All photos by Kaleb Baker. Interviews by Abbigail Hollins.
Seniors decorate parking lot spaces to reveal interests and personalities
Tag: Jeff High
Performing arts prepare for year of performances and events
by Abbigail Hollins and Aurora Grisham
From voices to instruments to improv, the JHS arts has much to offer those who are musically inclined. While the performances highlight the many talents of the students here, the process of joining each class begins much before the performances do.
To begin a musical journey into choir, music education and choral teacher Kyle Broady said students should talk with a counselor about joining. The requirements are simple for joining chorus class.
“For regular chorus, no skills are needed, although a past (with music) is helpful. Upper chorus, you have to qualify,” said Broady.
Students are required to be engaged during class. There are also times that students are required to stay after school to practice. However, with the chamber choir, the expectations are a bit higher because they are more experienced.
On Thursday, Sept. 18 Broady said the annual Gospelfest will be performed in the JHS auditorium. Additionally, On Dec. 9 and 11, there will be a Winter Fantasy performance with solo and ensemble musicians. In choir, students will be required to wear uniforms for performances, which consist of formal, black attire.
Continuing the journey into theater, theater arts teacher Derrick Ledbetter said to get into his class that students must audition. Ledbetter said the biggest skill to have in the theater experience is an open mind.
Ledbetter encourages students to rehearse and prepare for the JHS theatrical performances. In late October, theater students will perform “Once Upon a Mattress” and later in the year, they will perform “Cyrano de Bergerac.”
Finally, ending this journey going into band, music education and band teacher Sidney McDonald said most students participate in band during middle school and sign up when they choose classes for high school.
“We’ve started a beginning band as well, for those who have never done band before,” said McDonald.
The teachers also offer extra help so that they can guide students.
“We have an open band room, which is after school on Wednesdays, so students can come work on any music they are struggling with,” she said.
Cross country teams benefit from new course
by Isabella Stewart
This year’s cross country season has started with a lot of teamwork, running, and introducing new team members who are running their hearts out on the cross country courses.
First, with the arrival of new athletic director A.J. Moye has helped support the team. He has helped build and support Jeff’s own cross country course.
Moye has driven through the course, making sure it’s safe for others, and has also just put a lot of time into making the course everything it needs to be.
Moye has shown up to regionals with the track team and has attended cross country practices, showing his love and support for this year’s cross country team.
Moye said he believes the most important part of his job is ¨to believe in the titles and the important roles that everyone plays¨ on their respective teams. He said pours himself into the kids and coaches lives and makes sure they know their value.
Two years ago, the cross country team only had one female athlete; last year, there were four, and that shows how much the cross country team has grown over the past year.
Senior runner Keira Jackson has made many friends and as she´s finishing her senior year one of the biggest things she wants people to know is “no matter how deep you’re in, there’s always an escape.”
Jackson is currently striving to a 20-minute PR time.
Jackson really speaks highly about how coach Sam Mull has supported the team every step of the way, just as Moye has talked about.
Mull said he wants to “help improve each and every athlete on the team in their own ways.”
The cross country team recently had a fundraiser, and they raised over $2,035 dollars for their whole team.
Sophomore runner Marcus Baker talked about how he went to 6-7 different neighborhoods going door to door to help out with the fundraiser as much as he could.
The team has their first home meet Sept. 30 at their brand new cross country course.
This upcoming Thursday is XC Night at Bubba’s, in which a portion of purchases provides food, transportation, uniforms, awards, and gear for this year’s season.
Baker said,”We hope to see you there and Iḿ wishing this cross country season the best.”
JHS travels to Bedford-North Lawrence tonight looking for season’s second victory
Red Devils defeat Seymour 20-6 on Friday
JHS will face Bedford-North Lawrence this Friday
All photos by Magdalene Conrad.
Red Devils look for season’s first win against Seymour tonight
by Austin Bainbridge
Seymour and Jeff are hunting for their first wins of the season, and everyone’s ready for the Friday Night Lights tonight.
“I’m super excited man counting the days down until Friday and just mentally preparing myself for Friday,” said head football coach Joe Washington.
Seymour showed some Week 1 slopiness last Friday in a 38-8 loss against Greenwood, throwing two interceptions.
“I’m hoping that we’ll be able to get a lot of turnovers this week. If they throw the ball up I think we have the guys in the secondary to make plays and hopefully turn some of those picks into touchdowns,” said Washington.
Jeff is also out to a slow start after a 37-0 loss to Cincinnati Taft, and lost their starting quarterback Cordell Thomas. Sophomore Brayden Bachman will fill in.
“It’s Bachman’s first start, so you kind of expect there to be some jitters. We’re going to help him out with short passes and running the ball effectively,” said Washington.
Jeff has confidence in this game even after the loss to Taft.
“I expect a good game from Seymour, but we are the better team,” said sophomore tackle Jaxx Long.
Jeff is trying to find a silver lining in the loss from Taft.
“I would like the loss to influence us in a positive way. Even though there’s a lot of negativity around it, if they put it into perspective Taft is probably going to be the best team we’ll play until sectionals,” said Washington.
Seymour has several impact players that could turn the tide in their favor.
“Their running back number three (Traysean Hawkins) is a real shifty guy; he runs the ball hard, and they have an offensive linemen that has worked really hard. He’s lost 50 pounds this offseason, he’s a really big kid,” said Washington.
The team has been putting in work at practice all week and feel prepared for tonight.
“We have prepared a good defense and ran scout team all week so I’m confident for this game,” said Long.
Washington had been suspended for both the Madison scrimmage and Week one against Taft. Tonight is his first opportunity to be back on the field and he’s ready.
“I’m excited. It’s like having my boys around. I’m sick of not having my guys around, and it’s my happy place, you know,” said Washington.
Volleyball team defeats Rock Creek 3-0
All photos by Magdalene Conrad and Malachi Conrad.
Red Devils defeat North Harrison 5-0
All photos by Malachi Conrad.
Jeff High tennis competes in local invitational
All photos by Parker McCloskey.
Anchor Club kicks off its upcoming season
by Areli Hernandez Romero
Anchor Club is a dedicated and supportive organization that allows the young women of JHS who are sophomores, juniors, and seniors to express their ideas and themselves while also engaging in community service. This year, with the help of sponsors and the supporting team, Anchor Club is excited to announce its upcoming season.
Club sponsor Michell Densford said at the beginning of each season, each member is welcomed by an “initiation,” which acts as the formal induction to Anchor Club that each member must attend.
“We always do an initiation. This is where you come and get a certificate, flower, and light a candle,” she said.
Members who participate for two years, including their senior year, are eligible to receive a chord that represents their dedication to the community.
Francesca Hernandez, who is also a club sponsor, refers to the “executive board” as members who are an influential foundation of Anchor club.
“Before we go over anything, the executive board goes over projects we want to do and are doing. They’re the head of the projects and make sure the girls are acting right,” said Hernandez.
Club president and Senior Cassidy Tomlin finds leadership a priority to help support members and ensure that their ideas are heard.
“So, I really try to make sure that I see all sides from all of the levels of the executive board, making sure all their opinions are being considered and making sure that they have a well-respected leader,” she said.
Her previous experiences in clubs encouraged her to join Anchor Club to seek new experiences.
“I’ve been in Anchor Club since sophomore year, and I joined because. I wanted to give back to my community. I’m a Girl Scout; I’ve been a Girl Scout since kindergarten, so I wanted to find another outlet,” said Tomlin.
I think Anchor Club is a really good way to give back to your community by serving people in Jeff, the school, also a lot of people all around the community.”
Anchor Club President Cassidy Tomlin
Junior Executive Board member Maddie Chandler nods as she mentions her experience as a member.
“I’ve been part of Anchor Club since my sophomore year. I find all the different projects we get to do for the community interesting.”
Chandler shared the impact Anchor Club has established, as well as sharing one of her favorite projects from her previous year.
“It’s fun being part of this club. It feels like you have a lot of girls that are your friends, and you get to do new things you wouldn’t normally do. We went to Midwest Village, a nursing home. We made tide blankets for the residents. It was fun doing that.”
Sophomore Executive Board Member Haliun Otgonbayar is in her first year as a member. She anticipates contributing to the community with her friend, sophomore Samantha Dues.
“As an Anchor Club executive board member, I’m looking forward to being more involved in the community and helping people. I joined Anchor Club because not only is it a great community, but I’m hoping to plan new events and fundraisers and anything related.”
Dues, who is also in her first year as an executive board member, also anticipates organizing plans in contribution to Anchor Club along with people she cares about.
“To go off that, I’m also excited to plan events for the community, while doing it with the people I love. I joined because I wanted to help support, to make the environment even better,” she said.
Densford is satisfied with the efforts of each member and their contributions to make the club great. She proudly mentions the support of the girls and how they are representing themselves in JHS.
“I like the sisterhood, the girls coming together as a group, supporting each other, holding each other accountable, and holding themselves to a higher standard than what the school does; it’s wonderful. They represent our school well and represent themselves as wonderful young women.”
She recalled her own experience as a past “Anchor” and the influence that stood out to her.
“I was an Anchor too when I was in high school. We have some projects that have literally stood the test of time for over 20 years. We have ‘ringing of the bells’, Salvation Army, Steamboat nights — we all have a fun time,” said Densford.
Hernandez proudly mentions Anchor Club being a very supportive space, giving the impression of a sisterhood sorority to many, while also encouraging them to become remarkable leaders.
“It’s a wonderful community with great ideas. In a way, they’re future leaders. It’s a very responsible club, and all the girls are doing great things, just being great people. We are making very good future leaders.” She added, “Everybody has their own creative freedom with Anchor Club.”
Tomlin described the Anchor Club community as an organization worth joining for those who want to serve their community.
“I think Anchor Club is a really good way to give back to your community by serving people in Jeff, the school, also a lot of people all around the community. I think it’s a really good idea to join if you want to give back and be a part of a sisterhood, and just experience some fun new things.”
Anchor Club has stood out with its unique sense of sisterhood and teamwork, leaving fellow sponsors and members with great memories they will cherish in the future.
“If they want to be a part of a really supportive club, then this is a club for them. We do anything we can for the students of JHS and for the community, and I think that’s what makes it beautiful, a fun place to be. If you know a successful woman, they were probably an anchor,” said Densford.
Additional reporting by Parker Vibbert.
Column: Human services providers are people, too
by Ayianna Maddox
When someone says that they work in Human Services, the automatic thought is Child Protective Services (CPS) or counseling. But, CPS and counseling are only fractions of Human Services. What other fractions make up the whole pie?
“It’s not just counseling mental health; there are a lot of different avenues people can go down. We need each of those services, from cosmetology to police officers and firefighters. It’s all the necessities for day-to-day life,” Human Services teacher Kyle Keplinger stated.
In a way, people in the human services business sacrifice their lives every day. Firefighters fight fires, police officers fight crime, and assist in cases that involve abuse.
Psychologists and therapists put their needs aside to help guide their clients into a better lifestyle. These titles have quite a lot in common, but the most important fact is that they all selflessly put their lives on pause to aid other people.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “firefighters sleep, eat, and perform other duties during shifts that often last 24 hours.”
For psychologists, “Psychologists can expect to work 35-40 hours a week, usually Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. However, they can do more or fewer hours depending on their role,” CPD Online College reports.
As children, we view these people as invincible or immortal. But we have to remember that they are just like us, human. Humans are mortal, emotional, and forces to be reckoned with, but our idols have families and friends too. Putting their lives on the line, knowing they could alter their fate differently each day, to protect others, is an act done out of selflessness and valor.
“It can be emotionally taxing, but it can be a very rewarding career. The reward far outweighs any of the negatives,” Keplinger said contentedly.
Human Services poses as an opportunity to create lasting bonds and carry them throughout life. As life progresses, there will be multiple job interviews, multiple opportunities, but with different backgrounds. Who knows, your future employer could be a life you’ve changed in the past.
A.J. Moye joins JHS as new athletic director
by Izzy Wemes and Austin Bainbridge
A.J. Moye, a well-known and loved IU basketball player remembered for his block of Duke’s Carlos Boozer in the 2002 NCAA Sweet 16, has joined JHS as the new athletic director.
While Moye is known for his skills in basketball, that wasn’t the only sport he played.
“I played almost every sport growing up,” said Moye, who sees how important it is to relate to Red Devil student athletes and coaches as part of his new job.
His colleagues have taken notice.
“I think his ability to relate to each student athlete — that’s the first thing,” said boys’ basketball coach Sherron Wilkerson. “The second thing is his experiences put him in a position where he can basically mentor any student athlete no matter the sport, and that’s priceless in this day and age.”
Moye appreciates all sports, even those that may be under-appreciated by others. He wants everyone to feel valued, especially the coaches and players.
“I try and get to every team’s practices once or twice a week. Just Saturday I went to the girls’ golf, first tournament, and saw them play, and the coaches were just like, ‘ You won’t believe how supportive this is’,” said Moye.
In particular, Moye said he realizes the impact of supporting the boys’ and girls’ teams, saying he’s adamant about supporting all equally.
“You know, I have three daughters and one son, so I understand some of the frustrations,” he said.
I’m just really watching and supporting all the coaches, but more importantly, trying to be a good shepherd for the kids, and being someone who the kids look up to.”
Athletic Director A.J. Moye
Moye said in his new role he wants to give Red Devil athletes a reason to work hard, showing them that he cares.
“I’m just really watching and supporting all the coaches, but more importantly, trying to be a good shepherd for the kids, and being someone who the kids look up to.”
Moye is taking what he has learned from his time working and coaching as an assistant coach at Valparaiso University and from his time working with NBA players like Kobe Bryant, Kyrie Irving, and DeMar Derozan to lead a way for JHS coaches to better athletes, including those who hope to play in college or professionally.
“Pro ball is going to influence how he does things. Because ultimately, for a lot of these kids, that’s their goal. So if they want to get there, we have to put these kids in a position to be successful. So with him knowing what it is to get to that pro level and the steps that he’s seen at high schools and colleges along the way, he can implement that structure,” said head football coach Joe Washington.
Moye’s colleagues say he has a contagious personality that everyone can feel and relate to.
“I feel like how I am as a person, it rubs off on everyone I meet, including the kids,” Moye said.
Moye has plans of grandeur for this athletic department. He knows what he can bring to it and what he wants from it. The main goal that he wants is to see every sport succeed. His coaches believe in his vision.
Washington said Moye has brought a “family atmosphere” to JHS athletics.
“He has a good vision for what he wants the overall athletic department to look like in athletic programs. And he’s backing a lot of us, to give us what we need to be successful as programs,” said Washington. “He’s letting me know some of the steps that I didn’t know about being a head coach and paperwork and making sure that I’m staying within the guidelines of IHSAA — just helping me out. He understands how it is to be a successful head coach.”
In particular, Moye is trying to be present, to be a part of the community. Coaches have taken notice of this and appreciate him taking the time to be present.
“I only know of one of the previous ADs, but, yeah, he’s just out in public. He comes to a lot of the practices,” said Washington. “During practice, he’ll walk up and he’s asking questions, even both of confidence, just saying I like what you’re doing. Just being visible. So that’s a real big positive for him.”
“An athletic director is probably the most important position in our department” said Wilkerson. “Athletic directors touch everybody in an organization and I think you need a dynamic person to be successful as an athletic director.”
Moye said he loves his job for many reasons, but one shines brighter than the rest.
“I love being the AD because there’s a lot of unexpected occurrences and changes,” he said.
Moye has mentioned that he has big plans for Jeff sports, the athletic department, and making Jeff embraceable.
“There are a lot of plans that I have. I want the fans, parents, and students to embrace Jeff, but in order to have that happen our sports department has to be embraceable.”
thehyphennews.com 