Principles of Human Services teacher Kyle Keplinger hands out assignments to his seventh-hour students. Photo by Ayianna Maddox.
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.
New JHS athletic director A.J. Moye with junior Xavier Santiago Cortes and junior Alan Solorzano Lopez, both soccer players. Photo by Parker McCloskey.
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.”
New JHS athletic director A.J. Moye poses with his daughter,Bella Moye. Photo by Parker McCloskey.
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