story by Emily Tully and Chloe Treat

Q: I’m an incoming freshman and I’m intimidated by the size of the school, and the reputation it has for being such a scary place. Is it really like that? Was freshman year bad for you? How do you make new friends?

(Emily) A: I totally understand being intimidated, as I was more than a little scared to come into a school so big, especially having terrible social anxiety.

The first few days are very scary, in all honesty. For someone who’s shy or has heard the rumors about the school, walking into your first day can be petrifying. But you’ll come to find out that the rumors aren’t true, and after a while, being surrounded by so many people will become your new normal.

Try to make friends in all of your classes, and don’t be afraid to speak up, or reach out to someone you’d like to get to know. I spent way too much time being scared and anxious while I was an underclassman; those were the hardest years of high school for me. I let my anxiety hold me back from having fun and enjoying the little things that make the place not as scary. I let potential friendships pass by because I was too scared to put myself out there.

After learning to not overthink every social move, I was able to ask teachers questions in class, give presentations, and present ideas all without feeling like I was going to cry. Believe me, it’s easier said than done, but if you want to enjoy these next four years to the fullest, then try to breathe and remember that it’s high school and nothing to be scared of.

(Chloe) A: When I started freshman year at Jeffersonville High School, I had no friends — literally none. My first day was so bad I remember going home and crying to my parents about it. But as time went by, it got easier.

Once you get a routine down and get used to things, life in high school becomes just another thing. You’ll eventually make friends, maybe through a club or sport, or even in your classes.

On the social side of things, high school in general is one big test. It’s going to test you to stay true to yourself and your beliefs, and also see just how far you’re willing to go to “fit in”.

The best thing about Jeff High is that there is so much diversity, you can step into one building and be surrounded by every type of person. With high school comes finding yourself and deciding what you want to do for the rest of your life, as if being a teenager isn’t already hard enough.

For me, being a junior now means thinking about college and adulthood and that is terrifying. As a freshman, give everything 100-percent, because no matter what anyone says, the choices you make this year can determine the rest of your high school days.

Don’t over think and have as much fun as possible whilst still being yourself — not who everyone else wants you to be.

story by Tomi Clark

Commentary: These destinations will make your spring break a memorable and unforgettable one!

Fun in the Sun

Panama City, Fla.

We all know the stereotypical things said when pairing Panama with teenagers and spring break: partying and never-ending fun. It’s the destination to go if that’s what you seek.

Panama is complete with the picturesque scenery of crystal clear, aqua blue waters, glittering white sands, good surf and beaming bright light. It’s guaranteed to show visitors a good time.

Orange Beach (in Gulf Shore, Ala.)

Tall palm trees, an exquisite beach, lovely dining and a beautiful sunset of reds, oranges, and yellows — all of those qualities can be found in Orange Beach.

It’s chock-full of entertainment: from go-karting at midnight to breakfast in a quaint cafe near the shore.The views are indescribable — so much that to paint the view, one would need paints only full of vibrant blues, greens and yellows. (That is — if they wish to capture the full extent of the beach’s beauty.)

Clearwater, Fla.

Leisurely promenading down the pier before stopping to peruse all of the vendor’s stands, which sell exotic souvenirs. Then watching the tide from above as it rises and falls with ease.

Clearwater encompasses the undeniable beauty of genuine smiles, positivity and unstrained pleasantries. It’s complete with delightful places to shop, family friendly entertainment, astounding waters and beaches and a fantastic view that would astonish and leave breathless even the most experienced of coast travelers.

Fun Closer to Home

Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge, Tenn. (Four hours and 40 minutes drive time)

If the beach isn’t your forte, then you’re in luck because Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge might be.

Mountains stretch in every direction and large puffy clouds slowly roll over, which leaves quite a sight. It’s perfect if you just want to get away for a few days — an escape to be among the trees, wild animal, and stars. Picture yourself hiking up and down the winding trails, through thick bushes and overgrown trees; hearing both small trickles of water through creeks and rushing rapids of numerous waterfalls.

Also, bear in mind that there was a fire, which happened a few months ago, which may factor into your decision about planning a trip.

French Lick / West Baden, Ind. (One hour and 15 minutes drive time)

Both destinations are grandiloquent and elegant.

French Lick and West Baden are only miles apart from each other, and both offer many of the same great amenities. An opulent lobby — made perfect to sit in for hours playing cards, drinking tea or simply chatting with those around you — breathes a great atmosphere. There are indoor and outdoor swimming pools to meet all your spring break desires, a spa, and numerous activities that will surely leave you yearning to stay longer.

Spend it with friends!

What’s better than saving money and hanging at home? If you answered nothing, then a staycation is perfect for you!

While you’re at home, you’re free to try new restaurants you might not have otherwise tried, shop the whole day, be lazy, go to concerts or games or spend it among friends and family.

Spring break is just around the corner: so what will be your choice of destination?  

The hills of Austria lite up the Whitney-hall theatre January 17th during the heavenly performance of the Sound of Music. A visually breath taking rendition of the 1960’s american classic set in the time of world war 2. A nun named Maria, sent to be the governess of 7 rambunctious children in the house of Captain Von trapp, while visiting he suddenly falls for the young naive and spirited nun after the loss of his wife.

Composed of household songs that even I wasn’t even aware originated from. Since i’m going on 17, This was my very first experience ever watching this show, and i’m incredibly lucky to get to see it reenvisioned on the Broadway stage. My Jaw dropped from the moment the curtain open as i’m consumed with the setting and lights effortlessly shifting and changing behind the characters, something a person wouldn’t be able to experience unless going to live theatre. It took me 5000 miles to the town of Salzburg before the nazi’s took over. In the beginning,

(with my lack of knowledge) the plot dragged in the beginning.

The music, like all Rodger & Hammerstein musicals, was extremely repetitive. It Wasn’t until halfway through act 1 when I was engrossed by the characters, that it hoo

ked me. speaking of which. Each of those smalls kids probably had more talent in there left pinky than most could have after years of training. Some of my favorite things were the authenticity of the Maria, she was a comical sensation and such a lovable character, not  just writ
ten. But performed!  The relationship between baroness and Max left me in tears for multiple reasons. I highly recommend this for those like me who have no clue what it’s about, because it will definitely surprise you.

So long, farewell auf wiedersehen, adieu, to yieu and yieu and yieu.

By Tristan Jackson

Four sectional titles, four regional titles, and two trips to the state finals.

The recent success of the boys tennis team in the last four years is hard to miss, and there has been one constant: senior leader Bradley Cross.

One can’t talk about the tennis program without mentioning Cross, especially after the perseverance he showed this season. He managed to hold down the No. 1 singles spot all season despite suffering a sprained MCL late in the season.

“Knowing that there are always kids that are better than me, and that I will have to improve to beat, is what pushes me to be better,” Cross said.

The poise and leadership Cross showed this season can’t be understated. He will have a lasting impact on the tennis program, paving the way for the next generation of stars here at Jeff.

“He’s helped the whole team get better by pushing us everyday,” said freshman tennis player Gavin Lone “that makes it fun to play for Jeff.”

Cross doesn’t just get it done on the courts, but in the classroom too. He earned Academic All-State both his junior and senior years. Even after all the success playing, according to Cross  Academic All-State is still one of the accomplishments he is most proud of.

Unfortunately, Cross’ career at Jeff came to an end after a 4-1 loss to Reitz Memorial High School in the first round of semi-state this year. However, this came after his team’s two amazing comeback wins during Regionals, pulling out wins against rivals Floyd Central and New Albany.

In the Regional semifinal, though, is where Cross did his best orchestration.

Cross, still noticeably hobbled by a knee injury suffered earlier in the year, had a deciding third set against Floyd Central’s No. 1 player, Chris Boone.

With the overall match knotted at 2-2, Cross and Boone were the last two players on the court. Cross had to win for his team to advance in the state tournament.

After a hard fought match on both sides, Cross came out on top and won the match for his team, beating Boone 6-4 in the deciding third set. This win is a perfect example of the mental toughness he showed throughout his career at Jeff.

“He brings to the table what all coaches want to have, he knows there is no ‘I’ in team,” former JHS tennis coach Mark Reilly said.

Cross is determined to be the best tennis player he can be, and he will continue to prove it next year. He will be making the transition from high school to college tennis this coming summer, where his talents have landed him a spot on the tennis team at Indiana University Southeast.

While Cross is looking ahead, his time playing at JHS will always be remembered. However he, along with many others, look back at a tough loss against North Central in the semifinal round of the state finals in 2015 as a moment he wishes he could relive.

Bradley Cross has been a staple of the tennis program at Jeff High over the last four years. His talent and work ethic are matched by few, and his presence will be irreplaceable. 

Story by Tristan Jackson

The 2016 presidential election process is winding down, and some people are basing their decision on who they think is the least awful out of the two candidates at the top, rather than what they find positive about them.

My question is, why are we not seriously considering a third-party candidate? More specifically, why not a Green Party candidate like Jill Stein?

Stein, a Harvard graduate, finished medical school in 1979. She also earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology in 1973, earning Magna Cum Laude honors the same year.

Stein got her start in politics when she ran for governor of Massachusetts in 2002. Her experience came from her time working as a doctor, where she saw how broken the health care system had become.

She got into politics because she feared for the future of her children, and other children, because of preventable epidemics, such as diabetes and cancer. On top of that, she feared for the irreversible damage being done to the environment.

Being a Green Party candidate, one of Stein’s main focuses is the environment. She plans on moving towards clean renewable energy, such as wind and solar, to conserve the earth we live on, and hopefully reverse damage already done from the overuse of fossil fuels and coal.

The plan she has laid out would create millions of jobs in the United States, and if all goes according to plan, Americans would be 100-percent transitioned to renewable energy by 2030.

She wants to cut defense spending by 50-percent, where the United States spent a whopping $598.5 billion in 2015 alone. To put that number into perspective, defense spending accounted for 54-percent of all federal spending, while education received just under $70 billion, or just 6-percent.

Stein also has big plans socially, as she wants to strengthen women’s rights, protect the LGBT community, and make sure corruption within our police system is stopped.

This may leave one wondering: why is Jill Stein not on top of the polls? She’s never been labeled a racist. She’s never put our national security at risk. She’s never said anything demeaning about someone because of their gender, or any other physical quality.

There has to be some reason why people are gambling on two potentially awful candidates while Jill Stein, probably the most put-together candidate in the race, is virtually out of the running.

Voters can blame many things, but if Jill Stein was in the news more, she’d probably stand a better chance. There’s not a lack of news produced by Stein herself — the problem is she hasn’t been in the news enough for most people to even know what she stands for.

Jill Stein, a candidate for president, was forced to leave the site of the first debate for holding an interview. That doesn’t sound like a lack of media coverage to me, but rather media corruption.

Thanks to the media in our country, Jill Stein will lose. It’s really a shame that a women who’s main focus is making sure our world is livable in the future, can’t even get her foot in the door of the race or a debate.

We should be looking at our first female president in the United States come next January, and it shouldn’t be Hillary Clinton. If change and sustainable growth are what you’re looking for, Jill Stein is the way to go.