Tag: Natalie Creagh

Music fans review ‘Dancing Queen’

by Natalie Creagh and Aurora Grisham

Whether it’s on the radio, on their phones, or live right in front of them, music is a part of people’s lives. It’s been around for centuries, entertaining and teaching people. 

There is such a large variety of styles of music. The Swedish band ABBA just celebrated the 50th anniversary of one of their most popular songs, “Dancing Queen.” The song has become such an iconic tune with its high energy and catchy lyrics. 

What do the students of Jeff High think of “Dancing Queen,” and what type of music do they enjoy? 

Senior Lily Morrill gave “Dancing Queen” an 8.2 rating: “I love this song; it reminds me of being carefree and spending time with friends.” When asked, her favorite song right now is  “The One” by Taylor Swift. 

“I like how the melody was layered to create a peaceful vibe,” said junior Jose Silva Garcia when asked about “Dancing Queen”, who said his favorite song right now is “Øutro” by Tezzus. 

“It’s (“Dancing Queen”) very groovy; I give it an 8.5,” said sophomore Roberto Castro. His favorite song right now is “100 Sleepless Nights” by Pierce the Veil. 

Freshman Evan Austin, whose favorite song right now is Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” gave “Dancing Queen” an 8.5, saying, “I like the start and rhythm as well as the notes.” 

Resource Officer Tyler Robinson said, “I’m going to have to give it (“Dancing Queen”) a solid 6; it doesn’t excite me as much as others.” He added that his favorite song right now is “God I’m Just Grateful” by Chandler Moore. 

Basketball coach Sherron Wilkerson said he thinks “Dancing Queen” is a classic and gave it a 7. His favorite song right now is “Faith Under Construction” by Holy Disciples. 

It’s easy to say that the people of Jeff High have quite the taste for tunes.

 

We want to hear from you!

In the survey below, please choose which song you want to see reviewed next! 

by jhshyphen

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.

Theatre director Derrick Ledbetter. Photo by Ashton Walcott.

“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.

Seniors Jalen Nifong and Wyatt Clements act during Derrick Ledbetter’s fourth-period black box theatre class. Photo by Ashton Walcott.
by jhshyphen