Eaves has plenty of friends, in and outside of school. She participates in several different activities like Girl Scouts, swimming, and just being outside in general, helping her connect with others who share the same interests, including with freshman Lorelei Bingham.
“I know Lily from school and swim. I don’t have any classes with her, but I would still consider her a good friend,” said Bingham.
Reflecting on Eaves’ influence, Bingham said she has the ability to uplift everyone around her. It’s like she carries a little sunshine with her wherever she goes.
“Lily brings positivity. She will always make you feel better if you’re sad. She will always be your little cheerleader.”
Rivalry Win
Red Devils defeat New Albany 41-22 in fall break football victory
All photos by Mason Ridge.
As we all know, seniors or not, college can be very expensive. With scholarships, however, a lot of weight can be taken off your shoulders. But here’s the problem, how do you get scholarships if your parents make an above average amount of money? Most of the time, you don’t. And I’m sure you’re thinking, “Why would you need a scholarship if your parents make a lot of money?”
