The Red Devils play Carmel this Saturday at Johnson Arena.
Photos by Gabrielle Watkins.
JHS defeats Castle 52-45
Tag: Hyphen
Red Devils, Broady host musical cabaret tonight
by Nora Horton
A musical cabaret is a form of varied performances for the audience. It can feature music, song, dance, recitation, or drama. Tonight is the latest example of this unique kind of musical experience.
JHS has a musical cabaret of its own. Choir and musical theatre director Kyle Broady has directed and organized the event to highlight the talent in his students in Musical Theatre.
Student performers explain some of the details behind tonight’s music.
Senior Presley Inzer reveals her work on “Let Me Be Your Star” from S.M.A.S.H. with fellow performer junior Vivienne Diehl.
“It’s about heartbreak and leaving the past behind. Vivi and I have sung a duet since her freshman year and my sophomore year,” said Inzer.
Junior Ayden Hunter is performing “Therapy” from Tick Tick Boom as a duo part and highlights their personal impact.
“Therapy is important to me because I remember watching the Tick Tick Boom movie with my late grandma,” he said.
Broady refers to how important it is expressing creativity, saying “our musical theater students really enjoy the chance of letting themselves shine.”
“They can choose things they are passionate about – it really gives them a chance to show their capabilities as actors, singers, dancers, and more,” he emphasized.
Students will be performing at the JHS auditorium tonight at 7 p.m. The entree fee is $8, it covers homemade desserts and the show. Desserts will be catered by Jeff Chefs.
Boys’ wrestling team prepares for 26-27 season despite losing three seniors
by Carter Glotzbach
Last year’s boys’ wrestling team took a hit to their roster, losing many key seniors. However, team members and coaching staff think they can fill those spots easily.
Head coach Danny Struck is confident they can thrive again this season.
“Losing three starting seniors from our regional lineup was definitely a big hit. I’m still confident that we have people to replace them. This is our largest class of seniors in a few years, and that gives us options to fill our gaps in the lineup,” said Struck.
Junior wrestler John Steele agreed with the coaching staff.
“We lost Quintin Smith, who was a sectional champ and the regionals runner-up for his weight class,” said Steele.
“Losing Quintin Smith is a big hit,” agreed junior Cooper Spaulding. “but I’m confident that we have the people to replace him.”
With so many lost seniors, the coaching staff is looking for underclassmen to step up and take the place of graduates.
“One of the wrestlers that I’m looking to step up is Logan Vidt; he worked very hard in our off season, and I expect to see a lot from him,” said Struck.
Other wrestlers agree with coaches about the up-and-comers.
“Someone who I’ve seen a lot in the off season is Logan Vidt; he’s been putting in a lot of work,” said Steele.
Other wrestlers like sophomore General Mclain have different people in mind that might be up-and-comers.
“Someone who I think has a lot of potential is Brandon Mazariegos Roblero; he’s a very good all-rounder, and I expect some good things from him this season,” said Mclain.
Wrestlers are not only looking at themselves, but others when it comes to preparing for the season.
“My goal is to remain wholly dedicated to the team and give 100% in practice every day” said Steele.
Most wrestlers agree with Steele, including Spaulding.
“I want to show up to every practice and give all that I can to the sport,” said Spaulding.
Others agree with Steele and Spaulding about dedication to the sport, but give more insight on what it takes to get there.
“I want to train hard every day and not slack off, but I have to get the proper amount of sleep and eat enough every day,” said Mclain.
With the big hit taken to their lineup, wrestlers have differing opinions on their likelihood to make it back to regionals.
“I don’t think that we’ll make it back. Charlestown is a real powerhouse, and I worry with all of the open spots in the lineup,” said Spaulding.
Mclain agrees with Spaulding, stating, “My hopes aren’t as high for making it back as they were last year. Charlestown looks really strong, and we’re missing key people in our lineup that we had last year.”
Some wrestlers are still confident that they can pull through.
“I think we still have a good chance to pull through even though we’ve lost a few key slots,” said Steele.
Coaches have one final message for anyone who’s interested in the team.
“If you or anyone you know is looking to wrestle, we’d love to have them. A few key spots we’re missing are 103, 113, 132 and our heavyweight, so encourage them to join if they’re close to those weights,” said Struck.
InterACT Club returns to connect with local community
by Kori Washington
Every club starts somewhere, and for the InterACT Club, it all started with two women being approached.
What started as a conversation at Homecoming eventually led to the return of the InterACT Club.
“It was at Homecoming, actually, when we got approached by some community members to see if we had any interest in starting this club. This club had previously been at JHS about five years ago,” said InterACT Club co-sponsor Chloe Merkle.
Although the club was absent from JHS for years, community members wanted to bring it back and create new experiences for students.
“The main purpose of the InterACT Club is to help strengthen the bonds that build a community, and to get students invested and involved in the world around them,” said InterACT Club co-sponsor Francesca Hernandez.
Along with the goal of getting the students to be more involved with the community, the club also hopes to make a name for itself.
“We hope to be well-known in the community as helpful hands willing to assist anywhere we’re needed,” said Hernandez. “We have already made some strong connections with the local Parks Department, animal shelters, nursing homes, food banks, and GCCS schools in our first active month.”
Both the sponsors and the student members have goals in mind for the club moving forward.
“I hope the InterACT Club will give me skills such as leadership, problem-solving, and time management,” said senior Tyrone Whitten.
Other members have similar goals and hope to use the club to better themselves.
“I hope to gain a sense of community within my new environment,” said senior Evelyn Harwood.
“I hope to develop leadership and community working skills from this club,” added freshman LaRon Robinson.
Although the students look forward to what they can gain from joining the club, they also look forward to what the club will do for the community.
“I hope the club will make a difference in my community by always having someone out there helping in some shape or form. I think uplifting others makes the community stronger and ten times better,” said Whitten.
Beyond the club goals, community service plays an important role in teaching people not only to think about themselves but also to think about others.
“Students will learn important lessons in responsibility, empathy, problem-solving, and teamwork. It not only helps them grow as people, but helps the community grow in a way that fosters a wide sense of belonging,” said Harwood.
Beside teaching students the importance of helping others, the sponsors encourage students to develop more skills that help them in the future.
“We hope students foster the skills of just being kind to others, less phone time, being on time, being present, and, like, following through with what you said you were going to do,” said Merkle.
While the sponsors hope to help students develop skills that will benefit them in the future, their reasons for wanting to sponsor the club go beyond teaching.
“I want to help bridge the gaps that might prevent students from going out and interacting with their community. There are so many fantastic local organizations and opportunities that need assistance, and service is so significantly helpful no matter how small. Impact makes ripples that can be seen throughout the whole community,” said Hernandez.
As the club continues to grow, its sponsors hope that the students’ efforts will help make more people want to get involved in helping out the Jeffersonville community.
“Walls separating students by gender, grade level, social status, or even academic performance are dissolved in InterACT. If you want to make Jeffersonville a better place, you are welcome here,” said Hernandez.
Girls’ wrestlers begin their season as the sport grows statewide
by Isabella Stewart and Mahalia Smith
Girls’ wrestling team has begun the new season with a blend of returning wrestlers and newcomers, creating excitement and fresh opportunities for growth. With more wrestlers joining the team and gaining valuable experience, the program is continuing to build a strong foundation for success.
“There are many more new people on the team this year with a lot more experience and willingness,” said coach Danny Struck.
As more athletes join the team and gain experience, girls’ wrestling continues to attract attention and grow. The sport is creating opportunities for females to compete and improve their skills, becoming a part of a rapidly-expanding athletic program in the Indiana High School Athletic Association. Specifically, there were 13 girls on last year’s girls’ wrestling team, and this year, the amount has doubled with 26 on the team. The girls’ wrestling team is growing faster than the boys’ team.
As coach Joe Sommerville said, “Girls’ wrestling is the fastest-growing IHSAA sport.”
For new wrestlers, joining the team can be exciting; they’re building confidence and forming strong connections with teammates. The welcoming atmosphere helps newcomers feel comfortable as they begin their wrestling journey.
Sophomore Jocelynn Gluth said, “I’m really glad I joined the team because everyone seems to really get along.”
The girls’ wrestling team’s strengths come from the athletes’ willingness to learn, improve, and support one another. Their positive attitudes and dedication help create a strong team environment where every wrestler can grow, according to Struck.
“The biggest strengths these girls have are their coachability and enthusiasm,” he said.
Struck explained that coachability is important because it allows wrestlers to learn from their coaches, correct mistakes, and continue developing their skills. When athletes are willing to listen and apply feedback, they can reach goals they may not have thought possible.
“Teaching girls is like seeing a new light, pushing them to where they want to be,” Sommerville said.
For returning wrestlers, the new season brings an opportunity to improve, set higher goals, and challenge themselves in new ways. Their previous experience gives them a strong foundation, but continued effort and determination can help them become even better this year.
Junior Justise Clubb-Leon, a returning wrestler said, “I want to push myself to be the best this year, and I’m excited for new challenges.”
As the new season continues, the team’s mix of experience and fresh energy gives each wrestler a chance to learn, improve, and contribute. With their coachability, enthusiasm, and support for one another, the girls are ready to take on new challenges and keep building the future of the growing program.
The girls’ wrestling team will have their first tournament match on Saturday at 9:00 AM.
‘Hocus Pocus’ brings magical fun to Halloween
by Jada Belser
“Hocus Pocus” is a 1993 family-friendly fantasy-comedy directed by Kenny Ortega and is an iconic Halloween movie.
Set in Salem, Massachusetts, the story follows a teenage newcomer named Max Dennison, who accidentally resurrects three 17th-century witches: the Sanderson sisters (Winifred, Sarah, and Mary).
On Halloween night, Max, his younger sister Dani, his crush Allison, and an immortal talking cat named Binx must work together to stop the witches from consuming the life force of the children of Salem before dawn.
The stars of the movie who played the Sanderson sisters are Bette Midler (Winifred), Sarah Jessica Park (Sarah), and Kathy Najimy (Mary), and they stole the show. Midler plays the leader with natural theatrical energy; Park plays the quiet beauty of the trio who transforms the mood in the movie with her captivating silent songs, and Najimy plays the goofier character of the trio, adding to the trio’s comedic chemistry that drives the film.
I think “Hocus Pocus” is an entertaining, family-friendly movie that combines comedy and fantasy and Halloween fun. The best part of the movie has to be the Sanderson sisters; the combined personalities they bring to their characters make the story memorable.
The costumes and spooky setting really take the viewer to the world of Salem; it’s the perfect Halloween atmosphere. The movie’s mix of humor and magic makes it enjoyable for all ages.
One of the strongest parts of the movie is the chemistry between the three sisters. Each character has a different personality, which makes their scenes even more entertaining to watch. The music and special effects also help bring the magical aspect of the story to life.
However, some parts of the movie can be predictable. I wish their backstory had more depth, but it’s still a good watch. The actors bring a lot of personality to their characters.
I would recommend “Hocus Pocus” to anyone who enjoys Halloween movies. It is a good choice for people who enjoy funny stories with witches and magic.
Movie Title: Hocus Pocus
Directed by: Kenny Ortega
Released: July 16, 1993
My Grade: B+
POTS often misdiagnosed and creates daily struggles
by Jilliann Denbo
Around this time last year, I was diagnosed with POTS. I thought it would just be another thing I could ignore pretty easily, even after the recurring hospital visits. But it’s taken over my life for the worse.
The day my parents truly knew something was wrong was on Halloween of last year. I was up cleaning, doing normal activities. I was just taking the trash out when I suddenly passed out on the stairs; thankfully, my dad was there to see it all happen.
After that night, I started having problems with breathing, and my heart rate would never slow down. I was physically exhausted all the time. During this, no one had an answer for me.
The first couple of times we went to the hospital, they ran blood tests and said I was fine, and that they had no answer. I knew that wasn’t right. And my mom knew that as well, so she kept pushing for answers.
After many hospital and doctor visits, I finally got in with the cardiologist, and I eventually got put on a heart monitor. That’s when I knew we were finally going to get some answers.
After I was diagnosed with POTS, I had absolutely no idea what it was. And I was terrified. I didn’t understand anything that was going on in my body.
To this day, only a year later, a lot of people don’t really know what POTS is or what it does to our bodies. They always assume that if they aren’t educated about it, then it can’t be that bad.
“Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a condition that causes a number of symptoms when you transition from lying down to standing up, such as a fast heart rate, dizziness, and fatigue. While there’s no cure, several treatments and lifestyle changes can help manage the symptoms of POTS,” stated Cleveland Clinic.
Before any of this happened, I loved school; I was always focused, and work came to me easily. Now brain fog is one of my worst symptoms. I am never able to truly sit down and focus on any topic. I also tend to forget most things very quickly.
It’s also hard for me to be active anymore; I get lightheaded super easily, and when this happens, everything moves in slow motion.
“POTS is fairly common, affecting 500,000 people in the U.S. alone. Most people with POTS are females aging from 15-50 years old,” stated Cleveland Clinic.
Sadly, I got unlucky and got diagnosed right at the age of 15. And it’s not going to get any better from here.
While there are ways to manage it, like getting a good amount of electrolytes, medication, and a bunch of salt, the episodes that come along with it are hard to predict and get ahead of.
Even though this has affected my life awfully, I’m so excited to have friends and family to be on my side no matter what happens. I would never wish this upon anyone else. And I’m glad I am able to take each day one at a time, with my people with me every step of the way.
Student athletes need encouragement, support when facing pressure
by Gabriella Kraft
I have done cheer for nine years; I know as well as anyone that burnout and pressure made the sport I once loved the most exhausting part of my life. It eventually damaged my sleep schedule, my grades, and my mental health.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 1991-2019 High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data, about 57% of high school students played on at least one school or community sports team in the past year.
It is not only the pressure of performing well in a sport the athletes love, but also getting good grades and living up to the expectations of the closest people around them.
Junior Alicia Mangrum, the shooting guard for the girls’ basketball team, said that with the right support, success is possible.
“My parents are always encouraging me during tough times. When I’m down on myself, they always tell me to pick up my head and give me words of encouragement,” Mangrum said.
Athletes who have people in their lives, like a coach who cares, are an important part of playing sports; without them, or with a bad coach, it can ruin the whole experience.
Junior Makenna Taylor, who plays point guard for girls’ basketball, said head coach AJ Moye is an example of being a supportive coach.
“Athletic director and girls’ basketball head coach AJ Moye is a very vocal coach, so even on the bad days, he is always pushing us to do better and talking to me about not getting down on myself. As a leader on the team, you have set an example regardless of how you feel, so he does very well with uplifting and encouraging me,” Taylor said.
Without the proper care, athletes can get very burnt out. I remember when I was a kid, and I had cheer practice every day except Fridays and Saturdays. But I also had basketball training on Saturday mornings. My dad had to bribe me to go to something that I should have wanted to do, but I was so burned out, I could not function. But for Taylor, she always stays ahead of the game to avoid burnout.
“I usually plan out my weeks ahead of time, so I’m aware of my schedule and know when things are due and when practices are. It can be difficult to juggle homework and practice sometimes, but honestly, some days I just have to stay up later than others. That’s part of being a student-athlete,” she explained.
Junior volleyball player Jayli Burris, who plays the position of outside hitter, finds balancing schoolwork and activities a challenge.
“Sometimes it can be a challenge with the amount of time I have to do my assignments. I try to stay on top of my work, even if that means staying up late after a game,” she said.
Being a student-athlete is almost a full-time job. Athletes have to manage their time, focus on specific assignments, and find ways to keep their mental health up. It’s a struggle trying to excel in everything, but it’s possible as long as they have the people they need to support them.
Digital Dispatch Nov. 5, 2026
More Than Just Music
Music deserves a place in the classroom
by Lailah Miller
Music shapes my life in many ways because I can always find a song that matches my mood.
The different genres of music range across a wide variety of emotions. It can deeply affect our mental state. When I want to be happy and lighten up, just one hype song can lift my mood. The song “Live Your Life” by T.I and Rihanna is upbeat and energetic, which can make people feel happier and more positive. On the other hand, “Nothing” By Steve Lacy has emotional, heartfelt lyrics that can help people relate to sadness or memories. Overall, music shows how a song’s lyrics and beat can influence our emotions and change the way we feel.
Not only is music a way for people to express their personal feelings, but research also shows how it can affect our emotions and moods.
Studies show that music is a fundamental part of the human species. For example, the Harvard Medical School states, “Bright, cheerful music can make people of all ages feel happy, energetic, and alert, and music may even have a role in lifting the mood of people with depressive illness.”
Given these powerful effects, it’s worth considering how incorporating music into educational settings might benefit students on a daily basis.
If music can have such a strong and positive effect on students’ emotions, focus, and moods, then maybe bringing music into classrooms could help students feel more relaxed, stay focused, and create a better learning environment.
Think about bringing music into workout classes or in the art room to generate ideas for artists on what to draw. In fitness settings, upbeat playlists can boost motivation, help set the pace, and make exercising more enjoyable.
Similarly, in art rooms, background music can encourage imaginative thinking, spark new ideas, and help students relax so they can better express themselves. Incorporating music in these ways could make school experiences more enjoyable and help students reach their full potential.
While music has the potential to improve the classroom experience, Indiana’s statewide ban on phones creates a challenge for students and teachers hoping to easily access music during the school day.
Overall, I think music deserves a place in the classroom because it can help students focus, relax, and be more creative. Even with Indiana’s phone ban, schools should find ways to let students enjoy music while learning.
JHS hosts annual Halloween door decorating contest
All photos by Raven Baker and Ashton Walcott.
Halloween brings the annual door decorating contest at JHS; this year students and faculty members joined forces to celebrate the scary season.
A midnight pumpkin patch theme.
“Our door is about Stranger Things, and Mrs. Hall just got added to the mix.”
A Ghostbusters theme.
Music lovers enjoy the tempo, originality of Dolly Parton’s ‘9 to 5’
by Micah Nef
The daily life of a high schooler is challenging. Many teens struggle to keep up with schoolwork, sports, and jobs. Dolly Parton expresses the hardships of working in her song “9 to 5.” There are so many different genres and styles of music, but it’s no secret that the Queen of Country knew how to make good tunes.
Many JHS students enjoy Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5,” regardless of their music preferences.
Sophomore Lauren Beck rates the song a 7/10. While she doesn’t listen to country music, she still appreciates the lyrics and enjoys the song.
“I think it’s a good song and I like how it doesn’t sugarcoat the hard parts of working for what you want,” she said.
Beck’s personal favorite music genres are pop and indie. Her favorite song is “Carolina” by Taylor Swift.
“I mostly listen to pop, but sometimes I listen to Indie. I listen to it because I feel like the message of the song comes through a lot more clearly than other genres of music,” she explained.
Senior Lizeth Gonzalez gives “9 to 5” a 10/10. She enjoys the song’s upbeat vibe and considers it a classic.
“It’s a classic song that literally everybody knows. It’s catchy and it’s lively,” she said.
Gonzalez likes many kinds of music, but her favorite genre is rock.
“I like the concerts and how there’s so much going on. Even if I don’t know the song I’m still able to enjoy the band play,” she said.
Similar to Gonzalez, senior Elijah Lahrman considers the song a classic even though it’s outside his usual music taste. He rates it an 8/10.
“I’d say it’s pretty classic and a lot of people like it but for me it’s not my first choice,” he explained.
Lahrman enjoys rock music because of its high energy and his favorite song is “Hot Dog” by Limp Bizkit.
Science teacher Michell Densford also gives the song an 8/10. She said, “I think it’s a little old-fashioned, but I think the message is good.”
Densford prefers pop music to country. Pop is her favorite because it’s fun and matches the mood most of the time. Her current favorite song is “Apple Tree” by Redding Hunter.
While Dolly Parton’s song isn’t everyone’s favorite, it’s still a well-liked classic for JHS students and staff.
